Important update on veterans benefits! Discover how premature denials of service connections for burn pit exposure claims by the Veterans Benefits Administration may have impacted veterans between 2020-2021. Check out this video to learn about the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General report findings and to seek help from DAV, visit benefitsquestions.org. #veterans #Benefits #military #DAV
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For Latoya Lucas, becoming a veterans advocate started from her hospital bed at what is now Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Lucas remembers waking from a deep, medicated sleep and seeing a card left by her bed. The card was from DAV.
“Just so I knew that they were there,” she said.
As someone whose life had just been forever changed by war, Lucas knew how a small gesture could be deeply meaningful. Soon, her husband was pushing her in a wheelchair, going room to room visiting other wounded service members and trying to lift their spirits.
“I couldn’t serve in uniform anymore, but I knew I wanted to continue to serve in another way,” she said.
Click here to read the full story of Lucas' #AliveDay from #DAVMagazine: dav.la/4kz83Qt
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Please stand up with us in reducing veteran suicide. DAV asks that you to contact your Representative and urge them to cosponsor and support H.R. 2878: dav.la/4eKlCeA.
H.R. 2878, the Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act, would help improve service members transition to civilian life by ensuring they have the tools to address service-related mental health challenges, and reduce veteran suicide.
The period following military separation is marked by heightened mental health risks, including increased suicide rates. However, many veterans are unaware of the support available to them through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
This legislation would require VA/DOD preseparation programs to increase mental health support for transitioning service members. Specifically, the bill adds provisions to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to help servicemembers address PTSD, depression, chronic pain, substance abuse, suicidal ideation and other service-related mental health conditions.
Additionally, H.R. 2878 would strengthen VA’s existing Solid Start Program by improving outreach and information for veterans about mental health programs and counseling services that are available post service.
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The Senate is expected to take up legislation this week that could include the Major Richard Star Act (S. 1032), and we need your help.
This bipartisan amendment—led by Senators Blumenthal, Crapo, and Warren—would end the unjust offset that denies over 50,000 combat-injured veterans their full retirement and disability benefits.
DAV strongly supports this legislation and urges you to act now. Contact your senators today and ask them to support including the Major Richard Star Act in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) ➡️ dav.la/3TZc326.
Thank you for standing with our combat-wounded veterans. Your voice matters.
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Last December, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the first study on MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder among veterans.
