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LATEST WWP OPERATION ADVOCACY NEWSLETTER: WINTER 2025

LATEST ADVOCACY NEWS:

Wounded Warrior Project Applauds Legislation to Remove Unfair Tax on Wounded Veterans

New Data Reaffirms Veteran Struggles \u2014 Wounded Warrior Project Lays Out Solutions for Change

WWP Applauds Passage and Signing of Omnibus Veterans Bill

Championing Veterans Needs Through Advocacy

Operation Advocacy is WWP's grassroots advocacy initiative, connecting warriors with elected officials and providing them with a voice in our nation\u2019s capital. Members of Congress WANT to hear from you. Sharing your experiences is crucial in shaping effective legislation. Speak up and make a difference today!

TAKE ACTION NOW!

To get the most personalized experience and learn about your legislators, click the Sign Up button at the top. Then scroll down to access more resources, the latest news, and take action on all of our grassroots campaigns! If you have any questions, always feel free to email advocacy@woundedwarriorproject.org.

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Warrior Access Act (Public Law 118-21) ", "buttonUrl": "https://woundedwarriorproject.quorum.us/WoundedWarriorAccessAct/?", "description": "Learn more", "cardLinkType": 2}, "1": {"title": "Veterans\u2019 Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2023 (Public Law 118-6) ", "buttonUrl": "https://woundedwarriorproject.quorum.us/2023VetCostofLivingAdjustmentAct/?", "description": "Learn more", "cardLinkType": 2}, "2": {"title": "Veterans\u2019 Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-130) ", "buttonUrl": "https://woundedwarriorproject.quorum.us/2024VetCostofLivingAdjustmentAct/?", "description": "Learn more", "cardLinkType": 2}, "3": {"title": "Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (Public Law 118-63)", "buttonUrl": "https://woundedwarriorproject.quorum.us/AmericanAviationActFAAReauthorization/?", "description": "Learn more", "cardLinkType": 2}}, "layout": 4, "useCardColor": false, "backgroundColor": "#032077", "sameCardSizeWidth": 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Signed into law on January 4, 2025

Who is affected: Veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and who have been determined to have a service-connected disability, which resulted in the required use of a wheelchair, prosthetic limb, or other mobility assistive device. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), approximately 400,000 veterans are eligible for free PreCheck program enrollment under the\u202fVETS Safe Travel Act.

What the law does:\u202fThis law provides cost-free enrollment in TSA\u2019s PreCheck program to certain severely injured or disabled veterans who pass a background check and meet security requirements.\u202fThe TSA PreCheck program facilitates expedited traveler screening through domestic airport security checkpoints and allows travelers to bypass more invasive screening measures, such as the removal of shoes, belts, jackets, and certain other travel items.

Additionally, the law directs VA and TSA to create an outreach program to inform disabled veterans about TSA programs designed to improve the screening process for passengers with disabilities.\u202fThis effort will include engaging with veterans service organizations and other appropriate groups and examining the potential need for additional measures to improve travel security procedures for disabled veterans.

When the law takes effect:\u202fThe TSA must work with VA to enact a process for veteran enrollment by January 4, 2026.

Why the law was passed:\u202fVeterans traveling with prosthetics, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices often face significant delays and inconvenience when going through airport security screenings.\u202fThe availability of an expedited screening process will eliminate some of these challenges and provide an easier and more dignified travel experience for injured or disabled veterans at no additional cost.

Signed into law on January 2, 2025

Who is affected: This comprehensive package of new laws affects many populations within the veteran and military community, including caregivers, women veterans, student veterans, elderly and disabled veterans, National Guard and Reservists, and veterans seeking employment. Most veterans will be affected in some way, such as by having potential eligibility for new programs and services at VA.

