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VA Revamps PACT Act Regulations
Plus, how a former Infantry Officer's college experiment grew into a leading supplement brand rooted in military values.
Nick Kellermeyer
September 17, 2024
The Homefront Report brings you the best news and resources that U.S. military veterans need to know.
This week we cover:
Legal News: VA Revamps PACT Act Regulations
Health & Wellness: Adaptive Sports Clinic Empowers Veterans
Product Of The Week: Bare Performance Nutrition
Finance: Money Moves for Young Veterans
LEGAL NEWS
VA Revamps PACT Act Regulations
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced an update to its benefits regulations for toxic-exposed veterans with constrictive bronchiolitis.
This change, announced on September 11, 2024, aims to provide more accurate disability ratings for affected veterans, addressing a long-standing issue in the implementation of the PACT Act.
The PACT Act was designed to provide health care for post-9/11 combat veterans and expand VA's list of health conditions presumed to be caused by toxic exposures. However, outdated processes have been standing in the way of veterans receiving their newly expanded benefits. This update to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities regulations will add additional criteria to evaluate veterans during their disability rating examinations.
Senators Jon Tester and Kirsten Gillibrand called on the VA in April to expedite these necessary regulation changes.
"Toxic-exposed veterans have waited decades to receive the benefits and health care the PACT Act provides, and it's critical VA is implementing the law the way veterans need and deserve”
With these updated regulations, more toxic-exposed veterans suffering from constrictive bronchiolitis will finally be able to access the healthcare and benefits they deserve under the PACT Act. The VA will be better equipped to provide accurate disability ratings and support to these veterans.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Shoshana Johnson, a disabled veteran and former POW, has transformed her survival guilt into a mission of honoring fallen comrades. Through community support and personal resilience, Johnson has found purpose in advocacy, culinary pursuits, and sharing her story to inspire other veterans.
A unique first-year seminar at Penn State is helping student veterans transition from military to civilian academic life. Through creative activities like mask-making, the course provides a safe space for veterans to process emotions, connect with peers, and reinvent themselves as they enter a new chapter.
Over 100 veterans from 22 states recently participated in the VA's National Summer Sports Clinic in San Diego, engaging in adaptive sports like surfing, cycling, and kayaking. The clinic aims to demonstrate that "disability does not mean inability," helping veterans incorporate fitness into their lives and overcome physical challenges.
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Bare Performance Nutrition - Go One More
The Product: Bare Performance Nutrition offers high-quality, transparently-labeled sports nutrition supplements, founded on military values and a commitment to pushing personal limits.
The Story: Nick Bare, a former U.S. Army Infantry Officer, founded Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN) in 2012 out of his small college apartment while studying nutrition. Driven by a passion for supplement science and transparency, Nick started by mixing his own pre-workout formulas for friends, laying the foundation for what would become a leading supplement company.
After commissioning into the Army, Nick continued to build BPN during his free time, documenting the journey on social media. The company's growth accelerated after Nick's transition from active duty in 2017, fueled by his "Go One More" philosophy - a mindset of continual improvement that resonated deeply with customers. Today, BPN operates out of a 45,000-square-foot facility near Austin, Texas, with a team of over 28 full-time employees.
As a veteran-owned company, BPN actively supports the military community, using its platform to inspire, educate, and motivate others to push their limits in health and performance.
“Having the opportunity to serve in the United States Military taught me invaluable skills that I apply to the work I do every day. I learned a lot about myself, the power of people coming together, and the strength of our beautiful nation.”
FINANCE
Financial Freedom for Young Veterans
Transitioning to civilian life brings new financial challenges for young veterans. This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on budgeting, saving, and investing tailored specifically for those who've served. Learn how to create a solid financial foundation by establishing an emergency fund, setting clear savings goals, and making the most of your VA benefits. The article also emphasizes the importance of early investing and diversification to grow your wealth over time.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.”
Disclaimer: The Homefront Report, in association with HomefrontGroup.com, is an informational newsletter. The content of this email does not constitute legal, health, or financial advice.