Travel Reimbursement Increase
VA has increased veterans’ mileage reimbursement for travel to VA facilities for medical care. ( more)

Missing Paperwork Protections
VA has set up special procedures for processing claims from veterans, family members and survivors whose applications for financial benefits from VA may have been mishandled by VA personnel. ( more)

2008 Performance and Accountability Report
VA published its fiscal year 2008 Performance and Accountability Report on Nov. 17. The report provides important financial information and describes VA’s progress toward reaching specific performance goals. The report allows the president, Congress, veterans, veterans service organizations and the public to evaluate how well VA is performing its mission. To view or download the report, visit http://www.va.gov/budget/report.

Surfing Therapy
For nearly 30 years, VA has been a leader in using sports programs to demonstrate that veterans with disabilities can lead active, rewarding lifestyles. The therapeutic value of activities such as skiing, swimming and track and field events in improving the health and fitness of those with disabilities is now widely accepted. This therapy, coupled with the teamwork and camaraderie that comes from military service, was on display recently in San Diego during VA’s first ever National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic. ( watch video)

Winter Sports Registration
Registration for the 2009 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is open now through Nov. 30. The clinic will be held March 29 – April 3, 2009 in Snowmass Village, Colo. Participation is open to U.S. military service veterans who receive health care at VA medical facilities for spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, certain neurological problems and other disabilities. In recent years, a number of active duty military personnel from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have also participated. ( more)

Suicide Prevention: 1–800–273–TALK (8255) ( more information)