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 15, 2023 - Briefs | |
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Air Force, Space Force launch ‘major’ readiness revamp with threat of China in mind: Kendall - The Department of the Air Force is embarking on a significant readiness overhaul in response to the threat posed by peer adversaries like China, says Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall. Acknowledging that current readiness is not optimized for great power competition, Kendall highlights China's ambitions in the Western Pacific and its expansion in nuclear and military space capabilities. The initiative, set to conclude by January 2024, will comprehensively reassess the organization, training, and equipment of both the Air Force and Space Force. The goal is to sustain deterrence and readiness in the face of evolving challenges, with a focus on staying ahead of China's military advancements in the Indo-Pacific region. Breaking Defense - Read more.
Cannot Change Our Policy: Pentagon's Sabrina Singh - Sabrina Singh, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary, addressed Senator Tommy Tuberville's unwavering stance against military promotion blockades during an interview on Bloomberg's "Balance of Power," engaging in a discussion with Annmarie Hordern and Joe Mathieu. Senator Tuberville's firm position on this issue was a focal point of the conversation. Bloomberg - Read more.
Death penalty upheld for soldier who killed 13 in base shooting - A unanimous decision by a top military court has upheld the death penalty conviction of ex-Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, who carried out a deadly shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009, killing 13 people and injuring many more. Hasan had previously admitted to the shooting and was sentenced to death at his court-martial. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces rejected Hasan's attempt to reverse his death sentence, stating that his arguments lacked merit. However, this decision does not immediately lead to execution, as capital cases in the U.S. legal system, especially within the military justice system, progress meticulously. Hasan still has legal avenues to challenge his conviction, including potential appeals to the Supreme Court. The case also poses a challenge for President Joe Biden, who campaigned as an opponent of the death penalty, as he would need to personally approve a military execution. Army Times - Read more.
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White House issues veto threat of House GOP defense bill - The White House has issued a veto threat against the House GOP's defense appropriations bill for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2023, as Congress returns to work on a compromise bill. The administration opposes the House version of the bill, arguing that it cuts domestic spending below the compromise reached with Speaker Kevin McCarthy in May and wastes time with partisan bills. The House's legislation, which sets a $886 billion budget for the armed forces in fiscal 2024, includes conservative amendments on various controversial topics. The White House also opposes provisions in the bill related to legislative accomplishments and issues like reproductive health care, LGBTQ rights, climate change, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. The House and Senate are now tasked with reconciling their versions of the annual defense bill. The Hill - Read more. | |
After FBI kills disabled veteran in pre-dawn raid, family demands answers: 'It was a senseless act'- The family of Theodore "Teddy" Deschler, a disabled veteran, is demanding answers after he was shot and killed by FBI agents during a pre-dawn raid on his mother's home in Henderson, Tennessee. The FBI SWAT team conducted the raid, which resulted in Deschler's death. His family claims he was unarmed and suffering from severe PTSD and depression, receiving help for his mental health issues. Deschler's mother was pulled from the home, and when she asked the agents why they were there, they responded dismissively. The family alleges that the house was subjected to flashbang explosives, tear gas, and bullets, causing extensive damage. They question the justification for the raid and are seeking details about the arrest warrant against Deschler and the circumstances of his death. The FBI has stated that it is investigating the incident, but no further information has been provided. The family is considering filing a civil suit against the FBI. FOX News - Read more. | |
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VA vows ‘full review’ of website after IT issues impact disability claims for nearly 57,000 veterans - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducting a comprehensive review of its main website, VA.gov, following the discovery of technical issues that may have caused delays in processing disability claims for nearly 57,000 veterans. The VA identified two technological problems on the website related to updating dependency status and filing disability appeals. The department is taking immediate action to resolve these issues and plans to contact affected veterans. The issues affected a small percentage of veterans but are deemed unacceptable, and the VA is committed to ensuring that no veterans' benefits or appeals are negatively impacted. Additionally, they will address underpaid veterans and modernize their claims processing infrastructure to prevent such issues in the future. Congressional leaders and veterans service organizations have been notified, and the VA is implementing changes to prevent similar problems from occurring again, given recent scrutiny of its IT projects. Federal News Network - Read more.
