‘Do something:’ Ukraine works to heal soldiers’ mental scars
December 1, 2022 GMTKYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Sleep plunges the soldier back into the horrors of Ukraine’s battlefields. He can hear bombs falling again and picture explosions. He imagines himself frantically running, trying to save himself and others.
VA deaths report finds protocols not followed, issues remain
November 28, 2022 GMTHARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A federal investigation released Monday of a hot steam accident that killed two workers conducting maintenance on a boiler system at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Connecticut substantiates a whistleblower's allegations that employees did not follow proper protocols to control hazardous energy or receive adequate training, among other violations.
Man pleads guilty to charge he threatened Moms Demand Action
November 23, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A 31-year-old Army veteran has pleaded guilty to charges that he made violent threats against an organization that supports stronger firearm laws.
Federal prosecutors in Massachusetts said Wednesday that Drummond Neil Smithson made the threat in a letter he mailed to the Department of Veterans Affairs in July 2020.
Tally of homeless veterans fell 11%, biggest drop in 5 years
November 3, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The number of veterans in the United States experiencing homelessness dropped by 11% since 2020, the biggest decline in more than five years, the Biden administration reported Thursday.
Veterans Affairs Dept. announces grants for homeless vets
October 27, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Veterans' Affairs Department on Thursday announced three grants to help veterans who are homeless or are at risk of losing their homes.
The grants are for the federal budget year that starts Oct.
California enacts law to help LGBTQ military veterans
September 17, 2022 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A new law in California will help military service members who were discharged under “don't ask, don't tell" policies because of their sexual or gender identities to reestablish their eligibility for Veterans Affairs benefits, Gov.
Michigan veteran gets 5 years for fraud over faked injuries
September 17, 2022 GMTGRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan veteran has been sentenced to five years in prison after investigators who followed him discovered he had faked injuries that allowed him to claim more than $260,000 in federal benefits.
House for families of veterans set for Memphis hospital
September 14, 2022 GMTMEMPHIS, Tenn., (AP) — Officials at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Memphis say a house where families can stay while their relative is being treated will be built at the facility.
The Memphis Veterans Affairs Health Care System Medical Center is among the sites selected to establish a Fisher House, officials said in a news release Monday.
Bill to rename VA clinic for Walorski headed to Biden’s desk
September 9, 2022 GMTFORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — A bill to rename Mishawaka’s Veterans Affairs Clinic after late U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski is headed to President Joe Biden's desk for his signature.
Wolf move expands voter registration forms at state offices
September 7, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Seven additional Pennsylvania government agencies will provide voter registration forms under a new order being signed Wednesday by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf.
The executive order requires the materials and information be available to the public through agencies within the Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, Corrections, Education, Labor and Industry, Military and Veterans Affairs and State departments.
VA plans limited abortion access to vets, despite state bans
September 2, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Veterans Affairs said Friday it will provide abortion access to veterans and their beneficiaries — even in states that have made abortions illegal — in cases when the pregnant woman’s life or health is at risk, or in cases of rape or incest.
Widow of man who died at WI vet’s home sues state, others
August 15, 2022 GMTUNION GROVE, Wis. (AP) — The widow if a man who died at a Wisconsin veterans nursing home is suing the state as well as some of the facility's employees who she said failed to properly care for her husband.
Burn pits legislation nears finish line with House approval
July 14, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Wednesday approved a significant expansion of health care and disability benefits for millions of veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Whistleblower physician reinstated at California VA hospital
July 7, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — A whistleblower physician who was forced into retirement after raising concerns about anesthesia staffing practices during surgeries at a Los Angeles Veterans Affairs hospital has gotten his old job back, federal officials said Thursday.
Realignment of veterans’ healthcare facilities on hold
June 29, 2022 GMTPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Proposed changes in veterans' healthcare facilities in South Dakota and elsewhere are on hold for now.
Some U.S. senators, including South Dakota's Mike Rounds and John Thune, have agreed to dismantle a commission tasked by the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out closures, downsizing and other significant changes to medical facilities.
