VFW Action Corps Weekly
VFW Testifies on Pending Legislation: VFW National Legislative Director Kristina Keenan testified at a hearing on pending legislation before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. H.R.6047, Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2025, would provide an added supplement to Special Monthly Compensation for catastrophically injured veterans and would raise Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors. However, it would be financed by removing the VA home loan funding fee exemption for disabled veterans rated 70 percent or below on their second and subsequent uses of the loan. "The VFW wants to see increases in monthly support to the most severely disabled veterans, and we want to see survivor benefits strengthened. We agree that these are long overdue, but asking disabled veterans to finance them is something the VFW cannot accept," said Keenan. Read the testimony or watch the hearing, which begins at the 23:57 mark.
VFW Statement for Senate Medication Management Hearing: The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs conducted a hearing on medication management within VA health care. VFW National Legislative Associate Director Meggan Coleman submitted a statement for the record focused on medication prescribing patterns, consequences of overprescribing, and related experiences from VFW members. According to Coleman, “These experiences highlight a larger issue within the VA system, which is the potential for overprescribing and the urgent need for alternative and more personalized options for those who have served.” Read the testimony or watch the hearing, which begins at the 15:43 mark.
Action Alert on Veteran Medication Safety: Many veterans are still being prescribed powerful psychiatric drug combinations without clear written information about risks, side effects, or safer alternatives. The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing to examine VA medication management for which the VFW submitted testimony for the record to convey to Congress how serious this problem has become. Two House bills have been introduced that would provide real protection. H.R.4837, Written Informed Consent Act, would require written informed consent before VA prescribes certain psychiatric medications; and H.R.2623, Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025, would expand access to innovative PTSD treatments to reduce reliance on heavy medication. Your voice matters, so take action now and tell Congress to support these solutions.
VFW Recovers $16.2 Billion for Veterans: VFW National Veterans Service (NVS) continues to stand as one of the strongest advocates for America’s veterans, delivering direct, life-changing support at no cost. With a network of more than 2,300 highly trained VA-accredited representatives serving in communities across the country and around the world, NVS ensures veterans and their families receive the care, benefits and recognition they have earned. These dedicated representatives have assisted more than 608,000 veterans with their claims and appeals, guiding them through a complex and often overwhelming process. To date, their unmatched expertise and commitment has resulted in over $16.2 billion recovered in earned benefits, all free of charge to every veteran they assisted. NVS remains proudly mission focused: veterans first, always. Learn more.
TRICARE Enrollment Window Closing: TRICARE Open Season ends on Dec. 9. Eligible beneficiaries may enroll in or change health plans for 2026. Active duty members and those with TRICARE For Life are not affected. Beneficiaries can make changes online through milConnect, by phone, or by mail, and should verify their Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System information. Changes made during this period will take effect on Jan. 1. Read more.
VFW Podcast Covers the Latest in DC: In the latest episode of #StillServing: The VFW Podcast, special guest VFW Junior Vice Commander Glenn Umberger joins Washington Office regulars to discuss the latest news and events in our nation’s capital. The panel recaps National Legislative Service Director Kristina Keenan’s recent congressional testimony, new articles that deep dive into Claim Sharks’ waters, and VFW’s stance on VA medication management. Catch episode 55, “Mimecast and CallBots and Over-Prescriptions,” on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on the VFW’s YouTube channel.