VA's disability calculator errors cost vets thousands

VA disability calculator produced wrong results, costing some vets thousands of dollars

A federal watchdog found a benefits calculator the VA used for figuring monthly compensation amounts for disabled veterans had errors that incorrectly lowered payments for certain complex illnesses and injuries. The VA discontinued the calculator that was producing the errors in October 2024, but continued to use an older “legacy” calculator that was functioning correctly, the inspector general’s office said. Mistakes in underpayments ranged from $132 all the way up to $4,170. Some overpayments were also reported.

Learn More

Thousands of veterans rally at National Mall to protest federal layoffs, cuts to services

United States Capitol building located in Washington, D.C.

The ‘Unite for Veterans’ rally was a daylong event billed as a grassroots movement to activate veterans across the country to come together and oppose current political initiatives including plans to lay off thousands of workers at the VA this summer. The rally included speeches by veterans and labor leaders, followed by a concert by Boston-based band the Dropkick Murphys.

Learn More

Age ain't nothing but a number for oldest National Veterans Golden Age Games athlete

The Niagara Falls Reserve Station hosts the cycling event for the 27th National Golden Age Games, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Niagara Falls, N.Y., June 4, 2013.

Thomas Gillis was born the year before President Hoover signed an executive order creating the then-known Veterans Administration. Gillis made history as the oldest registered Veteran athlete participating in the 39th National Veterans Golden Age Games, proving the adage, “Age isn’t nothing but a number.” The National Veterans Golden Age Games is the only multi-sport, multi-ability competition designed for Veterans 55 years of age or older who are enrolled in VA health care.

Learn More

Understanding VA disability for autoimmune diseases

Man sitting on a large rock with his hands under his chin.

An autoimmune disease is a type of disorder that causes your body to attack itself, rather than defend it. Autoimmune diseases affect 1 in every 15 people. Veterans may be more at risk of developing an autoimmune condition due to exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, or having a PTSD diagnosis. If you’re a veteran with a new or aggravated autoimmune disease connected to your military service, you may be eligible for a VA disability rating for autoimmune disease.

Learn More

Oxbryta® lawsuit

If you or a loved one took Oxbryta® to treat sickle cell disease and later experienced vaso-occlusive crisis that resulted in severe complications such as acute chest syndrome, multi-organ failure, an acute cardiac or pulmonary event, stroke, or death, you may be able to join the Oxbryta lawsuit.