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VA teams up with National Association of REALTORS® to promote homeownership

VA is partnering with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to raise awareness of one of the most valuable benefits available to eligible Veterans, service members and surviving spouses: the VA home loan benefit. In a recent conversation with NAR leader Jarrod Lowe, VA Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., discussed how the benefit has helped Veterans build financial stability through homeownership since its creation as part of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, more commonly known as the G.I. Bill. VA has worked closely with industry partners to ensure real estate professionals have access to accurate information about the program and how it serves Veteran homebuyers. Real estate professionals often play an important role in helping Veterans navigate the homebuying process and identify financing options. 

Beyond simply purchasing a house, homeownership can help Veterans build wealth over time. As homeowners pay down their mortgage and property values increase, equity can become a financial asset that supports future goals, from funding education to starting a business or creating additional financial security for a family. For military families who have experienced frequent relocations, deployments and uncertainty throughout their careers, homeownership can also provide stability and a stronger connection to their communities where they serve as employees, volunteers, coaches, mentors and civic leaders. To support that effort, VA created the Real Estate Professionals VA Home Loan Toolkit, a resource designed to help real estate professionals better understand the VA home loan process, answer common questions and address persistent myths about VA financing. The toolkit includes eligibility guidance, buyer resources, quick-reference materials and educational content that can help REALTORS® confidently assist Veteran clients throughout the homebuying journey.

MISSION ZERO

This Veterans Day, Realtor.com and a unique alliance of realty, media, mortgage, and Veteran Service Organizations are asking you to help spread the message. Let's make sure every Veteran knows what they have earned. Only 3 in 10 Veterans know they can buy a home with 0% down payment. Mission Zero is Realtor.com’s Veterans Day campaign to change that. You’re often a Veteran’s first call, so you can be the first to tell them what they’ve earned. Use this hub to get the campaign story and shareable assets, and bring this benefit up early with every buyer who has served. It’s zero down because Veterans have given so much. Whether you are a Veteran or a civilian supporter, you can help spread the word about $0 down payment VA loans by using the hashtag #missionzero on your social media channels, sending this article to friends and family, or even telling a Veteran you know about the benefit. We believe nothing should stand in the way of home—especially a down payment. It’s our goal this Veterans Day and beyond to make sure that every Veteran and active duty service member knows about their VA home loan benefit.

Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) Watch

Periodically, VA makes COLAs to VA beneficiaries and surviving spouses. Annual COLA is calculated through monthly Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) reports of the current fiscal year (July, August, September) to the average for the same months of the previous fiscal year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates and reports cost of living each month through Consumer Price Index (CPI) reports. CPI is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. The last year in which a COLA became effective was 2025. Therefore the law requires the average CPI-W for the third quarter of 2025 as the base to measure an increase (if any) in the average CPI-W. The base average is 317.265.

On October 14, 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average CPI-W for the third quarter of 2026 is 328.746. Because this average exceeds 317.265 by 3.6 percent, the COLA effective for December 2026 is 3.6 percent. The COLA calculation, with the result rounded to the nearest one-tenth of one percent, is (328.746 - 317.265) / 317.265 x 100 = 3.6%

2027 COLA: 3.6%

Veterans, families, and dependents eligible for VA benefits will see the updated amount reflected in their monthly payments effective January 1, 2027. Annual increases apply to a range of VA benefits including, but not limited to:

• Service-connected disability compensation — VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service. 
• Clothing allowance — If you’re a Veteran with a service-connected disability who uses a prosthetic or orthopedic device or skin medication that damages your clothing, you may be able to get money each year to help you buy new clothes.
• Automobile allowance — If you have a disability related to your service that prevents you from driving, you may be able to get money to help you buy or change a vehicle so you can drive.
• Medal of Honor pension — If you’ve received the Medal of Honor, we may pay you an additional $5,780 each month. If you’re the surviving spouse of a Medal of Honor recipient, you may be eligible for tax-free monthly payments through the Medal of Honor Pension. 
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation — If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, you may be able to get a tax-free monetary benefit called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (D.I.C.).  
• VA Pension — VA pension benefits are available to some wartime Veterans, surviving spouses, and unmarried dependent children of wartime Veterans who meet certain income and net worth limits.

VA survivor benefits are tax-exempt, meaning recipients will not owe taxes on these compensation payments. MOAA's COLA Watch publishes monthly updates and inflation figures used to set COLA for military retirees, disabled Veterans, Social Security beneficiaries, and others receiving federal compensation — a helpful resource for staying current on adjustments that may affect your payments. To estimate your VA disability compensation, visit the DAV Disability Calculator at dav.org/disability-calculator. Please note that this tool provides estimates for informational purposes only, as many factors are considered in official VA calculations and ratings. For personalized guidance, contact an accredited Service Officer with any questions about your VA benefits.

