The VA is investing in new research that could establish new treatments for Veterans suffering from kidney disease.

Our last California Veterans news roundup largely focuses on updates from the VA on several topics, including new avenues of medical research, the upcoming PACT Act deadline, and more.

Readers are encouraged to send Veterans-related stories to news@calegion.org. 

Statewide: California Veterans news

• Reminder: The deadline to apply for retroactive PACT Act benefits is Aug. 9, 2023. Claims can still be filed after this date, but filing Veterans or surviving family members will only be eligible for subsequent benefits.

• On July 28, the VA announced a partnership with the NAACP to identify ways to improve Minority Veterans’ quality of life. Goals of the partnership include increasing Black Veterans’ enrollment in VA health care, raising awareness of all VA benefits, and increasing recruitment of “culturally-competent providers at VA.”
• Veterans suffering from kidney disease may eventually benefit from research conducted by a recently announced partnership between the VA and the American Association of Kidney Patients.
• Veterans under the age of 40 who were exposed to burn pits or other toxins during their military service are now eligible for breast cancer risk assessments and mammograms regardless of “symptoms, family history, and whether they are enrolled in VA health care.” Our full article: VA Expands Breast Cancer Screenings for Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits and Toxins

Monterey County Veterans news

• Rep. Jimmy Panetta and representatives from the VA are hosting a joint event for area Veterans to learn about PACT Act benefits in light of the Aug. 9 backdating deadline.

Orange County Veterans news

• The Remains of Ian “Frank” Tortorici have been returned to the United States after he was murdered in Ukraine by a Russian collaborator. Tortoricci had been fighting for Ukraine for over 15 months straight before taking leave. While dining at a restaurant far from the frontlines, a Russian agent called in a missile strike that killed Tortorici and many civilians. Our full article: California Veteran Ian “Frank” Tortorici Has Been Killed by Russian Forces in Ukraine 

San Diego County Veterans news

• New research conducted at the UC San Diego School of Medicine suggests that impaired cellular function is the root cause of Gulf War Illness, or GWI, not inflammation which has long been associated with the disease. The research will open up new avenues of treatment.

Recent Veterans articles & videos from California American Legion

• News: President Biden Signs Executive Order to Reform Military Justice System on Sexual Assault Cases
• News: VA Launches New Study to Investigate Cancer-Environment Link for Troops Serving Overseas
• News: Veterans Protection from Fraud Act Aims to Safeguard Veterans with Stronger Penalties
• News: U.S. Congressional Gold Medals Presented to WWII Veterans Next of Kin
• News: Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Enhance Oversight of VA Acquisitions and Save Taxpayer Dollars
• News: Air Force Members and Dixon Post 208 Help WWII Veteran Oakley Dexter Celebrate his 100th Birthday
• News: JAMA study reveals link between Neighborhood Disadvantage and Dementia Risk Among U.S. Veterans
• News: Last Survivor of the WWII USS Indianapolis (CA-35) Honored with Bronze Statue

Important Veterans & Military Holidays in July

• July 4 — Independence Day
• July 27 — National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

Author: Christian Southards

Coming from a family with a proud military background and wanting to contribute his writing skills to a worthy cause, Christian began writing for the California American Legion in August of 2020. His father is a 25-year Army Veteran and his grandfather served in the Navy during Vietnam.