Made-up Quotes To start, the e-mail’s anonymous author offers no evidence to substantiate the disparaging remarks about veterans that he or she attributes to President Obama. White House spokesman Tommy Vietor told us that "these quotes are fabricated." Our own research backs that up. We searched news databases and turned up no news organization that has ever quoted Obama this way. We conclude that these quotes are simply made-up, and perhaps intended as satire. Update, Sept. 25: Long after we posted this article... read full review »

The message, according to some of the people in the room, was that if the groups do not like this idea, they need to come back with another way of saving or raising revenue for the VA. "I got the distinct impression that the only hope of this plan not being enacted is for an alternative plan to be developed that would generate the desired $540 million in revenue, " Cmdr. David Rehbein of the American Legion said in a written statement. But the chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs vowed Tuesday that the... read full review »

Veterans groups are angry after President Obama told them Monday that he is still considering a proposal to have treatment for service-connected injuries charged to veterans' private insurance plans. Leaders of the country's most prominent veterans groups met Monday at the White House with Obama, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and Steven Kosiak, the director in charge of defense spending for the Office of Management and Budget. Some of the veterans groups were caught off... read full review »

Veteran Benefits, Services, and Other Assistance There are a variety of federal and state benefits, resources, and supportive services available for veterans as well as current and transitioning military members. Spouses and dependents may also be eligible for certain federal and state benefits. Learn About Unemployment Benefits for Individuals Resources for Veteran Benefits Benefits for Georgia Veterans View a list of various exemptions and fee reductions for Georgia Veterans. Federal Benefits for Veterans and... read full review »

Programs for Service-Connected Disabilities Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program assists veterans who have service-connected disabilities obtain and maintain suitable employment. Independent living services are also available for severely disabled veterans who are not currently ready to seek employment. Additional information is available on VA’s Web site at www.vetsuccess.gov. Eligibility: A veteran must have a VA service-connected disability rated at least 20 percent with an employment handicap, or rated 10... read full review »

Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange and Other Herbicides: A veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, is presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides used in support of military operations. Twelve illnesses are presumed by VA to be service-connected for such veterans: chloracne or other acneform disease similar to chloracne, porphyria cutanea tarda, soft-tissue sarcoma (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma or mesothelioma), Hodgkin’s disease... read full review »

Presumptive Conditions for Disability Compensation: All veterans who develop Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, at any time after separation from service may be eligible for compensation for that disability. Certain veterans are eligible for disability compensation based on the presumption that their disability is service-connected. 2010 VA Disability Compensation Rates for Veterans Veteran’s Disability Rating Monthly Rate Paid to Veterans 10 percent $123 20... read full review »

Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors Chapter 2 Service-Connected Disabilities Disability Compensation: Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. These disabilities are considered to be service-connected. Disability compensation varies with the degree of disability and the number of a veteran’s dependents, and is paid monthly. Veterans with certain severe disabilities may be eligible for... read full review »

Dear American, America’s story is the story of volunteers — everyday citizens who step forward to change lives and strengthen our nation. As I contemplated what may have shaped my commitment to serving the needs of Veterans and Americans, I asked myself, "What was it anyway?" What particular event made me feel so much passion for helping others, particularly in the military community? What circumstance created my enthusiasm to learn about social policies, the legal system, and community development? What... read full review »