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Campaign Launched Nationally to Fight Claims Predators

The Veterans Benefits Administration has initiated a long-term effort to address the invasion of “claims predators” into the lives of America’s veterans. Last week’s BVA Happenings defined claims predators as “bad actors” that attempt to unlawfully charge veterans a fee to “help” them process their claims with VA when it is provided free by VA accredited attorneys, claims agents, or National Service Officers working in the BVA Veterans Service Program. Aggressive communication techniques, accompanied by […]

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Looking Back 70 Years: BVA and Helen Keller Cross Paths in New York City

What would likely be a cover photo and feature story in The Bulletin today was but a small photo of less than a quarter page and a brief caption in the issue of August 1954. The caption outlined a brief visit of Helen Keller with BVA pioneer and World War II blinded veteran David Schnair, who, for the better part of four decades, served in BVA leadership roles and managed the BVA New York City […]

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VA Acts in Response to Southeast Devastation

BVA has received periodic updates this week from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that confirm active monitoring and responses to the various consequences of Hurricane Helene. The focus is ensuring the maintenance of critical operations and safety for veterans and VA employees. Despite its proximity to the center of the greatest damage and number of casualties, the Asheville, North Carolina, VA Medical Center remained open and was functioning as a hub for coordinated outreach […]

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World Sight Day Next Thursday Draws International Attention to Vision Loss, Eye Care

This Thursday, October 10 marks World Sight Day. Observed annually on the second Thursday of October, World Sight Day is a global event to encourage awareness of blindness and the varying degrees of sight loss. It was originally initiated by the SightFirst Campaign of Lions Club International in 2000 and has since been integrated into VISION 2020. The World Sight Day recognition is now coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) […]

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VA to Study Potential Connection between PFAS Exposure and Kidney Cancer

Earlier this week, VA announced a scientific assessment to determine whether exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during military service could be a variable in the onset of kidney cancer among veterans. The result could eventually lead to the establishment of kidney cancer as a presumptive service-connected condition for veterans exposed to PFAS. The assessment is a process codified under the PACT ACT passed two years ago. Some 12,000 chemicals, in use in the […]

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Newly Launched VA Webpage Offers Resources for Coping with Suicide Loss

Earlier this week, VA uploaded a new webpage dedicated to families who have lost a loved one to suicide. The information presented includes access to health resources, burial and memorial services, and benefits information. After losing a loved one to suicide, survivors inevitably struggle to cope and deal with what comes next. VA offers survivors help during this profoundly difficult time. While each person has a unique grief experience, survivors should know that they are […]

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This Sunday Is Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day

In 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day. The observance continues today but includes the entire family, now officially designated as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day by proclamation of President Barack Obama in 2011 to honor parents and families of service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in defense of their country. The 2024 observance is this Sunday, September 29. The Gold Star is the […]

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October Visions of BVA to Highlight BVA Ambassador Initiative

In the newest episode, BVA’s bi-monthly podcast series “Visions of BVA” features “Empowering Veterans: The Impact of BVA’s Ambassador Program.” The episode will be released on Tuesday, October 1. Host Steve Baskis sits with BVA National Program Coordinator Vernon Humphrey to explore how BVA Ambassadors make a difference every day as they connect blind and low vision veterans to the crucial VA services and benefits that bring resilience and eventually change lives! Vernon reveals personal […]

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Suicide Prevention Remains atop VA Priorities

VA last week announced several new initiatives in its overriding and ongoing quest to eliminate veteran suicide. In addition to $52.5 million in grants to 85 organizations that serve veterans in underserved geographical areas and populations of 41 different states, suicide prevention efforts will now include free emergency suicide prevention care to all veterans regardless of enrollment status. Help to veterans in urgent need of help will also include streamlining access to the Veterans Crisis […]

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High Marks for Longstanding Golf Clinic Again in 2024

The 39th National Disabled Veteran’s Golf Clinic was held in Riverside, Iowa, September 8-13, 2024. The clinic unites veterans of all ages, disabilities, and branches of services. It is designed to challenge participants physically, mentally, and emotionally by offering a variety of adaptive sports and healthy food preparation classes. BVA National Administrative Coordinator Michaun Harrison, also a member of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Group, offers her perspective of this historically popular event: We enjoyed not only adaptive golf […]