Secretary Shinseki Announces Choice for Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs - Today, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki praised President Barack Obama’s intent to nominate W. Scott Gould as next Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Gould is currently vice president for public sector strategy at IBM Global Business Services and a former intelligence officer in the naval reserve. He has public service experience at both the departments of Commerce and Treasury. (1/30/09)
Shinseki Sworn In, Vows 21st Century Service to Veterans - Retired Army Gen. Eric K. Shinseki took the oath of office today as the Nation’s seventh Secretary of Veterans Affairs, assuming the leadership of the Department of Veterans Affairs following Tuesday's confirmation by the Senate. (1/21/09)
Actress Bo Derek Honored for Work on Behalf of Veterans - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake today honored actress Bo Derek for her work to increase public awareness of the rehabilitative programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (1/15/09)
One Million Vets Share $320 Million in VA Insurance Dividends - One million veterans are in line to share $319.8 million in annual insurance dividends during 2009, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA operates one of the nation’s largest life insurance programs, providing more than $1 trillion in coverage to seven million service members, veterans and family members.
(1/14/09)
VA-NIH Study Offers Hope for Parkinson’s Patients - Electrical stimulation of the brain -- a treatment in which a pacemaker-like device sends pulses to electrodes implanted in the brain -- is riskier than drug therapy but may hold significant benefits for those with Parkinson’s disease who no longer respond well to medication alone. (1/13/09)
VA, DOT, DOD Steer Vets toward Safe Driving - With motor vehicle crashes being a leading cause of deaths among combat veterans during the first years after their return home, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Defense are working together to reduce these accidents. (1/12/09)
VA To Lease Space for New Clinic at Harlingen, Texas - To provide 21st century health care to South Texas veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that the firm of Boyer Harlingen L.C. will construct a new 120,000-square-foot health care center in Harlingen, which VA will lease for a minimum of 20 years. (1/12/09)
VA Announces $22 Million for Rural Veterans - The Department of Veterans Affairs has provided $21.7 million to its regional health care systems to improve services specifically designed for veterans in rural areas. “This special allocation is the latest down payment on VA’s commitment to meet the needs of veterans living in rural areas,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “VA will take to our rural veterans the health care services they have earned.” (1/9/09)
VA Salutes Ross Perot - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake presented business leader and veterans’ advocate Ross Perot a special award Jan. 7 for embodying “the very spirit of America” in his selfless support of veterans and the military. (1/8/09)
VA To Offer Health Care to Previously Ineligible Veterans - The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today plans to re-open enrollment in its health care system by July 2009 to about 265,000 veterans whose incomes exceed current limits. (1/8/09)
VA Launches Partnership for NGO Outreach - The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a new partnership to help non-government organizations (NGOs) plan, improve and carry out their own programs on behalf of veterans, their families and their survivors. (1/7/09)
VA Assisting Veterans with Health Care Costs - For veterans struggling financially due to a job loss or decreased income, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers an assortment of programs that can relieve the costs of health care or provide care at no cost. (1/6/09)
VA Data Show Home Health Technology Improves Access to Care - Veterans with chronic conditions can manage their health and avoid hospitalization by using special technology provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs in their homes, according to a recent study. (1/5/09)
VA Providing Florida Veterans with Disability Verification Letters for First Time - The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today it has sent out disability verification letters for the first time to more than 265,000 Florida veterans and surviving spouses who may be eligible for state or local tax exemptions. (12/31/08)
VA Awards $3.5 Million for Bakersfield National Cemetery - The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded more than $2.8 million to a Jamestown, Calif., contractor to develop the first phase of the Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin, Calif. (12/31/08)
