WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:00.059 --> 00:00:04.659 Edward: Welcome to the MIL News Weekly for 14-20 September 2025, your essential 00:00:04.659 --> 00:00:08.220 guide to the latest news impacting the military and veteran community. 00:00:08.630 --> 00:00:12.489 Whether you're currently serving in uniform, a military retiree, a veteran, 00:00:12.489 --> 00:00:16.920 or a family member, this is your source for the critical updates you need to know. 00:00:17.222 --> 00:00:20.952 Each week, we cut through the noise to bring you the most important developments 00:00:20.952 --> 00:00:24.372 from the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. 00:00:24.812 --> 00:00:28.002 We’ll cover everything from new policies and pay raises affecting 00:00:28.002 --> 00:00:31.912 active and reserve forces, to changes in healthcare and benefits for 00:00:31.912 --> 00:00:36.392 retirees, and the latest on VA services and legislation for our veterans. 00:00:37.052 --> 00:00:37.962 Let's get you informed. 00:00:38.332 --> 00:00:39.682 Here’s what’s happened this past week. 00:00:40.014 --> 00:00:43.104 Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel 00:00:43.461 --> 00:00:46.691 The Department of War Restoration: A New Name, a New Philosophy 00:00:47.020 --> 00:00:50.780 The week was marked by the ongoing fallout and implementation of a historic 00:00:50.780 --> 00:00:53.570 change initiated on September 5, 2025. 00:00:54.190 --> 00:00:56.020 On that date, President Donald J. 00:00:56.020 --> 00:00:59.500 Trump signed an Executive Order to restore the title "Department 00:00:59.500 --> 00:01:02.860 of War" as a secondary designation for the Department of Defense. 00:01:03.330 --> 00:01:06.690 This directive permits the Secretary of Defense, as well as department 00:01:06.690 --> 00:01:10.750 officials, to utilize secondary titles such as "Secretary of War" 00:01:10.870 --> 00:01:14.920 and "Department of War" in official correspondence, public communications, 00:01:15.120 --> 00:01:16.940 and non-statutory documents. 00:01:17.420 --> 00:01:21.340 The administration wasted no time in executing the order; the Pentagon’s 00:01:21.410 --> 00:01:25.070 official X account was immediately rebranded, and the website was 00:01:25.070 --> 00:01:26.840 redirected from defense.gov 00:01:27.130 --> 00:01:27.980 to war.gov. 00:01:28.398 --> 00:01:31.758 The rationale behind this move, as articulated by the President and 00:01:31.758 --> 00:01:35.498 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is to restore a name that they believe 00:01:35.498 --> 00:01:39.988 reflects the military’s true purpose and signals a new national focus. 00:01:40.508 --> 00:01:43.868 According to the White House, the name "Department of War" projects a stronger 00:01:43.868 --> 00:01:47.858 message of readiness and resolve, emphasizing a willingness to wage war 00:01:47.858 --> 00:01:52.298 to secure national interests rather than focusing solely on defensive capabilities. 00:01:52.958 --> 00:01:57.208 Defense Secretary Hegseth added that the name change is not merely a rebranding 00:01:57.208 --> 00:02:01.438 but a "restoring," arguing that the name change from "Department of War" 00:02:01.658 --> 00:02:06.218 to the "Department of Defense" in 1947 preceded an era in which the United 00:02:06.218 --> 00:02:08.958 States "haven't won a major war since". 00:02:09.648 --> 00:02:13.208 Proponents contend that a Department of War will prioritize "maximum 00:02:13.208 --> 00:02:17.458 lethality" and a "winning" attitude, aligning with a more aggressive posture. 00:02:17.697 --> 00:02:22.527 The name change, however, is a profound political and philosophical declaration, 00:02:22.757 --> 00:02:24.747 not a simple administrative change. 