The United States has a rich history of military service, with brave men and women risking their lives to protect our freedom. It’s also important to remember that these veterans have often been called on repeatedly to respond to new threats from the Cold War through today’s conflicts with ISIS, Al Qaeda, and other terrorist groups.
In honor of these heroes who sacrificed so much for our country, here are some laws that assist soldiers both during active duty and after retirement:
The Veterans Empowerment Act
The Veterans Empowerment Act would help veterans find jobs, access services, and get health care. The bill was introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR).
The legislation would:
- Expand job training programs through the Department of Labor to help veterans find employment in their fields.
- Make it easier for disabled veterans to receive medical care at VA clinics by allowing them to go outside the system if they cannot get an appointment within 30 days or live more than 40 miles away from a facility that provides specialized care for their condition. It also requires the VA to provide transportation assistance when necessary for these patients’ appointments with doctors outside their local facility’s area code.
- Expand mental health care services through community centers run by nonprofits near military bases so soldiers could receive treatment without leaving base grounds or traveling long distances.
- Provide financial assistance through grants awarded by state governments across America.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a bill that was passed in 2022, and its impact on veterans’ health care has just begun. This act allows a special court to hear cases related to the contamination of drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act also requires the VA to provide health care for veterans exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune during their service. These provisions will help ensure that those who were affected receive proper compensation from the government, as well as treatment if needed.
Besides the veterans, their family members exposed to contaminated water can also benefit from this act. Data shows that almost 1 million veterans and their families have been affected by unsafe drinking water. Anyone exposed to contaminated water for more than 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987 can file a Campe Lejeune lawsuit.
According to TorHoerman Law, the plaintiff can contact the Navy JAG and Tort Claims Unit first. They get a total of 6 months to give a settlement amount to the plaintiff. However, a lawsuit can be filed if no settlement is reached due to a lack of action from the government or if the claimant refuses the proposed settlement amount.
The Veterans Claims Assistance Act
The Veterans Claims Assistance Act (VCAA) is a United States federal law enacted to improve the claims process for veterans seeking disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The primary purpose of the VCAA is to ensure that veterans receive adequate assistance and guidance when applying for benefits.
Key provisions of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act include:
- Duty to assist: The VA must assist veterans in gathering the necessary evidence to support their claims for disability benefits. This assistance may involve helping veterans obtain medical records, service records, and other relevant documents to support their case.
- Informal claim: The VCAA allows veterans to submit an informal claim for benefits. This means the VA can begin the claims process even if the veteran’s application is not on a standard VA claims form. The VA is then obligated to provide the necessary forms and assistance to the veteran to complete the formal application.
- Notice of required information: When a veteran submits a formal claim, the VA must provide a written notice to the veteran outlining the information and evidence needed to support their claim. This notice should also inform the veteran of any additional medical examinations that may be required.
- Development of claims: The VA is responsible for developing the veteran’s claim, which includes gathering relevant evidence, medical records, and other information that may be crucial to determining the claim.
- Timeframe for decisions: The VCAA also sets timeframes for the VA to make decisions on claims. While these timeframes can vary depending on the complexity of the claim, the VA is expected to process claims promptly.
It’s important to note that laws and regulations may change over time, so it’s a good idea to check with the latest sources or the Department of Veterans Affairs directly for the most current information on the Veterans Claims Assistance Act.
The Veterans’ Employment and Training Act
The Veterans’ Employment and Training Act (VETS) provides training and employment services for veterans. The VETS program helps veterans find jobs, obtain job search assistance, receive training for dislocated workers, access support to help them start their own businesses, and more.
This act allows many veterans to get jobs after leaving the service. According to recent data, the average veteran unemployment rate was 6.5% in 2020, which is lower than that of non-veterans.
The key goals of the Veterans’ Employment and Training Act include:
- Employment services: VETA aims to provide veterans with various employment services, including job counseling, job placement assistance, and job search training. These services help veterans identify career opportunities that align with their skills and experiences acquired during military service.
- Training programs: The act also supports training programs to enhance veterans’ employability. Depending on the veterans’ needs and interests, These programs can cover various fields, including technical skills, professional development, and vocational training.
- Transition assistance: VETA emphasizes the importance of assisting veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. The act provides resources to help veterans overcome the challenges they may face during this period and facilitates their integration into the civilian workforce.
- Priority of service: Under VETA, veterans are given priority access to employment and training services offered through various federal job training programs. This ensures that veterans receive the support they need to compete in the job market effectively.
The Veterans Housing Assistance Initiative
The Veterans Housing Assistance Initiative (VHAI) is a program that provides grants to local governments, nonprofit organizations, and public-private partnerships to help homeless veterans find permanent housing. The VHAI also provides funding for supportive services such as case management and counseling programs designed to improve the quality of life for homeless veterans. Initiatives like this have helped over 40,000 veterans get homes in 2022.
Here are some of the primary provisions of the act:
- VA home loan program: The VA offers mortgage loan guarantees to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses, making it easier for them to obtain home loans with more favorable terms and conditions.
- Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): This program grants organizations that offer support to low-income veteran families to help them avoid homelessness or rapidly re-house those already homeless.
- HUD-VASH: A joint effort between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the VA, the HUD-VASH program provides rental assistance and supportive services to homeless veterans.
- Veterans crisis line: Though not solely a housing assistance program, the Veterans Crisis Line offers immediate support for veterans in crisis, including those facing homelessness.
The Veterans’ Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act
The Veterans’ Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act was passed by Congress in 2015 and provides for the preservation and recognition of veterans’ memorials. The act also authorizes the secretary of the interior to provide technical assistance in creating veterans’ memorials.
The act states that it is intended “to ensure that our Nation’s historic places associated with military service are maintained, preserved, restored and accessible” and “to recognize those who have served our country.” The Anthem Veterans Memorial, a five-pillar monument, honors different US military branches.
Conclusion
These are just a few acts created to help our veterans. The important thing to remember is that you can do your part by getting involved in local organizations and charities in your area. You don’t have to wait for someone else to step forward. Just reach out with an open heart and commit yourself today.