Senate confirms VA deputy secretary focused on EHR rollout, outreach to new vets - The Senate has confirmed Tanya Bradsher as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), making her the first woman and woman of color to hold this position. Bradsher, an Army combat veteran, has pledged to focus on improving the troubled rollout of a new electronic health record (EHR) system and enhancing outreach to veterans transitioning out of active-duty military service. The VA is currently in a "reset" period for the Oracle-Cerner EHR rollout, delaying new deployments until improvements are observed at existing sites. Bradsher's appointment is seen as crucial for rebuilding trust with "untethered veterans" who haven't accessed VA care or benefits. Despite opposition from Senator Chuck Grassley over whistleblower concerns, Bradsher's confirmation is expected to bring needed reforms to the VA, with support from VA Secretary Denis McDonough and Senate VA Committee Chairman Jon Tester. Federal News Network - Read more.
Watchdog: VA may have overpaid millions in Gulf War Syndrome benefits - The Department of Veterans Affairs may have erroneously paid out over $5 million in benefits to veterans who claimed to suffer from Gulf War Syndrome, according to an inspector general report. The report highlights the agency's failure to properly assess claimants' eligibility before issuing payments, with an estimated 25% of claims being prematurely approved between October 2021 and March 2022. Although some recipients may have been eligible for benefits, these errors could complicate the treatment of Gulf War Syndrome, a condition characterized by various chronic symptoms, and hinder the ongoing study into its origins. The report also identifies deficiencies in the evaluation process and recommends simple fixes, potentially saving millions in the future. The VA has accepted these recommendations and plans to implement reforms by the end of September.
Military Times - Read more.
VA simplified the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® application for Transfer of Entitlement recipients - This article discusses the launch of the Digital G.I. Bill (DGIB) initiative by the VA to enhance the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) application experience. The VA recognized the feedback that the application process was lengthy and time-consuming and has made significant improvements over the past two years, including recent IT updates. As of March 2023, the application has been streamlined with features such as pre-filled sponsor details, transferee direct deposit information, a shorter application form, and easier navigation on VA.gov. Eligible veterans and their family members can now apply more efficiently through these improvements, making it simpler to access G.I. Bill benefits. The VA encourages users to visit VA.gov for more information and resources on these enhancements. VA News - Read more.
VA argues for limiting veterans’ GI Bill benefits in case before Supreme Court - The federal Department of Veterans Affairs has presented its argument in a U.S. Supreme Court case involving military veterans' GI Bill benefits. The case, brought by decorated Army veteran James Rudisill, challenges the VA's calculation of college benefits, potentially affecting 1.7 million long-serving veterans. Rudisill contends that the government shortchanged him on educational benefits, disrupting his plans to become an Army chaplain. The VA's stance contradicts veterans' rights groups, congressional representatives, and senators, who support Rudisill's claim that veterans should receive the full benefits they've earned under different versions of the GI Bill. This case has significant implications for veterans seeking educational support. Chicago Sun Times - Read more.
More VA News - Read more.
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Veteran Service and Partner Organizations | |
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How DAV’s employment program helps Veterans with job prospects - The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) employment program is facilitating the transition of active duty service members, Veterans, and members of the Guard and Reserve into civilian employment through a partnership with RecruitMilitary. In 2023, they are hosting 107 career fairs, both in-person and virtually, aimed at empowering the military community with career opportunities. DAV's unique approach includes on-the-spot interviews at their events. Since its inception in 2014, the program has resulted in over 175,000 job offers. They also extend support to military spouses in their professional development. DAV not only connects job seekers to employers but also provides mentorship and training opportunities through the DAV Patriot Boot Camp and recognizes employers committed to hiring Veterans through the DAV Patriot Employer Program. Their comprehensive assistance ensures a successful transition for individuals seeking claims or employment. - VA News (DAV) - Read more.
National Veterans Small Business Week | Live Webinars and 1:1 Matchmaking - Get ready for National Veterans Small Business Week! From November 1st to November 11th, the NJ State Veterans Chamber, along with its partners, is hosting a series of valuable events. These include Vet Talks webinars covering online marketing and advertising strategies, enhancing capability statements, and a panel discussion on the status of veteran entrepreneurship in New Jersey. There's also a 3-day 1:1 virtual matchmaking event for veteran and military spouse-owned businesses to connect with potential buyers, and National Veterans Small Business Week will conclude with a live Veterans Music Fest on Veterans Day at D'Jais in Belmar. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and network; register in advance for these events using the provided links. NJ State Veterans Chamber of Commerce - Read more.
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