Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• Debate sparked over Tim Walz’s military record.

• Due to the suspension of a tool, the VA has been unable to collect $665 million.

• Insights on applying to work for the VA.

• Information on “claims predators,” and fraudulent companies seeking to exploit veterans.

• Information on remote telehealth monitoring.

• The VA aims to help cancer patients by helping them explore clinical trials.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

Debate Over Gov. Tim Walz’s Military Service Record Draws Political Attention

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s military service has become the subject of political scrutiny, with Republicans questioning aspects of his 24-year National Guard career. Critics, including GOP lawmakers and veterans like Rep. Mike Waltz and Sen. JD Vance, have raised concerns about the timing of Walz’s retirement, which occurred shortly before his unit's deployment to Iraq. They also highlight discrepancies in how Walz described his rank at retirement.

In response, Democratic veterans in Congress, such as Reps. Jason Crow and Jake Auchincloss have defended Walz, noting his service beyond the 20-year retirement eligibility and dismissing the criticism as politically motivated. They emphasize that Walz's decision to run for Congress was made before his unit received deployment orders.

The controversy escalated when Vance accused Walz of "stolen valor," a charge vehemently denied by Walz's supporters, who assert that Walz has always been transparent about his service record. 

The dispute also involves claims about Walz’s deployment history, with some critics accusing him of exaggerating his role during service. Walz’s campaign updated his biography to clarify that he served as a command sergeant major rather than retiring with that rank. He reaffirmed his service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Europe.

VA Unable to Collect $665 Million in Revenue Because of Tool Suspension

The VA suspended its Program Integrity Tool nearly two years ago, significantly impacting the oversight and management of healthcare payments for services outside the VA system. This tool is crucial for consolidating post-payment data, detecting errors, identifying potential fraud, and ensuring proper billing to private insurers or veterans for copayments related to non-service-connected care. 

The suspension, initiated in February 2023, was due to significant programming errors, including inaccurate claim entries, defective coding that merged outpatient and inpatient claims, and duplicate claims sharing the same identifiers. These issues led to taking the tool offline for a comprehensive review, which uncovered 18 problems requiring resolution.

As a result of the tool's suspension, the VA could not assess approximately 40 million paid claims, totaling around $29 billion, leading to an estimated $665 million in uncollected payments that should have been billed to private insurers or veterans. This has also contributed to a 23 million dollar decrease in veteran copayment collections for the first two quarters of the fiscal year.

The Program Integrity Tool has since been brought back online, and recent user acceptance testing has been completed. However, the VA now faces a significant backlog in processing these claims and billing private insurers within the required deadlines. 

The VA Office of Inspector General, which has been monitoring the situation, plans to conduct further reviews to ensure the tool functions correctly and that the VA can manage the backlog effectively. Recommendations from prior audits, including strengthening information system controls and ensuring adequate staffing to handle the backlog, remain open and will be reassessed as the tool's performance is monitored.

📜 VBA Updates

Insights on Joining the VA: What to Expect from the Application Process

Members of the VA's physician-provider recruiter team share advice on the VA application process, emphasizing the unique onboarding procedures and the importance of communication. Despite the longer onboarding timeline, the experience of serving veterans is enriching. 

VA staff consistently demonstrate compassion, dedication, and a commitment to providing top-tier care, making it a fulfilling environment for those passionate about helping others.

Beware of Claims Predators: Protecting Veterans from Fraudulent VA Claims Assistance

As more veterans receive VA benefits, the number of fraudulent companies and individuals, known as "claims predators," has increased. These unaccredited entities use high-pressure tactics and misleading information to prey on veterans, charging hefty fees for claims assistance with little benefit.

To avoid falling victim, Veterans should verify the legitimacy of service providers and work only with VA-accredited claims agents, attorneys, or Veterans Service Organizations. It is unlawful to charge a fee for filing an initial VA claim, and only accredited professionals can charge for appeals or supplemental claims. The VA is committed to educating Veterans about these scams and provides resources for protection and reporting through VSAFE.gov.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

Remote Patient Monitoring–Home Telehealth: Enhancing Veterans' Health and Reducing Hospital Admissions

The VA's Remote Patient Monitoring–Home Telehealth (RPM-HT) program significantly improves Veterans' health by providing devices to monitor vital signs from home. Veterans can share their health data with VA care teams, which monitor for potential issues and help prevent hospitalizations and emergency visits. 

The program tracks health information and educates Veterans on managing their conditions, offering personalized support through regular check-ins. RPM-HT has led to a 41% reduction in hospital admissions and a 70% reduction in hospital stay duration for enrolled Veterans.

VA Clinical Trial Navigation Program: Supporting Veterans in Cancer Treatment

Are you a Veteran diagnosed with cancer? The VA Clinical Trial Navigation program can help you explore cancer clinical trials as a potential treatment option. Clinical trials are essential for advancing cancer care and improving the quality of life for cancer patients. 