What the law does: This comprehensive veteran omnibus bill includes over 70 provisions, 39 of which were taken whole or in part from bills WWP supported during the 118th Congress. Some notable sections include:

Increasing the expenditure cap for alternatives to nursing home care from 65 percent to 100 percent (Sect. 120): Effective immediately, this provision will help ensure that veterans can afford to receive care in their homes instead of in a nursing facility if they so choose. Prior to this law, VA was limited in what it could spend on in-home care for veterans who were eligible for nursing home care.
Providing assisted living to covered veterans (Sect. 127): Within two years, VA will have the authority to pay for assisted living services for eligible veterans in a limited regional area (to be determined). This change would depart from current law, which does not allow VA to pay for room and board at assisted living facilities, which can present a barrier to care and provide fewer options for veterans with heightened care needs.
Extending the VA VET-TEC educational assistance program (Sect. 212): This section would extend the VET-TEC pilot program to September 30, 2027. This educational assistance program helps create high-tech career opportunities for veterans and transitioning Service members. Originally launched in 2019, this program has an 84% graduation rate and an average starting salary of over $66,000 in fields like information science and computer programming. It will be open to as many as 4,000 veterans per year.
Requiring more consistent reporting on veteran suicide (Sect. 149): Requires VA to publish a \u201cNational Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report\u201d to include data about suicide rates broken down by age, gender, race, and ethnicity and compares these trends to engagement with VHA, Vet Centers, and VBA. The initial report would also include strategy and recommendations for improving data collection at various levels of government and improving the timeliness of identification and analysis of suicide deaths by veterans. VA has published an annual report on veteran suicide, but publication dates and content have varied from year to year.
Improving mental health support for family caregivers of veterans (Sect. 122): VA will have new authority and funding to provide grants to organizations that provide mental health counseling, treatment, or support for family caregivers. These grants will have the goal of increasing the utilization of mental health services among the caregiver population and reducing barriers to participation, with priority given to areas with high enrollment in the family caregiver program as well as areas with high rates of veteran suicide.
Creation of a pilot program to help employ veterans in Department of the Interior (DOI) positions related to conservation and resource management (Sect. 223): Directs DOI, in consultation with the Department of Labor and VA, to administer a program that places veterans in DOI positions focused on the outdoors such as conservation projects, addressing maintenance backlogs at national parks, and park management.
Funds dedicated to expanding women veteran access to mobile mammography and advanced mammography equipment (Sect. 154): The VA Office of Women\u2019s Health is authorized to receive $5 million to help expand access to this equipment and increase outreach activities to publicize this initiative.

When the law takes effect: Each of the bill's provisions has its own timeline for adoption, with some taking effect at the time of enactment. However, others are given specific dates or deadlines based on their individual requirements. WWP will keep warriors updated when different provisions are implemented by the new administration.

Why the law was passed: This bill is the largest expansion of VA services since the PACT Act and was passed to address numerous issues, many of which WWP has been advocating for. Several provisions have been part of WWP testimony and congressional outreach on topics including mental health, brain health, women veterans, and financial wellness.

Signed into law on September 20, 2024

Who is affected: Veterans who receive or who may receive benefits like service-connected disability compensation through the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), a component of VA.

What the law does: This law provided a \u201csupplemental\u201d appropriation to fund VBA through September 30, 2024. The appropriation was for approximately $3 billion, which supplemented the approximately $160 billion that was provided to VBA to pay for veterans' compensation and benefits in fiscal year 2024.

When the law takes effect: This law provided supplemental appropriations for the remainder of fiscal year 2024, which ended on September 30, 2024.

Why the law was passed: In July 2024, VA leaders approached Congress with news that the agency was forecasting insufficient funds to pay veterans their earned benefits. Officials representing VBA indicated that the budget shortfall was associated with processing more disability claims than anticipated \u2014 primarily driven by the Honoring Our PACT Act, which provided a significant enhancement of health care and benefits for veterans affected by toxic exposure. Without supplemental funding, VBA expressed that some veterans may not receive benefits that were expected to be delivered by October 1, 2024.