Veterans groups rip outhouse plans for North Dakota cemetery
June 28, 2022 GMTFARGO, N.D. (AP) — A coalition of veterans organizations is upset over plans to build an outhouse on the grounds of a national cemetery that borders North Dakota and Minnesota.
The group said Tuesday it plans to file a formal complaint with the Department of Veterans Affairs over the outdoor bathroom set to be built next to a proposed Native American ceremony area at the Fargo National Cemetery.
Manchin: Commission on veterans facilities to be dismantled
June 27, 2022 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A group of U.S. senators has agreed to effectively dismantle a commission tasked by the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out closures, downsizing and other significant medical facility changes nationwide, Sen.
Expanded care in works for vets exposed to toxic substances
June 26, 2022 GMTPORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The U.S. Senate has passed a proposal backed by Maine's senators to provide more care for military veterans who were exposed to toxic substances.
Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board appoints new director
June 23, 2022 GMTJACKSON, Miss (AP) — The Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board announced Thursday that it has appointed Mark Smith as new executive director.
Smith had served as the agency’s interim executive director since May, when he replaced Stacey Pickering.
Ex-veterans hospital worker sentenced in theft of HIV meds
May 27, 2022 GMTNEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A former pharmacy technician involved in the theft of more than $8.2 million worth of prescription HIV medication from a Veterans Affairs hospital in northern New Jersey has been sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison.
Ex-Mississippi auditor resigns from state Veterans Affairs
May 16, 2022 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board is being run by an interim leader as the executive director and his chief of staff are both resigning.
The agency said in news release Friday that executive director Stacey Pickering decided to retire from government service and chief of staff Melissa Wade “will pursue other endeavors outside of MSVA.”
Thousands of smartphones purchased by VA went unused
May 5, 2022 GMTThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs wasted nearly $2 million when most of the smartphones bought during the pandemic for homeless veterans went unused, according to an inspector general's report.
Man gets 2 years for using twin’s ID for veterans benefits
April 26, 2022 GMTJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida man was sentenced Tuesday to two years in federal prison for using his twin brother's stolen identity to obtain tens of thousands of dollars in military veterans benefits.
Sioux Falls VA Healthcare leader reassigned amid complaints
April 21, 2022 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The director of the Sioux Falls VA Healthcare System has been reassigned following a multitude of complaints about mismanagement.
The VA’s Midwest region director Robert McDivitt said Lisa Simoneau will stay with the Veterans Affairs Department and serve at regional headquarters in the Twin Cities.
Bill would change plans for lieutenant governor’s residence
April 12, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania government agency would get more flexibility about what to do with the former official residence of the lieutenant governor, located on a military facility, under a bill passed unanimously Tuesday by the state House.
Alabama lawmakers back registry for Fort McClellan veterans
April 9, 2022 GMTMONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers have passed a resolution supporting creation of a health registry for veterans who served at the Army's defunct Fort McClellan and were exposed to toxins.
Once the home of chemical weapons training and other activities, McClellan was located in Anniston for eight decades before it closed in 1999.
Manchin, Capito among senators asking consultation on VA
April 8, 2022 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia's U.S. senators are among a dozen asking President Joe Biden to consult with officials state by state on the possible impact of recommendations of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission.
Head of Oklahoma state veterans agency to run for governor
April 8, 2022 GMTOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Republican Joel Kintsel, the executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, announced Friday he will challenge Gov. Kevin Stitt in the race for governor.
During his announcement, Kintsel, a lieutenant colonel in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, accused Stitt’s administration of being rife with cronyism and said that Oklahoma needs a governor with higher ethical standards.
Vets’ chair ignores Evers’ demand to quit over porn charges
March 24, 2022 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — The leader of the state veterans policy board is refusing to step down as he fights child pornography charges, creating another appointment headache for Gov.
6 unclaimed veterans interred after appreciation ceremony
March 24, 2022 GMTJENNINGS, La. (AP) — The bodies of six unclaimed veterans were buried Thursday following an appreciation ceremony held in Southwest Louisiana.
The ceremony honored three Army veterans, one Marine veteran and two Navy veterans who were laid to rest at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Jennings, news outlets reported.
