Catholic Family Media

07/15/2025

A New Battlefront: How the VA is Overhauling PTSD Ratings for Veterans
https://gatewayveterans.org/a-new-battlefront-how-the-va-is-overhauling-ptsd-ratings-for-veterans/
A seismic shift is underway in how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates the invisible wounds of service. For decades, veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions have navigated a complex and often frustrating disability rating system. But in 2025, a landmark overhaul promises a more holistic and potentially more generous approach to compensating those who carry the psychological scars of their time in uniform.

For years, the VA's rating for mental health conditions, including PTSD, has been based on the "General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders." This system primarily focused on how a veteran's symptoms impaired their ability to work and function in social settings. While a step toward acknowledging the impact of mental health, many veterans and their advocates have long argued that this approach is too rigid and fails to capture the full spectrum of how a condition like PTSD can permeate every aspect of a person's life.

07/15/2025

For many veterans returning from service, the battle doesn't end when they leave the theater of war. Instead, a new, often invisible conflict begins: the fight against Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Symptoms like intrusive memories, hypervigilance, and social withdrawal can make reintegration into civilian life incredibly challenging. While traditional therapies remain crucial, a surprising ally is emerging in this fight: the world of video games. Beyond mere entertainment, gaming is proving to be a powerful tool, offering veterans an escape, a sense of control, and perhaps most importantly, a vital connection to others.

The therapeutic potential of video games for veterans with PTSD is multifaceted. At its core, gaming offers a form of healthy escapism. For individuals grappling with the relentless loop of traumatic memories, immersing themselves in a virtual world can provide a much-needed mental holiday.

For many veterans returning from service, the battle doesn't end when they leave the theater of war. Instead, a new, often invisible conflict begins: the fight

07/15/2025

Soundwaves of Service: Podcasts Offering a Non-Political Home for Veterans
https://gatewayveterans.org/soundwaves-of-service-podcasts/
It's great you're looking for non-political podcasts for veterans! There are many excellent options that focus on practical advice, personal stories, and well-being. Here are some categories and specific podcasts to consider:

1. Transition & Career Focus:

- Transition Drill: This podcast focuses on helping military veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders transition to civilian life. It covers career readiness, mental health, and success strategies, often featuring guests who share their own transition journeys.

- The Strategic Veteran: Offers a "raw and unfiltered journey into military transition," providing advice for veterans on life after the military.

2. Mental Health & Well-being:

- Eye on Veterans: Explores various issues from a veteran's perspective, including mental health topics like treating PTSD and TBIs with alternative therapies. It also features inspiring stories and discusses veteran-owned businesses.
https://gatewayveterans.org/soundwaves-of-service-podcasts/

07/15/2025

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the availability of approximately $52.5 million in grants for community-based organizations that provide su***de prevention or emergency clinical services to Veterans at risk of su***de.

Grant applications are due by 4:59 p.m. ET, July 18, and VA will choose awardees by Sept. 30. Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $750,000 and may apply to renew awards from year to year throughout the length of the program. Info on how to apply is available at the Federal Register.

The grants will be awarded through VA’s Staff Sgt. Parker Gordon Fox Su***de Prevention Grant Program, which was established as part of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the availability of approximately $52.5 million in grants for communi

07/15/2025

The Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) is a valuable state entitlement program that provides tuition and mandatory fee benefits to eligible veterans attending Illinois public colleges and universities.

Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:

What the IVG Covers:

- Tuition and Mandatory Fees: The IVG covers all tuition and mandatory fees for qualified applicants attending Illinois public universities or community colleges.

- Exclusions: It does not cover refundable fees, academic outreach fees, extramural fees, or university housing costs. Certain specific fees like application, graduation, laboratory, breakage, and add/drop fees are also excluded.

- Duration: The grant can be used for up to four academic years (120 eligibility units) of full-time enrollment, including summer terms, at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

- Noncredit Courses: Charges for noncredit courses that meet the definition of tuition and mandatory fees may also be covered.

The Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) is a valuable state entitlement program that provides tuition and mandatory fee benefits to eligible veterans attending Illino

07/15/2025

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that its Health and Benefits mobile app has achieved more than 3 million downloads since its launch in 2021.

The app, which has 1.4 million active users, provides Veterans access to a variety of VA health care and benefits information directly from their mobile phones, enabling users to:

- Refill and track VA prescriptions.

- Review appointments.

- Review claims and appeals status.

- Submit evidence for claims and appeals.

- Review VA payment and direct deposit information.