Historical Cost-Of-Living Adjustments Table

Warrior Care Month 2026

November is Warrior Care Month. It was established in 2008 “to increase awareness of programs and resources available to wounded, ill, and injured service members, their families, and those who care for them.” The Department of Defense was tasked to “continue to make it easier for our troops and their families to take advantage of all the assistance now available to them.”

Comprehensive Policy on Improvements to Care, Management and Transition of Recovering Service Members

Established by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181, Section 1600 “Wounded Warrior Act”) requires the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to jointly develop and implement a comprehensive policy on improvements to the care, management, and transition of recovering service members. Among the areas covered by this policy are the medical and disability evaluations of service members. That same year, the United States began honoring Warrior Care Month each November, to reaffirm VA's commitment that there is no higher priority than caring for the wounded, ill, and injured Service members who have sacrificed so much.

Mission: To support wounded, ill, and injured Service members in their recovery and reintegration or transition to civilian life.
Vision: To ensure the nation’s wounded, ill, and injured Service members, their families, and caregivers are not forgotten.
Guiding Principle: There is no higher priority than taking care of Service members who have become wounded, ill or injured while in service to our nation.

Wounded Warrior Programs: Each military service has a Wounded Warrior Program to specifically address the needs of wounded, ill, and injured service members, as well their families and caregivers.

At the Table: A New Series with U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D. is excited to launch the first episode of At the Table, a new series where he sits down with leaders across government and the community to talk about programs and opportunities that support Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Dr. Lawrence's goal with this series is to create a space where he can highlight resources, programs, and share real success stories that help Veterans build strong futures.

In this first episode, Dr. Lawrence talks with USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden about how Veterans can find purpose and opportunity in agriculture and how USDA supports them with training, financial tools, and dedicated resources. Recently, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that ten additional meat and poultry companies have adopted USDA’s voluntary Product of USA label, marking continued momentum behind the Administration’s efforts to help consumers easily identify products that are truly born, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States. Are you returning home to the family farm or ranch, or starting your own after military service? Transitioning to a new civilian career can be a big adjustment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has resources available to help. Start by learning how programs can serve you, connecting to USDA staff for support, and discovering how other veterans have used USDA programs for their operations.

Dr. Lawrence looks forward to bringing more voices to the table in future episodes and continuing to shine a light on programs that make a difference.

Announcing the 2026 Veterans Day Poster!

Each year, VA and the Veterans Day National Committee (VDNC) work together to select a poster to help tell the story of service, sacrifice and gratitude on Veterans Day. The poster serves as the visual centerpiece for the Nation’s Veterans Day observance and reflects the pride and patriotism Americans share in honoring those who wore the uniform.

The poster that will represent Veterans Day this year brings together the enduring symbols of our Nation’s history with the continued legacy of military service, and recognizes America’s 250th anniversary. This year’s design combines the modern American flag with an early American flag, visually connecting the founding of the United States with the generations of Veterans who have defended its freedoms.

The poster will be displayed in VA facilities, military installations and municipal buildings across America. It will also serve as the cover of the official program for the Veterans Day commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery on Nov. 11, 2026. It’s also available for download online. You can print the VA’s Veterans Day Poster at your location for easy distribution throughout your facility. We are providing simple instructions to help you reproduce the posters.

To Print on Local Office Printers: We have created an 11” x 17” poster that is compatible with most office printers. Please make sure to load 11” x 17” paper into the target printer. We recommend selecting the “Fit to page” option under the Page Setup menu. This will slightly reduce the poster size to fit the printer without cropping the image.

Local Reproduction on Wide Format Printers: We have also created an 18” x 24” version of the poster for high-resolution printing. This poster measures 18.25” x 24.25” to include bleeds. Print the poster at full size and trim 0.125” from each side after printing.

Local Reproduction at a Commercial Printer: For larger print runs, you may opt to use a local commercial printer. To assist with this, we have prepared high-resolution files that any printer can use. Please provide the following specifications to ensure the posters are printed as expected: Size: Either 11” x 17” or 18” x 24”, depending on your needs (posters include a 0.125” bleed on all sides) Paper: 80# White Gloss Coated Cover Ink: 4-Color Process with Flood Gloss Varnish

Scam Alert: Fraudulent “Free Athletic Shoes” Messages Targeting Veterans

VA is aware of a fraudulent message circulating that falsely claims Veterans can receive free athletic shoes from VA. This message is not from VA. Scammers are using this tactic in an attempt to collect personal information and potentially steal identities.

If you received this message:

• Do not respond.
• Do not click any links.
• Do not provide any personal information.

Veterans and community members are encouraged to report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ Please share this information to help protect Veterans nationwide. Order free military-specific publications like Military Consumer bookmarks and booklets with advice to help military servicemembers, veterans, and families protect their credit and avoid identity theft for yourself, use them at events, or hand them out to servicemembers and their families. Order online at ftc.gov/bulkorder.

VA launches Partial Claim Program to help Veterans avoid home foreclosure

WASHINGTON —The Department of Veterans Affairs today formally launched the VA Partial Claim Program, a new effort to help Veterans facing financial struggles avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes. The VA Partial Claim Program is authorized by the VA Home Loan Reform Act, which President Trump signed into law July 30, 2025. Here’s how it works:\

--Mortgage servicers identify Veterans who are in default and might be able to qualify for the Partial Claim Program.
--Servicers place qualified Veterans on a three-month trial payment plan to assess their ability to stay current on their loan.
--When a Veteran successfully completes this trial period, the mortgage servicer will pay the overdue amount on the mortgage to make the Veteran current again.
--VA will then pay that same amount to the mortgage servicer.
--Servicers must repay VA when the loan is paid in full, refinanced, or the property is sold.

VA’s Partial Claim Program is one of several options designed to help Veterans keep their homes and avoid foreclosure – something the department worked with mortgage servicers to do for 173,000 Veterans in fiscal year 2025 alone. Other home retention options include:

• Repayment Plans
• VA Traditional Loan Modifications
• 30-Year Loan Modifications
• 40-Year Loan Modifications
• VA Disaster Modifications
• Disaster Extend Modifications

Veterans having difficulty reaching a resolution with their mortgage servicer can contact VA at 1-877-827-3702, option 6. For more information about the VA Partial Claim Program and VA home loans, please visit the Loan Guaranty Service website.

Free Entrance to National Parks for Current Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families

Starting in 2026, you will be able to get digital versions of the America the Beautiful Passes, as required by Congress (2025 EXPLORE Act). America the Beautiful Passes cover entrance or standard amenity (day-use) fees to thousands of recreation areas managed by six federal agencies: U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Military Annual Pass // Who qualifies and what documentation is required for the Military Annual Pass?

Current members of the US Armed Forces and their dependents are eligible for a Military Annual Pass.

• Current members of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force and National Guard
• Dependents of current U.S. military members 
• U.S. Military Cadets
• U.S. Active Reservists (Do not need to be deployed) 

Military Lifetime Pass // Who qualifies and what documentation is required for the Military Lifetime Pass?

Veterans of the US Armed Forces and members of Gold Star Families are eligible for a Military Lifetime Pass.

1. Gold Star Families

• Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the United States Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the United States Armed Forces, as explained in Department of Defense Instruction 1348.36
• Gold Star Family members must self-certify by applying for a Military-Lifetime Pass online at https://store.usgs.gov/MilitaryPass or downloading and printing a special voucher to either present to the ranger, exchange for a Military Pass in person, or place on the vehicle dashboard at unstaffed sites. Gold Star Vouchers may be downloaded from https://www.nps.gov/customcf/goldstar/voucher.htm

2. Veterans

• Individuals who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and are able to present one of the following valid non-expired forms of identification when entering or using federal lands:

1) Department of Defense Identification Card (DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, or Next Generation USID replacement)
2) Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
3) Veteran ID Card
4) Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S.driver’s license or identification card

Trump EO reinstates GI Bill benefits to Veterans discharged for refusing COVID vaccine

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that potentially thousands of Veterans who were discharged from service by the Biden Administration for refusing the COVID vaccine may regain eligibility for GI Bill education benefits. In January, President Trump issued Executive Order 14184, Reinstating Service Members Discharged Under the Military’s COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate. Following that, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed the military departments to facilitate, among other things, discharge upgrades for individuals involuntarily separated solely for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine and whose service was characterized as less than fully honorable. The Biden Administration separated more than 8,000 service members from the military because they had refused to comply with the Department of Defense (now Department of War) COVID vaccine mandate. More than half of these warriors received a discharge that was characterized as less than fully honorable, which may have made them ineligible for GI Bill education benefits. Following Department of War reviews, 899 of these Veterans are now eligible for GI Bill education benefits, and thousands more could also regain GI Bill eligibility thanks to the executive order.

RecruitMilitary and Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

DAV’s employment program connects transitioning active duty, Guard and Reserve members, veterans and their spouses with employers. Partnering with RecruitMilitary, DAV sponsors job fairs including virtual events, to connect Veterans and spouses with employers nationwide who are committed to hiring them. RecruitMilitary Job Fair are events where job seekers with military experience can meet with recruiters from local and national companies.

