Policy Vets Briefs is the online newsletter of Policy Vets and provides information of importance to veterans and the veterans’ advocacy community. Policy Vets Briefs is published every two weeks and made available without charge. | |
September 29, 2023 - Briefs | |
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Here’s how a government shutdown would affect the military - The impending government shutdown poses a significant threat to the military, jeopardizing troop paychecks and national security. Despite multiple attempts, Congress has been unable to pass a defense budget for fiscal year 2024, leaving service members and civilian workers at risk of not receiving their paychecks. The potential consequences of a shutdown include a lack of personnel for military missions, financial hardships for military families, and impacts on essential civilian employees. While military members are guaranteed eventual back pay, the uncertainty could be dire for those living paycheck to paycheck. Additionally, military training, vital technology development, and decision-making on national security issues are expected to suffer if funding runs out, potentially leaving the U.S. military falling behind its adversaries in innovation and readiness. Efforts to ensure military pay during a shutdown are in progress, but their success remains uncertain. The Hill - Read more.
Soldier Returned to U.S. Custody After Crossing Into North Korea - Army Pvt. Travis T. King, who had crossed into North Korea on July 18, has been safely returned to U.S. custody after a multiweek diplomatic effort, facilitated by the Swedish government and the People's Republic of China. The transfer marked the culmination of extensive efforts by various U.S. government agencies to secure his release, including outreach to North Korea to ascertain his welfare. King, originally stationed in South Korea, had crossed the border after disciplinary issues and was identified as AWOL by the U.S. government. While no concessions were made to North Korea for his release, officials now plan to conduct a thorough evaluation of King's physical and emotional well-being before reuniting him with his family, with a focus on his reintegration into the military. U.S. Department of Defense - Read more.
Air Force Gets Its First ‘Electric Air Taxi,’ Six Months Ahead of Schedule - Joby Aviation unveiled its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base, California, six months ahead of schedule under a $131 million contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory. This event marks the Air Force's first acceptance of an eVTOL aircraft in the U.S., showcasing the military's investment in this technology through its "Agility Prime" program. The aircraft will be tested by the Air Force's Emerging Technologies Integrated Test Force and 412th Test Wing, in collaboration with NASA, for potential applications in short-to-mid-range cargo operations and supporting operations at Edwards' test ranges. The ceremony highlights the significance of this development in the context of a broader transition towards electrified aviation. Air and Space Forces Magazine - Read more.
Department of the Air Force to Review Discharges of Veterans with Mental Health Conditions & Experiences of Sexual Trauma - The Department of the Air Force (DAF) has agreed to review the discharges of veterans who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), mental health conditions, or experienced sexual assault or harassment. This decision follows a nationwide class action lawsuit, Johnson v. Kendall, brought by Air Force veterans Martin Johnson and Jane Doe. As part of the settlement, the Air Force Discharge Review Board (AFDRB) will reevaluate previous denial decisions on discharge upgrades for veterans who claimed their mental health conditions or traumatic experiences led to less-than-honorable discharges. The settlement also introduces procedural reforms and protocols for future discharge upgrade applications related to mental health conditions or sexual trauma, aiming to make the process more accessible and equitable for veterans. The full text of the settlement is available at www.JohnsonAirForceSettlement.com, and a final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for December 4, 2023, in which class members can participate. AF.mil - Read more.
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Military children’s art featured in White House showcase - Jill Biden has introduced "The Military Children’s Corner" in the East Wing of the White House, showcasing artwork created by children from military families as part of her Joining Forces initiative to support military and veteran families. With the goal of raising awareness about the 4 million children of active-duty service members, National Guard, reservists, and veterans, this exhibit features pieces from 11 young artists, aged 8-19, residing on U.S. military installations across various states and Japan. Biden, herself a military child, hopes this display encourages visitors to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of military families. The artwork will be regularly updated, offering a unique perspective on the lives of these children who, like their parents, serve their country in their own way. Military Times - Read more. | |
Homeless Veteran Sues Police After Service Dog Tased During Panhandling Arrest - Joshua Rohrer, a homeless military veteran, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against North Carolina police officers after his service dog, Sunshine, was tased and subsequently killed during his arrest for panhandling. Rohrer, who has service-related post-traumatic stress disorder, alleges that the violent arrest violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lawsuit also accuses the Gastonia Police Department and city officials of making false and defamatory comments on Facebook about Rohrer in retaliation for his speaking out following the arrest. Additionally, the lawsuit seeks damages and aims to overturn the city's anti-panhandling ordinance on First Amendment grounds. This case highlights the broader issue of cities using overly broad panhandling ordinances to target homeless individuals and their First Amendment rights. Reason.com - Read more. | |
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The Flu and Vaccines: What Everyone Needs to Know - It's flu season! Watch this series from the SITREP and learn everything you need to know about the flu, including symptoms, how to treat it, whether flu shots work, flu vs. cold, flu vs. pneumonia, flu vs. covid, flu vs. RSV, what is flu A, flu B and much more. Did you know? Veterans can get a free flu shot from a nearby VA clinic or within your community from one of nearly 70,000 in-network pharmacies or urgent care locations. Vet Resources - Read more.
