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Veterans Benefits Newsletter

April 2024

Atlanta Regional Office Has a New Name

The Atlanta Regional Benefits Office was officially renamed after Senator Johnny Isakson during a ceremony held March 25.

The official designation follows the Senator Johnny Isakson VA Regional Office Act of 2022, which was signed Dec. 9, 2022, in recognition of the late senator’s leadership and contributions as a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. These contributions prompted major reforms to improve the benefits and quality of care for veterans.

The Isakson VA Atlanta Regional Office currently oversees the care and benefits of over 689,000 Veterans and service members, along with their families and survivors. 

VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities Update

New or adjusted evaluations for several digestive conditions will begin May 19, 2024. Full details on the changes and the link to apply are available in our blog. 

Record-Breaking Processed Claims

VA announced that it has processed its one millionth Veteran benefits claim in fiscal year 2024. VA reached this milestone March 4 — the earliest in VA history and nearly six weeks faster than the previous all-time record (2023). VA has completed almost 35% more claims than at this point last year.

Read the full press release.

Adapt Your Car With VA

Do you have a disability related to your military service that prevents you from driving? You may be eligible for a one-time payment or grant to help with buying a specially equipped vehicle or adaptive equipment.

G.I. Bill Student Check Your Direct Deposit on VA.gov

If you’re a G.I. Bill beneficiary who also receives other benefits, you need to ensure you have a single bank account selected for direct deposit by April 20. The easiest way to make this change is to logon to va.gov to change Your VA Direct Deposit Information.

VET TEC Pilot Program Concluding

Our Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC), five-year pilot program, is coming to an end this April. Find out now what this means for Veterans and eligible service members.

Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grants Available 

Are you a disabled Veteran in need of adaptive modifications to your home? We're calling for applicants for the 2024 Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology grant.

Tax Season Reminders for Veterans 

Some helpful reminders for Veterans and beneficiaries:

• VA benefits are tax free.
• There is no federal income tax on VA insurance proceeds. 
• Veterans with a service-connected disability rating may benefit from local property tax exemptions. 

Check if you qualify for free assistance filing your taxes with MilTax or IRS Free File. For more info and tax guidance visit: Information for Veterans | Internal Revenue Service.

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Since 1946, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has been on a mission to change lives and build brighter futures for our seriously injured heroes. PVA membership opens up a world of programs and services designed to help you live your best life: assistance with your earned VA benefits; help with employment and higher education; sports and recreation opportunities; and a window into PVA's important research and advocacy efforts. Learn more about PVA's support services.

Change Your VA Direct Deposit Information

If you receive disability compensation, pension, or education benefits from VA, you can update your direct deposit information in your VA.gov profile. You’ll need your bank’s routing number and account number to make the updates.

Upcoming Events

April 3/10/17 - Financial Literacy Month Events 

April 9-12 - Financial Literacy Week - San Antonio, TX

April 16 – Appalachian Rural Outreach Tour - Wheeling, WV

April 17 – Appalachian Rural Outreach Tour - Shinnston, WV

April 18 – 2024 Virtual Rural Veteran Outreach Symposium

April 18 – Appalachian Rural Outreach Tour - Summersville, WV

April 19 – Appalachian Rural Outreach Tour - Princeton, WV

April 24 - Inflation Risk - Protecting Your Retirement

April 24-25 – Memphis Veterans Economic Initiative Summit

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