The Biden administration has signaled its intent to be strong on veteran affairs. Military.com has highlighted a request for a 10% increase in funding, describing the $270bn total budget as being subject to a ‘massive’ spending increase. With the focus moving to caregiver programs, suicide prevention and modernizing the GI Bill, there is about to be a lot more money moving around for veterans. Taking advantage of that is every veteran’s right, and something that’s worth looking at over the next couple of years.
The VA loan
The VA loan is one of the most sought after benefits of service – however, it’s not always deployed in the right way. According to NPR, many veterans end up paying too much for their loans due to the lack of good advice on the matter. However, with changed inbound, the Washington Post outlines that they really are the best way for veterans to set about on home ownership. For homeowners looking to refinance for new projects, the IRRRL remains the best route forward, lowering the amount of red tape and having historically preferable interest rates.
Providing better education
The VA provides for its veterans a proper education, but businesses looking to exploit this have become far too common. American Progress notes how many schools abuse the 90/10 loophole without providing a proper level of education for veterans; a large chunk of the new proposed VA budget is aimed at tackling this fraud and ensuring soldiers are able to enroll in legitimate schools. Liaising with the VA to look for advice on your education is key in ensuring you get the proper experience and qualifications that come with it.
Healthcare problems
Healthcare issues stemming from the wars that American veterans have been involved in are starting to become a real issue in terms of the health of the veteran population. PBS have covered conditions stemming from Iraq’s burn pits; new conditions could arise from conflicts engaged in since. With the VA now accepting claims for conditions arising from burn pit damage, it’s important that veterans give a full and open disclosure of their injuries and combat history to receive the full course of healthcare they need in civilian life.
Helping yourself, or loved ones who served, to access these services will help them to enjoy the life they earned after active service. With new funding, life will hopefully be better for veterans – it’s now time to ensure they can access it.
