Greetings!

Please Note>> Click here to load the entire newsletter into a new window

Veteran Memorials -

Lake Forest

Prayers to all our

Cold War Families

New scam:

VA Benefits overpayment

Scammers are alarmingly clever in targeting Veterans, pretending to be VA representatives and demanding repayment for alleged benefits overpayments.

Common tactics used by scammers

• Fake VA letterheads and logos: Scammers often use fake VA letterheads, logos and even spoofed phone numbers to make their communication appear authentic.
• Claims of overpayment: Scammers claim you have been overpaid on your VA benefits and now owe money back to VA.

Read More

The VAC Commissioners meetings for 2026 will be held on the following dates:

 

March 18, 2026

May 20, 2026

September 16, 2026

November 18, 2026

At the Gurnee American Legion Post 771 (749 Milwaukee Ave).

Meetings begin at 10:30 am. Visitors are welcome.

You can also use the link below to log into the meeting:

https://meet.goto.com/754472005

OR dial in using your phone.

in United States, call: +1 (312) 757-3121

and use Access Code: 754-472-005

How New Tax Laws May Impact Your Charitable Giving

By: Lila Quintiliani

November 14, 2025

(This article originally appeared in the November 2025 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members who can log in to access our digital version and archive. Basic members can save on a membership upgrade and access the magazine.)

Recent changes to tax laws introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act might affect the way taxpayers contribute to their favorite charities.

Ever since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increased the standard deduction in 2017, only about 10% of households have itemized deductions, making them ineligible for charitable-giving tax deductions. Starting in the 2026 tax year, however, there will be a reinstated deduction that allows those not using itemized deductions to instead deduct cash donations made to charity.

Click to read complete article

File your Disability Benefits letter BEFORE the end of the year!

In Illinois, you are eligible for property tax reduction or exemption if you receive VA disability compensation. Here are the details of the Lake County, IL Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with disabilities.

This exemption provides a reduction in equalized assessed value (outlined below) of a primary residence occupied by a veteran with a disability, a World War II veteran or the surviving spouse. This exemption can be claimed in addition to the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Homestead Exemption. However, it cannot be claimed in addition to the Disabled Veterans Exemption (specifically adaptive housing) of $100,000, or the Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities.

• A disabled veteran with a 70% or higher service-connected disability will receive up to $250,000 reduction in the property's EAV. If your tax bill shows a drainage district or a special service area in your list of Taxing Bodies, you may still be charged by them.
• A disabled veteran with at least 50%, but less than 70% service-connected disability will receive a $5,000 reduction in the property's EAV.
• A disabled veteran with at least 30%, but less than 50% service-connected disability will receive a $2,500 reduction in property's EAV.
• Beginning in 2023 (payable in 2024,). The Public Act 102-0895 includes an end to annual reapplications for SHEVD for veterans with a combined service-connected disability rating of 100% and is deemed to be permanently and totally disabled, as certified by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs.

To see the full details click on this link - https://www.lakecountyil.gov/468/Standard-Exemption-for-Veterans-with-Dis

To qualify for each year, the county must have a disability benefit letter on file for the taxable year. In other words, for the property taxes incurred during 2025 (paid in 2026) you must have a benefit letter dated in 2025. 

A small correction!

That means you have until December 31, 2025 to obtain your benefit letter for disability benefits for 2025 that can be applied to the property taxes to be paid in 2026. Then, you need to file that benefit letter with the Tax Assessor's office, or your local township office. It is recommended that you file as soon as possible to be sure the exemption is processed before the tax bills are generated.

It is easy to obtain your disability letter on line. Here’s how:

1.    Sign onto VA.gov.

2.    Click on your name in the upper right corner of the screen. That should present you with a menu that includes “Letters”.

3.    Click on letters and then select “Benefit Summary and Service Verification Letter”.

4.    Download the letter and save it where you can find it.

To file in Lake County (Illinois) go to https://www.lakecountyil.gov/468/Standard-Exemption-for-Veterans-with-Dis . The county requires all filings to be submitted on line through the Smartfile E-Filing Portal .