00:02:25.067 --> 00:02:28.647 It signifies a public shift in rhetoric and national identity 00:02:28.647 --> 00:02:30.207 regarding the military's role. 00:02:30.547 --> 00:02:34.697 It frames the military's purpose in a specific, ideological context, 00:02:34.897 --> 00:02:38.407 suggesting a return to what proponents view as "old days" of American 00:02:38.407 --> 00:02:40.327 exceptionalism and power projection. 00:02:40.897 --> 00:02:44.707 This approach could influence foreign policy by signaling a more aggressive, 00:02:44.777 --> 00:02:48.597 less diplomatically-focused posture and may have significant effects 00:02:48.597 --> 00:02:52.177 on recruitment and retention by appealing to a specific demographic 00:02:52.177 --> 00:02:54.027 while potentially alienating others. 00:02:54.385 --> 00:02:57.195 The debate is already playing out in Congress, where lawmakers 00:02:57.195 --> 00:02:58.305 are divided on the matter. 00:02:58.745 --> 00:02:59.225 While Rep. 00:02:59.485 --> 00:03:03.575 Greg Steube, a Republican from Florida, introduced legislation to formalize the 00:03:03.575 --> 00:03:08.185 change, Senator Mitch McConnell voiced disapproval, arguing that a focus on 00:03:08.185 --> 00:03:12.635 investment is needed, not just rebranding, to ensure "peace through strength". 00:03:13.135 --> 00:03:16.465 The administration's move to change the name via executive action, 00:03:16.665 --> 00:03:20.225 while also instructing the Secretary to recommend legislative actions, 00:03:20.355 --> 00:03:23.585 highlights the complex legal and political hurdles that remain for the 00:03:23.585 --> 00:03:25.415 permanent name change to take effect. 00:03:25.788 --> 00:03:29.768 Congressional Action on the FY26 NDAA and Military Quality of Life 00:03:30.134 --> 00:03:33.494 Beyond the symbolic changes, Congress continued its work this week on 00:03:33.494 --> 00:03:37.094 tangible issues impacting the lives of service members and their families. 00:03:37.644 --> 00:03:39.224 The Senate has begun considering S. 00:03:39.224 --> 00:03:44.984 2296, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, a sweeping 00:03:44.984 --> 00:03:49.044 bill that authorizes appropriations for military activities, military 00:03:49.044 --> 00:03:53.094 construction, and prescribes military personnel strengths for the fiscal year. 00:03:53.384 --> 00:03:57.474 As the foundational legislation that funds the military, the NDAA dictates 00:03:57.584 --> 00:04:00.574 everything from new ship procurement to individual pay and benefits. 00:04:00.860 --> 00:04:04.200 The sheer volume of amendments proposed indicates a strong legislative 00:04:04.200 --> 00:04:05.870 focus on a wide range of issues. 00:04:06.380 --> 00:04:10.010 Of particular note is an amendment offered by Senator Ernst that would require 00:04:10.010 --> 00:04:13.580 the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on casualty 00:04:13.580 --> 00:04:15.820 assistance and long-term care programs. 00:04:16.230 --> 00:04:20.060 This signals a concerted effort by lawmakers to address critical, 00:04:20.090 --> 00:04:23.490 personal issues that affect military families for years to come. 00:04:23.772 --> 00:04:27.672 These legislative efforts align with ongoing, quality-of-life initiatives 00:04:27.672 --> 00:04:29.332 outlined by military leadership. 00:04:29.922 --> 00:04:33.772 A report this week indicated that a review of enlisted uniform allowance rates is 00:04:33.772 --> 00:04:38.642 expected to be finalized by the end of September 2025, and studies are ongoing 00:04:38.642 --> 00:04:42.292 to evaluate the potential for increasing enlisted household goods Permanent 00:04:42.292 --> 00:04:44.622 Change of Station (PCS) weight limits. 