To help prevent improper payments and fraud that can harm veterans, and to help ensure that VA can provide payments on time and without error, VA will no longer permit benefit payments going to more than one bank account after April 20, 2024. G.I. Bill capabilities will be consolidated into a single digital platform, simplifying user processes, and eliminating the need to navigate multiple systems. The change will improve access to benefits, claims processing, and […]

Kent, a brown dog with floppy ears, looking at the camera with puppy dog eyes. My name is Kent and I have been working with my veteran, Rob Sanchas from Rhode Island, since June of 2023. I refer to Rob as my dad, two-legged feeder, and my poop picker-upper.  I was born in Smithtown, New York, on October 20, 2021. I have lived in New York City, Georgia, and Boston during my puppy-raising time. I […]

Charity Navigator Three Star logo. We are excited to share some news! BVA has been evaluated by Charity Navigator, the world’s largest and most trusted nonprofit evaluator, and earned a Three-Star Rating!  Charity Navigator’s third-party accreditation validates our organization’s operational excellence.  This milestone achievement for BVA couldn’t have happened without you and your support. Thank you for being part of our family as contributors, funders, and volunteers. Your trust and support help us make a […]

March is Women’s History Month. This year, the VA Office of Women’s Health honors Native American women veterans. VA recognizes the impact that women’s advocacy, contributions, and sacrifices have made on U.S. military history and what they now accomplish as veterans. Native American women veterans have had an exemplary tradition of military service for more than 200 years, overcoming adversity and serving at a higher rate compared to any other demographic, demonstrating dedication to our […]

K-9 Veterans Day is celebrated this Wednesday, March 13. On this day, K-9 breeders and handlers honor the service of their furry companions. K-9s serve vital roles in the military and law enforcement. They get embedded in border patrol and customs, airports, the Coast Guard, the FBI, the police, and even the Secret Service. More important perhaps to BVA members, especially those who have had a guide dog, this special day also recognizes other service […]

BVA National President Paul Mimms will present the Association’s legislative priorities for the current fiscal year in a joint session of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs next Wednesday, March 6. The BVA Government Relations Team has put together a full written document from which Paul has prepared the essence of his oral remarks.  The annual hearing, convening at 10:00am Eastern Time in Room SD-G50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building adjacent to […]

It was indeed a privilege for me, Tavi, as I’m called, to serve as Ambassadog #2 in this wonderful new Scoop Series featuring the guide dogs of BVA. I’m now tossing the frisbee over to my good friend, Kent, who will introduce himself next week and hopefully offer some interesting insights throughout the month of March into the guide dog world and blinded veterans.  I enjoyed sharing a few things about my life with Yoneka. […]

The Million Veteran Program (MVP) of VA is now one million veterans strong, marking a historic milestone in November 2023 during a journey that was several years in the making. Hitting the plateau of a million will have a profound impact on veterans’ health care in the future, both today and for generations to come, as VA conducts lifesaving, groundbreaking research based on data already collected from enrollees. The initiative now reads, however, that reaching […]

Honoring and celebrating the United States Military with ceremonies and birthdays has been a longstanding tradition. The birthday of the United States Naval Reserve by Act of Congress on March 3, 1915, is no exception. Each subsequent March 3 is typically observed at various Navy Reserve units, the Reserve Headquarters, and the Navy Memorial in Washington, DC. On April 6, 1917, the name was changed to U.S. Naval Reserve Force and about 8,000 sailors joined […]