Vets disability claims backlog down to 200K cases, a post-pandemic low
The number of overdue disabiltiy claims rose to more than 400,000 cases after COVID-19 office closures and toxic exposure benefits expansion.
Pentagon & Congress
Military to screen for gender dysphoria amid transgender ban, per memo
The Pentagon told commanders to direct medical record reviews of troops they suspect have gender dysphoria. The DOD will also screen troops at physicals.
Trump’s vow of ‘substantial’ pay raise for troops counters budget plan
The White House spending plans call for a 3.8% pay boost next year, a smaller raise than troops saw in January.
Navy leaders look to expand munitions options as supplies run low
Operations against Houthi militants in the Red Sea have drawn down missile supplies potentially needed for future operations.
Air Force One greeted by fighter escorts during Trump’s Mideast visit
Like Saudi Arabia did a day earlier, Qatar gave Trump's Air Force One a ceremonial escort from its F-15 fighter jets — an exceptionally rare sight.
VA errors in benefits payouts down, but still total more than $1.3B
Recurring errors in VA benefits processing amounted to hundreds of millions in losses for U.S. taxpayers in fiscal 2024.
Dems demand military investigation into Qatar’s plane gift to Trump
Lawmakers worry the expensive gift could create financial and legal issues for the Defense Department.
Hegseth’s plan to trim top ranks could hit more than 120 officers
About 20% of top active duty general and admiral jobs would be eliminated, plus 10% of the more than 800 positions across other leadership levels.
Breaking down Trump’s executive order mandating multiple VA reforms
The president signed an executive order Friday calling for several sweeping changes in VA operations and construction goals.
Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard outline FY26 budget needs this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 12, 2025.
Hegseth bans affirmative action at military service academies
Hegseth directed schools to rank applicants by an aggregate score factoring in athletic ability and past military experience, among other qualifications.
Pentagon orders military to pull all library books on diversity
It is the broadest and most detailed directive so far on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s campaign to rid the military of DEI policies and materials.
Felon hid dead uncle in trash can to keep stealing his vets benefits
A Missouri man has been charged with fraud and theft for concealing the death of his veteran uncle to continue collecting his disability checks.
Up to 1,000 transgender troops being separated under new Pentagon memo
Active duty troops have until June 6 to voluntarily identify themselves to the department, and troops in the National Guard and Reserve have until July 7.
VA’s online legacy project adds names of 210,000 vets lost overseas
The expansion of the veterans online memorial includes the names of almost 93,000 veterans killed overseas during World War II.
Trump proclaims Thursday as day for US to celebrate victory in WWII
Trump signed a proclamation Wednesday designating May 8, 2025, as a “day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II.” It is not a federal holiday.
DOD educator unions sue Trump over collective bargaining rights
Unions representing DOD educators are challenging President Trump's executive order excluding federal workers from collective bargaining.