-         If you have never filed for property tax exemption before, select the option for EX01: Homestead Exemption Application (First time applicant only) 

-         If you have filed in prior years, select the option for EX03: Disabled Persons or Disabled Veterans Renewal

In both cases follow the directions to load your benefits letter and also a driver’s license picture or state id for identification purposes. You will also need the Property PIN number for the tax bill you want to apply the exemption to.

Study: Post-9/11 Veterans Have 55% Higher Asthma Risk

Military.com | By Kevin Damask

Published November 09, 2025

A large study by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has found that veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan had a 55 percent higher risk of developing asthma from dust and burn pit exposure than veterans who were not deployed to those countries.

The study included 48,000 veterans who were deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Those soldiers showed exceedingly higher rates of chronic respiratory ailments. 

Asthma presumptives -

The PACT Act added dozens of new presumptive conditions related to burn pits and other airborne hazards, including: 

• Asthma (diagnosed after service)
• Chronic bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Chronic rhinitis
• Chronic sinusitis
• Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis
• Emphysema
• Granulomatous disease
• Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
• Pleuritis
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Sarcoidosis 

What this means for veterans

• Easier claims: Veterans no longer need to prove a direct medical link between their respiratory illness and their toxic exposure.
• Eligibility: These presumptions are often tied to service in specific locations and timeframes, such as the Gulf War and post-9/11 eras.
• Benefits: Veterans may be eligible for medical care and disability compensation for these conditions.
• How to file: You can file a claim for these conditions immediately, even though the law was passed in 2022.



Read the full article

Understanding “Titling” in the U.S. Military

Military.com | By Haley Fuller

Published November 06, 2025

In the U.S. armed forces, “titling” is an administrative act that can have lifelong consequences. It occurs when a military investigative agency, such as the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), or Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), formally identifies an individual as the subject of a criminal investigation. Once that determination is made, the service member’s name is entered into federal investigative databases even if the case is later closed without charges.

According to the Army’s official pamphlet on the subject, “titling is the decision to place the name of a person in the ‘subject block’ of a CID report of investigation.” Unlike a conviction or even a formal charge, titling requires only “credible information” suggesting that a person may have committed a criminal offense. This standard is significantly lower than the “probable cause” threshold used in civilian law for arrests or warrants.

Click here to read the complete Military.com article.

"I've Been Titled!" What Does That Mean and How Do I Fix It?"

This article is more comprehensive with a lot of scary details.

Bottom line is that you really don't want to get "Titled"!

Ask a VSO - This feature is written by the VSO's at the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County

Am I eligible for VA Health Care? What are the priority groups?

Mariandree Abascal, VSO

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers health care to eligible veterans and their dependents. Basic VA health benefits include:

-         Preventative care

-         Inpatient hospital services,

-         Urgent/Emergency care

-         Prescriptions

How do I know if I’m eligible?

The short and simple answer is, if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge.

If you enlisted after 7 September 1980 OR entered active duty after 16 October, 1981: You must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty, unless any of the descriptions below are true for you.

•     The minimum duty requirement may not apply if any of these are true:
•     You were discharged for a disability caused- or made worse- by your active-duty service,
•     You were discharged for a hardship or “early out,”
• ·   You served prior to the 7 September 1980

If you are a current or former member of the Reserves or National Guard: You must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period of active duty. Active duty for training does not qualify for VA health care.

If you served in certain locations and time periods during the Vietnam War era.

If you were exposed to toxins or other hazards while serving- at home or abroad, including but not limited to: service in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11.

What if I was not honorably discharged?

If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge, you could try to qualify for benefits by:

-         Applying for a discharge upgrade

-         Asking for a VA Character of Discharge review

-         Obtaining service-connected disability

Click here to learn more about these options.  

What are priority groups?

Once you’ve been enrolled in VA health care, you will be assigned to 1 of 8 priority groups. Veterans with higher service-connected disability are placed in the highest group. Veterans who earn a higher income and do not have a service-connected disability are placed in the lowest groups. If you qualify for more than one group, you will be placed in the highest of the groups. Priority groups are based on:

-         Military service history

-         Disability rating

-         Income level

-         Whether or not you qualify for Medicaid, and

-         Other benefits you may be receiving

Priority groups will determine health care costs. For example, if you are placed in priority group 1, you won’t pay copays for any types of care, tests, or medications. However, if you are placed in group 8, your benefits will depend on which subcategory group you are in. For a description of each priority group, click here.

