The NVRA Blog

WASHINGTON — The benefits backlog at Veterans Affairs is worse than leaders there have acknowledged, according to a new investigation from the department’s top watchdog. In a report released Monday, the VA inspector general found tens of thousands of benefits cases omitted or ignored by department officials that “significantly understated the number of claims awaiting decisions for over 125 days.”

WASHINGTON — Veterans Affairs leaders are increasing their efforts to sideline legislation that would extend disability benefits to “blue water” veterans from the Vietnam War, saying the move would set a problematic precedent for future complaints. “We know it is incredibly difficult to hear from Blue Water Veterans who are ailing and ill, and we have great empathy and compassion for these veterans … Read More

NVRA Chairman Stuart A. Steinberg is literally an unsung hero. He has championed veterans rights tirelessly and selflessly for decades. He has won back benefits that have been capriciously denied deserving service men and women, at times taking their cases to the Supreme Court. The Nomination Twice Mr. Steinberg has been nominated for the CNN “Hero” Award. This is the most recent (2016) nomination: Tell us about your … Read More

“Stu Steinberg,” an original documentary produced by Mediaseam’s John Everding and Clay Kempf and directed by Kempf, was selected as “Best Documentary” by the judges at the Oregon Documentary Film Festival last Fall. In making the announcement, the judges raved, “We were blown away by the story and struggle with PTSD that our veterans are dealing with on a daily … Read More

This is What Hell Looks Like By Stuart A. Steinberg REVIEWED IN “BOOKS IN REVIEW ii,” FROM THE VVA VETERAN Stuart Allan Steinberg served in the U. S. Army from 1967 until 1971 as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal operator. Wherever he went he was greeted with respect. “E-O-Fucking-D,” someone would intone. He helped clean up the worst nerve gas disaster … Read More

Veterans can again submit online applications for new identification cards through the Department of Veterans Affairs website after the system was taken down in December following rollout problems. The purpose of the identification cards is to help veterans prove their military history without having to carry around their DD-214 certificates, which contain sensitive information. The new IDs do not replace … Read More

Below is an infographic that shines a light on the plight of our brave but beleaguered veterans. Please feel free to share this with your social media fans and followers, crediting nationalveteransrights.org. Thanks!

My name is Geneva George. I would be so honored to speak openly and candidly about suicide, to bring an awareness that may prevent a suicidal individual from giving in to despair. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary situation. My brother committed suicide two years ago. It seemed to him to be his only option — his way … Read More

A documentary film profiling NVRA Chairman Stu Steinberg has been named “Best Feature Film” by Oregon Documentary Film Festival judges – their highest honor. The award was given at the festival in Portland on November 11, 2017 – Veterans Day. The film was produced by mediaseam executives John Everding and Clay Kempf and directed by Kempf. From the Oregon Documentary … Read More

Stuart A. Steinberg, the chairman of the National Veterans Rights Association (NVRA), is featured in a new documentary that has become an Official Selection by the prestigious Oregon Documentary Film Festival 2017. Steinberg is a Vietnam Veteran, honored and highly decorated for heroism, who has championed veterans rights tirelessly and selflessly for decades, helping over 1,400 vets, never accepting remuneration … Read More