October 16, 2015 At a recent hearing on the future of the VA health care system, Rep. Tim Walz (D Minn.), complained that his MOAA supported bill – H.R. 3423, an extension of the

MOAA and the Wounded Warrior Project co hosted the 9th annual Warrior Family Symposium on September 9. This year’s theme, “Our Nation’s Military Caring for Our Own,” focused on

June 26, 2015 The VA is facing a $2.6 billion budget deficit this year, according to VA officials. Sloan Gibson, Deputy Secretary of the VA, told lawmakers the department needs the money to bridge the

In a contentious hearing, lawmakers accused VA Secretary Bob McDonald of covering up information threatening the health care of millions of veterans. McDonald said the department faces a $3 billion budget shortfall and, without

May 15, 2015 At separate hearings this week, House and Senate lawmakers made no bones about their frustrations with VA officials' implementation of a new program to provide veterans' health care. "There is no

March 27, 2015 A rule change will now allow twice as many veterans to become eligible for a new VA program. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced on Mar. 25 that it is

March 20, 2015 The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues their effort to ease the administrative requirements that saddle veterans attempting to receive VA benefits and services. This week VA Secretary Robert McDonald

November 21, 2014 The second stage of a planned three part rollout of the VA Choice Card began this week. The first round of cards was issued earlier this month to veterans who live more

November 6, 2014 In an open letter to veterans, VA Secretary Bob McDonald announced the rollout of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA) this week. In his letter, McDonald says the bill

August 22, 2014 In response to the VA’s health care access crisis, and with recommendations from MOAA and other service groups, the VA announced it will now provide primary care through its recently established nationwide

May 22, 2015 On May 20, Col. Bob Norton, USA (Ret.), deputy director of MOAA's Government Relations Department, testified at a joint hearing before the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees. Norton outlined

May 22, 2015 On May 20, Col. Bob Norton, USA (Ret.), deputy director of MOAA's Government Relations Department, testified at a joint hearing before the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees. Norton outlined

A historic milestone was reached this week with the VA’s announcement that initial claims for veterans’ disabilities and survivor benefits dropped to 98,535. This is an 84% reduction from the high water mark of 611,000 claims

July 2, 2015 The VA will now provide benefits to same sex couples, following the Supreme Court's decision on same sex marriage. For the first time, same sex couples will become eligible to receive survivors'

July 2, 2015 Congress is currently working on several important veterans' bills. Please take a moment to send your elected officials a MOAA suggested message on the following pieces of legislation S.1085

May 22, 2015 On May 20, Col. Bob Norton, USA (Ret.), deputy director of MOAA's Government Relations Department, testified at a joint hearing before the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees. Norton outlined

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report this week highlighting measures taken by the VA to correct substantial cost overruns and scheduling delays at several of the VA’s major medical facility construction projects since 2013.

Once again the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) fared well in the administration’s proposed FY 2016 budget. At a time when the defense department is struggling with further cuts when the full force of sequestration returns,

On December 16, the Senate cleared a $41.6 billion package of temporary tax breaks (H.R. 5771) for the 2014 tax year. The bill contains more than 50 tax breaks. Individual tax

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced September 3 that DoD will now consider service related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) when considering a veteran’s petition to upgrade their discharge status.