Keep in mind: In addition to funding shortfalls at VBA, VA has also raised concerns about its ability to provide all necessary health care in the fiscal year 2025, which began October 1, 2024. The Veterans Health Administration has indicated that increased operations costs are being driven by the need for more employees to meet demand, increased utilization of the community care network to deliver care, and high pharmaceutical costs.

Signed into law on May 13, 2024

Who is affected: Anyone traveling in the United States, especially those with disabilities or who use wheelchairs.

What the law does: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act includes dozens of new laws and costs approximately $100 billion. WWP was focused almost exclusively on the laws affecting disabled travelers. Among those sections that are most important to disabled travelers include:

Extends the Air Carriers Access Act Advisory Committee (Sect. 541): Extends the Air Carriers Access Act Advisory Committee through 2028, which oversees the air travel needs of passengers with disabilities and makes recommendations to the FAA.
Better Training for Assisting Passengers with Wheelchairs (Sect. 542): Requires training for airline personnel on how to assist wheelchair-bound passengers when boarding and deplaning.
Safer Storage for Wheelchairs (Sect. 543): Requires training for airline personnel on safely storing wheelchairs and scooters to avoid leaving flyers with disabilities with damaged or broken mobile assistance.
Accommodates Seating Requests for Passengers With Disabilities (Sect. 546):\u202f Allows passengers with disabilities to request seating to accommodate disability-related needs, such as being close to a restroom, sitting next to a companion or assistant, or providing more legroom. Provisions of this section also apply to service animals.

Why the law was passed: The FAA is generally reauthorized to carry out its duties every five years. After temporary extensions, this new law authorizes the FAA through fiscal year 2028 and communicates congressional priorities for how the agency carries out its mission to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

Next steps: The FAA is required to publish proposed rules to govern the implementation of the training, storage, and accommodation laws discussed above. WWP will keep warriors updated on when these rules are published and when the public can comment on them.

Signed into law on November 25, 2024

Who is affected: Veterans receiving VA benefits, including service-connected disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, or clothing allowance. Surviving spouses or children receiving dependency and indemnity compensation.

What the law does: Benefits described above are increased by the same percentage as Social Security benefits. In 2024, Social Security benefits were increased by 2.5%.

When the law takes effect: VA benefits subject to the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act were increased by 2.5 % effective December 1, 2024.

Why the law was passed: Social Security benefits are adjusted automatically every year to reflect increases in the cost of living caused by inflation. In contrast, VA benefits can only be adjusted following an act of Congress. Fortunately, Congress passed cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) bills like this one for the past eight years.

Keep in mind: COLA adjustments are generally reflected in January payments, so be sure to verify that you receive the adjustments you have earned. In addition, Congress has reliably introduced and passed COLA bills for VA for several years straight.

Signed into law on June 14, 2023

What the law does: Benefits described above are increased by the same percentage as Social Security benefits. In 2023, Social Security benefits were increased by 3.2%.

When the law takes effect: VA benefits subject to the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act were increased by 3.2% effective December 1, 2023.

Why the law was passed: Social Security benefits are adjusted automatically every year to reflect increases in the cost of living caused by inflation. In contrast, VA benefits can only be adjusted following an act of Congress. Fortunately, Congress has passed cost-of-living adjustment bills like this one for the past seven years (and again in 2024).

Signed into law on November 13, 2023

Who is affected: Veterans interested in reviewing their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) C-file or claims file that was created by VA after a claim for service-connected disability was submitted. A C-file may include evidence, including a veteran\u2019s military discharge papers, VA medical records, and other personal information. The law also extends to those who may represent a veteran when pursuing a claim, such as a veteran service organization like Wounded Warrior Project\u00ae (WWP).

What the law does: Veterans now have a pathway to access their C-file through an easy and secure virtual pathway. C-files may now be accessed through VA\u2019s e-Benefits portal.

When the law takes effect: VA was required to offer this new virtual C-file access option as of November 13, 2024.

