VFW Action Corps Weekly
VFW in Action on Capitol Hill: Leadership, staff and members of the VFW came together on Capitol Hill to deliver the VFW’s position on H.R.9237 / S.4744, Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. Engaging directly with congressional staffers and members of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and House Committee on Rules, the VFW advocates made clear that today’s veterans should not be expected to pay for future veterans’ benefits through reductions in disability compensation for tinnitus and sleep apnea. VFW advocates also attended a House Committee on Rules hearing covering several bills, including H.R. 9237, in which the committee approved the rule governing floor debate by an 8–4 vote, advancing the legislation for House consideration. Learn more about the VFW’s concerns with this legislation and take action through the VFW Action Alert.
Strengthening Support for MST Survivors: A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine highlights persistent barriers veterans face when seeking disability compensation for military sexual trauma (MST), including inconsistent processes, burdensome evidentiary requirements and a claims procedure that can be re-traumatizing. The VFW strongly supports H.R. 2576 and S. 1245, Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025, which would address these issues by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, requiring VA to consider non-Department of Defense evidence for MST claims, expanding this standard to all MST-related mental health conditions and ensuring National Guard and Reserve members have access to MST-related care and counseling. This legislation reflects critical reforms needed to ensure survivors receive the care and benefits they have earned and the VFW urges Congress to pass it without delay. Read the report.
Opinion: Congress Should Not Decide Veterans’ Disability Ratings: In an Op-Ed recently published in the Kansas City Star, VFW General Counsel John Muckelbauer warns against congressional efforts to reshape VA disability ratings through Section 108 of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. He argues that disability evaluations must remain grounded in medical evidence and the real-world impact of service-connected conditions, not political budget decisions. The piece raises concerns that proposed changes affecting conditions such as tinnitus and sleep apnea could establish a precedent of using earned veterans’ compensation to offset the cost of other initiatives. As Muckelbauer writes, “Disability compensation is part of the nation’s commitment to those who served. It should never be treated as a budget offset.” Read the full article.
Qualifying Veterans Now Eligible for Free TSA PreCheck: Veterans with certain severe service-connected disabilities may now qualify for free Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck enrollment under the VETS Safe Travel Act (Public Law 118 - 238). Those eligible must still meet standard TSA security and background requirements, and free enrollment is subject to available funding. “The VFW applauds the implementation of the VETS Safe Travel Act and the availability of free TSA PreCheck enrollment for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities," said VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci. "For many veterans, travel can present physical challenges. This benefit helps reduce unnecessary barriers making travel more accessible, dignified and convenient for those who have already sacrificed so much.” Veterans needing additional help during airport screening may request assistance through TSA Cares by calling 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel. Learn more. MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced one burial update for a service member who has been missing and unaccounted for from the Korean War.
Update:
-- Korean War Army Cpl. George T. Hill, California