As the government shutdown moves into day 15,  we discuss resources available to Service members to alleviate the financial hardship.  

VA Urgent Care Benefit allows eligible veterans to receive treatment for non-life-threatening conditions at community-based urgent care clinics without prior VA authorization.

Some of the greatest players who served our country 

If you already have a service-connected disability, did you know that other conditions caused or worsened by that disability may also qualify? 

This week we have : Westfield State University, Veterans Services Director Mr. Rob Vignault and Springfield College, Veteran and Military Service Coordinator, Jacki Wolf, we discuss Educational Benefits with the subject matter experts. 

VA ancillary benefits a topic that often gets overlooked—those additional programs that go beyond monthly compensation

 Positive stories from the VA, how it works, and how it affects you

Interviewing SSG(Ret) Brian Willette,  his career in the army, his multiple deployments, his Purple Heart and his work in the Veteran community. 

Today we’re talking about a topic that affects thousands of veterans and families each year: divorce. More specifically, what VA benefits stick with you—and which ones don’t—after a separation. Whether you’re a veteran, a spouse, or both, understanding your rights is vital.

VA’s health priority group system, how it works, and how it affects you, and what upcoming changes may be coming in 2025

The debate over privatization of veterans health care versus traditional VA care is one of the most heated and impactful issues in veterans policy today

▪️VA’s Legal Services for Veterans Grant   
      Program 
▪️Beware of Claim Shark 

Women Veterans Recognition Day, observed annually on June 12th, honors the contributions of women who have served in the United States military.

The VA was created to fulfill one core mission: To care for those who have borne the battle,”

Is the VA still keeping its promise?

Veterans Stand Down

We want to continue last Episode’s conversation about justice involved veterans with some more information provided by the VA on Incarcerated veterans.  What is available to them but also their families.  

We want to continue last Episode’s conversation about justice involved veterans with some more information provided by the VA on Incarcerated veterans.  What is available to them but also their families.  

The Western Massachusetts Veterans Treatment Court (WMVTC) is a specialized program within the Massachusetts court system, designed to support veterans who are involved with the criminal justice system and who struggle with substance abuse, mental health challenges, or trauma related to their military service.

This week we discuss SSVF Program. 

VA News and Veteran Suicide Prevention

Presumptive conditions, specifically cancers, associated with herbicide exposures 

▪️VA 2025 Proposed changes
▪️what the 5/10/20 rule is when it comes to VA disability ratings. 

March 29th is National Vietnam War Veterans Day—a time to recognize the sacrifices, courage, and resilience of those who fought in Vietnam, as well as the families who stood by them.

Today we highlight a few remarkable stories of heroism from the Vietnam War highlighting the bravery and sacrifices of those who served

Current local and National legislation introduced to support Veterans

We Discuss the recent firings at the VA and what this could mean for our veterans. 

A vital aspect of  VA Disability  is the presumption of soundness

This week on #𝗩𝗦𝗢𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 #𝘃𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗿  
we talk whst benefits are available for Veterans with 0% Service-Connected Disability 

Brandon Franco a Marine Drill Instructor Turned Veteran’s Services Team Leader for Rosecrance Behavioral Health in Winnebago County Illinois.

▪️VA extends time to switch to new online login system

▪️ New VA Secretary sworn in
▪️ Heroes' Voices Project 

*Government Hiring Freeze 

*Benefits for National Guard & Reservists 

The Office of the Veteran Advocate is an independent state agency tasked with ensuring veterans under the care of the Commonwealth receive dignified treatment and access to all available benefits and services.
 The OVA works collaboratively with its partners, providing policy recommendations and investigative oversight.

▪️VA Payments & Taxes
▪️Scams & Fraud 
▪️Eligible for one more year of G.I. Bill benefits
▪️New cancers presumptive for  service connection 
▪️2025 Veterans Benefits Guide is now available

Dole Act Becomes Law: What It Means to Veterans and Caregivers

VA News Articles:

▪️Have your say: Proposed changes to VA Caregiver Support Program
▪️More service members eligible for benefits after VA amends character of discharge barriers
▪️VA raises the bar on care for Women Veterans

If you wish to file a complaint against the Veterans Administration (VA), there are several options depending on the nature of your issue

This week on VSO Talk Radio, we talk to 
Ashti Dawson, Superintendent of the 
Veterans Assistance Commission of Sangamon County and her staff. 

VA pension benefits are available to some wartime Veterans and their survivors — find out if you’re eligible to apply