Why the law was passed: WWP supported this legislation because prior law only provided veterans with limited options to access their C-file. Submitting requests through fax or a Freedom of Information Act request to receive a response by mail or as a compact disc does not reflect modern technological capabilities.

Keep in mind: If you are pursuing a service-connected disability claim at VA, WWP recommends using a VA-accredited representative. You can check accreditation through VA.

Ensuring that elected officials prioritize the best interests of our post-9/11 veterans requires a dedicated and extensive community of advocates raising their unified voices.

The veteran community need passionate advocates who will fight for policies that enhance the well-being and quality of life of Warriors and spread the word about our mission to other Warriors, caregivers, and their families. In short, we need YOU!

This section will provide guidance and tips on communicating with legislators to ensure you have the maximum impact and encourage them to take action! If you have questions about any aspects of advocating for warriors, please email advocacy@woundedwarriorproject.org.

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Making a phone call to your legislator\u2019s\noffice remains one of the most effective tools for advocacy. It's quicker and\nmore personal than an email, and your legislators and their staff will\nappreciate hearing directly from you.

\n\n

Identify Yourself as a Constituent: Start by providing\nyour name and address to confirm that you are a constituent. This ensures your\ncall is taken seriously and logged accordingly.
Specify the Issue: Clearly state the issue you are\ncalling about, including the bill name and number if available. This helps the\nstaff quickly understand and categorize your concern.
Ask for the Relevant Staff Member: Request to speak with\nthe staff member who handles veterans' issues. This person is best positioned\nto understand your concerns and convey them to the legislator. They may also\nshare insights on what other constituents are saying about the issue.
State Your Position and Make a Clear Ask: Briefly and\nclearly express your stance on the issue. Make sure to include a specific\nrequest, such as asking the legislator to support or oppose a bill. Without a\nclear ask, it\u2019s harder for them to act on your call.
Be Prepared to Follow Up: If the staff member has\nquestions you can't answer or requests more information, assure them you will\nfollow up. You can always reach out to us for assistance in gathering the necessary information.
Thank Them and Follow Up: Always thank the staff member\nfor their time. After the call, send a brief email to restate your position and\nexpress your appreciation for their attention to your concerns.

\n\n

By following these tips, you can ensure that\nyour phone call is effective and leaves a lasting impression on your\nlegislator\u2019s office.

Your voice matters, and taking the time to make a call can\nsignificantly impact the policies that affect veterans.

A personalized letter can deliver a lot of impact with any member of Congress, since it illustrates that the constituent took the time to tell their story.

But the key is: you must tell YOUR story -- what you\u2019ve been through, are going through, and how specific legislation can help,

This is vital to inspiring a legislator to take action. Remember, your legislators work for you \u2013 give them something to work on.

Introduce Yourself as a Constituent: Begin by introducing yourself as a constituent. Most legislators have email filters in place that prevent them from receiving letters or emails from people outside their district (determined by zip code + 4).
Share Your Story: Whether you\u2019re a veteran, family member, or caregiver, your story carries weight. Be succinct, but don't worry too much about perfect grammar or punctuation \u2013 simply tell your story as best you can.
Explain the Issue: Educate legislators on how policies and funding decisions directly impact you and your family.
Make the Ask: Specify what action you want the legislator to take. Refer to bills by name or number (they will be included in WWP's pre-written letter templates). Legislators can\u2019t know what action you want unless you tell them.
Include Contact Information: Provide your name, home address, email address, and phone number. This identifies you as a constituent and gives the legislator a way to contact you directly.

WWP will provide email templates to use. PLEASE personalize these as much as you can. It WILL make a difference.

