Last Monday, House Veterans’ Affairs Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee Chairwoman Elaine Luria hosted a virtual event on compensation and pension (C&P) exam delays. VA halted C&P exams in April 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and although exams have become available again, veterans report significant delays with the entire disability claims process. “These delays are adding to the ever-growing backlog of disability claims, unnecessarily prolonging veterans from receiving their benefits,” said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Kristina Keenan.
Major Richard Star Act
This week, Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced the VFW-supported Major Richard Star Act. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) along with 58 bipartisan original cosponsors have introduced the House companion bill. The bill would eliminate the unjust offset for Chapter 61 military retirees who suffered injuries in combat. The bill is named in honor of Maj. Richard Star who lost his battle with cancer on Feb. 13, 2021. Maj. Star was a father, husband, and decorated war veteran who was medically retired as a result of his combat-related injuries.
VA Secretary Participates in Caregiver Event
Last Wednesday, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation held a virtual fireside chat with Secretary of VA Denis McDonough where he introduced the new Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Families, Caregivers, and Survivors, Meg Kabat. The conversation highlighted the VA’s priorities and vision to provide support, services, and resources to veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
VFW Virtual March Legislative Conference
Beginning March 1, the VFW will hold the annual March Legislative Conference. The National Legislative Committee members will lead their department delegations along with the VFW-SVA Fellows to present the VFW’s legislative priorities to members of Congress and their staffers. Although the format will be virtual this year, the VFW will still make sure that veterans’ voices are heard by our legislators on Capitol Hill. The conference will kicked off with a briefing at 1 p.m., Monday, March 1.
Important Dates in March
The entire Month of March is Women’s History Month.
March 3: Navy Reserve’s 106th birthday
March 5: Seabee’s 79th birthday
March 13: K-9 Veterans Day
March 15: American Legion’s 102nd birthday
March 29: National Vietnam Veterans Day
POW/MIA Update
Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. J.L. Hancock, 21, was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
