VFW Action Corps Weekly
There is Still Time to Take Action to Oppose Veterans’ Benefit Cuts: Congress is considering the Take Care of America's Veterans Act that would fund new veterans' benefits by cutting disability ratings for tinnitus and sleep apnea. By VA's own numbers this would affect up to 1.5 million veterans and remove $57 billion from veterans' disability compensation over ten years. The VFW strongly opposes the legislation as currently drafted. Condemning the bill’s funding mechanism, VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore stated, "Veterans' benefits are an earned obligation of the nation, a promise made through the military service contract that should not be financed through offsets, fee increases or reductions that place additional burdens on veterans, military families and survivors. A grateful nation pays its debts to veterans; it does not send them the invoice." The VFW urges all advocates to contact their members of Congress and demand they Honor the Contract. Take action now.
Strengthening Support for MST Survivors: A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine highlights persistent barriers veterans face when seeking disability compensation for military sexual trauma (MST), including inconsistent processes, burdensome evidentiary requirements and a claims procedure that can be re-traumatizing. The VFW strongly supports H.R. 2576 and S. 1245, Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025, which would address these issues by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, requiring VA to consider non-Department of Defense evidence for MST claims, expanding this standard to all MST-related mental health conditions and ensuring National Guard and Reserve members have access to MST-related care and counseling. This legislation reflects critical reforms needed to ensure survivors receive the care and benefits they have earned and the VFW urges Congress to pass it without delay. Read the report.
Global War on Terrorism Memorial Design Released: The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation has unveiled its initial design concept for a permanent memorial on the National Mall to honor those veterans who served and sacrificed since Sept. 11, 2001. The VFW played a leading role in advancing legislation to secure its placement alongside memorials for the wars in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The foundation stated it received design input from more than 20,000 Americans across the country, including veterans from every military branch and conflict since 9/11. However, some lawmakers have expressed dissatisfaction and are telling the foundation to start over. Read more or provide feedback about the design.
VA Launches Partial Claim Program: Veterans facing financial hardship now have another option to help them avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes. VA recently launched the VA Partial Claim Program, authorized by the VA Home Loan Reform Act signed into law on July 30, 2025. "This is great news for veterans and their families," said Deputy Director of the VFW National Veterans Service Chris Macinkowicz. "Financial setbacks can happen to anyone and this program offers veterans another chance to get back on track and remain in their homes. We're encouraged to see VA taking meaningful steps to ensure veterans have the support they need during difficult times." Veterans having trouble making mortgage payments should contact VA at 877-827-3702, option 6, for assistance. Learn more.
MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced no identifications or burial updates this week.