These are the Top 10 most popular Veteran resources from 2022, as compiled by the VA.
Tucker Disability Law makes no endorsements of the privately offered resources, but we are sharing them to generate awareness of all that’s available to the Veteran community.
1. Veterans, Gold Star Families get free lifetime pass to national parks, wildlife refuges, and other public lands
1. Veterans, Gold Star Families get free lifetime pass to national parks, wildlife refuges, and other public lands
On Veterans Day 2022, the U.S. National Park Service unveiled a lifetime pass providing free entrance to national parks for Veterans and their families. The pass gives them free access to about 2,000 public locations spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands.
2. Veteran discounts available year-round
A comprehensive list of Veteran and military discounts that are good all year and are updated based on additional awareness.
3. Record pay increase for Veterans receiving VA compensation benefits
VA announced compensation payment rate increases based on the latest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Beginning on Jan. 1, 2023, Veterans and beneficiaries who receive VA compensation benefits began seeing an 8.7% increase in their monthly compensation benefits—the largest increase in over 30 years. You can also link to our Tucker Disability Law blog post about this benefits increase.
4. VALife insurance program coming in January 2023 for Veterans with service connection
In January 2023, VA launched a new life insurance program called Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife). The program provides guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance coverage to Veterans 80 and under, with any level of service-connected disability.
5. Benefits and resources available to Veterans of OIF, Southwest Asia theater of operations
VA announced that Veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Southwest Asia, and other locations may be entitled to compensation for medical conditions presumed to be related to exposure to fine particulate matter. For more information on new presumptive conditions, visit our updated blog article about burn pit exposure and the newly-added presumptive conditions.
6. Health application aims to transform Veteran heart health
VHA Innovation Ecosystem, in collaboration with Evidation, is encouraging Veterans to enroll in Heart Health. This free application-based program helps educate Veterans about their heart health and chronic conditions using their smartphones and wearable devices. Veterans can track relevant health data, including activity, mood, symptom and weight data.
7. Free training programs offer Veterans and military spouses a path to tech careers
Veterans and their spouses are eligible for free training programs offered by NPower, which is now taking applications for spring 2023 classes. NPower’s program has served more than 1,600 Veterans and spouses with free tech training, professional development, social and mental health support, assistance navigating VA benefits, paid learning opportunities, and job placement.
8. Disability compensation and benefits available to Vietnam War Veterans
Vietnam Veterans or eligible survivors of a Veteran with a presumptive disease linked to exposure to Agent Orange may be eligible for VA disability compensation. You can file a claim or appeal a decided claim on your own or with help from one of our accredited attorneys. Just use the handy blue contact and messaging form on this page.
9. Commissary shopping privileges for Veterans
The following groups have shopping privileges at commissaries: Veterans with a service-connected disability according to the VA; Veterans who are Purple Heart recipients; Veterans who are former prisoners of war; and people assessed, approved, and designated as the primary family caregivers of eligible Veterans under VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
10. VA Outreach & Events Calendar
VA benefits can help Veterans and their families buy homes, earn degrees, start careers, stay healthy, and more. Join an event for conversation and information.
Tucker Disability Law appreciates the service veterans have given to our country. If you or someone you know is a disabled veteran who is applying for benefits or has been denied a claim, we want to help you. Get free advice today. Call. chat. schedule a free consultation using the blue contact form. Our service is at no cost to you until we WIN! Make today the last day you worry about your disability claim.
