Rule change for homeless vets receiving rent vouchers

Housing agency scraps rule that kept disabled homeless vets from receiving rent vouchers

A homeless veteran in a wheelchair holding up a cardboard sign on the sidewalk.

Homeless veterans with service-connected conditions will no longer have their disability benefits counted against them in the struggle to find affordable housing. Before the rule change, veterans receiving disability benefits, which can range up to more than $40,000 annually, could be denied housing vouchers for exceeding the income threshold accepted by many low-income supportive housing developments. Not even the IRS rates VA benefits as income, but the Department of Housing and Urban Development, had been counting the benefits against income thresholds for housing vouchers since the policy was first put in place in 2008.

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K2 veterans with unexplained medical conditions to qualify for VA disability assistance

U.S. Army Captain David Ell and Lieutenant Colonel Kershaw of the B Company 508, Airborne Combat Team, Camp Darby, Italy go over the coordinates of different teams
dropped during VENETO RESCUTE at Aviano Air Base, Italy on June 6, 2000.

The VA announced veterans who have suffered debilitating illnesses after exposure to jet fuel, solvents, and other environmental hazards while serving at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base in Uzbekistan after Sept. 11, 2001, will have expanded access to VA benefits. While the PACT Act recognized burn pit exposure at the K2 base, other claims related to exposures to contaminants previously were not upheld.

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FDA rejects psychedelic MDMA as treatment for PTSD

Man sitting down holding his face in his hands.

Federal health regulators declined to approve the psychedelic drug MDMA as a therapy for PTSD. MDMA is the first in a series of psychedelics that are expected to be reviewed by the FDA in coming years as part of a resurgence of interest into their therapeutic potential, including for veterans with mental health conditions. Antidepressants are now the only FDA-approved drugs for PTSD, which is closely linked to depression, anxiety and suicidal thinking.

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Understanding MUCMI VA ratings and VA disability for Gulf War syndrome

Marine Corps soldiers fighting in the Gulf War.

Gulf War Syndrome is a name given to various chronic, unexplained symptoms experienced by Gulf War veterans. Many of these veterans have health issues, and, frequently, their symptoms can’t be assigned to a certain diagnosis. What is often referred to as “Gulf War Syndrome” is really a collection of different Medically Unexplained Chronic Multisymptom Illnesses, also known as a “MUCMI.” MUCMI symptoms can include chronic fatigue, rashes, GI issues, sleep disturbances, unexplained pain, and more.

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The Abbott Heartmate™ and Abiomed Impella® heart pump lawsuit

If you or someone you know had an Impella® pump used for cardiac intervention for a serious cardiac condition or a HeartMate™ II or 3, and the device failed, causing serious injury or death, contact us today. You could be eligible for the Abiomed Impella® heart pump lawsuit or the Abbott HeartMate™ lawsuit.

Our Honor Flight journey

Have you taken your Honor Flight or signed up to take your flight? Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit comprised of independent hubs working together to achieve the Honor Flight mission. Honor Flight has been on the forefront of our minds, as we are proudly sponsoring our local hub's 17th Honor Flight in October. Stay tuned for updates as we go on this journey together. You can find your local hub here if you are interested in taking your Honor Flight. Honor Flights wouldn't be possible without donors aiding the cause, as Honor Flight Network receives no government funding. You can donate to the Honor Flight Network online or by mail.