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How VA CIO Kurt DelBene is leading the agency’s digital transformation

"The goal of the app is really to make it super simple for people to access the most common VA transactions that they need to repeat a lot of times," and they can message their doctors, manage health appointments, check disability status and add files to claims and other features, some still in development, he said.

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Expanding benefits to veterans: MCVSO updates on PACT Act changes, new VA clinic

“Whether it be the veteran or a surviving spouse, there is no statute of limitation. If that Agent Orange Vietnam veteran died 30 years ago of a heart attack or a stroke, and had hypertension, we can now service connect that. The VA will send them a letter at their last known address saying, ‘We knew that you filed this claim. Please come back and ask for it again.'”

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Sec. of Veterans Affairs urges vets to get toxic exposure screenings covered under PACT act

"A lot of veterans, you know a tough Marine like him, think that as warriors they shouldn't come in to file a claim shouldn't come in to get care because maybe someone else needs it, I am here to say to our veterans actually you are coming in to file your claim not only helps you but helps you battle buddies because we get a more complete picture of what veterans experienced in different situations," said McDonough.

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How industrial companies responsible for pollution among disenfranchised communities can fight environmental racism

ABC One-Hour Cleaners was responsible for improperly disposing of industrial solvents such as perchloroethylene, which inevitably led to severe water contamination at the military base. The military would also use chemicals to clean weapons and equipment, thereby increasing the extent of toxic contamination.

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Compensation available for Camp Lejeune contamination

It’s estimated that more than a million people used the water over the course of these years without knowing that it was contaminated. Water tests conducted in 1982 found carcinogenic substances that cause severe, long-term damage to humans. By then, it was too late to reverse what had already been put into motion. As a result, many of the residents and workers at Camp Lejeune were diagnosed with cancer, miscarriage, birth defects, and even Parkinson’s disease.

Read MoreCompensation available for Camp Lejeune contamination