• National Virtual Career Fair Online // Tuesday, November 24th

• Western Region Virtual Career Fair, Online Tuesday, January 26th

• Transitioning Service Member & Spouse Virtual Career Fair, Online Tuesday, February 2nd

• San Diego Veterans Job Fair, San Diego, CA, Wednesday, March 10th

• National Virtual Career Fair, Online, Tuesday, March 16th

• Job Fair at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA, Thursday, April 22nd

• National Virtual Career Fair, Online Tuesday, May 18th

• Phoenix Veterans Job Fair, Glendale, AZ, Thursday, May 27th

• Job Fair at Schofield Barracks, Schofield Barracks, HI, Tuesday, June 8th

• Job Fair at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI, Wednesday, June 9th

• Job Fair at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, HI, Thursday, June 10th

These events are free for U.S. Veterans, military spouses, transitioning military, and members of the Guard and Reserve. RecruitMilitary, a leading recruitment firm dedicated to the military community, is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious "Patriot Employer" distinction by DAV. Regional and National Virtual Career Fairs for Veterans are held online at https://my.recruitmilitary.com/.

Burger King Donations Fund VFW Service Officers // Customers donated nearly $350,000 in May to fund the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) free VA claims assistance //

Many Veterans are unaware that they are owed money and benefits — and those who do know often struggle to navigate the complex system to claim them. VFW's National Veterans Service (NVS) exists to change that. NVS professionals help Veterans cut through red tape, identifying and securing the money and benefits they have rightfully earned. Last year alone, VFW's NVS helped more than 590,500 Veterans receive $14.62 billion in VA disability benefits, including back pay — a testament to the power of dedicated, expert advocacy. NVS services are free, provided through VFW's network of VA-accredited service officers who are committed to ensuring that military and Veteran families receive every benefit they deserve.

Burger King Partnership

Since 2007, Burger King franchisees have raised more than $7.8 million in support of VFW programs through an annual fundraising campaign that invites guests to donate $1 or more with their purchased meals. Most recently, 24 participating franchisees and 880 restaurants contributed $348,559 directly to NVS — funding that helps make free claims assistance possible for Veterans and their families nationwide.

Financial Assistance for Service Members

The VFW understands that active-duty Service members — including activated Guard and Reserve members — and their families face unique and often unexpected financial pressures. Experiencing financial hardship should not be one of the burdens of serving this nation. The VFW's Financial Assistance for Service Members program provides up to $2,500 in grant funding — not a loan, so no repayment is required — to help active-duty Service members and their families who have encountered unexpected financial difficulties due to deployment, military-related activity, or injury. To further ease the burden, VFW pays creditors directly, ensuring that assistance reaches where it is needed most. If you or your family are experiencing financial hardship related to military service, review the eligibility criteria to find out if you qualify. When Veterans need help most, VFW is there.

Nearby VFW Pre-Discharge Locations and Contacts

Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Jason Scott, National Pre-Discharge Claims Representative
Waller Hall – VFW Room 700
2140 Ligget Ave
JB Lewis - McChord, WA 98433
Phone: 253.966.1279
Cell Phone: 253.569.2790
Email: jscott@vfw.org

National Pre-Discharge Claims Representatives
Overseas and stateside locations without a VFW Accredited Representative
Phone: 202.543.2239
Email: bdd@vfw.org

VA Puget Sound opens new community clinic in collaboration with Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor

VA Puget Sound Health Care System is proud to announce the official opening of its new VA Puget Sound Clinic in Oak Harbor, developed in collaboration with Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor. VA services include comprehensive primary care, social work, behavioral health, nutrition and clinical pharmacy specialists. While provider requested laboratory work or radiology procedures such as x-rays can be done at any VA Puget Sound health care facility with those services (such as our Everett or Mount Vernon clinics) or through the Community Care Network, the hope is to eventually offer those services in-house. The VA also hopes to make the Oak Harbor Clinic a tele hub which will expand Veterans’ access to specialty care services from tele retinal to tele dermatology. Veterans hoping to get their care at VA Puget Sound Clinic in Oak Harbor (3475 N Saratoga St., Building 993 Oak Harbor, WA 98278-8800) should discuss with their current primary care team. For those who are not enrolled, please contact VA Puget Sound’s Enrollment and Eligibility Office at 1-800-329-8387 ext 76542.