00:04:45.062 --> 00:04:48.692 Furthermore, policies are being updated to increase Temporary Lodging 00:04:48.692 --> 00:04:53.712 Expense (TLE) coverage from 14 to 21 days for moves within the continental 00:04:53.712 --> 00:04:58.012 United States and to allow up to 60 days of Temporary Lodging Allowance 00:04:58.212 --> 00:05:00.712 (TLA) for moves originating overseas. 00:05:01.102 --> 00:05:05.062 These updates address a common source of financial and logistical stress for 00:05:05.062 --> 00:05:06.642 service members and their families. 00:05:07.037 --> 00:05:10.227 The legislative and administrative focus on these day-to-day concerns 00:05:10.297 --> 00:05:13.867 demonstrates an understanding that a strong and ready military is 00:05:13.867 --> 00:05:15.857 fundamentally built on its people. 00:05:16.357 --> 00:05:20.117 Unaddressed quality-of-life issues, such as financial stress from moving 00:05:20.117 --> 00:05:23.777 or poor living conditions, can lead to low morale and high attrition. 00:05:24.337 --> 00:05:28.277 The focus on these issues reveals that the military is actively competing 00:05:28.277 --> 00:05:29.817 for talent in the labor market. 00:05:30.367 --> 00:05:34.657 Retaining skilled personnel is as critical to national security as 00:05:34.657 --> 00:05:36.827 procuring a new weapons system. 00:05:37.387 --> 00:05:40.817 The bipartisan Servicemember Residence Protection Act (H.R. 00:05:40.867 --> 00:05:45.837 2334), which passed the House this week, is another example of this trend, 00:05:46.107 --> 00:05:50.387 as it directly addresses a domestic concern that could impact a service 00:05:50.387 --> 00:05:54.407 member's peace of mind and, by extension, their readiness while deployed. 00:05:54.800 --> 00:05:57.170 Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel 00:05:57.497 --> 00:06:01.337 For retired military personnel and federal employees, the news this week 00:06:01.377 --> 00:06:05.977 contained a mix of financial changes, some beneficial and others concerning. 00:06:06.517 --> 00:06:09.707 A key development is the final implementation of an executive 00:06:09.707 --> 00:06:13.517 order signed in March to end paper Social Security checks. 00:06:13.927 --> 00:06:18.027 As of September 30, all recipients must have a direct deposit set up with a 00:06:18.027 --> 00:06:22.357 bank or use a Direct Express prepaid debit card, with October marking the 00:06:22.357 --> 00:06:23.997 first month without paper checks. 00:06:24.497 --> 00:06:27.927 While this move is intended to modernize the system, it requires a 00:06:27.927 --> 00:06:32.107 significant behavioral change for many retirees who rely on paper checks. 00:06:32.503 --> 00:06:35.843 Another notable financial development is the Department of Education's 00:06:35.843 --> 00:06:40.103 resumption of garnishing Social Security payments for defaulting student loans, 00:06:40.353 --> 00:06:42.343 a practice that was paused in 2020. 00:06:42.903 --> 00:06:46.133 The department announced plans to resume garnishments in the summer, 00:06:46.353 --> 00:06:48.873 with up to 15% of benefits at risk. 00:06:49.363 --> 00:06:53.943 This decision, alongside the end of paper checks, is part of a broader shift 00:06:54.173 --> 00:06:58.423 toward tighter financial controls and a rollback of pandemic-era protections. 00:06:58.828 --> 00:07:01.918 When looking at benefits, the news is a bit more nuanced. 00:07:02.318 --> 00:07:05.178 Social Security benefits received a 2.5% 00:07:05.268 --> 00:07:11.718 Cost-of-Living Adjustment, or COLA, for 2025, with analysts predicting a 2.7% 00:07:11.718 --> 00:07:13.128 adjustment for the upcoming year. 00:07:13.648 --> 00:07:17.498 This increase, however, may be offset by rising healthcare costs. 