January 2, 2024 From: Warren Griffin, Natonal Commandant To: All Members RE: Membership Cards On January 2, 2024, the Natonal Board of Trustees met and voted unanimously to make changes to the membership card and rosters. 1. The Profile ID number will be the primary membership number to identify members and will be utilized on the official membership card. 2. The Profile ID number will be utilized on the mobile application available in Apple and Google Play stores. Members are encouraged to ask the Detachment Paymaster for their Profile ID number. 3. As annual dues-paying members renew over the coming 12 months, they will be issued a newly designed membership card that lists only the detachment where the member holds their national voting rights. These will be mailed to the Detachment Paymaster. a. A member will continue to have voting rights within each detachment they are a member of. “One Member, One Vote.” b. The Mobile App will continue to show each detachment a person is a member of. 4. Newly revised membership cards will provide larger font by reducing some of the information previously on the card. The new card will use the Profile ID (PID) number. It will not list the Life Member Number or Member Number. 5. Members who become Life Members will receive a gold plastic membership card and a gold metal membership card. Additional/replacement membership cards may be purchased. 6. Member Number and Life Member Number will be removed from the roster report. a. Work is in progress to have the number of open invoices to be shown on the roster report. b. Once a person passes 380 days of open invoice, their member status becomes inactive and they are dropped from the roster. Therefore, there is only a 15-day window in September that will show two (2) open invoices. 7. As of July 1, 2024, quarterly rosters will be generated by the Department for the Detachments in their state. Departments are encouraged to reach out to their National Vice Commandant, JD Foster, or Bob Borka for training and assistance. Sincerely, Warren Griffin National Commandant/CEO Marine Corps League

Review 2024 Veterans disability compensation rates. Compensation benefits rate tables available to find monthly payment amounts. The VA article and additional information available at https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/.(https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/)

Due to the popularity of the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) Pilot Program, (https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/vettec-high-tech-program/)VA has experienced record-breaking enrollment numbers for fiscal year 2024. As of November 17, 2023, the VET TEC program’s annual funding cap of $45 million is nearing exhaustion, meaning that VA will soon be unable to fund any new VET TEC students.   Students currently enrolled will continue training uninterrupted, and Veteran and training provider applications will continue to be accepted. However, to ensure that Veterans are not negatively impacted, VA will be requesting that all VET TEC Training Providers temporarily discontinue submitting new VET TEC enrollments by close of business November 17, while VA confirms how much funding remains available. If additional funding is available, VA will provide guidance on how additional enrollments can be submitted. VA anticipates completing their review by early December 2023.   The VET TEC Pilot ends on April 1, 2024, but VA has testified to Congress in support of pending legislation to make the program permanent.   Veterans with questions regarding their VET TEC eligibility or the VET TEC program should email the VET TEC team at VETTEC.VBABUF@va.gov.(mailto:VETTEC.VBABUF@va.gov) For other questions about their GI Bill® education benefits, Veterans should call the Education Call Center at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

Veterans Affairs is taking steps to assist Veterans struggling to make their mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure:   1. VA is asking mortgage servicers to pause foreclosures of VA-guaranteed loans through May 31, 2024. During this pause VA will work with servicers on workable home retention solutions for Veterans; and  2. VA is extending the COVID-19 Refund Modification program through May 31, 2024. This extension will allow Veterans to obtain a zero-interest, deferred-payment loan from VA to cover missed payments and modify their existing VA-guaranteed loan to achieve affordable monthly payments for the duration of this extension. Any Veteran struggling to make their payments should visit www.va.gov/housing-assistance (http://www.va.gov/housing-assistance)or call 877-827-3702.