The Department of Defense/Veterans Affairs Program Office is the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) for all DOD/VA health care related policies, programs, and activities. DVPO is responsible for enhancing medical resource sharing across the Military Health System which includes military hospitals and clinics around the world that support more than 9.5 million service members, retirees and their families. Collaborating with VA, DVPO is committed to identifying opportunities and creating partnerships to address them. This partnership, a first-of-its-kind for the VA and DoD in Washington State, marks a significant milestone in enhancing health care access for Veterans in one of western Washington’s most geographically challenging island communities. The Navy, Marine Corps, and Revenue Marine (forerunner of the U.S. Coast Guard), explored, charted, and protected the area during the mid-nineteenth century. Ships and cutters worked to keep the peace between natives and settlers, and helped negotiate boundary disputes over the San Juan Islands. When the U.S. purchased Alaska in 1867, the sea services began patrols to regulate fishing and sealing, assist mariners in distress, and establish forward presence in the Last Frontier. Bases and a shipyard were operating in Puget Sound by the 1890s. Situated in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, the area offers a unique setting with a variety of activities and opportunities for service members and their families. Navy Region Northwest is the third largest fleet concentration area in the continental United States. Navy Region Northwest's mission is to support the fleet, fighter and family in order to provide ready Naval forces able to execute our nation's defense. If you have concerns or questions about the Pacific Northwest, contact the Fleet and Family Support Program at 1-866-854-0638 for additional information and all your referral needs.

VA is transitioning to a new Electronic Health Record (EHR) system 

The Federal EHR is VA’s new EHR system that is being rolled out to all VA medical facilities as soon as 2031. In 2026, go-live dates are planning launch in Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Alaska. Federal EHR at VA began with Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 5 (formerly VISN 20) at Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane, Washington with launch on October 24, 2020. In addition to the launch at the Mann-Grandstaff VAMC and its four community-based outpatient clinics located in Wenatchee, Washington; Libby, Montana; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and Sandpoint, Idaho. VA also began using the new system at the West Consolidated Patient Account Center, the VA business operations facility in Las Vegas that supports billing for the Pacific Northwest.

Access to non-VA care no longer requires secondary approval

In Part 1 of VA's Glad You Asked series focusing on VA's Community Care, Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., answers two key questions: What is VA Community Care, and who qualifies for it? VA's Glad You Asked started in May and is available online at https://www.youtube.com/@DeptVetAffairs. Since May, topics covered include:

• Tips to Get Your VA Claim Processed Faster

• What You Need to Know About Your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)

• Understanding VA Home Loan Benefits

• What’s in the VA Welcome Kit?   

• Helping Homeless Veterans Starts With One Simple Step

• Can I be buried in a VA cemetery?

• Higher Level Review

• How to Get Started with Your Benefits

Deputy Secretary Lawrence was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 27, 2025, and sworn in the following day by Secretary Doug Collins. Since 2009, the official YouTube channel for VA has broadcast over 65 million views to over 436,000 subscribers. The VA Community Care Network (CCN) is VA’s direct link with community providers to ensure Veterans receive timely, high-quality care. CCN uses industry-standard approaches and guidelines to administer services, pay for services promptly, and manage the network to its full potential.

Provider Resources

• Fact Sheet: How to Become a VA Community Provider
• Fact Sheet: How to become a VA CCN Dental Community Provider
• Fact Sheet: Community Care Network
• Fact Sheet: Community Care Network–Regions 1-5
• Fact Sheet: Billing and Payments

Since 2019, the MISSION Act has enabled VA-enrolled Veterans to access health care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense when it is in their best medical interest. These decisions have been made jointly by Veterans and their referring clinicians but were not considered final until they were reviewed by a second VA doctor.

The Honor Foundation (THF)

Founded in 2015 from the Navy SEAL Foundation, THF serves Special Operations service members who hold themselves to a high standard of core values, guiding principles, and work ethic. THF recruits on a rolling basis those military professionals who are, ideally, 12-15 months out from their separation or retirement. There are no formal educational prerequisites, however, the educational experience is approximately 3 months/120 hours of intense executive style education, professional development, one-on-one career coaching, and has a strict attendance policy. THF currently provides transition courses at nine campuses across the country:

• Camp Lejeune – nCino, The Offices at Mayfaire IV, Wilmington, NC
• Eglin – The Place on Beal, Fort Walton Beach, FL
• Fort Bragg | Pinehurst – Sandhills Community College, Pinehurst, NC
• Fort Bragg | Fayetteville – Fayetteville Technical Community College
• JBLM - Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, Lakewood, WA
• San Diego – THF Headquarters, 11055 Roselle St., Suite 120
• Tampa – Baldwin Risk Partners, Corporate Center II, Tampa, FL
• TN/Campbell - Clarksville Regional Airport, Clarksville, TN
• Virginia Beach – Neptune Shield, Virginia Beach, VA

THF also provides Veterans access to Transition Assistance through Vector Accelator. Vector is redefining the military-to-civilian experience by introducing an important first step in the transition process: intentional introspection. The virtual, on-demand program guides participants through modules designed to help them gain clarity on their identity, motivations, strengths, and priorities so that they can pursue their next mission in life with confidence and conviction. After completing successful alpha and beta testing, Vector Accelerator launched a pilot program in 2024, inviting all active-duty or separated members of the military to participate.

