Newsbytes June 13, 2024
In this issue:
Addressing Veteran Homelessness
VA Announces $42 Million in Grants
VA Disability Payment Errors
FY26 Budget Hearing: Navy Personnel
New Legislation Seeks to Honor Heroes
Addressing Veteran Homelessness
The House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity convened to address veteran homelessness, noting a 52% reduction since 2010 but raising concerns over a 7% increase in 2023. Despite the VA’s $3.2 billion budget—equating to roughly $90,000 per homeless veteran—lawmakers questioned resource allocation, especially when compared to a $34,800 annual pension for an E-7 retiree with 20 years of service. The hearing emphasized a bipartisan commitment to ending veteran homelessness through better data, flexible funding, and innovative approaches, with particular focus on supporting transitioning service members to prevent housing instability.
The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) submitted a statement urging Congress to consider VA Funding Fee Reimbursement legislation. The FRA argued that the mandatory VA Home Loan funding fee—ranging from 2.15% to 3.3% of the loan amount (or $6,450–$9,900 on a $300,000 home)—unfairly burdens transitioning veterans who may qualify for an exemption due to service-connected disabilities shortly after separation. Reimbursing eligible veterans within one year of separation would promote equity, ease financial strain, and bolster housing stability, aligning with broader efforts to prevent veteran homelessness.
Progress continues, with 84 communities—including Dallas—achieving “functional zero” by quickly housing homeless veterans. However, the 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) count of nearly 36,000 homeless veterans likely underrepresents the problem, as the VA served nearly 300,000 through its homeless programs last year. Witnesses recommended implementing a national by-name list by 2025 and improving data sharing between the VA’s HOMES system and HUD’s HMIS, as mandated by Section 309 of the Elizabeth Dole Act, to strengthen service coordination.
Service providers such as Lutheran Social Services and Veterans Inc. called for greater funding flexibility, citing restrictive structures and duplicative data requirements that hinder case management. Nation’s Finest advocated raising the Grant and Per Diem program’s reimbursement rate from $69 to $100 per bed night to better serve veterans in high-cost areas. Representative Crane promoted faith-based programs like Mighty Oaks Warrior Foundation, which boasts low recidivism among its 8,700 participants, and called for a dedicated hearing on their role in veteran care.
Innovative practices—such as one-stop shops, by-name lists, and “human terrain mapping” using geographic information systems—have helped reduce veteran homelessness by up to 50% in cities like Chattanooga and Detroit. Relocating the Transition Assistance Program to veterans’ home states was also proposed to catch at-risk individuals earlier. The hearing reinforced a national commitment to data-driven, community-focused strategies, with proposals like the FRA’s funding fee reimbursement playing a key role in ensuring veteran homelessness becomes rare, brief, and non-recurring.
VA Announces $42 Million in Grants
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has unveiled a $42 million grant initiative aimed at supporting homeless Veterans and those at risk of homelessness through critical legal services. This funding, part of the VA’s Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program, reinforces the department’s commitment to addressing Veteran homelessness by tackling legal barriers that exacerbate housing instability.
Funding Amount: $42 million available to eligible organizations.
Grant Size: Up to $500,000 per grant.
Application Deadline: July 7, 2025, by 4 p.m. ET.
Grant Period: Two years, from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027.
Purpose: To provide legal assistance to Veterans facing homelessness or at risk of it.
The grants will fund legal services to address a range of issues that impact Veterans’ housing stability, including:
Eviction Prevention: Representation in landlord-tenant disputes to help Veterans avoid eviction.
Family and Estate Matters: Assistance with court proceedings related to child support, custody, or estate planning.
Benefits Access: Support in obtaining benefits such as disability compensation.
Criminal Defense: Legal aid for cases involving outstanding warrants, fines, or driver’s license revocation, which can increase homelessness risk.
Legal challenges often compound the difficulties faced by homeless Veterans or those on the brink of losing their housing. By providing targeted legal support, the VA aims to remove barriers to stable housing and improve Veterans’ access to essential benefits and services.
“Services to help Veterans obtain benefits, maintain access to housing, and navigate other common legal issues can make a huge difference in preventing or resolving homelessness,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “These important grants will help us make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of Veterans.”
Eligible organizations interested in applying for the grants can find detailed information on eligibility and the award process online at the VA’s website or by contacting the program directly at lsv@va.gov. The application window closes on July 7, 2025, at 4 p.m. ET.
This $42 million investment is a significant step in the VA’s ongoing efforts to end Veteran homelessness by addressing not only housing but also the legal and systemic challenges that contribute to it. By empowering organizations to deliver vital legal services, the VA is working to ensure Veterans have the support they need to achieve stability and thrive.
For more information, visit the VA’s Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program page or email lsv@va.gov.
VA Disability Payment Errors
A federal watchdog has found that a faulty web-based benefits calculator used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) miscalculated monthly disability compensation, potentially shortchanging veterans by thousands of dollars. The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) report highlights serious flaws that affected complex disability cases, including those involving multiple conditions or veterans requiring caregiver support.