MILITARY ONESOURCE   WEBINAR: Nov.14, 2023 - 1 p.m. ET Discharge Review Boards or "How to Upgrade a Military Discharge" Presenter: Robert Powers, president, Naval Discharge Review Board Disclaimer The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement of this website by the Defense Department or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities, such as military exchanges and MWR sites, the DOD does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this DOD-sponsored webinar. What Are the Discharge Review Boards? •           Administrative boards, not courts of law. •           Each military department (Air Force, Army, Navy) has its own ORB. •           DRBs hear cases from former service members requesting a change to their discharge. •           DRBs review the individual merits of each application on a case-by-case basis. •           DRBs decide if the discharge was proper, fair, and equitable. Why Apply for a Discharge Upgrade? •           A ORB is not necessary for most former service members. •           But ORBs provide former service members with an opportunity to appeal and make changes to their discharge or upgrade the characterization of their discharge. •           If the ORB upgrades an applicant's discharge characterization of service or other terms, they may be eligible for additional veterans benefits. Who May Apply to the DRB? •           Former service members whose discharge was issued within the last 15 years. •           If the former service member is deceased or incompetent, their surviving spouse, next-of­ kin, or legal representative may apply on their behalf. DRB Application Process STEP 1               Applicant gathers relevant documents and information. STEP 2               Applicant completes and submits the DD Form 293 and supporting evidence. STEP 3               ORB staff screens the application package. STEP 4               ORB staff contacts the applicant to confirm receipt and requests any additional needed information. STEP 5               Applicant provides the requested information. STEP 6               ORB staff notifies the applicant of the personal appearance hearing date and time, if requested. STEP 7               Applicant attends the personal appearance hearing, submitting any additional relevant evidence or information. STEP 8               ORB takes the case under consideration to make a decision. How to Apply - Completing DD Form 293 https://www.esd.whs.mil/portals/54/documents/dd/forms/dd/dd0293.pdf(https://www.esd.whs.mil/portals/54/documents/dd/forms/dd/dd0293.pdf) •         Fill out each applicable section. •         Takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. •         Most of the information requested should be readily known to the former service member or found in their discharge documentation, such as their DD 214 or NG 22. •            What does the applicant want changed about their discharge? •            ORB cannot "undo" the discharge, but they can change: •           Character of service (e.g. "General" to "Honorable") •           Separation code •           Reentry code •           Narrative reason for separation (e.g. "Misconduct" to "Secretarial Authority") •           Basis for reconsideration: 1}       The only previous consideration was on the motion of the ORB. 2}      A change in policy is announced, made expressly retroactive. 3}     New, substantial, relevant evidence not available to the applicant at the time of the original review. •            Applying for reconsideration is most likely to be successful if the subsequent application is significantly different from the last time applied. •         Documentary Record Review - paperwork-only review of the available military personnel records, service medical records and documentary evidence provided with the application. •         Personal Appearance Hearing - allows the applicant to appear in person to directly present their case to the DRB, including the option of presenting witnesses and/or additional evidence. Each applicant is entitled to one of each type of review. However, if an applicant chooses to first request a personal appearance, they will no longer be entitled to a records-only review. •          Blocks 18 and 19 are designed to help the DRBs identify potential cases where specific policy considerations apply. •           Applicants who select one of the boxes in Block 19 should ensure that they explain how the selected condition is related or connected to their discharge in Block 20. •           Additional information regarding policy changes pertaining to these conditions can be found on the review board agency websites, DOD and VA websites. •            Applicants should explain ALL the issues related to their discharge that they want the DRB to consider and address in their decision and the specific reason(s) for why the issue(s) involve proprietyl equity and/or clemency. •          Explanation in Block 20 should be thorough, detailed and as complete as possible. •            Applicants are not limited to the space provided in Block 20 and may attach additional separate sheets to the form to fully explain their case. •         DRBs are not investigative bodies, and the applicant has the burden to show why the discharge request should be granted. •          Applicants should submit any information or documents that can help explain the issues in their case, especially if such documentation is not likely to be found within their official military records. •         Use Block 21 to list (general description/titles can be used) the evidence included as part of the DD Form 293 for submission. •          All applicants are entitled to be represented by a lawyer at their election, but all costs of representation are paid by the applicant and not subject to reimbursement. •         Applicants do NOT need to have a representative or attorney to apply to the ORB. •          Many legal aid, military and veteran service organizations will assist veterans free of charge with their applications and/or legal representation. •         If the former service member is deceased or legally incompetent, their next of kin, surviving spouse