Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• The VA has recouped over $2.4 billion in separation pay from veterans, causing financial strain.

• A marine veteran who allegedly took part in the events at the US capital on Jan. 6 has been arrested by the FBI.

• A California judge weighs in on a major decision regarding a legal battle over the VA’s West LA campus.

• Enhanced VA claim status tool continues to streamline claim information for veterans.

• The VA’s TECS program aims to save veteran’s vision through telehealth eye care services.

• The tale of a Korean War hero.

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

VA Recoups $2.4 Billion from Veterans' Separation Pay, Causing Financial Hardships

In the last decade, the VA has recovered $2.44 billion from 112,834 veterans who received separation pay from the Defense Department and later applied for disability compensation. This recoupment, required by a longstanding law, prohibits the VA from paying disability benefits until the separation pay is repaid. The process has led to financial difficulties for many veterans, with some receiving surprise recoupment notices years or even decades after receiving their separation pay.

Veterans like Raymond Thomas and Vernon Reffitt have shared their experiences, highlighting the financial strain caused by the VA withholding their disability compensation until the repayment is complete. Despite the Defense Department's responsibility to inform transitioning service members about this potential recoupment, many veterans are caught off guard when they receive these notices. 

The VA has acknowledged this process's challenges and has taken steps since 2021 to handle recoupment cases more efficiently while attempting to minimize the impact on veterans.

The recoupment effort peaked in 2018, with the VA collecting over $396 million from 17,066 veterans. In 2023, the VA collected nearly $148 million from over 9,000 veterans. Some veterans and lawmakers advocate for change by introducing the Restore Veterans' Compensation Act, which aims to eliminate the recoupment requirement for those receiving disability compensation. 

However, Congress has yet to consider the bill. Veterans affected by the current policy argue that it creates unnecessary financial burdens and stress, and they believe that either the policy should be reformed or the recoupment practice should be stopped altogether.

Marine Veteran Arrested on Charges Related to Jan. 6 Capitol Events

Marine Corps veteran Nathan Thornsberry, from North Branch, MI, was arrested by the FBI on Aug. 22 on multiple criminal charges related to his alleged actions during the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The charges include assaulting law enforcement and obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder. 

Thornsberry had self-published a book under the alias "Nathaniel Matthews," describing his perspective on the events of Jan. 6. The book raised concerns from an acquaintance who alerted federal authorities.

Thornsberry's book and subsequent arrest are part of broader legal actions against individuals involved in the Capitol breach. He appeared in federal court in Flint, MI, and was released on a $10,000 bond, facing potential sentences ranging from fines to nearly 40 years in prison. 

Thornsberry's case adds to the list of over 1,500 individuals charged with the Jan. 6 events, including over 200 with U.S. military backgrounds.

Judge Weighs Tough Decision on Veterans' Land Use in West L.A. Amid Housing Crisis

A legal battle over land use on the VA's West Los Angeles campus, initially designated for veterans, is nearing a critical decision. U.S. District Judge David O. Carter must determine whether to terminate leases held by entities like UCLA, a private school, and a city park to make room for shelter and housing for homeless veterans. 

The land, bequeathed over a century ago for veterans' use, has been leased for various purposes, prompting a lawsuit alleging that the land should be reclaimed to address the growing need for veteran housing.

During the trial, Judge Carter toured the 388-acre campus, examining the leased facilities and questioning whether they primarily benefit veterans as required by law. The case has highlighted the tension between preserving existing recreational facilities and repurposing the land for housing. 

The judge's decision will address whether the leases serve veterans' interests and if the land should be reclaimed to meet the plaintiffs' demands for additional shelter and permanent housing units.

Testimony has presented conflicting views on the best approach to housing veterans, with some advocating for rapid deployment of temporary housing and others favoring a mix of housing types. The government is expected to conclude its defense soon, with Judge Carter aiming to decide by Labor Day.

📜 VBA Updates

Enhanced VA Claim Status Tool: Streamlining Access to Veteran Claim Information

The VA's Claim Status Tool allows veterans to monitor their VA claims online using their VA.gov login. It shows which claims are in process, required actions, and recent claim activities. Recent enhancements to the tool include a detailed breakdown of the eight-step disability claims process, which helps veterans understand the progress of their claims. 