Exploring psychedelics for the Treatment of Veterans - This article discusses the VA's commitment to exploring the use of psychedelic compounds as a potential treatment for Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions. In a new podcast series, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, VA Undersecretary for Health, leads a discussion on psychedelic-assisted therapies for Veterans, featuring a Marine and Army Veteran who benefited from a research trial for PTSD. The article highlights the safety protocols in place for these trials, including medical monitoring, psychiatric screening, and the importance of not self-medicating. The VA is eager to explore the potential of these therapies and hopes to provide innovative treatments to Veterans if supported by scientific evidence. VA News - Read more.
VA committee leaders demand ‘guardrails’ for bonuses as agency claws back payouts to career executives - Top lawmakers on the Senate and House VA committees are calling for stricter oversight and regulations on bonuses for career executives in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This demand comes after the VA announced it would reclaim nearly $10 million in bonuses paid to senior leaders due to concerns that too many individuals received the awards. Lawmakers are disappointed with the misuse of authorities under the toxic-exposure PACT Act, which was intended to address critical staffing shortages rather than boosting executive pay. They are requesting justifications for the initial approval of these payments and seeking stronger oversight measures for future bonuses. Congressional authorities are also considering revisions to bills that would provide the VA with more pay flexibility to avoid such issues in the future. Federal News Network - Read More.
From homeless Veteran to VA supervisor - Gregory Saunders, an Army Veteran, faced a challenging transition from military to civilian life, spiraling into homelessness and despair. Struggling with nightmares and pain, he turned to alcohol and even contemplated suicide. However, a visit to Building 16 at West Palm Beach VA marked a turning point, providing him with emergency housing and hope. Determined to leave his unhealthy habits behind, he joined the West Palm Beach VA as a housekeeping aid and vowed, "This will not be a mistake." With passion and dedication, Saunders excelled in his VA career, eventually becoming a Housekeeping Aid Supervisor. He now sees his role as more than just maintaining cleanliness; it's about connecting with fellow Veterans, offering them hope, and educating them about available resources. His transformation from a hopeless, homeless Veteran to a supervisor is a testament to the support provided by the VA, and he continues to serve with a deep sense of purpose, stating, "Veterans depend on me to do my job." Saunders' story underscores the message that help is available for those in need. VA News - Read more.
VA's Automated Benefits System Made Errors in 27% of High Blood Pressure Claims, Watchdog Report Says - The Department of Veterans Affairs' Automated Benefits Delivery System, implemented to expedite disability claims decisions, has been found to contribute to inaccuracies in 27% of high blood pressure claims, according to a report from the VA's inspector general. The system, introduced in 2021, creates summary sheets for VA staff to review, but the report reveals deficiencies in 37% of the first batch of summary sheets and 57% of the second batch, leading to erroneous decisions in more than a quarter of cases. The report doesn't specify the nature of these errors or their favorability. The VA plans to make technology improvements and enhance quality assurance to rectify the issues and assess the system's efficiency compared to the traditional process. High blood pressure claims have surged, partly linked to Agent Orange exposure, resulting in many receiving 0% disability ratings, a move the VA is now reviewing. Military.com - Read more.
More VA News - Read more.
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Veteran Service and Partner Organizations | |
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‘You’re never alone:’ How Wounded Warrior Project helped Army veteran find her way again - Yomari Cruz, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, faced immense challenges when transitioning back to civilian life, struggling with isolation, depression, and PTSD. However, her encounter with the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization assisting veterans who have incurred physical or mental injuries during or after service since September 11, 2001, changed her life. Through their resources and support, Cruz found a community that helped her overcome her trauma and provided her with opportunities like whitewater rafting, advocacy in Washington, D.C., and participation in a veterans-only episode of Family Feud. Despite the hardships she endured, Cruz expresses no regrets about her military service and encourages others to push forward and embrace the life-changing experience it can be.- Click Orlando.com - Read more.
DAV Helps Combat-Wounded Vietnam Veteran Get Overdue Earned Benefits -Jose Badillo-Bonilla, a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran, recently received long-overdue earned benefits with the assistance of DAV (Disabled American Veterans). Drafted into the Army in 1967, Badillo-Bonilla endured a yearlong deployment in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during an air assault. After his service, he initially avoided engaging with the Department of Veterans Affairs, only seeking disability compensation for hearing loss. However, with the encouragement of his family, he attended a DAV information seminar, where he discovered the additional benefits he qualified for. DAV benefits advocates Angel Esribano and Alex Martinez helped him navigate the claims process, leading to the recognition of his service-related disabilities and enrollment in VA healthcare. Badillo-Bonilla's experience highlights the importance of veterans pursuing their earned benefits, even long after their military service has ended. DAV.com - Read more.
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