The VA provides tax-free monthly payments to veterans for service-connected disabilities. However, the OIG found that the new automated calculator, used until October 2024, produced incorrect results—leading to underpayments of $132 to $4,170 per month and overpayments of up to $373. In contrast, the older "legacy" system delivered accurate calculations.
In response, the VA has discontinued the flawed tool and reinstated the legacy calculator. Still, officials were unable to determine the exact cause of the problem or how long it had been affecting veterans. The OIG did not audit individual claims, so the number of veterans impacted remains unclear.
The VA agreed with the OIG’s recommendation to fix the errors and conduct thorough testing before reintroducing any new calculator. While oversight is ongoing, the lack of veteran-specific reviews raises concerns about unresolved compensation discrepancies and possible financial hardship for some veterans.
Veterans who suspect their payments may be incorrect should contact their local VA office or visit the VA benefits portal. Ensuring accurate compensation is critical, and the FRA urges the VA to act transparently and swiftly to support those who have served.
Read the full report
FY26 Budget Hearing: Navy Personnel
Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan, Admiral James Kilby, and General Eric Smith testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee to address critical personnel challenges affecting the readiness of the Navy and Marine Corps. The hearing focused on the overall budget of the NAVY including personnel.
Admiral Kilby highlighted a significant recruitment milestone, noting that the Navy enlisted over 40,000 sailors in 2024—the highest number since 2003. This achievement helped reduce at-sea billet gaps from 23,200 to 22,900, thanks to a warfighting-centered strategy. General Smith emphasized the Marine Corps’ steady recruitment success, attributing it to high standards, accountability, and the enduring appeal of earning the title “Marine.”
The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) recently reached out to the top enlisted leaders of the sea services to request a meeting focused on supporting recruitment, retention, quality of life, and other personnel-related efforts. This outreach was welcomed by leadership and reflects a shared commitment to addressing manning shortfalls and enhancing the well-being of service members.
Secretary Phelan emphasized improving quality of life as a key retention strategy, calling for the reduction of administrative burdens and modernization of living conditions. General Smith cited the Barracks 2030 initiative, which aims to revamp Marine Corps housing to better retain talent. Admiral Kilby also noted that sustained high operational tempos—such as ongoing missions in the Red Sea—continue to strain personnel, underscoring the need for robust support systems. The FRA’s offer to collaborate aligns with these efforts to build a resilient, mission-ready force in today’s competitive labor market.
In a more controversial discussion, General Smith addressed the recent deployment of 700 Marines to Los Angeles to secure federal property during protests. While affirming their readiness, he deferred operational specifics to U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM). Several senators expressed concern over the military’s involvement in domestic affairs, warning of potential impacts on civil liberties and the Marine Corps' image.
Senators also voiced frustration with proposed budget cuts, which they argued would worsen existing personnel shortages. Many called for increased investments in competitive compensation, upgraded facilities, and well-defined policies for domestic deployments.
The Fleet Reserve Association remains committed to partnering with the Navy and Marine Corps to meet today’s personnel challenges head-on. Through direct engagement with senior enlisted leaders, the FRA aims to contribute meaningfully to recruitment, retention, and quality-of-life initiatives. As the sea services continue navigating complex demands at home and abroad, the FRA stands ready to support their efforts and ensure the well-being and success of all who serve.
New Legislation Seeks to Honor Heroes
Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) introduced the Valor Has No Expiration Act, a bill designed to ensure that acts of extraordinary bravery are eligible for the Congressional Medal of Honor, regardless of when they occurred. The legislation, endorsed by the Fleet Reserve Association, removes outdated time restrictions and expands eligibility for service members whose heroic actions were classified or withheld from public record, allowing them to be recognized with the nation’s highest military honor.
Current law requires that Medal of Honor recommendations be made within five years of the act of valor. However, the Valor Has No Expiration Act builds on a provision from the 1996 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which waived the five-year limit for classified intelligence activities between 1940 and 1990. Rep. Issa’s bill eliminates the 1990 cutoff date and broadens the criteria to include any classified or previously undisclosed acts of heroism, ensuring that time or secrecy no longer bars recognition.
“Valor never expires, and neither should the opportunity for our bravest heroes to be recognized,” Rep. Issa stated. “This bill ensures that those who went above and beyond are not denied the Medal of Honor simply because their actions were kept secret for decades.”
The legislation was inspired by the remarkable story of Captain Royce Williams, a constituent and friend of Rep. Issa. In 1952, during the Korean War, then-Lieutenant Williams engaged in a historic dogfight, single-handedly confronting and shooting down multiple Soviet MiG-15 fighters. His extraordinary bravery remained classified for over 50 years, rendering him ineligible for the Medal of Honor under current time restrictions.
Now 100 years old, Captain Williams exemplifies the need for this reform. “Every American should know his story,” said Rep. Issa. “What he did nearly 73 years ago deserves recognition. With this legislation, heroes like him—whether undiscovered, unknown, or unrevealed—can finally be honored.”
Backed by the Fleet Reserve Association, the Valor Has No Expiration Act reflects a commitment to honoring all who have served with unparalleled courage, regardless of when their stories come to light. By removing arbitrary time limits and expanding eligibility, the bill ensures that America’s heroes receive the recognition they deserve.