- Locate the closest VA facilities.

- Access the Veterans Crisis Line.

- Show proof of Veteran status.

“VA’s Health and Benefits app gives Veterans fast and convenient access to a host of important information, from appointments to prescriptions and benefits,” said VA Acting Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology and Acting Chief Information Officer Eddie Pool.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that its Health and Benefits mobile app has achieved more than 3 million downlo

07/15/2025

by Lisa Pape and Jerry Michaud, Senior Advisors, Veterans Health Administration

For years, Veterans have returned home with invisible scars—illnesses and conditions caused by exposure to toxic substances. The passage of the PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) marked a transformative step in addressing care gaps Veterans were facing after returning home from combat. The PACT Act ensures that Veterans receive the comprehensive, tailored care they have earned. Since August 2022, 5.6 million Veterans have been screened for toxic exposures, and more than 740,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care.

Navy Veteran receives benefits through PACT Act

Navy Veteran Ron Haskell is one of them. He started receiving his care at VA through the PACT Act in December 2023. Haskell previously received care through a non-VA provider, but when his provider started charging a monthly concierge subscription fee for care, he began exploring his options with VA.

by Lisa Pape and Jerry Michaud, Senior Advisors, Veterans Health Administration For years, Veterans have returned home with invisible scars—illnesses and c

07/15/2025

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the availability of $42 million in grants to eligible organizations to assist homeless Veterans and those at risk of homelessness with various legal services.

Grant applications are due by 4 p.m. ET, July 7. Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $500,000, which will fund operations for a two-year period beginning Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2027.

The funds are being made available through VA’s Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program and are designed to help Veterans in several ways, including:

- Providing Veterans with representation in landlord-tenant disputes to prevent eviction.

- Assisting with court proceedings for child support, custody or estate planning.

- Helping Veterans obtain benefits like disability compensation.

- Defending Veterans in criminal cases that can prolong or increase their risk of homelessness, such as outstanding warrants, fines, and driver’s license revocation.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the availability of $42 million in grants to eligible organizations to assist h

07/15/2025

Jennifer Jessup, Richelle TaylorNCA Chief of Staff; Public Affairs Specialist, NCA Office of Engagement and Memorial Innovations

“VLM for Living Veterans” allows Veterans to share their life stories today.

Made possible by the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM), the new online feature is free and it enables Veterans to securely share their photos, autobiographies, military and life milestone achievements, and historical documents about their lives.

All you need to do is sign up for and be approved for a pre-need eligibility determination with VA. Pre-need eligibility is a way to find out if you’re eligible to be buried in a VA national cemetery ahead of time.

VA will keep your personal content secure until you pass and are approved for a burial or memorial benefit. Following approval, your content will become public and appear on your VLM personal page.

VA News Vet VoicesShare your story, today, with “VLM for Living Veterans” Gateway Veterans4 weeks ago4 weeks ago04 mins Jennifer Jessup, Richelle TaylorNCA Chief of Staff; Public Affairs Specialist, NCA Office of Engagement and Memorial Innovations “VLM for Living Veterans” allows Veterans t...

07/15/2025

Starting July 1, 2025, service members, their spouses and Veterans covered under VA life insurance programs will see lower monthly premiums, reinforcing VA’s commitment to making life insurance more affordable.

Discounts for active duty, Guard and Reserve members

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

SGLI provides low-cost group term life insurance coverage, up to $500,000, in increments of $50,000, to eligible service members. The new premium rate is decreasing from $0.06 per $1,000 to $0.05 per $1,000. This means the monthly premium for the maximum $500,000 coverage will now be $25 plus $1 for Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI).

- Who is eligible? All active duty, National Guard and Reserve service members are automatically enrolled in SGLI.

- Do you need to take action? No. Premiums are deducted from service members’ pay, and the new discount will automatically apply.

Starting July 1, 2025, service members, their spouses and Veterans covered under VA life insurance programs will see lower monthly premiums, reinforcing VA’s

07/01/2025

⚔️ HUZZAH for our heroes! 🎉
We’re proud to offer 50% off admission to all military personnel and first responders at the St. Louis Renaissance Festival!

It’s our way of saying THANK YOU to those who protect and serve — come celebrate with jousts, jesters, and turkey legs galore! 🏰🛡️

📅 Valid all festival weekends: Sept. 13 – Oct. 26 | ⏰ 10am–6pm | Rain or Shine
🎟️ Just show valid ID at the gate!
Details 👉 STLRenFest.com