Growing awareness and acceptance of complementary and integrative practices has interested more veterans in obtaining these services, especially if they struggle with disorders, such as chronic pain, that are resistant to more conventional medical treatment. Because of the growing opioid epidemic, many veterans are also increasingly concerned about using opioids to manage chronic pain and want, or are told by medical providers, to seek safer alternatives.
While VA has made some complementary health services available to veterans, DAV is aware of significant limitations on the use and availability of services. VA's guidance on complementary or integrative health practices encourages, but does not require, VA medical centers to make such services available to veterans.
HR 2359, the Whole Veteran Act, would require VA to report on access and availability of several complementary and integrative medicine practices, including: massage; chiropractic services; acupuncture; meditation; yoga, Tai Chi or Oi sang; and Whole Health group services.
DAV supports this measure to advance VA's Whole Health transformation in accordance with DAV Resolution 277, which supports the provision of comprehensive VA health care services to enrolled veterans, and specifically calls upon Congress to provide funding to guarantee access to a full continuum of care, from preventive through hospice services, including alternative and complementary care such as yoga, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic and other non-traditional therapies.
The House has recognized the importance of this legislation and approved it by voice vote on May 21, 2019. Ask your Senator to introduce a companion bill or push to move the House bill to the Senate floor for approval using the letter prepared below or drafting your own.
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Legislation introduced in the Senate would require VA to provide indebted veterans a clear explanation of why the debt was created. S. 2884, the Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2018, calls for the VA to create a debt notice letter, with the assistance of veterans service organizations, written in plain language to include a clear explanation of all options available to the veteran. The VA would also be required to develop a method that allows veterans to receive the … Read More
What you had to say about the 2018 Commanders and Adjutants Association Mid-Winter Conference DAV’s 2018 Commanders and Adjutants Association Mid-Winter Conference wrapped up at the end of February and our fellow members had a lot to say about their interactions with lawmakers and staff on Capitol Hill. Specifically, we asked members about their overall impression of lawmakers on the issues brought forth from DAV’s legislative agenda. “They were engaged and willing to listen to what veterans had to say,” … Read More
As we move closer to Veterans Day, it’s an important time to harness the support of our grassroots network and make sure we are getting our message across clearly to lawmakers. Veterans have made innumerable sacrifices for this country, and they deserve our support and our commitment to their well being after the wars. Congress will return to session the day after Veterans Day this year. Will our lawmakers, newcomers and incumbents alike, remember their campaign promises to our veterans? … Read More
DAV: Taking Action at Home Our nation’s service men and women put everything on the line in defense of America’s freedom. Our public and political leaders need to be kept informed of the challenges they face returning to normal life. DAV’s legislative grassroots campaign makes sure they know what they need to do. DAV’s multi-aspect legislative campaign provides this education and support in the capitol and across the country. Take some time here and learn how DAV is working with … Read More
Convention digital seminars available online You may have missed out on the entertainment of the Biggest Little City in the World, but if you weren’t able to take part in this year’s national convention in Reno, Nev., the valuable information shared is still available with a simple tap or click. On Friday evening, before the official convention kickoff, author Dr. Steven Ross presented his research relating to his book “Hitler in Los Angeles,” which details how a group of DAV members … Read More
Advocates converge in Washington to safeguard veterans benefits for current and future generations On any given day, the halls of congressional office buildings in our nation’s capital are abuzz with leading advocates of the many complex issues within American society. By design, this groundswell of civic participation makes it difficult for legislators and other policymakers to ignore the issues at hand. This is why hundreds of DAV’s most dedicated advocates from across the nation converged on Washington at the end … Read More
Advocates come together in Washington to set record straight and protect benefits Hundreds of DAV’s most dedicated advocates from around the country converged on the nation’s capital at the end of February for the organization’s Mid-Winter Conference, sponsored by the State Commanders and Adjutants Association, and to kick-start Operation: Keep the Promise 2016. With reform of the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system on the agenda for Congress this year, it is an especially critical time for veterans’ voices to be heard by all lawmakers and candidates for office. Leading … Read More
Mid-Winter Conference draws more than 400 With proposals in hand focused on women veterans and pre-9/11 veterans who need caregivers, more than 400 of DAV’s top advocates converged on Capitol Hill in late February, literally carrying the DAV banner demanding Congress keep its promises. DAV’s Mid-Winter Conference kicked off Operation: Keep the Promise 2015 with National Commander Ron Hope testifying before a special hearing of the House and Senate Veteran’s Affairs Committees. “Women are an integral part of the military … Read More
Las Vegas was shining even brighter Aug. 9–12 during the 93rd DAV National Convention. Vietnam veteran Ron F. Hope, of North Carolina, was elected to serve as National Commander during the event, which saw the newly appointed Secretary of Veterans Affairs give his first address to a veterans’ service organization. Hope, a combat-injured Army veteran, challenged his fellow veterans to continue the unmatched commitment to DAV’s core principle of veterans helping veterans. “As our weary nation winds down from combat … Read More
Service Program Executive Director Garry Augustine’s Report to the 2017 National Convention “National Commander Riley, National Adjutant Burgess, distinguished guests and delegates to DAV’s 96th National Convention: I am truly honored to present my annual report to the membership as Executive Director of the National Service and Legislative Headquarters in Washington, DC…” Download Report Recapitulation of Service Activities National totals for the year of 2014-2015. Includes New Service Connections, Compensation Increases, Pensions, Retroactive Payments, Power of Attorneys and many more … Read More