or a legal representative can apply on their behalf. •         Application needs to include evidence in support of the service member's death or incompetency and relationship of the applicant to the service member. •         Common supporting documents submitted to establish eligibility include death certificates, court incompetency documents, marriage licenses, birth certificates, court appointments of conservatorship, or notarized powers of attorney. •          Applicant should indicate their preferred method of receiving correspondence from the DRB - check "yes" to receive correspondence electronically via email. •          Sign and date the form to certify the information provided in the DD Form 293 application is true. •           An attorney may not sign Section 7 of the application unless the applicant is incompetent or deceased and legal proof of such is attached. Requesting Service Records https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html(https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html) What is an Issue of Propriety? •           An "error of fact, law, procedure or discretion" in deciding upon the discharge. •           The discharge authority got something wrong with the facts or the reasoning behind the discharge. •            "Substantial doubt" that the applicant would have gotten the same discharge. •           There must be reason to believe, if the mistake had not been made, that the applicant would have received a different discharge.   OR •            There has been a changein discharge policy made expressly retroactive. What is an Issue of Equity? •           Applicant was discharged because of policies that are different in important ways and new policies are better for former service members and there is substantial doubt the applicant would have received the same discharge. OR •            At the time, discharge was inconsistent with standards of discipline.   OR •            Relief is warranted based on consideration of the applicant's service record and other evidence presentedviewed in conjunction with quality of service and capability to serve factors. What is an Issue of Clemency? •            Recent DOD policy guidance now permits the DRBs to consider granting discharge relief to ensure fundamental fairness and directs the DRBs to consider both clemency and rehabilitation in their decision-making process even if the discharge was the result of administrative proceedings rather than a criminal sentence.   •            When considering clemency, DRBs may consider several factors such as: •           The severity of misconduct. •           The aggravating and mitigating facts related to the record or punishment. •            An applicant's candor and acceptance of responsibility, remorse or atonement. •            Positive or negative post-conviction conduct. •            Length of time since misconduct. •           Character and reputation of the applicant, and/or evidence of rehabilitation. •            Victim support or opposition for relief, and any reasons provided. What Type(s) of Evidence Should Be Submitted? •            Only submit RELEVANT evidence: •            Makes a fact of consequence more or less likely. •            Has a direct connection to the issues in the case. •            Do not submit original documents; provide legible copies. •            Submit early - there is no reason or advantage in delaying to submit available relevant evidence What Happens at a Personal Appearance Hearing? •         DRB hearings are not adversarial proceedings where an applicant will be intimidated or challenged for the purpose of impugning motives or the integrity of the case. The formal rules of evidence do NOT apply. •         Applicants may bring witnesses, provide written statements, submit statements of others, and/or provide other documentary evidence during the hearing. •          Applicants may, at their option, testify under oath, make an unsworn statement, or say nothing. •         DRB members may ask questions to resolve doubt and clarify confusing testimony or evidence. The DRBs are not interested in asking trick questions, but applicants should anticipate hard questions, and in some cases, personal questions that have a bearing on the case. How Long Does It Take for a DRB Case To Be Decided?RB Case To Be Decided? •           Each ORB case is evaluated on its individual merits. •           Case processing time varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the issues raised, if a personal hearing is requested, and the availability of relevant service records. •            ORB cases are normally heard in the order in which they are received. •           Due to the number of applications already on hand, it may be as long as 12 months before an applicant receives notification of the decision on their request. Where Can You Get Help With an Application? https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp(https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp) DRB Resources •            Boards of Review Reading Rooms: https://boards.law.af.mil/(https://boards.law.af.mil/) •            Air Force Review Boards Agency: https://afrba-p(https://afrba-portal.cce.af.mil/)ortal.cce.af.mil/(https://afrba-portal.cce.af.mil/) •            Army Review Boards Agency: https://arba.army.pentagon.mil/(https://arba.army.pentagon.mil/) •            Navy Council of Review Boards: https://www.secnav.navy.mil/mra/CORB/Pages/default.aspx(https://www.secnav.navy.mil/mra/CORB/Pages/default.aspx) •           Office of Legal Policy: https://prhome.defense.gov/Home/Organization/OED/OLP/(https://prhome.defense.gov/Home/Organization/OED/OLP/) •            Department of Veteran Affairs Accreditation Search: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp(https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp) •            NationaI Archives NPRC: https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html(https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html) For more information, log on to https://www.MilitaryOneSource.mil(https://www.MilitaryOneSource.mil) (https://www.MilitaryOneSource.mil)or call 800-342-9647.

