The Veterans Resource

We can never repay, but we will ever respect and remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. This Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who served.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget is increasing to over $303 billion, the agency’s highest ever. How does this increase impact our veterans?

How VA’s biggest budget ever will impact veterans Last year, Congress sent several DAV-championed bills to the president’s desk, including the historic expansion of benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances. But another sizeable legislative package enacted in December includes dozens of other provisions that will touch the lives of vetera...

The VA encourages all who can to donate to combat the nation’s shortage

Department of Veterans Affairs encourage more blood donations through new campaign The pandemic has worsened an already dire shortage of blood across the nation.

VA officials said they are nearly finished with their review of families receiving caregiver stipends, but still do not have any timeline for when new eligibility criteria for the program will be unveiled.

VA’s caregiver review nearly complete, but still no timeline for future program changes Veterans Affairs officials held a forum last week to discuss current operations with the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

VA Secretary Denis McDonough told House lawmakers that agency officials are requesting the largest VA budget in history because it will improve or save the lives of millions of veterans.

VA secretary says proposed $300B budget would improve, save the lives of millions of veterans Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough told House lawmakers Thursday that agency officials are requesting the largest VA budget in history because it will improve or save the lives of millions of veterans.

SSA field offices reopen after 2 years, the agency is faced with a growing backlog of Social Security disability claims.

SSA Offices Open After Two Years, Faced With Growing Backlog Of Social Security Disability Claims – InsuranceNewsNet --More than 1,200 Social Security Administration field offices opened to the public today after a two-year shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A slow return to normalcy for the SSA is expected to add to the expanding lines and wait times for former workers seeking help obtaining Social Security D...

California: State lawmakers passed two separate measures proposing expansions on tax exemptions for disabled military veterans.

California lawmakers look to expand property tax exemptions for disabled veterans (The Center Square) – California lawmakers passed two separate measures proposing expansions on tax exemptions for disabled military veterans on Thursday.

Corpus Christi, TX: With so many things being accessed primarily digitally these days, including military benefits, it can get difficult for veterans who lack computer skills. Well, now a free class to make you computer competent. Goodwill Industries' are offering free computer classes for veterans, dependents and surviving spouses.

Goodwill offers free computer classes to veterans, dependents Sometimes acquiring job skills for the civilian world can be difficult for veterans, but Goodwill's computer literacy program can help.

'Bears Behind the Badge' benefit motorcycle ride supporting veterans and 1st responders:

'Bears Behind the Badge' benefit motorcycle ride supporting veterans and 1st responders A benefit ride supporting Bears Behind the Badge was held Saturday by the Veteran Enforcers Motorcycle Association in New Bern. Bears Behind the Badge is made up of Veterans, first responders, and their families. Chapter Commander Kevin Yates said past funds helped fellow officers like Deputy Zach B...

VA Secretary Denis McDonough acknowledged that he is “frustrated” with inconsistency in how medical appointment wait time data is calculated and recorded within the department’s health care systems, and promised changes on the issue later this year.

VA secretary promises improvements in medical wait time data An inspector general report this week said VA's patient wait time data is inconsistent and misleading.

What are the differences between the two Social Security programs, and which one is best for you?

SSDI vs SSI - Vets Disability Guide What are the differences between the two Social Security programs, and which one is best for you? Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are monetary benefits programs that the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers. The major distinction between th...

6 common misconceptions about Social Security disability benefits:

Six SSDI Myths and Misconceptions - Vets Disability Guide The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that in 2021, over 9.5 million people in the United States receive disability benefits. Despite these numbers, many Americans have misconceptions about Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. Here are six common misconceptions that we he...

How to prepare for your C&P exam:

7 Ways for Veterans to Prepare for C&P Exams Veterans must undergo a C&P exam for the VA to determine a disability rating to receive a tax-free monthly payment. Here’s how to prepare for the exam.

What is SSDI?

What is disability insurance? Everything you need to know Read this guide to learn what disability insurance is, the pros and cons, and if it’s worth it for you.

The House passed legislation that would expand access to health care for veterans exposed to toxins, such as chemicals emanating from burn pits, during their military service.

House passes bill to expand health benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits The House on Thursday passed legislation that would expand access to health care for veterans exposed to toxins, such as chemicals emanating from burn pits, during their military service.

You are able to receive SSDI until you reach retirement age, however you could lose your benefits if you do not maintain the SSA’s qualification requirements.

How Long do SSDI Benefits Last? - Vets Disability Guide As long as you remain eligible for SSDI benefits, you will continue to receive them until you reach full retirement age. You could lose your benefits prior to reaching retirement age if you do not maintain the SSA’s qualification requirements. FRA and Disability Benefits Social...