VA proposal to close rural health clinics spurs opposition
March 14, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has released a list of community-based clinics that it proposes to close in New Mexico and other rural areas around the country as part of a years-long process aimed at modernizing the department and streamlining its infrastructure.
VA recommends new health system in Rapid City
March 14, 2022 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The Department of Veterans Affairs has released its set of recommendations for the future of veteran care in the U.S., following years of research and analysis.
For South Dakota, the Asset and Infrastructure Review report recommends building a new VA health system in Rapid City, while closing the Wagner clinic and the the Fort Meade hospital.
Bill would help National Guard, Reserve members get benefits
March 12, 2022 GMTCONCORD, N.H. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire is part of a group of lawmakers that introduced a bipartisan bill to help National Guard and Reserve members receive their benefits upon retirement or completion of service.
Maryland woman pleads guilty to trying to get benefits
March 12, 2022 GMTGREENBELT, Md. (AP) — A Maryland woman who formerly served in the U.S. Navy has pleaded guilty to conspiring to submit false claims to the Veterans Administration and the Social Security Administration to obtain more than $1 million in disability benefits, a federal prosecutor said.
Hospital: No infections after potential exposure to diseases
March 5, 2022 GMTDUBLIN, Ga. (AP) — A middle Georgia veterans hospital says it hasn't identified any new infections a month after it warned that more than 4,600 veterans might have been exposed to HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
House backs bill to help veterans exposed to toxic burn pits
March 3, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A bill that would dramatically boost health care services and disability benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan won approval Thursday in the House.
Feds: Woman stole veterans benefits intended for late sister
March 2, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A Massachusetts woman has been sentenced to a month in prison and three years of probation for stealing more than $100,000 in veterans benefits that were intended for her late sister, federal prosecutors said.
Cohen’s bill seeks to name Memphis VA after Tuskegee Airman
March 1, 2022 GMTMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee has introduced a bill to name the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Memphis after a World War II fighter pilot who was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen.
New veterans memorial display at Vermont visitor centers
February 27, 2022 GMTMONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Four visitor centers across Vermont are honoring the state's fallen military veterans with a new display.
The ‘Vermont Remembers: Fallen Heroes Memorial’ was a collaboration between the Office of Veteran Affairs, the Department of Buildings and General Services and Shadows & Light Design, officials said.
Veterans board chairman charged with child pornography
February 24, 2022 GMTMILWAUKEE (AP) — The chairman of the state Board of Veterans Affairs has been charged with possessing child pornography.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Thursday that Curtis Schmitt Jr.
VA Bible lawsuit dismissed; separate display proposed
February 23, 2022 GMTCONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A judge agreed to dismiss a nearly 3-year-old lawsuit Wednesday over a Bible displayed on a table at a New Hampshire veterans hospital after the plaintiffs' lawyer proposed a separate display and sought to work with the hospital.
State help sought to develop museum honoring Ernie Chambers
February 16, 2022 GMTLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska senator asked his colleagues Wednesday to help develop a museum to honor former Sen. Ernie Chambers, the state's longest-serving and best-known lawmaker.
Sen. Terrell McKinney, who succeeded Chambers in office, pitched the proposal to members of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.
Arkansas panel OKs agencies enforcing vaccine requirement
January 28, 2022 GMTLITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas lawmakers on Friday cleared the way for state-run health care facilities to require employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine after officials warned that blocking the move would jeopardize more than $700 million in federal funding.
Florida man guilty of using twin’s ID for veterans benefits
January 28, 2022 GMTJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida man has pleaded guilty to using his twin brother's stolen identity to obtain tens of thousands of dollars in military veterans benefits.
Wayne Bowen, 64, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated identity theft in Jacksonville federal court, according to court records.
Nebraska panel weighs tighter window for early voting
January 27, 2022 GMTLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill that would shorten the time window for early and mail-in voting in Nebraska and bar special interest groups from gathering large numbers of voter ballots hit a wall of resistance Wednesday in a legislative committee.
