Veteran Benefits Guide

Sharing an article that appeared in yesterday’s?Las Vegas Sun?by political reporter?Haajrah G. about a proposal being?considered in the?Nevada?Legislature that would?prohibit Nevada Veterans from using private services to get help in applying for VA disability benefits, restricting their choice and ability to get needed benefits.?VBG?CEO Joshua Smith, VBG clients, community partners and concerned veterans, spoke?in opposition to the?proposal during a meeting of the Assembly’s Committee on Government Affairs.? Brandon Mills, a service-disabled U.S. Army veteran and Southern?Nevada Veterans Chamber?of?Commerce member, said he was speaking on his own behalf against AB 145. He believes VA-accredited representatives alone can’t meet “overwhelming demand” for claims assistance and independent organizations are needed to fill that gap. “AB 145 is not about protecting veterans. It is about restricting their choices, pitting vets against vets and lifting a giant middle finger to those that sacrificed for our country,” Mills said. “Passing this bill would send a clear message that Nevada values bureaucracy over the well-being of those who served.” Read the full article here:?https://lnkd.in/gSb4hwn9

Thank you to the many VBG clients and community partners who joined us in testifying before the Nevada Legislature’s Government Affairs Committee in opposition to AB145, a bill that would prohibit Nevada Veterans from using private services to get help in obtaining VA disability benefits. In his testimony to the Committee, VBG CEO Josh Smith stated: “VBG strongly supports Assemblyman D’Silva’s commitment to protecting our Veterans and actually believes that the bill does not go far enough in some areas, as it is absent necessary guardrails which includes disclosure requirements and a fee cap… Unfortunately, the bill as currently written would reduce their freedom of choice and access to Veteran services, making it harder for Veterans to receive the benefits they have earned.” Watch the full hearing here: https://lnkd.in/ewezNn9P

Congrats to our CEO Joshua Smith, on his recognition as an impactful leader in VEGAS INC 2025 C-Suite Honors. Thank you to Las Vegas Weekly for shining a spotlight on Josh and other local leaders making a difference! Read more in the link below. “Using his experience in the military and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Josh Smith created an organization that helps veterans navigate claims processing and disability benefits, helping them receive the medical care they need. Smith’s initial vision was a small organization to meet local needs. VBG now employs 200 professionals at offices in Las Vegas and California to provide help for veterans in all 50 states and Guam.” https://lnkd.in/dRX4BPdi

U.S. Navy Veteran and former Rhode Island state legislator Robert Lancia?had a great column this week in the New Hampshire Journal where he called on state legislatures in New Hampshire and across New England to pass the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act, legislation that will protect Veterans from bad actors while ensuring they still have access to honorable private services to assist them in obtaining VA disability benefits.? ? He wrote: “The path forward requires balancing veteran protection with empowerment. Safeguarding veterans from predatory practices is essential, but we must avoid overreach that eliminates legitimate assistance options. Elected officials in New Hampshire should be commended for how they have shown leadership on this issue by introducing the SAVE Act and states across New England should follow suit.” ? Read his full column here: https://lnkd.in/gernSn2f??

Congratulations to Representative Doug Collins on his confirmation as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We look forward to working with him on efforts to secure Veterans’ right to choose how they obtain VA disability benefits they need and deserve. Together, we can protect Veterans from bad actors while still ensuring they have access to honorable and ethical companies like VBG that put Veterans’ interests first. #VBGforVets

Thank you to North Dakota State Rep.?Jeremy Olson, MBA, CSP?for introducing HB 1169 to preserve Veterans’ right to use private services, like VBG, when securing their hard-earned VA disability benefits.?VBG is grateful for Rep. Olson’s work to protect Veterans! Click here to listen to?his recent discussion of the bill on WZFG’s What’s On Your Mind show with?Scott Hennen:?https://lnkd.in/gKZFS2N5

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Inspector General’s Office (VA OIG) has issued another report showing that mistakes by the Department are resulting in the underpayment of disability benefits to Veterans. In reviewing PACT Act disability claims cases over a six-month period, April 2023 through September 2023, the VA OIG found 870 errors potentially impacting Veterans’ benefits. Of the 19,200 denied claims during that period, the VA OIG found approximately 45% contained one or more error resulting in monetary impact, potential impact or “overdevelopment,” where Veterans were forced to undergo unwarranted medical examinations, incurring unnecessary expense and delays. This report demonstrates once again why Veterans deserve to have access to private benefit services to help them navigate the VA’s troubled claims process. Read more in Federal News Network: https://lnkd.in/gtZzHWYB #VBGforVets

?? We’re honored! Veteran Benefits Guide (VBG) has been named on Military Times’ 2024 Best for Vets: Employers list! This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to providing a supportive, inclusive environment for Veterans, military spouses, and National Guard/Reserve employees. ? At VBG, we don’t just serve Veterans; they’re at the heart of our team. From targeted recruitment to flexible, Veteran-focused policies, we’re proud to create a workplace where Veterans and their families can thrive. ? A big thank you to our dedicated team and the entire military community who make this recognition possible. ? #VBGforVets #BestForVets #MilitaryTimes #VeteranBenefitsGuide #VeteranEmployment #Veterans #InclusiveWorkplace #HiringHeroes

Today, we pause to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our Veterans. Veterans Day is not only a time for gratitude but a reminder of our duty to ensure Veterans feel supported, valued, and celebrated every day. To our Veterans: your courage and commitment inspire us all. Thank you for protecting our freedom and our future. #VBGforVets #VeteransDay #Veterans #HonoringThoseWhoServed

Check out Military Times coverage of our recent MCON panel, “Educating Veterans About Their Disability Benefits.” The panel was moderated by VBG’s Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Public Affairs, Lisa K., a U.S. Army Veteran, and featured panelists Wesley DeMauro of JPMorgan Chase, Brandon Nivens of Salesforce, and Roger Loesch “Doc” of the USDA. ? Military Times wrote: ? “For Veterans navigating the transition from military to civilian life, securing access to earned disability benefits often becomes a complex, daunting journey… ? “Roger “Doc” Loesch … pointed out a recurring issue: Veterans often give up on their disability claims after a few setbacks. “Most veterans try… but once you hit a brick wall, you throw your hands up and say, ‘Screw it, it’s not worth it,’” he explained. This sentiment is widespread, driven by a combination of bureaucracy and emotional hurdles that prevent Veterans from persisting in their pursuit of benefits. ? “The pride, fear, and guilt that accompany the pursuit of disability benefits are significant barriers. Veterans often fear stigma or feel guilty, believing their issues aren’t “bad enough” to warrant taking resources from others. Breaking down these barriers is crucial, as Wes explained…” ? If you are a Veteran confronting these challenges, please reach out. VBG can help!