The tool features three primary tabs: Status (showing actionable steps), Files (for uploading and viewing documents), and Overview (explaining the claims process). This tool eliminates the need to contact a call center or regional office, offering veterans easy access to important claim information.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

VA's TECS Program: Saving Veteran Vision Through Telehealth Eye Care Services

The VA's Technology-based Eye Care Services (TECS) program provides veterans in rural areas access to essential eye screenings through telehealth, eliminating the need for long-distance travel to VA Medical Centers. 

TECS allows veterans to receive routine eye exams at their local VA primary care clinics, where trained technicians collect and transmit clinical information to remote eye specialists. This program recently helped two veterans, Robert in Iowa and Donald in Georgia, detect and treat glaucoma, preventing potential vision loss. 

The TECS program is part of the VA's broader telehealth initiatives, which aim to improve veterans' access to specialized care.

Veteran App of the Week

Ask a Pharmacist

The VA Health Ask a Pharmacist app is a mobile application designed to help veterans easily access reliable information about VA pharmacies and medications. The app provides several valuable features, including:

• Medication Information: Veterans can learn how to read prescription labels, identify pills by sight, and access VA-approved medication resources for information on drug interactions, adverse effects, and safe medication practices.

• Pharmacy Services: The app allows users to locate nearby VA pharmacies and understand their operations. It also provides tools to refill and track VA prescriptions, helping veterans manage their medications more effectively.

• Secure Messaging: For veterans with a verified My HealtheVet account, the app can securely message their VA care team, making it easier to communicate non-emergency medication-related questions.

Overall, the app is a convenient, centralized resource for veterans to manage their prescriptions and stay informed about their medications with trusted information from VA sources.

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.

• 30% Off: YETI

• 65% Off First Box/15% Off Subsequent: Green Plate

• 8% Off: Hotels.com

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Don Carlos Faith Jr.

Don Carlos Faith Jr. was born on Aug. 26, 1918, in Washington, IN, and was raised in a military family. Following his graduation from Georgetown University in 1941, where he was a Delta Phi Epsilon fraternity member, Faith was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. His military career spanned World War II and the Korean War, during which his extraordinary actions solidified his legacy as a hero.

Faith’s early military career began with service in the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. He served as an aide to Brig. Gen. Matthew Ridgway and later as a staff officer under Gen. Maxwell Taylor. During the war, he participated in the 82nd Airborne's major combat jumps across North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany, earning two Bronze Stars for his leadership and bravery.

After World War II, Faith served with the U.S. military mission in China before being assigned to the 7th Infantry Division in Japan. When the Korean War broke out, he was deployed as the commander of the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. In late November 1950, Faith’s battalion became part of Task Force MacLean/Faith during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, which was trapped by overwhelming Chinese forces in freezing conditions.

On Dec. 1, 1950, after the commanding officer was killed, Faith took command of the task force under intense enemy pressure. He led multiple assaults against enemy positions, personally directing attacks and inspiring his men despite the harsh conditions and being outnumbered. Severely wounded by a grenade, he continued to lead until he was mortally wounded by small arms fire. His bravery allowed many of his men to escape, although Faith himself was killed on Dec. 2, 1950.

Faith was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallantry, which was presented to his family in 1951. His remains were recovered in 2004 near the Chosin Reservoir, and he was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in 2013.

Lt. Col. Don C. Faith Jr.'s legacy as a Korean War hero is a testament to the courage, leadership, and dedication of those who serve in the U.S. military. His actions during one of the most challenging battles in U.S. military history continue to inspire and honor the values of duty and sacrifice.

Businesses That Support Veterans

Malik’s Blankets

Malik's Blankets for the Homeless, founded in December 2022, is a charitable initiative dedicated to providing warmth, comfort, and hope to homeless individuals, including many veterans, in downtown Indianapolis.

The organization was inspired by Malik, an extraordinary 8-year-old boy, and his father figure, David Chaney, a Navy veteran who found renewed purpose through faith. Together, they launched the first blanket drive, distributing 100 blankets to needy people.

Driven by a mission to extend compassion and care, Malik's Blankets for the Homeless actively supports the homeless community, ensuring that veterans and others facing adversity feel valued and supported. The organization accepts in-kind and monetary donations at its booth at the Northview Church, Binford Campus Farmer's Market, focusing on items like blankets, coats, and clothing.

Malik's Blankets for the Homeless aims to grow its impact and become a beacon of hope for the homeless, particularly veterans. We are proud to support such a meaningful cause and were happy to donate to help further their mission of bringing warmth and dignity to those who need it most.

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!

Weekly Satisfaction Poll

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