NCA is asking the assistance of your organization in getting the word out, via your print or other publications, regarding NCA’s Pre-Need eligibility program.  https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/pre-need-eligibility/   NCA’s Pre Need program, which leaves a legacy of peace, helps supplement the financial legacy and legacy of perpetual memorialization that we facilitate for Veterans and their loved ones.   Unlike civilian pre-need programs, NCA Pre Need does not mandate that one has to be buried in one of our cemeteries but does provide that option for any of our open national cemeteries nationwide. Pre Need can also be used to establish eligibility for a free government headstone to be used in a private cemetery. Finally, Pre Need ensure that when the time of need comes the family does not have to go looking in an attic/basement/closet for a Veteran’s DD 214 or other qualifying document.   NCA would be humbled to have an article or background piece placed in your print publications or other venues this Fall as we approach Veterans Day. If you are interested in helping us get the word out, kindly respond to me with your specifications (i.e. word count) and we can tailor a piece to your standards.   Thank you for your time but most of all for what you do in your cares and concerns for America’s Veterans and their loved ones.   Very Sincerely, Larry   Lawrence A. Provost Outreach Officer/Veteran Service Organization (VSO) Liaison-Public Affairs and Outreach Office of Engagement and Memorial Innovations (OEMI) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Good morning, Marines, Our next "Commandant's Corner" has been scheduled for July 11th @ 1900 EST. The topic of discussion and VIP guest will be from Rust Insurance. There are far too many League members that know nothing about this program and need this session.  Please distribute widely. Meeting ID:  416 428 8328 Passcode:  MCL2023 (all caps) Direct link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4164288328?pwd=OVFsRVVaZm9wVURIRUR6Y1Q3NlB2UT09 See you all very soon, Victoria McCoy Public Relations Committee  Semper Fi,   Johnny Baker National Commandant / CEO Marine Corps League  

Greetings Marines! I salute each of you and wish you and your families a grand day of celebration and fun. I know each of you came when your Country called you to the Colors and each served with honor as Marines. Your spirit and sense of duty to the MCL and your brother and sister Marines shines ever brighter especially on this Birthday of our Country. I ask each of you to redouble your MCL efforts so we can recruit new members,  serve our communities and actively support the Marine for Life program here in Nevada. We are needed now more than ever! Continue to actively carry your spirit of patriotism to all in your communities. Stay safe! Semper Fi Marines. Susan Malone Department of Nevada Commandant

Learn about your eligibility to shop at Defense commissaries The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) has been hard at work spreading the news to Veterans about their ability to shop at commissaries. Working with Veteran Service Organizations to promote, inform and gather feedback amongst the Veteran community about this privilege has proven effective. Engaging with Veterans, DeCA has learned that while many are now utilizing this benefit, others still are unaware. Verify your eligibility for this exclusive benefit. Commissary shopping privileges are available to the following groups: Veterans with any service-connected disabilities documented by VA Veterans who are Purple Heart recipients Veterans who are former prisoners of war Individuals assessed, approved and designated as the primary family caregivers of eligible Veterans under VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Check installation access policies Contact the installation where you intend to shop; inquire about their current policies regarding installation access. How Your Commissary benefits you A shopping environment that exclusively serves the military community, with a workforce that understands your needs and strives to save you even more Prices that can save our customers thousands of dollars per year on their purchases, on average, when compared to prices at commercial stores Commissary Store Brands that offer just as much quality as national brands, if not more, and even greater savings The convenience of using CLICK2GO for online shopping and curbside pickup Opportunities to save even more with digital coupons and our sales flyer. Find your commissary location, here: https://www.commissaries.com/shopping/store-locations/find-a-store.

