The government shutdown last fall affected wide-ranging facets of the federal government. Not the least of which was the VA, where overtime hours were immediately suspended and employees were furloughed. The biggest threat came from the possibility that the disability checks counted on by thousands and thousands of veterans would not come in November. Thankfully disaster […]
Government Shutdown
Congress and VA Secretary Discuss Ideas to Mitigate Impact of Government Shutdowns
In the past few years the topic of government shutdowns has triggered fears throughout the veteran community about interruptions in compensation and other benefits. One idea that was suggested is passing a law to provide the VA with advanced funding. The Veterans Health Administration already receives advanced funding to maintain medical treatment for veterans in […]
Lawmakers Advocate for More VA Accountability
I do not need to tell a veteran about accountability. Our armed forces would not be what it is if its members were not held accountable to one another. You are to put 100% trust in the man or woman that stands by your side as you go into battle. Likewise, they are to put […]
Proposed Budget Would Negatively Impact Military Retirees
This October it was not the upcoming Halloween that was on everyone’s mind. Nor was it the culmination of a magical season by the bearded Boston Red Sox. Unfortunately it was the government shutdown that had everybody talking. Though an agreement was reached in time, it was not before veterans were seriously concerned over whether […]
Putting Veterans Funding First Act
The Government shutdown that began on September 30, 2013, created significant anxiety among veterans who depend on their disability compensation, pensions, and education benefits to thrive and survive. During the shutdown, processing appeals ground to a halt, thus dragging a struggling VA further behind in processing appeals. Likewise, the furloughs impaired the VA’s efforts to […]
Solution to Maintain VBA Operations in Future Shutdowns
The VA is divided into two large divisions: the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). In 2009, Congress passed a law providing that appropriations for the VHA would be made one year in advance. For this reason, the VHA has continued operations during the federal government shutdown. In July, the House […]