VFW Action Corps Weekly
VFW Calls on Advocates to Stay Engaged: Veterans and supporters have spent months making clear to Congress that expanding benefits should not come at the expense of future veterans’ earned disability compensation. Emails, phone calls, meetings with lawmakers and advocacy on Capitol Hill have helped keep opposition to Section 108 of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act at the forefront of legislative priorities. The House may have pulled its planned vote, but the legislation remains active, and the fight is not over. The VFW is asking advocates to continue contacting their representatives and senators to tell them to reject Section 108 and find another way to fund veterans’ priorities. Take action.
Virginia VFW Leader Takes TCAVA Fight to Local Level: VFW Department of Virginia Past State Commander Eric L. Mallett took the fight against Section 108 of H.R. 9237, Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA), directly to Hampton Roads through an op-ed letter published in The Virginian-Pilot. Mallett, who is a 22-year Navy veteran, pushed back on claims that current veterans are protected by the proposal, pointing out that the service members who could receive reduced compensation under future rating criteria are serving today at Naval Station Norfolk, Naval Air Station Oceana, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and other commands across the region. He called on fellow Navy veteran Rep. Jennifer Kiggans, R-Va., to support removing Section 108. The letter is another example of VFW members keeping pressure on lawmakers at home while Congress considers the future of the legislation. Read the letter.
Senate Committee Holds Hearing to Consider Appeals Nominees: The Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs held a hearing to consider the nomination of the Honorable Maria Lopez as chair of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and Robert Fleck, David Jones, Daniel Rendleman and James Quinn as judges of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The nominees presented testimony on their qualifications and interests in these roles, which are vital to VA rendering lawful and fair decisions regarding veterans’ and survivors’ benefits. Committee Chairman Jerry Moran, R-Kan., noted the increased number of VA claims being submitted in recent years and how this resource provides accountability and due process. He stated that the nominees each have extensive records of public service, including in the military, justice system, executive branch and the United States Senate, and he was interested in hearing how, if confirmed, they plan to continue their service in these roles and what they plan to achieve on behalf of veterans and their families. Watch the hearing, which begins at the 15:09 mark.
VA Holding Gulf War Illness Veteran Engagement Session: The VA Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses Subcommittee on Veteran Engagement will hold a Veteran Engagement Session on Oct. 23, 2026. Open to the public, the session will provide Gulf War veterans an opportunity to share their experiences with Gulf War Illness, including health and quality of life concerns. The discussion will also address the importance of veteran participation in research and how VA research can inform veteran healthcare and policy. Information gathered will be provided to the full committee to help guide recommendations regarding Gulf War-related research. The session will take place at the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown, located at 2401 M Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20037, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT. Gulf War veterans are welcome to stay for informal conversations until 8:00 p.m. Read the notice.