Alabama: Sen. Britt and Sen. Tuberville

Alaska: Sen. Sullivan

Connecticut: Sen. Murphy

Delaware: Sen. Carper

Indiana: Sen. Braun and Sen. Young

Iowa: Sen. Ernst and Sen. Grassley

Kansas: Sen. Marshall

Kentucky: Sen. McConnell and Sen. Paul

Louisiana: Sen. Cassidy

Mississippi: Sen. Wicker

Missouri: Sen. Schmitt

North Carolina: Sen. Budd and Sen. Tillis

Oklahoma: Sen. Lankford

Rhode Island: Sen. Reed

South Dakota: Sen. Thune

Tennessee: Sen. Hagerty

Utah: Sen. Lee and Sen. Romney

West Virginia: Sen. Manchin

Wisconsin: Sen. Johnson

Wyoming: Sen. Lummis

1.\tWho is eligible to receive benefits under the Major Richard Star Act?

Veterans who were medically retired prior to reaching 20 years of service and are eligible for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC).

2.\tWhat is CRSC?

Combat-Related Special Compensation provides tax-free payments to retired veterans with combat-related disabilities. To be eligible, you must be retired, have a disability rating of at least 30% (for Ch. 61 retirees), and have a service-connected disability that was caused by combat, hazardous duty, training for combat, or exposure to instruments of war. To apply, a veteran must first apply for service-connection through the VA, then apply directly through their branch of service (Marines must apply through the Department of the Navy). The various branches then decide whether your service-connected disabilities are eligible for CRSC payments.

3.\tI was medically discharged/separated from the military. Do I qualify for the Major Richard Star Act?

No, the bill only affects those veterans who were medically retired under Ch. 61.

4.\tIf the Major Richard Star Act passes, will I be eligible for back pay?

No, the bill is not retroactive.

5.\tI retired from the military after serving 20+ years and am CRSC eligible. Would I qualify for the Major Richard Star Act?

Veterans who have 20+ years of active-duty service fall under the Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) rules and already benefit from \u201cconcurrent receipt.\u201d

6.\tWhat would the Major Richard Star Act do?

This legislation would allow a veteran to choose whether to stay in the CRSC program or to opt-out and receive the entirety of their military retirement pay and their VA compensation, whichever makes more financial sense to their situation. If a veteran feels that they would benefit more from not opting out, they would not be forced to do so.

7.\tAssuming I qualify, what actually happens when the Major Richard Star Act is passed?

Retirees who are eligible for CRSC and fall under the concurrent receipt provisions of the Major Richard Star Act will receive a letter during the \u201cOpen Season\u201d (January 1 \u2013 31) with the opportunity to opt out of CRSC. A veteran does not have to apply \u2013 a letter will be sent automatically.

8.\tWhy would anyone choose to stay with CRSC?

Every retiree\u2019s financial situation is different, either due to their time in service or the rank achieved. In addition, CRSC payments are subject to deductions for monthly SBP premiums or garnishments. Because of these different situations, the retiree should be able to choose which option is best for them.

9.\tHow will I know which option is best for me?

The annual \u201cOpen Season\u201d letter a veteran receives will include the amount of both entitlements, which will help them make the decision. Since retirees cannot receive both entitlements, they will have the opportunity to make an election for either.

WHY IS THIS BILL NECESSARY?

When Service members retire from the military, they are entitled to both retired pay from the Department of Defense (DoD) and disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if they were injured while in service. Unfortunately, only military retirees with at least 20 years of service and a disability rating of at least 50 percent are able to collect both benefits at the same time. For all other retirees, current law requires a dollar-for-dollar offset of these two benefits, meaning they have to forfeit a portion of the benefits they earned in service.

It is time to fully honor veterans who were medically retired as a result of injuries incurred in combat or combat-related training. Regardless of time in service, these veterans have earned all their benefits through their extraordinary sacrifice in defending our nation.

WHAT DOES THE BILL DO?

In 2004, Congress eliminated the offset for military retirees with at least 20 years of service and disability ratings of at least 50 percent.

