VFW Action Corps Weekly
VFW Testifies at Subcommittee Pending Legislation Hearing: VFW National Legislative Service Acting Director Nancy Springer testified on pending legislation before the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. Springer addressed all nine bills in her written statement and highlighted three during her oral testimony. She called attention to legislation that would expand benefits for survivors of veterans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; establish a system to identify, report and investigate alleged Disability Benefits Questionnaires fraud; and include information in its annual report on the factors contributing to delayed Board of Veterans’ Appeals decisions. Read the testimony or watch the hearing, which begins at the 21:40 mark.
VFW Featured on VA SITREP Podcast: VFW’s Special Assistant for Training Dale Phillips joined VA’s The SITREP podcast with host Paul Corbett to discuss key topics that affect veterans who are seeking VA benefits. The conversation, which was split into multiple podcast segments, covered topics such as presumptive conditions, intent to file, Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, secondary conditions and how medication side effects can support service connection. Phillips explained how veterans can strengthen claims through proper evidence and timely filings. The series gives practical insight into how the VA evaluates claims and highlights the need for veterans to seek out an accredited representative for assistance. Watch here.
VFW Podcast Covers Grassroots Advocacy and NATO-Supporting Troops: In the most recent episode of #StillServing: The VFW Podcast, VFW National Legislative Service Acting Director Nancy Springer and Associate Director Gabby Kubinyi joined co-hosts Rob Couture and Brittany Dymond Murray, as well as Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci, to recap a recent legislative hearing and the changing tactics behind VFW’s grassroots advocacy for the Major Richard Star Act. Also highlighted were a win in Texas against claim sharks, quality of life visits with overseas troops, and the innate responsibility of current veteran advocates to train the next generation. Listen to episode 58, "Still Shingling,” on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on the VFW’s YouTube channel.
February is American Heart Month: VA’s Office of Women’s Health will be hosting a virtual Heart Smart Veteran Townhall on Feb. 18, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST that is open to all veterans. Register here and follow the simple steps to prevent and protect your health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Connect with the Million Veteran Program to help VA’s research efforts and improve health care for all veterans and those in our communities. Learn more.
VA Increases Expenditure Cap for Complex Health Conditions: VA has increased the cap for in-home and community services for veterans with complex medical conditions such as spinal cord injuries, ALS and other complex conditions. VA will pay 100% of the cost, as compared to similar care in the VA Community Living Center, which is an increase from 65%. Veterans interested should contact their VA Social Worker or Primary Care team to be referred to the skilled home health care program for these services. Learn more.
MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced no identifications or burial updates this week.