00:07:18.178 --> 00:07:22.528 Medicare Part B premiums are estimated to increase by 11.5% 00:07:22.588 --> 00:07:24.708 to $206.20 00:07:24.708 --> 00:07:28.498 per month in 2026, up from the current $185. 00:07:29.228 --> 00:07:33.058 For many retirees, Medicare premiums are automatically deducted from 00:07:33.058 --> 00:07:34.718 their Social Security benefits. 00:07:35.078 --> 00:07:39.318 This means that a significant portion, if not all, of their COLA increase 00:07:39.318 --> 00:07:43.308 will be consumed by the rising cost of healthcare, leading to a de facto 00:07:43.308 --> 00:07:45.248 reduction in their net monthly payments. 00:07:45.590 --> 00:07:48.610 In terms of legislative efforts, a bill with potential benefits 00:07:48.610 --> 00:07:52.790 for military retirees, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025 (S. 00:07:52.790 --> 00:07:54.900 1068), was introduced in the Senate. 00:07:55.420 --> 00:07:59.110 The bill's stated purpose is to "put veteran and military families 00:07:59.110 --> 00:08:02.920 first" and provide protections for federal employees who are also 00:08:02.920 --> 00:08:04.460 members of the military community. 00:08:04.930 --> 00:08:08.540 A key provision of the bill would reverse any removal, demotion, or 00:08:08.540 --> 00:08:13.580 suspension of a veteran, military spouse, caregiver, or reserve component member 00:08:13.580 --> 00:08:18.260 from civil service that occurred since January 20, 2025, and provide them 00:08:18.260 --> 00:08:20.080 with back pay and restored benefits. 00:08:20.640 --> 00:08:24.460 This legislation serves as a direct response to recent policy decisions 00:08:24.460 --> 00:08:28.280 that have impacted federal employees, indicating a legislative effort to 00:08:28.280 --> 00:08:32.440 check executive actions and protect the employment of those with military ties. 00:08:32.890 --> 00:08:36.780 The bill also includes limitations on hiring freezes and office closures 00:08:36.780 --> 00:08:39.640 at the Department of Veterans Affairs, which could provide greater 00:08:39.640 --> 00:08:41.350 stability for the federal workforce. 00:08:41.520 --> 00:08:43.360 Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs 00:08:43.639 --> 00:08:47.059 A Landmark Week for Veterans Legislation in the House of Representatives 00:08:47.401 --> 00:08:50.551 This week was marked by a flurry of legislative activity in the 00:08:50.551 --> 00:08:53.351 House of Representatives, where the House Committee on Veterans' 00:08:53.351 --> 00:08:56.041 Affairs passed 14 bipartisan bills. 00:08:56.531 --> 00:08:59.361 The committee's chairman, Mike Bost, called the passage of 00:08:59.361 --> 00:09:02.461 these bills "fourteen wins for veterans and their families". 00:09:03.001 --> 00:09:07.291 This volume and diversity of legislation point to a powerful trend of targeted, 00:09:07.381 --> 00:09:11.311 technology-driven solutions to persistent, systemic problems within the VA, 00:09:11.501 --> 00:09:15.341 such as rural access, administrative backlog, and specialized care. 00:09:15.641 --> 00:09:18.381 While the bills are not yet law, their passage out of the House 00:09:18.381 --> 00:09:20.101 is a significant milestone. 00:09:20.393 --> 00:09:23.603 Here is a summary of some of the key bills that passed the House and were 00:09:23.603 --> 00:09:25.613 referred to the Senate for consideration: 00:09:25.963 --> 00:09:26.393 H.R. 00:09:26.393 --> 00:09:31.443 1107, the Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2025: 00:09:32.203 --> 00:09:36.213 This bill permanently authorizes VA health care professionals to use 00:09:36.213 --> 00:09:40.413 telemedicine to deliver, distribute, or dispense controlled substances 00:09:40.413 --> 00:09:43.523 to patients, regardless of whether the health care professional is 00:09:43.523 --> 00:09:45.113 licensed in the patient's state. 