If you’re not already service-connected, need to review your benefits, or are looking for assistance with enrollment in VA Healthcare, or a discharge upgrade- email or call the office to set up an appointment with a VSO veterans@lakecountyil.gov, 847-377-3344

Am I eligible for mental health care if I am not service connected or honorably discharged?

Yes, all VA medical centers offer emergency stabilization care for former service members who present with urgent mental health needs. Individuals are able to receive care for an initial period of up to 90 days, which include inpatient, residential, our outpatient care.

Under the COMPACT Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-214), any veteran—whether enrolled in VA health care or not—may go to a VA or non-VA emergency department for emergent suicidal care. Veterans in suicidal crisis are strongly encouraged to call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room for immediate assistance.

VA will provide or cover the cost of treatment related to a suicidal crisis, including transportation to a facility, inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days, and outpatient care for up to 90 days following the crisis. A veteran does NOT need to be enrolled in VA health care to receive emergency suicidal crisis care under the COMPACT Act.

The Veteran Crisis Line:

Currently, any veteran in distress may call the Veterans Crisis Line to access free, confidential support 24/7. The resource connects veterans, their families and friends with qualified VA responders through

Veterans Crisis Line:

-         Phone: Dial 988, then press 1

-         Text: 838255

Costs for Tricare Are Going Up in 2026

Military.com | By Amanda Miller

Published November 07, 2025 at 12:44pm ET

Most Tricare health plan costs for military and retiree households will go up between 2% and 3% in 2026, with some steeper increases of over 15% for prescription drugs. 

The Military Health System announced the new rates Nov. 7. Many Tricare Prime and Tricare Select users will see increases in their annual enrollment fees and deductibles, with additional rises in copayments for medical services. Some of the biggest increases in 2026 will be to the monthly premiums for Tricare Reserve Select and, as in 2025, Tricare Young Adult members.

Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Tricare Open Enrollment

Tricare open enrollment season, when members may change their health insurance coverage for the upcoming year, runs from Nov. 10 to Dec. 9.

The current costs for the Tricare Dental Program will last through February 2026. 

Read More - 

Know a Veteran Facing Financial Trouble?

These Resources May Help

By: Kevin Lilley

December 23, 2025

MOAA members work year-round to support fellow members of the wider uniformed services community, including via programs targeting those facing financial crises. But the holidays can lead to greater strains on limited funds, and an online VA resource may provide a helpful starting point for veterans seeking guidance.

“Individuals with budget problems – especially veterans – often don’t need, or don’t want, a handout,” said Lila Quintiliani, MOAA’s program director for financial and benefits education/counseling. “They may benefit from some veteran-focused, easy-to-navigate resources … all situations are different, but pointing them toward FINVET could be a good first step.”

Also known as the National Veterans Financial Resource Center, the VA launched FINVET last year with support from 25 different federal agencies. Among the offerings:

·      Tools to create and maintain a budget.

·      The basics on increasing income, from understanding investment strategies to maximizing earned veteran benefits.

·      Financial security information, such as scam prevention resources, life insurance options, and banking guidance.

·      A list of essential veteran financial resources, covering everything from details on VA educational and home-loan programs to job-search platforms to veteran discounts.

The site also includes information for veterans seeking financial assistance with basic needs, whether it’s finding stable housing, affording food or clothing, or securing reliable transportation. FINVET does not provide direct assistance for veterans, but it does offer resources for finding such aid.

Click to read the complete article.

VA Expands Psychedelic Therapy Trials for PTSD Treatment

·      The Department of Veterans Affairs has confirmed it is expanding psychedelic-assisted therapy trials for veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), treatment resistant depression, and anxiety disorders.

·      Nine VA facilities, in the Bronx, Los Angeles, Omaha, Palo Alto, Portland (Oregon), San Diego, San Francisco, West Haven, and White River Junction; are participating in the multi-year studies, each designed to test the safety and clinical impact of psychedelic compounds used under strict supervision.