Recently featured on the Military Money (MILMO) Show, THF's Kelly McGraw shared, Why Identity Work Is the Missing Step in Military Transition. In addition, Kelly shares how to navigate the emotional and mental side of transition with tools that go beyond resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Discussion on the MILMO Podcast further illuminates how the Honor Foundation is assisting service members through both its elite program and the new Vector Accelerator, enabling veterans to reclaim their sense of identity, purpose, and community as they transition into civilian life. The VA portion of TAP is a one-day, in-person course called VA Benefits and Services. Led by VA Benefits Advisors, the course helps transitioning service members understand how to navigate VA and the benefits and services earned through military service. The course offers interactive exercises, real examples, and covers topics important to you like family support, disability compensation, education, and health care benefits.

WASHINGTON – VA makes it easier for Veterans to use community care // Access to non-VA care no longer requires secondary approval //

The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced changes that will make it easier for VA-enrolled Veterans to access health care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense. Effective immediately, VA will implement language in the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act that removes this extra review step. The change will give eligible Veterans faster access to community care. The new, streamlined process for determining best medical interest will be backed by training for Veterans Health Administration employees to ensure compliance with the Elizabeth Dole Act. 

VA announces $42M in grants to fight Veteran homelessness

The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the availability of $42 million in grants to eligible organizations to assist homeless Veterans and those at risk of homelessness with various legal services. The funds are being made available through VA’s Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program and are designed to help Veterans in several ways. Grant applications are due by 4 p.m. ET, July 7. Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $500,000, which will fund operations for a two-year period beginning Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2027. Many legal service providers offer free legal clinics in VA facilities. The VA Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist at the closest VA Medical Center may be another source of information about available legal clinics and other community legal assistance resources. Several organizations are currently funded in VISN 5 (formerly VISN 20) to provide these services. If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance. 

WASHINGTON – A health and benefits app reaches 3M downloads 

The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that its Health and Benefits mobile app has achieved more than 3 million downloads since its launch in 2021. The VA app, which has 1.4 million active users, provides Veterans access to a variety of VA health care and benefits information directly from their mobile phones. Major categories of the VA App store include:

• Care at VA
• Physical Wellness and Self Care
• Mental Wellness and Self Care

VA offers sixty (60) apps for Veterans from the VA App Store. Several apps are managed by 3rd parties. Apps are also available to Families, Caregivers, and VA staff. Visit digital.va.gov to read about the mission of the Office of Information and Technology (OIT) regarding collaboration with VA business partners to create the best experience for all Veterans. With the official VA: Health & Benefits app, you can manage your VA health care, benefits, and payments from your mobile phone or tablet.

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF) celebrates the milestone passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act by the U.S. Congress. For almost 2 years, EDF worked with a coalition of organizations advancing this bi-partisan package of legislation that will have life-changing outcomes for those who served and their families, survivors, and caregivers. The EDF Caregiver Mental Wellness Framework is a tool created to identify and validate the unique elements of military and veteran caregivers’ mental health and wellness and provide pathways to support.

VA expands access to Veterans Legacy Memorial, allowing Veterans to chronicle their life story

Veterans Affairs expanded the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) — the nation’s largest digital platform dedicated to the memory of Veterans and service members — to allow Veterans to tell their own story before they pass away. The new “Your Story, Your Legacy” feature will allow Veterans who have been approved for VA’s pre-need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery to log in to a secure website where they can privately submit images, autobiographies, military and life milestones, and historical documents.

Veterans Housing and Physical Damage Loans from SBA

Section 604 of the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008, Public Law 110-387, authorized VA to develop the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. Supportive services grants have been awarded to selected private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that will assist very low-income Veteran families residing in or transitioning to permanent housing. Grantees will provide a range of supportive services to eligible Veteran families that are designed to promote housing stability. Recently VA announced a combination of steps to provide outreach to Veterans experiencing homelessness. If you live in a declared disaster area and have experienced damage to your home or personal property, you may be eligible for financial assistance from United States Small Business Administration (SBA) — even if you do not own a business.

VA Pacific West Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 5 Medical Center News Stories, Health Service Area (HSA) 5.1

VA Boise, Idaho - https://www.va.gov/boise-health-care/news-releases/

VA Fort Harrison, Montana - https://www.va.gov/montana-health-care/news-releases/ 

VA Portland, Oregon - https://www.va.gov/portland-health-care/news-releases/

VA White City, Oregon - https://www.va.gov/southern-oregon-health-care/news-releases/

VA Roseburg, Oregon - https://www.va.gov/roseburg-health-care/news-releases/

VA Puget Sound, Washington - https://www.va.gov/puget-sound-health-care/news-releases/

VA Walla Walla, Washington - Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA - https://www.va.gov/walla-walla-health-care/stories/