00:09:45.773 --> 00:09:49.123 This bill is a direct response to the perennial challenge of providing 00:09:49.123 --> 00:09:52.833 consistent care to veterans across state lines, particularly for 00:09:52.833 --> 00:09:54.673 those in rural or remote areas. 00:09:55.021 --> 00:09:55.291 H.R. 00:09:55.291 --> 00:10:00.831 2721, the Honoring Our Heroes Act of 2025: This legislation establishes a 00:10:00.831 --> 00:10:04.911 two-year pilot program to furnish a headstone or burial marker to veterans 00:10:04.911 --> 00:10:08.031 who died on or before November 1, 1990. 00:10:08.531 --> 00:10:11.571 Previously, these benefits were only available to veterans who 00:10:11.571 --> 00:10:15.621 died after that date, and this bill seeks to rectify that disparity. 00:10:15.946 --> 00:10:16.466 H.R. 00:10:16.466 --> 00:10:21.796 3481, the Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act of 2025: This bill 00:10:21.796 --> 00:10:25.006 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide a mechanism for 00:10:25.006 --> 00:10:28.896 veterans to electronically send and receive correspondence related to 00:10:28.896 --> 00:10:30.726 educational assistance benefits. 00:10:31.186 --> 00:10:35.626 This will streamline communication, reduce reliance on postal mail, and modernize 00:10:35.626 --> 00:10:37.406 the benefits administration process. 00:10:37.759 --> 00:10:38.099 H.R. 00:10:38.099 --> 00:10:41.869 3579, the Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Integrity Act: 00:10:42.319 --> 00:10:45.949 This bill aims to improve the Veterans Readiness and Employment program 00:10:45.949 --> 00:10:49.309 by requiring veterans to submit their work and educational records 00:10:49.309 --> 00:10:52.699 before their initial evaluation and by mandating a review of the 00:10:52.699 --> 00:10:54.629 program by a non-department entity. 00:10:54.942 --> 00:10:55.372 H.R. 00:10:55.372 --> 00:11:01.202 3951, the Rural Veterans' Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025: This 00:11:01.202 --> 00:11:05.742 bill expands and extends a pilot program that allows non-VA health care 00:11:05.742 --> 00:11:09.992 professionals to perform disability examinations for veterans, regardless 00:11:09.992 --> 00:11:11.252 of their license jurisdiction. 00:11:12.032 --> 00:11:15.722 The authority for this program is extended through January 5, 2031, 00:11:16.042 --> 00:11:20.072 which is a major win for veterans who struggle to access timely medical exams. 00:11:20.391 --> 00:11:20.791 H.R. 00:11:20.791 --> 00:11:25.591 4446, the FAST VETS Act: This bill modifies the conditions for redeveloping 00:11:25.591 --> 00:11:29.191 a veteran's individualized vocational rehabilitation plan under the Veteran 00:11:29.191 --> 00:11:34.391 Readiness and Employment program, ensuring a new plan is created if a veteran's 00:11:34.391 --> 00:11:39.591 original goals are no longer feasible due to changes in their employment handicap. 00:11:39.591 --> 00:11:40.151 H.R. 00:11:40.211 --> 00:11:44.431 1860, the Women Veterans Cancer Care Coordination Act: This bill 00:11:44.431 --> 00:11:49.161 requires the VA to hire or designate regional care coordinators to help 00:11:49.201 --> 00:11:52.811 women veterans navigate breast and gynecologic cancer care. 00:11:53.331 --> 00:11:56.691 This directly addresses the needs of a growing population of veterans. 