The Major Richard Star Act would expand this policy to more than 53,000 retirees whose military careers were cut short due to combat-related injuries, finally allowing them to collect hundreds of dollars per month that they have been denied up until now.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Under the Major Richard Star Act, former Service members who were medically retired from the military with less than 20 years of service (Chapter 61 retirees) AND are eligible for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) would no longer have their benefits reduced by the offset. This includes those who were retired for injuries sustained in combat and combat-related training.

WWP EFFORTS TO END THE OFFSET

DoD retired pay and VA disability compensation are two different benefits established by Congress for two different reasons. Retirement pay is calculated to compensate the retiree for the years of service already sacrificed in defense of this nation, while VA disability compensation is calculated to make up for the loss of future earned income due to the retiree\u2019s service-connected disabilities.

WWP strongly believes that collecting both benefits should never be considered \u201cdouble dipping,\u201d and no retiree should be subject to the offset. For this reason, WWP will continue to support legislation to eliminate the offset for ALL retirees and considers the Major Richard Star Act one step toward achieving that goal.

On May 16, 2024, the President signed H.R. 3935, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, into law.

This bipartisan bill provides a five-year authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is the government agency within the Department of Transportation (DOT) responsible for regulating U.S. air travel, including establishing safety standards and maintaining and operating air traffic control systems. Additionally, the bill makes investments in airport infrastructure and the aviation workforce, enhances the travel experience for commercial airline passengers, and, most importantly, improves accessibility for passengers with disabilities.

Background

Air travel has historically presented significant challenges for passengers with disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs. Since commercial planes are not designed to allow passengers to remain in their wheelchairs while flying, wheelchairs must often be checked like luggage and transported in the cargo area of the plane. Like luggage, wheelchairs can then be damaged or lost in transit, severely limiting the mobility and independence of the passenger at their destination.

According to government data, hundreds of wheelchairs, many of which are customized and expensive, are mishandled by airlines each month. Once the passenger surrenders their wheelchair, they are transferred to a narrow aisle chair and then lifted into their seat by airline employees or contractors. These individuals often lack the proper training to safely provide this assistance, which can result in the passenger being injured. These situations often create a frustrating and potentially unsafe travel experience for all wheelchair users, including disabled veterans, which in turn can create significant barriers for wounded warriors who may wish to fly for business, recreation, medical care, or to participate in WWP programs like adaptive sports.

What the Bill Does

The FAA Reauthorization Act contains many provisions supported by WWP that will improve air travel access for people with disabilities, including disabled veterans, in the coming months and years, including

Training:

DOT will establish new training standards within one year for airline personnel and contractors who assist wheelchair users during boarding and deplaning. These standards will include instruction on how to properly transfer the passenger to and from their wheelchair and their seat on the plane. Training will also include how to effectively communicate with and take instructions from the passenger. his mandatory training will create a safer and more dignified experience for wheelchair users.
Also within one year, DOT will establish new training standards for airline personnel and contractors who handle and stow wheelchairs and scooters. These standards will include how to properly load, secure and unload manual and power wheelchairs on each type of aircraft operated by the airline. This will help ensure that fewer wheelchairs are damaged in transit.

Refunds: Requiring airlines to refund passengers who purchase a ticket but cannot travel because their wheelchair will not fit in the cargo hold.

Seating: Within two years, DOT will be required to issues new regulations on seating accommodations for passengers with disabilities that must consider those who may require bulkhead seating for extra space or may need to be seated with a caregiver during a flight.

In-Cabin Wheelchair Travel: DOT will be required to study the technical and economic feasibility of implementing airplane seating arrangements that would allow passengers to remain in their personal wheelchairs during flights.

Service Animals: Establishing a five year Known Service Animal pilot program that will create a streamlined pre-approval process for service animal users.

To learn about additional provisions related to airport kiosks, service desks, in-flight entertainment, and more, a section-by section summary of the FAA Reauthorization Act can be found here. Accessibility provisions are found in Title V, Subtitle B.

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