Read more

Veterans’ Private Residential Treatment

Must Match VA’s Quality and Cost

Military.com | By Russell B. Lemle

Published September 19, 2025 at 12:50 pm

Last April, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) secured a $19.75 million fraud settlement with Seabrook, a major addiction treatment center in New Jersey. Between 2022 and 2024, Seabrook allegedly misrepresented its offerings, falsified its records and provided services by staff who were unqualified to treat patients with these disorders.

The facility's laundry list of misdeeds reveals a troubling, deeper reality: Unscrupulous, predatory facilities are brazenly exploiting vulnerable veterans in need of mental health and substance use disorder treatment while defrauding American taxpayers. These profound failures alone should be a wakeup call to Congress.

This week brought further troubling developments when the VA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a scathing report revealing widespread exploitation of the department by residential treatment programs. The investigation uncovered a system where facilities in 36 states overseen by UnitedHealth Group’s Optum operate without daily reimbursement caps in place. Some facilities invoice as much as $7,000 per day, with the VA, on average, paying more than double the standard Tricare reimbursement rates for identical services. Beyond the inflated pricing, investigators discovered that many private residential facilities extend veterans' treatment stays for a full 45 days – a practice the OIG characterized as "lengthening the duration of veterans' stays needlessly."

Read More

The MOAA Education Assistance Program

Scholarships & Interest-Free Loans for College Students

of Military Families

Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are now OPEN!

Please identify which application you need to complete and use the appropriate button below to get started. First-time applicants must create an account and complete the New Student Application, while current recipients should log in to their existing account to complete the Renewal Application.

All applications are due by March 1, 2026. If you need help or have questions, please contact us for assistance at edassist@moaa.org.

New Student Application Renewal Application

How Our Program Works

Students apply for the Education Assistance Program through a single, streamlined application process. The application includes questions about the student’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, military affiliation, and financial background. Additionally, applicants are invited to share their post-graduation plans and college aspirations through an essay question.

Unlike traditional programs where students apply for specific funding types, our approach allows us to match each student with the most suitable funding opportunities based on their eligibility. This way, students won’t miss out on any funding opportunities they’re qualified for.

To participate in the Education Assistance Program, students must submit an application during the November 1 - March 1 window. Our program has two applications: New Student Applications and Renewing Student Applications. Once a student is accepted into ​the program and receives funding, they have the opportunity to reapply for funding each year of their undergraduate studies. Students who have ​previously applied for the Education Assistance Program AND have received program funds are considered renewing students.

All students who accept funding from our program are required to submit a thank you letter to thank our Board of Directors and/or the generous donor who made their award possible. Detailed instructions will be provided when it is time to complete this step.

General Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for an interest-free loan, you must meet the following requirements:

• 24 years of age or younger (your 24th birthday must be on or before March 1, 2026)
• If parent is military officer-
•  All children of officers are eligible
• Parent must sign up for a paid MOAA membership if child is selected to receive financial assistance and continue the membership until the child is no longer in the program.
• If parent is enlisted military personnel-
• Parent must be active duty, Reserve, National Guard, or retired. No membership is required. Children of former enlisted personnel are not eligible.
• High school or college GPA must be 3.0 or higher.
• Children attending U.S. military academies and academy prep schools are not eligible.

*Paid MOAA membership is not required to submit an application. However, if your sponsor is a military officer, an active paid membership is required to receive your disbursements.

Program Timeline

Please pay attention to your email and MOAA communication channels for updates.

November 1 - March 1: Application opens

Spring: Finalists are notified and must complete additional paperwork.

August: Disbursements are sent out by August 31.

*Exact timelines vary every year based on a variety of factors. Due to the legal requirements of distributing loans, it is vital that students complete all necessary paperwork early in order to avoid delays. 

For questions about eligibility, please email us at edassist@moaa.org. To learn more about our programs, click here.

For additional information about our program including answers to frequently asked questions, click here.

The Lake County Veterans Treatment and Assistance Court Keeps Troubled Vets Out of Jail!

Krista Wolfer, VSO

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County is proud to support of The Lake County Veterans Treatment and Assistance Court (VTAC). VTAC was established in Lake County, IL, in 2011. It is a special court program that diverts eligible veterans from the traditional criminal justice system into a treatment-focused track.

