The Observation Post: First Edition
The Observation Post: First Edition
Welcome to the first edition of the Observation Post, where we cover veteran and military-related topics that matter.
Hello, and welcome to the first edition of the Observation Post, where we cover veteran and military-related topics that matter to you. We’ll cover proposed legislation that’s in Congress, technology, current events and much more.
Occasionally, we’ll add some bonus content with interviews from those in the veteran community. All of our stories are created with the help of veterans, their families and experts who understand the unique needs of the community.
Thank you for joining us. We’re happy to have you here. Let’s get started.
Veterans’ True Choice Act of 2023
New legislation recently introduced in Congress, would, “provide eligibility for TRICARE Select to veterans with service-connected disabilities.”
Tricare Select is the same program offered to active duty family members and military retirees. Veterans with service-connected disabilities would be able to use this program as an alternative to traditional health care coverage provided by the VA.
This bill, if passed, would provide veterans with a true choice of healthcare coverage and would be another step in providing much-needed benefits to our veteran community. We will be following this legislation closely and providing updates as it moves through Congress.
Army LT wrongfully detained by police sues department and wins… almost nothing.
Army Lieutenant Caron Nazario who was seen in a widely publicized video of an incident involving Windsor, Virginia police officers was recently awarded a settlement of $3,685 by a jury. He was seeking $1 million in damages.
The video of the incident, which I mentioned on the podcast nearly two years ago, showed that Lt. Nazario was wrongfully detained without cause and was subjected to extreme verbal and physical abuse by the officers.
The lawsuit stated that the officers violated the Lt’s constitutional rights, including violations of the Fourth Amendment, which protects people against unreasonable searches, seizures and excessive force.
PACT Act results in more than 250,000 burn pit claims so far
The recently passed PACT act, shifted the burden of proof from veterans to the VA for certain ailments related to toxic exposure, is expected to qualify an additional 3.5 million veterans for Veterans Administration provided healthcare.
So far, the PACT Act has resulted in more than 250,000 burn pit claims. Burn pit exposure is a major issue for veterans of the recent conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and other areas. It is believed that many veterans are suffering from illnesses related to their exposure to the burn pits, but due to the difficulty of obtaining evidence to prove it, many of these veterans have been denied benefits.
The PACT Act has changed that. The new standard of proof make it easier for veterans to receive benefits they have earned. The VA is now speeding up it’s IT modernization initiatives to help with the influx of claims.
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