VA denies MST claims more than combat injuries

VA denies military sexual trauma claims more often than combat injuries

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs signage

According to a new Congressionally mandated report, veterans who file disability claims related to military sexual trauma (MST) are more likely to be denied by the VA than those whose claims are for combat injuries. The report found the biggest challenge veterans face when filing a VA MST claim is the “incompatibility” of those claims with current VA processes and protocols, which were originally developed for assessing bodily injuries or behavioral diagnoses from combat. Additionally, the report noted the military’s culture can dissuade survivors from ever reporting MST.

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How the VA's telehealth kidney program saves the lives of rural veterans

A doctor having a telehealth appointment with a patient

Kidney disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, and it is getting worse. For veterans living in rural areas, a national shortage of nephrologists — along with the reality that the nearest kidney specialist may be hours away — worsens the problem. A new VA study shows that the VA’s telenephrology program provides accessible health care, and saves lives in the process. Veterans whose kidney care was managed by a nephrologist through the program had a 15% lower mortality rate than veterans whose kidney care was managed by a primary care provider alone.

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Five things to know in veterans news: Home loan help, NASCAR headliner, and honoring a Revolutionary War outpost

Stars and Stripes shares five veterans' news stories from the past week, including:

The VA's partial claim foreclosure prevention program will open for submissions next week
Ohio's only Revolutionary War fort will be commemorated during a special ceremony
NASCAR driver and Navy reservist, Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Iwuji, will speak at a Flag Day event in Washington, D.C.

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Military separation pay and VA disability

When you leave the military early, the benefits available to you depend on how and why you separated. VA disability compensation, military separation pay, and disability severance pay all serve different purposes. This article explains who is eligible for each type of benefit, how they interact, and what to know about VA recoupment of disability severance pay.

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Talcum powder lawsuit

If you used talcum powder products and later developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, you could be owed a settlement. Learn more about the talcum powder lawsuit.