Source: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act and your VA benefits The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. This information will help answer questions about what the PACT Act means for you or your loved ones. You can also call 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). What’s the PACT Act and how will it affect my VA benefits and care? The PACT Act is perhaps the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history. The full name of the law is The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The PACT Act will bring these changes:  Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras  Adds more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures  Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation  Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care  Helps VA improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures What does it mean to have a presumptive condition for toxic exposure? To get a VA disability rating, your disability must connect to your military service. For many health conditions, you need to prove that your service caused your condition. But for some conditions, we automatically assume (or “presume”) that your service caused your condition. We call these “presumptive conditions.” We consider a condition presumptive when it's established by law or regulation. If you have a presumptive condition, you don’t need to prove that your service caused the condition. You only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption. Gulf War era and post-9/11 Veteran eligibility What burn pit and other toxic exposure conditions are now presumptive? The VA has added more than 20 burn pit and other toxic exposure presumptive conditions based on the PACT Act. This change expands benefits for Gulf War era and post-9/11 Veterans. These cancers are now presumptive:  Brain cancer  Gastrointestinal cancer of any type  Glioblastoma  Head cancer of any type  Kidney cancer  Lymphatic cancer of any type  Lymphoma of any type  Melanoma  Neck cancer  Pancreatic cancer  Reproductive cancer of any type  Respiratory (breathing-related) cancer of any type These illnesses are now presumptive:  Asthma that was diagnosed after service  Chronic bronchitis  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)  Chronic rhinitis  Chronic sinusitis  Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis  Emphysema  Granulomatous disease  Interstitial lung disease (ILD)  Pleuritis  Pulmonary fibrosis  Sarcoidosis How do I know if I have a presumptive exposure to burn pits? If you served in any of these locations and time periods, te VA determined that you had exposure to burn pits or other toxins. This is called having a presumption of exposure. On or after September 11, 2001, in any of these locations:  Afghanistan  Djibouti  Egypt  Jordan  Lebanon  Syria  Uzbekistan  Yemen  The airspace above any of these locations On or after August 2, 1990, in any of these locations:  Bahrain  Iraq  Kuwait  Oman  Qatar  Saudi Arabia  Somalia  The United Arab Emirates (UAE)  The airspace above any of these locations Am I eligible for free VA health care as a post-9/11 combat Veteran? Health care eligibility is being extended and expanded based on the PACT Act. You are encouraged to apply, no matter your separation date. Your eligibility depends on your service history and other factors. If you meet the requirements listed here, you can get free VA health care for any condition related to your service for up to 10 years from the date of your most recent discharge or separation. You can also enroll at any time during this period and get any care you need, but you may owe a copay for some care. At least one of these must be true of your active-duty service:  You served in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or  You served in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998 And this must be true for you:  You were discharged or released on or after October 1, 2013 You are encouraged to enroll now so the VA can provide any care you may need now or in the future. Enrollment is free. What if I was discharged or released before October 1, 2013? If you meet the requirements listed here, you can receive care and enroll during a special enrollment period between October 1, 2022, and October 1, 2023. At least one of these must be true of your active-duty service:  You served in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or  You served in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998 And both of these must be true for you:  You were discharged or released between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013, and  You haven’t enrolled in VA health care before You are encouraged to apply during this 1-year period so VA can provide you with any care you may need now or in the future. Enrollment is free. And your care may be free as well. Vietnam era Veteran eligibility What new Agent Orange presumptive conditions will VA add? Based on the PACT Act, VA added 2 new Agent Orange presumptive conditions:  High blood pressure (also called hypertension)  Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) If you think you’re eligible for VA health care and benefits, we encourage you to apply now. What new Agent Orange presumptive locations will VA add? VA added these 5 new locations to the list of presumptive locations:  Any U.S. or Royal Thai military base in Thailand from January 9, 