New Veterans Affairs clinic opening in Miles City this week
December 6, 2021 GMTMILES CITY, Mont. (AP) — A new Veterans Affairs clinic is opening in Miles City this week, VA officials said.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Dec. 2 at the 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) Miles City VA Clinic.
Georgia veteran sentenced in theft of sleep apnea machines
December 5, 2021 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a Veterans Affairs department employee in Georgia stole more than $1.9 million in medical devices that he purchased with a government credit card.
A judge Wednesday sentenced 41-year-old Kevin Rumph to two years and three months in prison.
Bill signed into law would help medical veterans with jobs
December 1, 2021 GMTCONCORD, N.H. (AP) — President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan and Mike Braun to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to help recruit military medical personnel with less than a year left in their service to work in federal health care occupations.
Military to help Michigan cope with COVID-19 patient surge
November 24, 2021 GMTLANSING, Mich. (AP) — The federal government will send 44 military medical staffers to Michigan to help beleaguered hospitals treat COVID-19 patients amid a fourth surge that is the worst in the country, state health officials said Wednesday.
Arkansas panel delays vote on agencies’ vaccine requirements
November 19, 2021 GMTLITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas lawmakers on Friday delayed a vote on whether to allow state-run health care facilities to require employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine, a move officials say is needed to protect millions of dollars in federal funding.
Officials break ground on new veterans hospital in Kentucky
November 12, 2021 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — After years of planning, the Department of Veterans Affairs broke ground on a new hospital in Louisville.
The $840 million project is being built on Brownsboro Road and will replace the aging Robley Rex VA Medical Center on Zorn Avenue.
Veterans Day legislation targets GI Bill racial inequities
November 11, 2021 GMTIn honor of Veterans Day, a group of Democratic lawmakers is reviving an effort to pay the families of Black service members who fought on behalf of the nation during World War II for benefits they were denied or prevented from taking full advantage of when they returned home from war.
Ex-veterans hospital worker admits stealing $10M in HIV meds
November 4, 2021 GMTNEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A former pharmacy technician has admitted her role in the theft of roughly $10 million worth of prescription HIV medication from a Veterans Affairs hospital in northern New Jersey, according to federal prosecutors.
White House rolls out new plan to combat gun suicides in US
November 2, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is rolling out a new initiative aimed at reducing suicides by gun and combating the significant increases in suicides by members of the military and veterans.
For 112-year-old veteran’s daughter, care is a labor of love
October 30, 2021 GMTVanessa Brooks was gentle as she held the face of her 112-year-old father in her hands.
She patted the shaving cream carefully on his cheeks and along his jaw before sliding the razor across his face to make a clean strip.
Vermont to utilize unused mental health beds at VA hospital
October 27, 2021 GMTWATERBURY, Vt. (AP) — The state of Vermont is going to be utilizing unused mental health beds at the White River Junction veterans hospital to help alleviate strain in the state mental health system, the state announced Wednesday.
Mississippi burial set for Marine killed in World War II
October 24, 2021 GMTNEWTON, Miss. (AP) — A Marine who died during battle in World War II will be buried with full military honors in Mississippi.
Cpl. Quentin McCall was a a member of Company I, 6th Marine Regimen, known as the “Fighting 6th Marines." He was killed Nov.
Alabama veterans board wants inquiry into chemical exposure
October 19, 2021 GMTANNISTON, Ala. (AP) — Alabama’s veterans affairs board is pushing for the creation of a program to aid veterans who have health problems that might stem from exposure to toxic chemicals at a former U.S.
Pritzker delays vaccine deadline for some state workers
October 16, 2021 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker has pushed back a deadline for state employees of veterans' homes, prisons and other congregate facilities to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as his office negotiates with labor unions representing some workers.
Gunman at Florida VA hospital sentenced to 16-plus years
October 9, 2021 GMTMIAMI (AP) — A double amputee veteran who opened fire at a Florida hospital, injuring a doctor, was sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison on Friday.
Larry Ray Bon was at a Veterans Affairs hospital emergency room in West Palm Beach in 2019 when he became frustrated and grabbed a gun in his wheelchair and began firing.