VSO Talk Radio

Update Richard Star ActGulf War Vets Face Deadline9/11 And National Day of Service 

Military Appreciation Day at The Big E is one of the VA’s largest veteran outreach events, bringing together thousands of veterans and representatives from VA health care, benefits, Vet Centers, and veteran service organizations from across New England

Today we’re discussing a benefit that is frequently misunderstood and sometimes overlooked: Special Monthly Compensation, commonly called SMC.

In the episode we discuss some of the most commonly overlooked VA and Massachusetts veterans benefits.  

This week on VSO Talk Radio, we discuss the proposed Massachusetts OVA budget cuts, the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, and what these issues could mean for veterans, their families, and the benefits they’ve earned.

Here is today's lineup:VA hospital quality ratings just hit an all-time high, and we will tell you how to look up your specific facilityThe Major Richard Star Act, a major update since our March show. This story moved fast.Women veterans, the VA is coming to you with enrollment summits in five cities across the countryThe VA mobile app has a new update that every veteran thinking about buying a home needs to know aboutA nationwide veteran scam surge, the BBB and state attorneys general are sounding the alarm right now, this week

Updates on the following IG UPDATE: Adams v. Collins - Obesity1. Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act (H.R. 3482)2. Fisher House Availability Act (H.R. 3726 / S. 3119)3. 2025 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act (S. 2393)

H.R. 8281, the Guard Equal Benefits for Federal Missions ActVA improvements and investmentsMA Welcome Home Bonus Class Action 

Honoring Women History Month

VA plans to scan a million veterans claims for signs of fraud

Major Richard Star Act (S. 1032/H.R. 2102) remains a top priority for veteran advocacy groups, with 2026 being a renewed push for passage. The act seeks to end the unfair "offset" that forces combat-disabled veterans with less than 20 years of service to subtract VA disability pay from their military retirement, often called the ""wounded veteran tax""

The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, composed of Black soldiers, was one of the first official African American units in the U.S. Civil War. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps (AAC), a precursor of the U.S. Air Force

On Feb. 17, the Department of Veterans Affairs published an interim final rule that changes one deceptively simple question at the heart of disability exams. Then on  February 19, the VA halted the enforcement the controversial Rule. 

We highlight some Pending Legislation in Congress for Veterans and we speak to Larry Brace, the newest member of our Ludlow Veterans Center Team! 

State Auditor released their report of  an audit of the Veterans Home at Holyoke. VA in 2026 looks to get EHR rollout back on track, embark on health care reorganization

Updates to changes happening in 2026. 

Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. It’s the mission of Wreaths Across America.

In honor of the Marine Corps Birthday, we featured some famous people who served in the Marine Corps🇺🇸

Special in Studio Guest:  Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services Secretary Dr. Jon Santiago▪️creation of cabinet level position ▪️accomplishments ▪️Government Shutdown▪️Hero Act▪️Veterans Homelessness ▪️what’s next as he gets ready to transition out of office.  

As the government shutdown moves into day 15,  we discuss resources available to Service members to alleviate the financial hardship.  

VA Urgent Care Benefit allows eligible veterans to receive treatment for non-life-threatening conditions at community-based urgent care clinics without prior VA authorization.

Some of the greatest players who served our country 

If you already have a service-connected disability, did you know that other conditions caused or worsened by that disability may also qualify? 

This week we have : Westfield State University, Veterans Services Director Mr. Rob Vignault and Springfield College, Veteran and Military Service Coordinator, Jacki Wolf, we discuss Educational Benefits with the subject matter experts. 

VA ancillary benefits a topic that often gets overlooked—those additional programs that go beyond monthly compensation

 Positive stories from the VA, how it works, and how it affects you

Interviewing SSG(Ret) Brian Willette,  his career in the army, his multiple deployments, his Purple Heart and his work in the Veteran community. 

Today we’re talking about a topic that affects thousands of veterans and families each year: divorce. More specifically, what VA benefits stick with you—and which ones don’t—after a separation. Whether you’re a veteran, a spouse, or both, understanding your rights is vital.

VA’s health priority group system, how it works, and how it affects you, and what upcoming changes may be coming in 2025

The debate over privatization of veterans health care versus traditional VA care is one of the most heated and impactful issues in veterans policy today

▪️VA’s Legal Services for Veterans Grant         Program ▪️Beware of Claim Shark 

Women Veterans Recognition Day, observed annually on June 12th, honors the contributions of women who have served in the United States military.

The VA was created to fulfill one core mission: To care for those who have borne the battle,”Is the VA still keeping its promise?

Veterans Stand Down

We want to continue last Episode’s conversation about justice involved veterans with some more information provided by the VA on Incarcerated veterans.  What is available to them but also their families.