“The Veterans Treatment and Assistance Court (VTAC) is a program that provides veterans involved in the justice system help and favorable alternatives. Through the VTAC, the court partners in this collaborative program work to reduce recidivism, enhance public safety and reduce the cost of the criminal justice process, including incarceration, by focusing on the underlying problems that the veteran is encountering with treatment, support and structure. The philosophy is that the VTAC Team’s help and supervision will assist the veteran in resolving the issues that contributed to the criminal behavior, resulting in a permanent life change and preventing a recurrence.”

So, how does this work?

Eligibility: To be eligible, participants are typically veterans with an honorable or general discharge or active duty servicemembers who have a mental health disorder, substance abuse disorder, or other service-related issues that contributed to their criminal behavior. They must agree to participate in this program, pre and post plea.

Collaboration: The court operates in partnership with various organizations to come together to help the veteran succeed. This can include, but is not limited to, the VA, public defenders, prosecuting attorneys, probation officers, and other service providers in the community.

Support Team: Each veteran in VTAC works with a team that may include a judge, case managers, probation officers, and veteran mentors. Mentors, who are usually veterans themselves, provide camaraderie and guidance. The support team also assists with issues such as housing, employment, and disability claims.

Treatment Plan: The court tailors a treatment plan based on each individual veteran’s needs. This includes a wide range of services, including, but not limited to therapy, job placement, medical services, and different treatment programs.

If a veteran is successful in completing the VTAC program, their charges may be reduced or completely dismissed. This gives the veteran a new lease on life. The VACLC is proud to be a part of this process.  Since its inception in 2011, the VTAC has successfully rehabilitated 128 veterans.

Using Veterans Benefits to Pay for Grad School

There are tremendous veterans benefits available to pay for grad school, and taking advantage of these programs is an extremely wise financial decision. In this article, we’ll outline these benefits […]

Written by Veteran.com Team

Specifically, we’ll cover the following topics related to veterans benefits and grad school:

• Veteran Benefit 1: The GI Bill
• Veteran Benefit 1.a: The Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Veteran Benefit 1.b: The Forever GI Bill
• Veteran Benefit 2: The Yellow Ribbon Program
• Veteran Benefit 3: University-specific Military Discounts
• Using These Benefits to Pay for Grad School
• Final Thoughts

Read the Article

Fisher House Will Always Need Our Support

The one big challenge for Fisher Houses is that they need to fund their own consumable supplies. Here is a list of the Lovell Fisher House need as they get underway.

If you have any questions or would like to coordinate a donation drop-off, please contact Kimberly Skorupa, Fisher House Manager, at (224) 610-7400 or kimberly.skorupa@va.gov

Click here for details on Lodging Criteria



VA is Here for You During Times of Emotional Distress

Call the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 at  988



Feeling distress is a normal response to negative events, especially events that feel personal. Veterans and those who care about them are encouraged to learn more about available mental health and healing resources.

Your suicide crisis doesn’t have to define your future

Originally published in Military.com, June 12, 2024 by Matthew Miller, Executive Director of VA Suicide Prevention, Office of Suicide Prevention

Most suicidal crises are brief. Be prepared before a crisis happens. Being prepared can save your life!

Not every Veteran will face a crisis. And not every Veteran who faces a crisis will have thoughts of suicide. But if you or a Veteran you care about is going through a tough time, you can be ready in case a crisis happens. The first major step is to ensure that weapons and ammunition are locked safely and in separate locations.

There are people who want to help and resources ready to support you.

Every VA facility has mental health specialists. Find one near you.

• Community-based Vet Centers are available to you. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
• Maketheconnection.net offers stories of hope and healing for Veterans experiencing challenging life events.
• Have a question for VA? 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is available 24/7.

If you are in need of food support, click here.

If you are interested in supporting Northern Illinois Food Bank by volunteering (as I do), Click here to see the types of volunteer opportunities you can sign up for and where they are.

If you have any questions, contact Allan Ayers at 847-377-3344

In all the situations below, you can always contact the VAC (847-377-3344) directly for further assistance. If you are struggling with rent or mortgage payments with the elimination of pandemic forbearance programs, Call the VAC immediately!

