U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs CMV - News Update

Benefits Breakdown is a new series of programming coming alongside the newly titled Borne the Battle podcast.  Each Monday, I will look at a benefit, resource or program office offered at VA and talk about how Veterans can better use or explore that topic. [From VAntage Point]

VA announced that it will launch the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program, or “RAMP,” with the goal of providing Veterans with the earliest possible resolution of their disagreement with VA’s decision on their benefit claims. [From VAntage Point]

For many years, Air Force Veteran Jose Sotolongo’s, dedication to regular exercise and commitment to good health served him well.  He reached the age of 76 without ever having been in a hospital and enjoyed a life filled with biking, power walking, swimming and even an occasional exercise class. [From VAntage Point]

Houston is home to 14,000 women Veterans, a number that has doubled in just 10 years.  “Texas, overall, has the largest number of female Veterans in the nation, but the majority do not seek care at the VA,””said Rola El-Serag, M.D., medical director of the Women Veterans Health Program at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center Houston. [From TMC News]

Today, VA secretary Dr. David Shulkin joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office for the president’s signing of a proclamation establishing November as Veterans and Military Families Month.  This is the first time that America will celebrate Veterans and military families for the entire month and not just on Veterans Day. [From VAntage Point]

The man who became the Army’s first Hispanic four-star general died on Sunday.  Richard Edward Cavazos, 88, died in the Army Residence Community in San Antonio, Texas, according to the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. [From Army Times]

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian will accept design submissions beginning Nov. 11 for a memorial that will honor the military service of Native Americans. [From Military Times]

On the eve of Veterans month, the VA, in collaboration with Got Your 6 and local Community Veteran Engagement Boards, will host a nationwide series of StorytellersX events in November and December.  These events feature Veterans sharing their stories of post-military life. [From VAntage Point]