VA Spokane, Washington - Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center - https://www.va.gov/spokane-health-care/news-releases/

Additional News Stories of VA Pacific West

HSA 5.2 (Nevada, Northern California)

Ioannis A. Lougaris Veterans’ Administration Medical Center https://www.va.gov/sierra-nevada-health-care/news-releases/ 

North Las Vegas VA Medical Center https://www.va.gov/southern-nevada-health-care/news-releases/ 

Fresno VA Medical Center https://www.va.gov/central-california-health-care/news-releases/ 

Palo Alto VA Medical Center https://www.va.gov/palo-alto-health-care/news-releases/ 

San Francisco VA Medical Center https://www.va.gov/san-francisco-health-care/news-releases/ 

Martinez VA Medical Center https://www.va.gov/northern-california-health-care/news-releases/ 

Sacramento VA Medical Center https://www.va.gov/northern-california-health-care/news-releases/ 

HSA 5.3 (Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California)

VA Phoenix, Arizona - https://www.va.gov/phoenix-health-care/news-releases/ 

Bob Stump Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center https://www.va.gov/northern-arizona-health-care/news-releases/ 

Carl T. Hayden Veterans’ Administration Medical Center https://www.va.gov/phoenix-health-care/news-releases/ 

Tucson VA Medical Center https://www.va.gov/southern-arizona-health-care/news-releases/ 

Raymond G. Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center https://www.va.gov/new-mexico-health-care/news-releases/ 

VA San Diego, California - https://www.va.gov/san-diego-health-care/news-releases/ 

Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans’ Hospital https://www.va.gov/loma-linda-health-care/news-releases/ 

Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center https://www.va.gov/long-beach-health-care/news-releases/ 

West Los Angeles VA Medical Center https://www.va.gov/greater-los-angeles-health-care/news-releases/ 

Sepulveda VA Medical Center https://www.va.gov/greater-los-angeles-health-care/news-releases/ 

HSA 5.5 Hawaii

Spark M. Matsunaga Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center - https://www.va.gov/pacific-islands-health-care/news-releases/ 

VA Hawaii - https://www.va.gov/pacific-islands-health-care/news-releases/

HSA 5.4 Alaska

VA Anchorage, Alaska - https://www.va.gov/alaska-health-care/stories/

VA News - https://news.va.gov/

VA Regional Offices

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) helps service members transition out of military service, and assists with Veterans with education, home loans, life insurance and much more. Service members, Veterans, their families, and Survivors are invited to request information on VA Benefits including disability compensation, pension, fiduciary, education, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), Home Loans, and Insurance. In addition to information on VA Benefits Veterans may initiate an intent to file and request assistance with filing compensation and pension claims. Visit regional office websites to learn about the services the regional office provides, directions to the facility, hours of operation, and the leadership team that serves the regional office.

Find out if you can get VA health care as a Veteran

The following resources provide detailed information about VA health care: www.va.gov/health-care/ and toll-free at 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387), Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET., or 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411), option 2.

Basic Eligibility: A person who served in the active military, naval, space or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, including qualifying Reserve and National Guard members, may qualify for VA health care benefits.

Minimum Duty Requirements: Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or who entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served 24-continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty to be eligible. This minimum duty requirement may not apply to Veterans discharged for hardship, early out or a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or those accessing care under certain special treatment authorities, such as treatment related to military sexual trauma (MST).

Returning Service members: Veterans who served in a theater of operations after November 11, 2001, are eligible for an extended period of eligibility for health care for ten years after their discharge. In the case of multiple call-ups, the ten-year enrollment period begins on the most recent discharge date. This special eligibility includes cost-free health care services and nursing home care for conditions possibly related to military service and enrollment in priority group 6 or higher for ten years from their date of discharge or release from active duty, unless they are eligible for enrollment in a higher priority group.

The following four categories of Veterans are not required to enroll but are urged to do so to permit better planning of health resources:

1. Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 50% or more.
2. Veterans seeking care for a disability the military determined was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but which VA has not yet rated, within 12 months of discharge.
3. Veterans seeking care for a service-connected disability only, or under a special treatment authority.
4. Veterans seeking registry examinations (ionizing radiation, Agent Orange, Gulf War/Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) depleted uranium, airborne hazards, and Open Burn Pit Registry). Use the chart below to help determine your eligibility.

Find out how to apply for VA health care benefits as a Veteran or service member. Need help? Appoint a Veteran Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or claims agent to assist you. In most cases, it is not necessary for Veterans to get assistance from an attorney. However, many Veterans choose to get free assistance from organizations such as American Veterans (AMVETS), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the American Legion. These organizations will typically ask you to sign a limited power of attorney, which will allow them to speak with the VA on your behalf. They can help you determine status, ask the VA to reconsider the severity of your rated ailments, and help you with other support actions. Use VA search tools to find accredited representatives to help you. For mental health services, contact a VA medical center for information on eligibility and treatment options.

