VSO Talk Radio

Current local and National legislation introduced to support Veterans

We Discuss the recent firings at the VA and what this could mean for our veterans. 

A vital aspect of  VA Disability  is the presumption of soundness

This week on #𝗩𝗦𝗢𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 #𝘃𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗿   we talk whst benefits are available for Veterans with 0% Service-Connected Disability 

Brandon Franco a Marine Drill Instructor Turned Veteran’s Services Team Leader for Rosecrance Behavioral Health in Winnebago County Illinois.

▪️VA extends time to switch to new online login system ▪️ New VA Secretary sworn in ▪️ Heroes' Voices Project 

*Government Hiring Freeze  *Benefits for National Guard & Reservists 

The Office of the Veteran Advocate is an independent state agency tasked with ensuring veterans under the care of the Commonwealth receive dignified treatment and access to all available benefits and services.  The OVA works collaboratively with its partners, providing policy recommendations and investigative oversight.

▪️VA Payments & Taxes ▪️Scams & Fraud  ▪️Eligible for one more year of G.I. Bill benefits ▪️New cancers presumptive for  service connection  ▪️2025 Veterans Benefits Guide is now available

Dole Act Becomes Law: What It Means to Veterans and Caregivers

VA News Articles: ▪️Have your say: Proposed changes to VA Caregiver Support Program ▪️More service members eligible for benefits after VA amends character of discharge barriers ▪️VA raises the bar on care for Women Veterans

If you wish to file a complaint against the Veterans Administration (VA), there are several options depending on the nature of your issue

This week on VSO Talk Radio, we talk to  Ashti Dawson, Superintendent of the  Veterans Assistance Commission of Sangamon County and her staff. 

VA pension benefits are available to some wartime Veterans and their survivors — find out if you’re eligible to apply

Concurrent Military Retired Pay and VA Disability Compensation

CRSC: Combat-Related Special Compensation provides tax-free payments to retired Veterans with combat-related disabilities. You must apply for CRSC through your uniformed service.

Starting January 31, 2025 My HeatheVet users will no longer be able to sing in with their current user ID and password.   New Compensation amounts for 2025

Ancillary benefits are secondary benefits that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may provide to veterans, dependents, and survivors: benefits

Chapter 35 of the VA benefits program, also known as the Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program, provides education and training opportunities for dependents of veterans

What it takes to be a VSO

This week on #𝗩𝗦𝗢𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 #𝘃𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗿  we talk all things ChampVA. ChampVA is a health care program that helps eligible family members of veterans pay for certain health care services and supplies: spouses, widowers, and children.   

Interested in free tickets to concerts, and sporting events, or admissions to Parks?  This is the show for you. 

This week on #𝗩𝗦𝗢𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 #𝘃𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗿  we talk With Jason Burgener, the Director of Veterans Services for Eastern Hampden County Veterans’ Service District and Hailee Fullen, Director of Veterans Services for the Town of Auburn. 

The Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act would ensure the VA has enough funding to keep paying veterans’ compensation, pension and readjustment benefits for the rest of fiscal 2024. Without a solution on the funding gap by Sept. 20, some benefits checks to veterans and dependents could be delayed in October.

This week we talk with Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County Superintendent Andrew Tangen, JD, MBA, MS. Andrew  served in the US Navy, where he deployed eight times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander during his service. He has led the VACLC since May 17, 2017.