1962, through June 30, 1976  Laos from December 1, 1965, through September 30, 1969  Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province from April 16, 1969, through April 30, 1969  Guam or American Samoa or in the territorial waters off of Guam or American Samoa from January 9, 1962, through July 30, 1980  Johnston Atoll or on a ship that called at Johnston Atoll from January 1, 1972, through September 30, 1977 If you served on active duty in any of these locations, we’ll automatically assume (or “presume”) that you had exposure to Agent Orange. What new radiation presumptive locations will VA add? VA added these 3 new response efforts to the list of presumptive locations:  Cleanup of Enewetak Atoll, from January 1, 1977, through December 31, 1980  Cleanup of the Air Force B-52 bomber carrying nuclear weapons off the coast of Palomares, Spain, from January 17, 1966, through March 31, 1967  Response to the fire onboard an Air Force B-52 bomber carrying nuclear weapons near Thule Air Force Base in Greenland from January 21, 1968, to September 25, 1968 If you took part in any of these efforts, we’ll automatically assume (or “presume”) that you had exposure to radiation. Getting benefits How do I file a disability claim for a new presumptive condition? If you haven’t filed a claim yet for the presumptive condition, you can file a new claim online now. You can also file by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional. If VA denied your disability claim in the past and now considers your condition presumptive, you can submit a Supplemental Claim. VA will review your case again. What if VA denied my claim but now considers my condition presumptive? You are encouraged to file a Supplemental Claim. When VA receives a Supplemental Claim, they will review the claim again. Note: If VA denied your claim in the past and they think you may be eligible now, they will try to contact you. But you don’t need to wait for VA to contact you before you file a Supplemental Claim. What if I have a pending claim for a condition that’s now presumptive? You don’t need to do anything. If VA added your condition after you filed your claim, they will still consider it presumptive. The VA will send you a decision notice when the VA completes their review. Can I apply now? Yes. VA is considering all presumptive conditions established by the PACT Act presumptive on the date the bill becomes law. If you think you may be eligible for VA health care or benefits, you are encouraged to apply now. Information for survivors Will Veterans’ survivors get any benefits based on the PACT Act? Survivors may be eligible for VA benefits based on the PACT Act. You’ll need to meet requirements for each benefit to qualify:  A monthly VA dependency and indemnity compensation (VA DIC) payment. You may qualify if you’re the surviving spouse, dependent child, or parent of a Veteran who died from a service-connected disability.  A one-time accrued benefits payment. You may qualify if you’re the surviving spouse, dependent child, or dependent parent of a Veteran who VA owed unpaid benefits at the time of their death.  Health care through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). You may qualify if you're the survivor or dependent of a Veteran with a service-connected disability.  A burial allowance for help with the Veteran’s burial and funeral costs. You may qualify if you’re the Veteran’s surviving spouse, partner, child, or parent.

If you're a Veteran who lost your job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VA may have a solution for you. The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) offers education and training for a variety of high-demand jobs so you can get back to work. Qualifying Veterans can receive up to 12 months of tuition and fees along with a monthly housing allowance. To be eligible for VRRAP, you must be between 22 and 66 years of age, unemployed due to COVID-19, able to work, and not eligible for education or unemployment benefits. If you do qualify, apply soon! We’ll stop accepting new VRRAP enrollments on December 11, 2022—or when we reach either the funding or participant limit, whichever comes first.

Attached is the News Release announcing the new Access to Care (ATC) website. This new and improved sit is a resource of valuable, care access information for our Veterans and their caregivers. Frequently Asked Questions are available on the ATC website. As Secretary McDonough shared previously, we have been listening to and learning from Veterans, caregivers, Veteran service organizations, oversight authorities, and Congress about their experiences with AccesstoCare.VA.gov. While there is no perfect way to measure wait times in aggregate, we are making changes that represent a meaningful improvement in how this information is presented to Veterans on this website. In addition to updating the wait time calculations, website updates will also provide Veterans more relevant information, including: Veteran experience data Increased granularity within certain subspecialties Ability to more easily view relevant medical center information Please reach out with any questions. There will be a discussion of ATC during the upcoming ‘Open Forum’ meeting on July 27th 2022 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST. Sincerely, Andi Martinez, MHA Veterans Experience Office (VEO) Special Assistant Partnerships and Agreements Advisor Department of Veterans Affairs VACO