VA Secretary Denis McDonough speaking at The American Legion’s Annual Washington Conference (Photo: Hilary Ott / The American Legion)

The 64th Annual Washington Conference, held from Feb. 25 to 28, provided Legionnaires with a chance to engage with lawmakers and receive updates from members of Congress and VA leaders.

During the conference, various topics were discussed, including Veteran suicide prevention, safeguarding benefits, homelessness, mental health, and the Department of Defense’s Tuition Assistance program, while emphasizing the need for legislative action and community partnerships. 

Dr. Steve Lieberman from the Veterans Health Administration, VHA, spoke about the VA’s efforts in suicide prevention research, particularly in relation to PTSD and depression. He mentioned promising findings from telehealth calls with over 16,000 Veterans, showing improvements in coping and reduction of symptoms.

The conversation also touched upon the potential use of psychedelics for mental health treatment, with Lieberman stressing the need for further research to ensure safety and effectiveness. Additionally, there was a call to spread awareness among Veterans about the COMPACT Act, which grants access to emergency healthcare for acute suicidal crises at no cost.

Panel discussions also covered homelessness and mental health issues. Speakers emphasized the importance of community partnerships in addressing homelessness among Veterans and encouraged awareness of available services. Equine therapy was suggested as a beneficial approach to address social isolation and trauma for Veterans struggling with social connections and finding purpose post-service.

The conference also addressed the Department of Defense’s Tuition Assistance program, advocating for increased funding and awareness. Panelists discussed the program’s limitations of outdated financial caps and its impact on Service Members’ access to education and recruiting efforts.

Jaime A. Areizaga-Soto from the Board of Veterans Appeals, BVA, announced positive changes in the board’s operations. The BVA shared updates on their efforts to address appeals backlog and expedite decisions. With the hiring of 40 new judges and a focus on legacy appeals, progress has been made in reducing pending cases.

Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs at the National Cemetery Administration, Retired Maj. Gen. Matthew T. Quinn, addressed concerns that were raised regarding the provision of plaques or urns to Veterans’ spouses and the impact on burial eligibility. Congress passed a law in 2020 requiring the VA to present a plaque or urn upon request to the surviving spouse of a Veteran. However, the legislation stipulates that if the widow or widower accepts a plaque or urn, the Veteran forfeits their right to be buried in a national VA cemetery and their right to a government-provided headstone, if they want to be buried in a private cemetery. The need for legislative action to address this issue was emphasized. Quinn advised Legionnaires to apply ahead of time for VA burial benefits at a national cemetery or one supported by grants. 

Another pressing issue discussed was the protection of Veterans’ benefits from unaccredited claims companies. Michael Frueh from the Veterans Benefits Administration, VBA, discussed the VA’s measures to protect Veterans from unaccredited claims companies. He emphasized the VA’s efforts to help prevent Veterans from being exploited. Measures like the Veteran Scam and Fraud Evasion, VSAFE, were highlighted to combat fraudulent activities.

VA Secretary Denis McDonough addressed the importance of accreditation for benefits claims, warning against predatory practices, and announcing interagency efforts. He spoke about the VA’s achievements in 2023, including record numbers of processed claims, health-care appointments, and appeals, and discussed expansions in care eligibility and benefits payment reforms. He also addressed concerns about the Electronic Health Record Modernization system and expressed the need for continued progress and partnership with organizations like The American Legion to help tackle pressing priorities for Veterans.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.