The seal of the Department of Veterans Affairs authenticates the Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents Survivors and Caregivers as the official summary of benefits that have been separately promulgated under Federal regulations established under Register Act. Under the provisions of 38 Code of Federal Regulations 1.9(f), it is prohibited to use the official seal, replicas, reproductions, or embossed seals of the Department of Veterans Affairs on any republication of this material without the express, written permission of the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Any person using official seals and logos of the Department of Veterans Affairs in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of 38 Code of Federal Regulations 1.9 may be subject to the penalties specified in 18 United States Code 506, 701, or 1017 as applicable.

Community Care (Mission Act)

The MISSION Act became law in 2018, bringing the VA’s previous Veterans Choice Program to an end and establishing the Community Care Program. VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. This care is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA. Community care is also available to Veterans based on certain conditions and eligibility requirements, and in consideration of a Veteran’s specific needs and circumstances. VA offers urgent care services to eligible Veterans at in-network urgent care clinics to treat minor injuries and illnesses that are not life-threatening, such as colds, strep throat, sprained muscles, and skin and ear infections. Community care must be first authorized by VA before a Veteran can receive care from a community provider. Veterans, their representatives, and in-network community providers should report instances of a Veteran presenting to a community emergency room to VA within 72 hours of the start of emergent care. Out-of-network providers are encouraged to notify VA as soon as possible. PHONE: 844-724-7842 (844-72HRVHA) IMPORTANT: Failure to notify VA of care rendered through an in-network community facility in a timely manner prevents VA from authorizing the emergency care, and prevents claims and payments from being made through one of VA’s third-party administrators.

Region 1: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia

Region 2: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin

Region 3: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virgin Islands (U.S.)

Region 4: American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Northern Mariana, Islands, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Region 5: Alaska

VA Vet Centers

Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active-duty Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. 1-877-927-8387 is an around the clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. The staff is comprised of combat Veterans from several eras as well as families members of combat Veterans. This benefit is prepaid through the Veteran’s military service.

Plan your trip to VA

In 1946, Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) was established by law to provide comfort and well-being to America’s Veterans. With our many retail stores, cafés and coffee shops across the country, we serve those who have served our country. VCS is proud to offer Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, their families and VA employees exclusive shopping benefits online through Patriot Store Direct. Product categories range from Military Caps and apparel, Outdoors, Electronics, Automotive tires (Goodyear, Bridgestone, Firestone, and Fuzion), Tickets and Travel, Vision (Glasses and Contact Lenses), Home and Kitchen, Floral, Toys, Gifts, Watches, and more. We are honored to give back to the VA community through many programs established for the health and well-being of our nation’s heroes. Revenues generated from VCS are used to support a variety of programs, such as VA’s Rehabilitation Games, Fisher Houses, Poly-Trauma Centers for OEF/OIF/OND Veterans, disaster relief efforts, Substance Abuse Cessation, VA’s Homelessness initiatives, Women Veterans, Veteran Suicide Prevention and other activities.

Hospital Service Directory

To find out whether there is a van near you, use the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC. The vans are driven by volunteers, and the rides coordinated by more than 133 Hospital Service Coordinators around the country. Our nation’s heroes travel around the globe to protect our freedoms—it’s only right that we return their dedication. Volunteering to drive a Vet ensures that even those living remotely from VA hospitals can make their appointments and never go without the treatment they need. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable to cover every community. Learn more about the DAV transportation network through the NewsFlash Resources section.

Since the program’s inception in 1987, DAV departments and chapters have donated 4,183 vehicles and Ford Motor Co. has donated 274 vehicles at a cost of more than $104 million. Ford’s support for DAV spans nearly 100 years. The relationship began when Henry Ford provided Model Ts so DAV members could attend their annual convention. Today, Ford continues to provide funding and vehicle donations to help transport veterans to their medical appointments.

Gifts to the US Department of Veterans Affairs

VA appreciates the substantial support that generous donors provide with their gifts. VA uses these gifts for the benefit of America's veterans and may be able to accommodate requests that donations be used for particular purposes. Individuals who wish to remember VA in their will may do so by leaving their gift to the Department or a particular VA facility or program. No special language is required as long as it is clear that the bequest goes to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as opposed to a State Department of Veterans Affairs. VA deposits monetary gifts in the General Post Fund. Donations to VA for deposit in the General Post Fund are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law as contributions for a public purpose.

Use of these Materials and Finding VA Health Care

Please note that the health care information provided in these materials is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the role of a medical practitioner for advice on care and treatment. If you are looking for professional medical care, find your local VA healthcare center by using the VA Facilities Locator & Directory. This page may contain links that will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.

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