The program assists by addressing concerns, finding suitable trials, and guiding you and your healthcare team through the trial process. Ongoing support is provided even after you join a trial, ensuring a seamless experience.

Veteran App of the Week

Transition

The Military.com Transition app is a mobile application designed to help service members, veterans, and their families smoothly transition from military to civilian life. It offers personalized tools and resources, including a customized transition timeline that tracks important milestones, job search assistance, financial management tips, and guidance on understanding and accessing veterans' benefits. 

The app aims to make the transition process more manageable by providing tailored support and connecting users with relevant services and information.

Military Deals of the Week

*We do not explicitly endorse any of these companies as we have not personally purchased from many of them. We are simply sharing online deals that we have found for your convenience.

• 15% Off: Crocs

• 15% Off: SportRX

• 15% Off: Contacts Direct

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Humbert Roque "Rocky" Versace

Humbert Roque "Rocky" Versace was born on July 2, 1937, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Colonel Humbert Joseph Versace, a U.S. Army officer, and his wife, Marie Teresa Ríos, a writer. Growing up in a military family, Rocky was instilled with a deep sense of duty, honor, and patriotism from an early age. The family moved frequently due to his father's military career, living in various locations, including Puerto Rico and Alexandria, Virginia. These experiences helped Rocky develop strong adaptability and resilience, which would become crucial later in life.

Rocky attended Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., where he excelled academically and athletically. His leadership skills and commitment to service were evident even in his youth, setting the foundation for his future military career. Following his father's footsteps, Rocky entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1959. His time at West Point further strengthened his resolve to serve his country, and he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, initially serving in the Armor branch before volunteering for the Special Forces.

In 1962, Rocky was deployed to Vietnam as an intelligence advisor with the 5th Special Forces Group. He was deeply committed to helping the Vietnamese people and was known for his efforts to learn the Vietnamese language and immerse himself in the local culture. His tour was nearing its end when, on Oct. 29, 1963, he joined a mission with a South Vietnamese Civilian Irregular Defense Group in An Xuyen Province. 

On Oct. 29, 1963, while on a mission in the Mekong Delta, Rocky's unit was ambushed by a prominent Vietnamese forces force. Despite being outnumbered, he fought valiantly to protect his men, displaying the courage and determination that had defined his military career. However, Rocky was severely wounded and captured by the Vietnamese forces. Over the next 23 months, he endured unimaginable hardships as a prisoner of war.

Throughout his captivity, Rocky remained defiant and refused to cooperate with his captors. He resisted all attempts at indoctrination, refusing to betray his fellow soldiers or provide information to the enemy. 

Despite being isolated, tortured, and subjected to harsh conditions, Rocky's resolve never wavered. He continued to inspire his fellow prisoners with his unwavering faith and courage, often leading them in prayer and maintaining a strong spirit of defiance against their captors.

Rocky's captors were frustrated by his unbreakable spirit. He repeatedly tried to escape, even after being warned that further attempts would result in his execution. In Sep. 1965, after nearly two years of captivity, Rocky was executed by the Vietnamese forces. His body was never recovered, but his legacy lived on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the stories of his bravery that were passed down through the years.

In 2002, Rocky Versace was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by then-President George W. Bush, making him the first U.S. Army POW from the Vietnam War to receive this highest military honor. His story is a powerful example of courage, faith, and unyielding commitment to his country.​

Veteran Business of the Week

Rumi Spice

Rumi Spice is a company founded by U.S. military veterans to bring premium, ethically sourced saffron and other spices from Afghanistan to the global market. The company is named after the famous Persian poet Rumi, who symbolized the connection between the East and the West through the power of spice and culture.

Rumi Spice partners with Afghan farmers to source high-quality saffron, often considered the world's most valuable spice due to its labor-intensive harvesting process and unique flavor. By working directly with these farmers, Rumi Spice aims to provide economic opportunities and promote peace in a region that has faced significant conflict.

The company emphasizes fair trade practices and sustainability, ensuring that its products meet high standards of quality and contribute to the well-being of the communities involved in their production. Rumi Spice has expanded its product line to include other Afghan-grown spices, such as cumin and coriander, continuing its commitment to fostering economic stability in Afghanistan through agriculture.

Thank You For Your Service!

Not every service member may receive the Medal of Honor or garner widespread recognition, but that doesn't diminish the invaluable contributions each one has made to the sanctity and security of our great nation. 

The saying "freedom isn't free" holds profound truth–it resonates because every individual in the United States relies on the dedication of its military to safeguard the freedoms they enjoy. Each veteran has consciously defended these liberties, symbolizing a collective commitment to the nation's well-being. 

Whether you fought on the front lines or provided crucial support behind the scenes, thank you!

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Until Next Time!

Stay tuned for next week’s edition, where we’ll cover more stories and policy updates and find tools & deals for the veteran community.

Thanks,

The Veterans Newsletter