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Secretary Collins to Address BVA National Convention

The Honorable Douglas A. Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, will address blind and low vision veterans and their families at the Association’s 80th National Convention Opening Ceremony on Monday, July 7, at 8:00am. The Opening Ceremony, scheduled for Cumberland K&L (Exhibition Level) at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, is open to all convention attendees and the general public. On February 5, Senate lawmakers voted to confirm Collins as the first ever post-9/11 veteran to serve as […]

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Coast Guard Auxiliary to Commemorate 86 Years

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary celebrates its 86th birthday this Monday, June 23. Strange and unnecessary as it may seem, the Coast Guard has both a Reserve as well as an Auxiliary component. While BVA and other Veterans Service Organizations have supportive Auxiliary organizations, the functions of the Coast Guard Auxiliary are different. Duties include those similar to or in support of the regular Coast Guard, but these functions also promote and support general maritime […]

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Tips for Summer Eye Safety

Today, June 20, marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in 2025 and the astronomical start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Despite the enjoyment that can come from warm summer weather—vacations, picnics, holiday parades, swimming, etc., our eyes are particularly vulnerable during this time of year, regardless of the extent of our remaining vision. The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington, DC, offers a few practical tips to keep our […]

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Major Richard Star Act Remains High Priority on BVA Legislative Radar

Together with more than 50 other Military and Veterans Service Organizations, BVA continues to carefully monitor the progress of the Major Richard Star Act, proposed bipartisan legislation to provide combat-injured veteran retirees with their full benefits. S. 1032, introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), now has 76 bipartisan co-sponsors. The House companion version of the bill, introduced by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), now has 280 co-sponsors. At […]

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Online National Convention Registration Ends Today

Only a few short hours remain to register via the BVA website for the Association’s historic 80th National Convention in Dallas, Texas. After midnight Eastern Time tonight, BVA members, their families, and friends must register in the Pegasus Room at the Hyatt Regency Dallas beginning at 9:00am on Sunday, July 6. A higher onsite registration rate of $250 will apply. The convention is being held jointly with the annual gathering of the American Council of […]

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John O’Connell Garners Prestigious USA Hockey National Award

USA Hockey has recognized BVA Director of District 1 John O’Connell as the National Disabled Athlete of the Year. John was one of 12 individuals honored at USA Hockey’s President’s Awards Dinner on June 6 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center as part of its four-day annual meeting. Hockey has been a lifelong love for John, who began playing at age 7 and never stopped throughout his growing-up years in New York City.  John is […]

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Health and Benefits Mobile App Hits 3-Million Mark for Downloads

VA announced last week that its Health and Benefits mobile application has achieved more than 3 million downloads since its launch in 2021. The app, which has 1.4 million active users, provides veterans with access to a variety of VA health care and benefits information directly from their mobile phones. The information available is among the most commonly sought and needed by veterans on a regular basis. The app helps veterans to do the following: Refill and […]

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VHA Aiming to Improve Services to Women Veterans

The work of the Office of Women’s Health of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) reflects the growth in the number of women who have served in the military and are subsequently eligible for VA benefits. Today, women make up 17.5 percent of the veterans who have served on active duty, while 21.6 percent of the veterans who have served in the National Guard/Reserves are women. The total number of women veteran VHA users nationwide has […]

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Ambassadog Kent Shares Helpful Tip for Reading Prescription Labels

Humans, are you having trouble reading prescription medication labels for your Ambassadog? I have sniffed out the answer. BVA members can receive En-Vision America’s ScripTalk Talking Prescription Labels on their guide dog medications from CHEWY.  ScripTalk is a free, user-friendly service available at thousands of pharmacies throughout the United States and Canada that will read all medication information aloud.   This service has also been available to blind and low vision veterans through VA Blind Rehabilitation […]

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BVA, Fellow VSOs, Assess CHOICE for Veterans Act

BVA has joined several other Veterans Service Organizations in voicing opposition to H.R. 3132, the CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025. If legislated into law, the new law would enable private, for-profit companies to charge thousands of dollars for the same service that the BVA Veterans Service Program (VSP) and its trained, accredited staff members provide without charge. It would allow the outside companies to offer initial assistance and charge up to $12,500, or an […]