http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArchInternet.cfm News Releases from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. en-us Copyright 2002 VHA http://www.va.gov/rss Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArtInternet.cfm?id=2446 Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and The American Legion announced a new partnership to help reduce the compensation claims backlog for Veterans. The effort-the Fully Developed Claims (FDC) Community of Practice-is a key part of VA's overall transformation plan to end the backlog in 2015 and process claims within 125 days at 98% accuracy. VA can process FDCs in half the time it takes for a traditionally filed claim. http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArtInternet.cfm?id=2446 Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArtInternet.cfm?id=2447 Today, the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense (DoD) and Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the progress made to date on initiatives called for in President Obama's August 31, 2012, Executive Order to Improve Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans, Service Members, and their families. http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArtInternet.cfm?id=2447 Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArtInternet.cfm?id=2445 The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced two new grants to support Secretary Eric K. Shinseki's goal of ending Veterans' homelessness in 2015. Under these new programs, homeless providers can apply for funding to enhance the facilities used to serve homeless Veterans, and acquire vans to facilitate transportation of this population. http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArtInternet.cfm?id=2445 Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArtInternet.cfm?id=2444 As part of its ongoing effort to accelerate the elimination of the disability compensation claims backlog, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing today that it is mandating overtime for claims processors in its 56 regional benefits offices. This surge, which will be implemented through the end of fiscal year 2013, will be targeted to eliminating the backlogged status of claims. The additional overtime hours that will be worked during this period will be used to help eliminate the backlog with continued emphasis on high-priority claims for homeless Veterans and those claiming financial hardship, the terminally ill, former Prisoners of War, Medal of Honor recipients, and Veterans filing Fully Developed Claims. http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArtInternet.cfm?id=2444 Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArtInternet.cfm?id=2442 Today, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced that the Department's Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Task Force will publish a comprehensive draft report in the Federal Register for public feedback and comment. The report describes how the Department of Veterans Affairs has been, and will continue to address the concerns of Veterans who deployed during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991. http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArtInternet.cfm?id=2442 Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArtInternet.cfm?id=2443 The Department of Veterans Affairs is once again hosting a nationwide 2K 'Walk and Roll' event at more than 170 VA sites across the nation on May 15 to coincide with National Employee Health and Fitness Day. The event will also encourage employee and local community support of homeless Veterans. http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArtInternet.cfm?id=2443 Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArtInternet.cfm?id=2439 'After four years of serving Veterans with distinction, Deputy Secretary W. Scott Gould - my fellow Veteran, colleague and friend - has submitted his resignation, effective May 17. His unwavering leadership and dedication to Veterans and their families has strengthened our ability to carry out VA's mission - providing Veterans the healthcare and benefits they have earned http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/PressArtInternet.cfm?id=2439 Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST