Jane and Ron are both veterans in their 70’s who live at home, and unfortunately, both are experiencing serious health issues. In addition to their health problems, Jane and Ron are struggling financially and contemplating bankruptcy. To complicate things even further, both of their children live more than six hours away. Jane and Ron are […]
Virginia Department of Veterans Services Releases New Online Resource to Support Veterans and Military Families
Dear Angel, I am a veteran who resides in Northern Virginia. I know there are lots of resources available in our state, but I’m not sure how to find them all. Is there one place that I can look online to find all of the information that I need, including medical services, benefits, peer support, […]
Does the VA Prioritize Mental Health Care?
Supporting and appreciating our nation’s Veterans is vital. This month, in addition to being Military Appreciation Month, is also Mental Health Awareness Month, and today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day (their biggest supporters of all)! These observances make this an ideal time to recognize our Veterans and look at what is being done to address […]
Is There a Check-in Service Specifically for Veterans?
Dear Kiwi and Mango, Recently, Mr. Farr wrote an article about a check-in service for seniors to combat loneliness and keep those who are aging in place safe. I was wondering if there are any similar programs specifically for Veterans. Thanks for your help! Buddy Chequer — Dear Buddy, You are correct. Mr. Farr recently […]
Our Top 23 Articles of 2023
Happy New Year! As our loyal readers know, we’ve covered a lot of ground in 2023. From incredible technological advances involving artificial intelligence to new diagnostic methods and treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, technology continues to have a major impact on our lives. In addition, inflation continues to play a major role in the confidence […]
Top Benefits Veterans Might Not Be Aware of in 2023
Q. Veterans Day is tomorrow. Our military Veterans have served our country, fought for freedom, and they deserve our utmost respect. My father is a Vietnam Veteran, and he and my mother (and me) are unaware of what benefits might be available to them. Can you help steer us in the right direction? A. Thank […]
Protecting Veterans from Being Scammed
Dear Angel, I heard that Veterans are being targeted with certain scams. My mother is a Veteran, and I want to protect her from them. Can you provide more information on the most prevalent scams targeting Veterans, so I can make her aware and protect her as best as I can? Thanks for your help! […]
Important Deadline Approaching for Veterans to Apply for PACT Act Benefits
Gilbert Smith served in the Air Force for 20 years as an aircraft mechanic. He recently inquired about PACT benefits for those who may have been exposed to toxic substances during service. According to Smith, “I was exposed to hazardous chemicals on the aircraft,” he said. “I was an aircraft mechanic, and in 2009, I […]
Special Client Alert: Recent Ruling Affects Veteran Clients and Their Families
Today we are issuing this Special Client Alert based on a recent Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) Decision (the “Decision”) about irrevocable trusts and qualifying for Veterans Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefits. If you are a Level 3 client of our firm and a wartime veteran, please read and pay careful attention to this entire […]
How Will You Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War on March 29, 2023?
This week, we commemorate two significant days, National Medal of Honor Day on March 25, and National Vietnam War Veterans Day (NVWVD) on March 29. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that today there are more than 7 million US Vietnam veterans living in America and abroad, along with 10 million families of those who […]
What Are Some Tax Breaks for Veterans?
Q. Due to inflation, rising costs of home ownership, and increased property taxes, everything is so expensive these days. As veterans, my husband and I can use any tax breaks we can get. I know that you are accredited to work with veterans at your firm. Do you know what tax breaks my husband and […]
Property Tax Exemptions for Veteran Homeowners
Dear Raider, Home values went up so much last year that our property taxes have increased dramatically. My husband is a disabled veteran. Are there any programs where disabled veterans can get a property tax break or even have them waived? Thanks so much for your help! Payton Tacksess — Dear Payton, Thank you to […]
Benefit Programs for Caregivers of Veterans
Q. Several members of my family are military veterans, including my father (who is severely disabled) and myself. I remember reading about caregiver benefits for veterans and their families over the past few years. When I looked into this in the past, I concluded that my father wasn’t eligible due to the dates he served, […]
VA Launches New Health Care Website and Other Resources
Dear Oakley, My father is a Veteran, and I am his caregiver. I help make appointments for his health care and could certainly use information about what’s out there to help him. The VA website is so cumbersome with so much information. How can I find everything I need when there is so much out […]
Scam Alert: There Has Been an Uptick in Pension Poaching Scams
William Webster, 98, is a World War II Navy veteran and former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He and his wife, Lynda, were targeted in a scam recently, according to an FBI.gov report. When the couple refused to pay the $50,000 requested by an unknown caller, the scammers threatened violence. He called his […]
How Do Medical Foster Homes Work for a Veteran’s Care?
Q. My father is a U.S. Army veteran in need of more care than we can provide for him in our home. He’s not sure he is ready to go to a nursing home yet. Does the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) offer any programs for people in his situation and, if so, are […]
What is Homemaker Home Health Aide Care for Veterans?
Dear Hayek, My mother is a U.S. Navy veteran and we can use some caregiving assistance in her home. Can you tell me a little more about the VA’s Homemaker Home Health Aide Care program? Thanks for your help! Karen Forravett — Dear Karen, A Homemaker or Home Health Aide is a trained-person who can […]
Are Military Retirees and Disabled Veterans Getting a Raise Next Year?
Dear Oakley, I heard a rumor that military retirees and disabled veterans are getting a hefty raise next year. Is this true? Thanks for your help. Mo Money — Dear Mo, According to the Defense Department, there are around 1.87 million military retirees, with an annual average retirement payment of $30,265. The VA says nearly […]
Veterans with PTSD Could Qualify for Service Dogs at No Cost through the PAWS Act
Q. My husband, Kyle, is a veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He often experiences upsetting memories, feels on edge, and has a lot of trouble sleeping. At times, it’s even difficult for him to do normal daily activities, such as going to work or spending time with people he cares about, including me and […]
Which Veteran’s Benefits are Expanding and Increasing in 2021?
Chris, a 75-year-old Vietnam veteran, is planning on moving to Northern Virginia to reside with his son and his family. He is eager to remain at his son’s home for as long as possible, but is concerned he won’t be able to manage without help. Chris, and his son who is a more recent 9-11 […]