• Rent or Mortgage payments or Emergency Housing
• Utility payments
• Food - Northern Illinois Food Bank - See Schedule or
• Midwest Veterans Closet (See the calendar below)
• Medical Care - Contact VAC when civilian benefits lost - Do not go to VA if not registered with them. Contact the VAC to get you registered.
• Family problems - In Lake County, contact 211 for referral to proper resource.

Your Coin Helps Vets In Need Through the VAC Not For Profit

Be the first to buy our new coin! Coins are $5.00 and you can pick one up when you come into the office, or you can send a check (make the check out to "Lake County VAC - Not-for-Profit - and mail to the address below) and we'll mail it to you. 

Mail check to:

Veterans Assistance Commission

Hawkston Hall II

1790 Nations Drive, Suite 221

Gurnee, IL 60031

Click here to go to Team RWB site

If you're wondering what the VAC and other veterans organizations are doing.

Northern Illinois Food Bank

There are three types of resources within NIFB

My Pantry Express

Pre-register at the link and order from list of items - limited locations and times -

See below for all county locations and times, or click on the link below for all the counties.

Mobile Food Pantry and CLC Pop-up Pantry

A young marine managed to get a date with a pretty young girl that had never been on a date before, to go to a drive-in movie. They were both enjoying the movie when about half way through the marine asked the pretty young girl. Would you like to get in the back seat? No she answered. I want to stay here with you.

- Charles Albro

Hot Tips from the VA Weekly Newsletters

This Benefits Bulletin provides links for vets to understand benefits they might be eligible for.

Contact the VAC to understand any of these VA Benefits - 847-377-3344

VA News 12/6/25 –

• VA Research Wrap Up: New findings on suicide prevention, CBD and headaches

December 6, 2025

VA Research recently published findings on a decision aid to prevent suicide, how CBD affects the kidneys and brain stimulation to reduce headaches.

• New scam: VA Benefits overpayment

Scammers are alarmingly clever in targeting Veterans, pretending to be VA representatives and demanding repayment for alleged benefits overpayments

VA News 12/10/25 – 

• VA makes it easier for women Veterans to access care

Women Veterans can now schedule appointments directly with gynecology specialists, eliminating the previous requirement for a VA primary care provider referral to access care. This important reform will better serve the more than 1 million women Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care.

VA News 12/17/25 –

• VA launches Veterans Health Administration reorganization

VHA’s reorganization will reduce duplicative management layers and put the right people in the right places without reducing staff. 

1Insights from the MOAA

Military Officers Association of America

MOAA – 11/27/25


• Major Change for TRICARE Coverage of Breakthrough Alzheimer's Drug

The new policy, made possible thanks to a recent FDA approval, could save beneficiaries time and provide greater flexibility.

MOAA – 12/4/25


• 'INDEF' Identification Cards: Your Questions, Answered 

Recent reports have led to confusion on when, and whether, an "indefinite" card will need to be replaced. MOAA has the latest.

•  How Can a Search Firm or Recruiter Help My Career Search?

Seeking a boost with your career transition? These tools can make a difference, and our expert can help you maximize your investment.  
 

MOAA – 12/11/25


• Agent Orange Exposure Linked to Rare Blood Cancer That Develops Over Decades

The breakthrough may help some veterans access VA benefits. 

MOAA – 12/25/25



• Why Should I Use a VSO to Help With a VA Claim or Appeal?

Our expert looks at the rationale behind this important resource.   

Stars & Stripes -

11/26/25

• Bill seeks to learn why veterans are at greater risk of developing fatal disease ALS than people with no military service

The Veterans With ALS Reporting Act also seeks to develop strategies for lowering the potential risks for developing ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. 

• Lawmakers hear about problems with medical exams that determine veterans disability benefits

Nearly $2.3 million in overpayments of “financial incentives” were made to contractors that provide disability medical exams to veterans seeking benefits from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, according to findings from a federal watchdog.

12/24/25 -

•  Veterans groups, cannabis businesses laud Trump order for helping ease stigma, reshape public views on medical marijuana

The president’s directive stated that 30,000 doctors already prescribe “medical marijuana” to more than 6 million patients, including veterans, according to the executive order. 

• Trump cites benefit to veterans as he signs executive order urging reclassification of marijuana for research and medical use

President Donald Trump’s order does not change the classification of cannabis or federally legalize it, but will help speed the process of reclassifying the drug so barriers can be lowered for research and medical use.

Have you ever seen the magazine Military.com?

If you are still working and thinking about changing jobs, check out https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs

 Recent edition of Veteran Jobs

• Exclusive: VA Eliminates CHAMPVA Backlog, Giving Veteran Families Faster Access to Health Care
• Tips for Filing a Disability Claim
• 6 Traits of Successful VA Homebuyers
• VA Cash-Out Refinance vs. Home Equity Loans
• New 2026 DIC Rates: How Much Survivors Will Receive Next Year
• The Walking Dead in Vietnam: How 1st Battalion, 9th Marines Earned the Marine Corps' Highest Casualty Rate
• More Than Just a Ringing in the Ears
• Medicare Costs Jump for 2026 — What Retirees Need to Know Now
• Inside the Million Veteran Program’s Growth and What It Means for VA Healthcare
• New Study: 1 in 4 Veterans Leave PTSD Therapy Too Soon — Here’s Why
• Why Veterans’ 2.8% Disability Pay Raise Feels Smaller Than It Should
• Bill Would Force VA to Reveal Secret List of Toxic Exposure Illnesses
• What Happens When a Veteran Dies With Incorrect Next of Kin on File
• Congress Pushes VA to Expand Use of AI to Flag Suicide Risk

There is far too much in the various issues of military.com to write or even extract from them. The trick is to find the pieces that are important to you. Therefore, we have provided a graphic that shows the various dropdown choices. As you will see, there is information on general news – with the choice to see the news for your own branch, service benefits, Job and transition support, military life and family issues. I get several versions, and then I’ll scan for titles that seem to be related to me. For example, I decided to try the the Veteran Jobs tab for Lake County. It provided over 400 postings for Lake County and Northern Cook County. See the dropdowns below. Then you can click on military.com to set up a subscription and select versions that you are interested in.

In addition, there are a wide assortment of resource links (including discounts for vets and families) to find other specific information. You might want to give the magazine a look.

James A. Lovell FHCC

To stay in touch with the James A. Lovell FHCC, subscribe to the “Launch”, the Lovell Newsletter.

To get a subscription, – click here. 

Here is a directory of the resources at James A. Lovell FHCC. To access the electronic directory, click here and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Here are the available hot links to some of the various VA Resources available. The actual hot links can be accessed at the

bottom of the welcome kit.

Click here to subscribe to the Weekly VA Newsletter.

Click here to register for your records in the new FHCC Electronic Records System

 How do you get "Veteran" on your driver's license?



Effective January 1, 2020, it will be easier to get "VETERAN" recorded on your driver's license. To get the “VETERAN” designation, veterans can bring their DD214 or other acceptable discharge document directly to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility.

If veterans choose to add the designation prior to their renewal date, they may obtain an updated driver’s license for $5 and an updated ID card for $10. Veterans over the age of 65 can obtain an updated state ID card at no cost.

A special note - If you are an older Vet and your DD214 was lost in the St. Louis fire in the early 1970's, you can obtain a "certificate" that replaces the DD214. However, for one vet we know, the DMV didn't accept that certificate.

If you need a complete set of your military records



If you need a set of your military records for any reason, you can obtain them by faxing or mailing a request to the National Personnel Records Center. While they will accept a letter (if you get all the right information into it) it is best to use the standard form SF-180 to request it. You can download that form at Standard Form 180

Mail the completed form to:

National Personnel Records Center

1 Archives Drive

Saint Louis, MO 63138.

OR

Fax the form to 314-801-9195

If you need the records in emergency circumstances, contact our office 

Where is an IDVA Office?

 Deerfield - co-located with the 

Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Deerfield Facility

1755 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 1409

Deerfield, IL 60015-5209

847-948-6981 and 847-948-6982

Hours Monday - Friday 

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Palatine - located in the Palatine Township offices at:

721 S. Quentin Rd, Room 102

(847) 485-2772

Hours Monday -Thursday

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Factual Accuracy and Disclaimer:

Accuracy is important to us. if you believe an error has been made, please email the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission at veterans@lakecountyil.gov. Use of social media does not imply endorsement on the part of the VAC. Content on these sites is not edited for accuracy and may not necessarily reflect the views of the VAC.