Department of Veterans Affairs

The Transgender American Veterans Association is suing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, two years after the department said it would provide gender-affirming surgery.

The president praised leaders from both parties for unifying behind veterans as he and Utah's Republican governor paid tribute to a year-old law that is delivering the largest expansion of veterans benefits in decades.

Despite scores of lawsuits by its personnel and high rates of testicular cancer among troops, the military has been slow to investigate a connection to PFAS.

The law passed last year makes millions of veterans eligible for new benefits, including post 9/11 vets who were exposed to burn pits.

Research into psychedelic drugs was halted in the 1960s amid concern about recreational use. Now, the VA is among dozens of medical providers resuming that work.

Tampa doctors advised a delegation from Ukraine about how to rehabilitate people wounded during the country's ongoing war with Russia. Ukrainian medical specialists say they expect some soldiers and civilians will need lifelong support.

Deputy Executive Director Bob Asztalos of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs told a state Senate committee that its wages are finally competitive, thanks to a $5.6 million boost in funding last year.

The law expands health care benefits for veterans who may have developed illnesses after toxic exposure during their service. The VA can start processing most claims on Jan. 1.

The House is expected to approve the Senate measure, sending it to President Joe Biden, who has said he'd sign comprehensive legislation immediately.

The new Lakeland clinic could help reduce wait times and how far veterans in Polk County have to travel for care.