The 'Veterans Yoga Project' is a nationwide non-profit that offers virtual classes to those who served our country.

"Veterans Yoga Project" helps NY veterans overcome PTSD "It keeps me in the present when I don't think back anymore, you know, to the atrocities of war," said Fred Bencivenga, a Vietnam veteran.

The SSA’s retirement age stops changing this year at 67, here's what you need to know:

Social Security retirement age stops changing in 2022: What to know There is good and bad news for older Americans: The Social Security full retirement age increased again in 2022 for some individuals – but it marks the last year that the age will change.

The Supreme Court will decide whether veterans who missed filing deadlines for disability benefits because of injury or incapacitation should be able to ask for back pay dating to their separation from the military.

Supreme Court to decide if vets missing disability benefits deadlines will get back pay The court is expected to hear oral arguments on the issue later this year.

SSDI benefits are for individuals who are unable to work and earn income due to a disability. If you are receiving SSDI benefits and you feel you may be able to return to work, the SSA offers a nine month trial work period.

What is the SSDI Trial Work Period? - Vets Disability Guide SSDI benefits are for individuals who are unable to work and earn income due to a disability. If you are receiving SSDI benefits and you feel you may be able to return to work, the SSA offers a nine month trial work period. SSDI Requirements ...

OK: Oklahoma is number one in the country for veterans, per capita, to receive federal, service-connected disability benefits.

Oklahoma No. 1 in nation for veterans to receive service-connected disability benefits Oklahoma is number one in the country for veterans, per capita, to receive federal, service-connected disability benefits, according to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. “We have an amazing veterans community here in Oklahoma and this could not have been accomplished without all the...

The Department of Veterans Affairs is considering changes to its disability rating system for some conditions to bring it in line with modern medicine, the agency announced.

VA proposes changing disability ratings for mental health, other conditions Changes are part of a larger effort, started in 2017, to make the entire disability rating system more up to date.

Cerner announced this week that it had formed a partnership with the U.S. Social Security Administration aimed at speeding up the disability benefits claims process.

Cerner teams up with Social Security Administration on disability benefits The partnership aims to make the retrieval of secure, clinical electronic health records more seamless in an effort to speed up the claims process.

Some disabled veterans who qualify for Social Security disability benefits may be eligible to have their claim expedited.

Expedited SSDI Claims for Veterans - Vets Disability Guide Some disabled veterans who qualify for Social Security disability benefits may be eligible to have their claim expedited. SSDI for Veterans  Veterans who earn VA disability compensation may also qualify for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI). If you are a veteran with a 100% P&T...

The Department of Veterans Affairs says fewer than half of all women veterans are not using their benefits.

Veterans Affairs says fewer than half of all women veterans not using benefits In this week’s Veterans Voice, the Department of Veterans Affairs is making a push to get more women service members involved with the services that are there for them.

Over 9.5 million people in the United states receive disability benefits. Despite these numbers, many Americans have misconceptions about SSDI benefits. Here are 6 common misconceptions that we hear when speaking to clients about their SSDI claim:

Six SSDI Myths and Misconceptions - Vets Disability Guide The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that in 2021, over 9.5 million people in the United States receive disability benefits. Despite these numbers, many Americans have misconceptions about Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. Here are six common misconceptions that we he...

The 6 most common reasons for an SSDI denial:

Why Was My SSDI Claim Denied? - Vets Disability Guide The 6 Most Common Reasons for SSDI Benefit Denial.  Receiving a denied decision for your Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) claim can be discouraging and frustrating, but it is not uncommon. Nearly 70% of initial claims for Social Security disability benefits are denied. Thankfully, a...

The SSA can expedite processing for disability applicants who have certain medical conditions, face especially trying personal circumstances or served in the U.S. military.

How To Speed Up Your Disability Claim You can speed up your disability claim if you meet certain criteria. Find out what conditions can enable you to accelerate the process.

It’s important for SSDI applicants to understand Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), as it is one of the key factors in qualifying for disability benefits.

What is Substantial Gainful Activity? - Vets Disability Guide It is important for SSDI applicants to understand Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), as it is one of the key factors in qualifying for disability benefits. SGA and SSDI Qualification To be eligible for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) you must meet the requirements that the...

Bryan, TX: Students at Sul Ross Elementary School prepared over 1,200 valentines cards for current and former U.S. military members, law enforcement officers, first responders, and medical professionals.

Bryan ISD elementary students honor veterans, first responders, and medical professionals for Valentines Day Bryan ISD Students prepared over 500 valentines cards for current and former members of the U.S. Military, law enforcement officers, first responders, and medical professionals.