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After 30 Years in the Military, an Army Colonel Asks: Who Am I Without the Uniform?
The morning after my retirement ceremony, I opened the closet and stared. For 30 years, the Army had made getting dressed simple. Although the look of the uniforms changed over my career, the functions remained the same: PT, duty, and dress. Now, I faced choices every...
VA Makes it Easier for Women Veterans to Access Gynecology Care
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced that women Veterans can now schedule appointments directly with VA gynecology providers without a referral from a primary care provider. The new, streamlined process takes effect immediately and eliminates the...
Philips PAP masks with Magnetic Closures Recalled
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a recall of Philips Respironics Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP/Bi-PAP) masks with magnetic closures. The magnets in the recalled masks may affect certain metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the...
Depression and Suicide Risk High Among LGBTQ+ Youth with Military Parents
A new study has found that LGBTQ+ youth with parents in the military deal with significantly higher rates of mental health challenges and suicide risk than those with non-military parents. The Trevor Project, a nonprofit that has led suicide prevention efforts in the...
Virtual Tools to Help Veterans Support and Manage Mental Health Care
Because your mental health plays a fundamental role in your overall well-being, it’s important to have access to mental health care when and where you need it. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers Veterans secure virtual tools for mental health care outside...
VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Expands to Veterans of All Eras
The Department of Veteran Affair’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is expanding to include eligible Veterans and family caregivers of all eras. Previously, PCAFC was only available to eligible Veterans who served on or after September...
VA Extends Temporary Hardship Suspension for Benefit Debts
The Department of Veterans Affairs is extending its financial hardship suspension on benefit debts through December 31, 2022. This relief option, established to help Veterans through the COVID-19 pandemic, was set to expire September 30, 2022. Beginning in September,...
Record Pay Increase Likely Coming for Disabled Veterans and Military Retirees in 2023
Military retirees and Veterans receiving disability pay from the Department of Veterans Affairs are likely to see record monthly check increases for the second year running thanks to the pace of inflation, according to new estimates. The annual VA disability pay...
