March 16, 2026 The Ohio Department of Veterans Services has launched a newly updated website designed to make it easier for veterans and their families to find important information and resources. According to ODVS, the redesigned site offers faster load times and improved performance across computers, tablets, and smartphones. Officials say the goal is to provide quicker access to key resources, including veteran benefits, job opportunities, healthcare services, and upcoming

By Mitti Hicks, 14 days ago The lawsuit claims that the VA has blocked eligible veterans from receiving benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill for undergraduate and graduate degrees. A lawsuit filed by veterans, advocacy groups, and the State of Virginia says the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is “inventing new reasons” to deny former service members access to education benefits they qualify for. The lawsuit claims that the VA has blocked eligibl

By Rachel Dobkin, 16 days ago An executive order President Donald Trump issued in July directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to encourage the use of civil commitment, which is when a court orders someone to receive mental health treatment (AFP via Getty Images) The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced plans to give agency attorneys legal authority to initiate guardianship proceedings for veterans experiencing homelessness that could force them into mental health care.

Posted on Mar 11, 2026 By National Commander Coleman Nee DAV has concerns about the Department of Veterans Affairs’ plan to use an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to identify potential fraud in Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) going back more than 15 years. We have reached out to VA leadership requesting answers about how this initiative will impact veterans’ disability compensation benefits and what safeguards VA has instituted to ensure veterans’ rights are fully

By Gavin Ortiz Published on March 11, 2026 The Department of Veterans Affairs has flipped the switch on a new scheduling system that it says will speed up community-care appointments nationwide and could shave days or even weeks off the wait for veterans. The External Provider Scheduling tool, or EPS, lets VA staff book directly into participating community providers' calendars instead of dialing through a phone tree of offices to coordinate referrals. Cleveland-area veteran

By Jacob Willeford, 16 days ago AROUND one million United States military veterans could be missing out on some crucial assistance. The benefits controversy continues and follows a major U-turn on certain health perks after a massive outcry. A group of organizations advocating for service members is locked in a court battle this spring, challenging a specific “break in service” rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to Newsweek . In 2024, the Supreme Co

By Brian Todd , Mar 11, 2026 WASHINGTON, US- NOVEMBER 24: The United States Department of Veteran Affairs Headquarters on November 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. President Elect Donald Trump chooses Former Rep. Doug Collins to become the next Secretary of the Department of Veteran Affairs. (Michael A. McCoy/For The Washington Post via Getty Images) Michael A. McCoy/For The Washington Post/Getty Images The wife of one veteran wanted her husband to be evaluated, fearing his cance

Updated: Mar. 10, 2026, 3:29 p.m., Published: Mar. 10, 2026, 3:12 p.m. VA officials said a new nationwide scheduling system will help veterans book community care appointments faster by allowing staff to directly access outside provider schedules. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File) AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said new technology now operating nationwide could significantly reduce the time it takes for veterans to s

By Joe Sommerlad, 24 days ago The Department of Veterans Affairs , which provides medical care for roughly 9 million former members of the U.S. military, has eliminated thousands of medical positions left vacant after retirements and resignations last year, according to a report. A New York Times analysis of internal agency records found that VA had chosen not to hire replacements for approximately 14,400 unfilled vacancies in healthcare positions, a total that includes 1,5

By Liz Carey, 24 days ago Legislation to improve the mental health of service members and veterans was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week. The Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act, introduced by U.S. Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Jared Golden (D-ME), Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY), would launch a formal review into the effectiveness of the federal government mental health programs for service members and veterans. The

By Tristan Hostetter, Feb 26, 2026 An Ohio representative from Youngstown was part of introducing a new piece of legislation on Thursday that is aimed at using state dollars to help veterans in need. Representatives Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) and Meredith Lawson-Rowe (D-Reynoldsburg) introduced House Bill 721 that will establish the Veterans Organization Grant Program. The program would work with local veterans' organizations through the Department of Development to provid

Published: Jan. 12, 2026, 10:00 a.m. Kaitlin Durbin, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio – After four years of waiting, Cuyahoga County’s Veterans Service Commission is preparing to open the doors to a new headquarters it hopes will dramatically expand how it serves the county’s veterans. The larger, modern facility at 3950 Chester Ave., officially opens on Jan. 26. It’s just down the street from the commission’s former location, but closer to other major social service providers t

Navigating the world of veterans benefits can be complex and overwhelming. Many veterans and their families are unaware of the full range of support available to them. I want to share practical information to help you understand and access the benefits you have earned through your service. This guide focuses on resources and programs relevant to veterans in Northeast Ohio, ensuring you can make the most of what is available. Veterans Services Overview in Northeast Ohio Northe

What Determines VA Benefits Eligibility? Eligibility for VA benefits depends on several factors, including your service history, discharge status, and specific circumstances such as disability or income level. Here are the main criteria: Service Requirements : Generally, veterans must have served on active duty and been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The length of service required varies depending on when and where you served. Disability Status : Veteran

By Emma Bussey Fox News Published November 17, 2025 6:01am EST A military service member gets a COVID-19 vaccine. Under the Biden administration, more than 8,000 service members were ousted from service because they refused the vaccine. (Jon Cherry/Getty Images) A major policy shift could restore education benefits to thousands of veterans who were separated from military service for refusing the COVID vaccine during the Biden administration, according to The Department of V

The Importance of VA Benefits Navigating the world of VA benefits can be challenging. Many veterans and their families are unsure of what they are entitled to. Understanding these benefits is crucial for ensuring that you receive the support you deserve. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of benefits. These include healthcare, education, and housing assistance. It is essential to familiarize yourself with these options. This knowledge can help you make i

Navigating the world of veterans assistance benefits can feel overwhelming. There are many programs, services, and resources available, but understanding what you qualify for and how to access them is key. I want to share clear, practical information to help you or your family make the most of the benefits earned through service. This guide focuses on veterans and their families in Northeast Ohio, highlighting local resources and important updates like the PACT Act. Understan

Navigating the process of accessing veterans benefits can feel overwhelming. However, understanding the steps and requirements can make it much easier. This guide will walk you through the essentials of veterans benefits eligibility, how to apply, and what resources are available to help you get the support you deserve. Understanding Veterans Benefits Eligibility Before applying for any benefits, it is important to know if you qualify. Eligibility depends on several factors i

By VA Benefits Attorneys September 19, 2024 For many veterans, VA benefits provide crucial financial support and healthcare services after their military service. However, some veterans may wonder whether having a criminal record could impact their eligibility for these benefits. While VA benefits are typically awarded based on service-related injuries or disabilities, a criminal record can sometimes complicate the process. This blog will explore how having a criminal record

By Melina Khan, Updated 12:30 PM PDT, Tue October 14, 2025 The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' services are limited as thousands of its employees have been furloughed during the ongoing government shutdown . The agency, which oversees health care and other benefits for veterans, is not operating as usual due to a lapse in federal funding appropriations. The shutdown entered its 14th day on Oct. 14 as lawmakers remained at an impasse over spending proposals. Some VA ser