00:11:57.086 --> 00:12:00.736 The bipartisan nature of this legislative package is a notable theme, 00:12:01.126 --> 00:12:05.236 demonstrating that improving veteran care and benefits is a widely shared goal, 00:12:05.436 --> 00:12:07.416 even amid broader political gridlock. 00:12:07.763 --> 00:12:10.423 A Deep Dive into Key Veteran Benefits and Policy Debates 00:12:10.775 --> 00:12:13.775 Beyond legislative progress, several critical updates to veteran 00:12:13.775 --> 00:12:15.115 benefits were announced this week. 00:12:15.565 --> 00:12:19.915 VA disability compensation rates for 2025 reflect a 2.5% 00:12:19.975 --> 00:12:25.575 COLA, with a 100% disability rating now paying $3,737.85 00:12:25.575 --> 00:12:29.855 per month, up from $3,652.83 00:12:29.855 --> 00:12:30.695 in 2024. 00:12:31.125 --> 00:12:35.115 Allowances for spouses and children have also increased proportionally, providing 00:12:35.115 --> 00:12:36.855 a financial boost to many families. 00:12:37.345 --> 00:12:41.415 The VA has also added new conditions to its presumptive list, including conditions 00:12:41.415 --> 00:12:45.615 linked to burn pits and contaminated water exposure at military bases, which 00:12:45.615 --> 00:12:49.775 is expected to streamline claims and provide relief to thousands of veterans. 00:12:50.074 --> 00:12:53.584 The VA continues its efforts to accelerate claims processing through the use of 00:12:53.584 --> 00:12:57.454 artificial intelligence, reducing the average time for initial disability claims 00:12:57.454 --> 00:13:01.044 to 152 days, down from 184 days in 2024. 00:13:01.874 --> 00:13:05.224 This administrative improvement, coupled with the enhanced use of the VA mobile 00:13:05.224 --> 00:13:09.354 app to upload documents and track claims, represents a significant step 00:13:09.354 --> 00:13:11.104 toward modernizing the bureaucracy. 00:13:11.634 --> 00:13:15.444 Education benefits have also expanded under the GI Bill, which now covers a 00:13:15.444 --> 00:13:19.584 wider range of career-focused training and vocational programs, providing 00:13:19.584 --> 00:13:22.794 the same housing and book allowances as traditional college programs. 00:13:23.165 --> 00:13:26.715 Amidst these advancements, a major controversy has emerged concerning 00:13:26.715 --> 00:13:28.785 the CHOICE for Veterans Act (H.R. 00:13:28.785 --> 00:13:33.125 3132), a bill that has sparked a fundamental debate over the future 00:13:33.125 --> 00:13:34.585 of veteran claims assistance. 00:13:34.985 --> 00:13:39.285 Disabled American Veterans (DAV), a major Veteran Service Organization, 00:13:39.475 --> 00:13:42.995 has come out in strong opposition to the bill, arguing that it would allow 00:13:43.055 --> 00:13:48.065 unaccredited, for-profit companies to charge veterans up to $12,500 for 00:13:48.065 --> 00:13:52.185 claims assistance that is currently provided for free by accredited VSOs. 00:13:52.705 --> 00:13:56.125 DAV National Commander Coleman Nee stated that the bill "puts 00:13:56.125 --> 00:14:00.035 profits before veterans" and "risks deterring those who need help the 00:14:00.035 --> 00:14:01.775 most from ever filing a claim". 00:14:02.145 --> 00:14:05.195 In contrast, supporters of the bill, including the sponsor Rep. 00:14:05.285 --> 00:14:10.495 Jack Bergman, R-MI, argue that it restores what they call "freedom" to veterans 00:14:10.805 --> 00:14:14.195 by giving them the right to choose who assists them with their claims. 00:14:14.745 --> 00:14:18.535 Proponents contend that the bill would empower veterans by opening up claims 00:14:18.535 --> 00:14:22.175 assistance to the private sector while also establishing regulations 00:14:22.175 --> 00:14:23.575 to hold companies accountable. 00:14:24.035 --> 00:14:28.345 They accuse the VSOs and their allies of trying to protect their "bureaucratic 00:14:28.345 --> 00:14:32.125 class" and "dying" organizations by limiting options for veterans. 00:14:32.645 --> 00:14:36.065 This debate highlights a central tension in the veteran community: the 00:14:36.065 --> 00:14:40.715 desire for more options and flexibility versus the need for protection against 00:14:40.715 --> 00:14:42.645 potentially predatory practices. 00:14:42.985 --> 00:14:45.525 Technological and Outreach Initiatives at the VA 00:14:45.772 --> 00:14:49.682 This week’s news reinforced the VA’s ongoing strategic push to leverage 00:14:49.682 --> 00:14:53.072 technology and community outreach to address perennial challenges. 00:14:53.482 --> 00:14:57.252 The week of September 14-20 was designated as Telehealth Awareness Week, 00:14:57.572 --> 00:15:01.532 a recognition of the transformative role telehealth has played in delivering care. 00:15:01.912 --> 00:15:05.652 Veteran trust in VA telehealth has reached 89.0%, 00:15:06.012 --> 00:15:08.682 and satisfaction has hit 91.9% 00:15:08.812 --> 00:15:12.472 for the fifth consecutive year, indicating the success of programs like 00:15:12.873 --> 00:15:16.263 VA Video Connect, which has facilitated over 10 million 00:15:16.263 --> 00:15:17.853 visits this fiscal year alone. 00:15:18.363 --> 00:15:21.543 This is a strategic response to the perennial challenge of geography and 00:15:21.543 --> 00:15:25.593 access, directly addressing the needs of a diverse and aging veteran population. 00:15:26.055 --> 00:15:30.315 The VA is not just relying on the internet-savvy; it has also implemented 00:15:30.315 --> 00:15:32.485 programs to bridge the digital divide. 00:15:32.945 --> 00:15:37.315 Veterans who lack internet-enabled devices can request a Digital Divide Consult to 00:15:37.315 --> 00:15:41.895 get the resources they need, and ATLAS (Accessing Telehealth through Local Area 00:15:41.895 --> 00:15:46.695 Stations) sites provide comfortable, private spaces for veterans to conduct 00:15:46.695 --> 00:15:48.645 video visits with VA specialists. 00:15:49.145 --> 00:15:52.905 These initiatives demonstrate a nuanced understanding that technology is 00:15:52.905 --> 00:15:57.115 not a one-size-fits-all solution and that some veterans need foundational 00:15:57.115 --> 00:15:58.935 support to access these benefits. 00:15:59.220 --> 00:16:02.710 Other technological updates this week include an improved VA Health 00:16:02.710 --> 00:16:06.420 and Benefits mobile app that now makes submitting mileage-only travel 00:16:06.420 --> 00:16:10.590 claims faster and easier than ever, eliminating the need for paper forms. 00:16:11.290 --> 00:16:14.020 The VA is also urging veterans to switch from their 00:16:14.646 --> 00:16:17.296 DS Logon to more secure Login.gov 00:16:17.356 --> 00:16:18.516 or ID.me 00:16:18.516 --> 00:16:22.216 accounts by September 30 to continue managing their benefits 00:16:22.216 --> 00:16:23.716 online without interruption. 00:16:24.356 --> 00:16:28.216 The overall picture is a VA that is actively evolving to shed its old image 00:16:28.386 --> 00:16:32.456 as a slow, bureaucratic institution and is leveraging technology to 00:16:32.456 --> 00:16:34.196 improve services across the board. 00:16:34.580 --> 00:16:35.830 And that's your Weekly Briefing. 00:16:36.280 --> 00:16:39.780 Staying on top of these changes is key to navigating your career, 00:16:39.910 --> 00:16:41.740 your retirement, and your benefits. 00:16:42.144 --> 00:16:43.094 Thank you for tuning in. 00:16:43.374 --> 00:16:47.324 Be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an update. 00:16:47.864 --> 00:16:51.064 We’ll be back next week with another roundup of the news that matters most 00:16:51.064 --> 00:16:52.894 to the military and veteran community.