logo
VA Announces Expansion of Benefits

VA Announces Expansion of Benefits

Newsweek14-07-2025
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a temporary expansion of burial benefits for certain veterans and their families.
Recipients will see a temporary expansion of burial benefits thanks to the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, known as the Dole Act.
The department has been contacted via email for comment.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins pictured in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins pictured in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via AP Images
Why It Matters
The VA is the second-largest U.S. government department, employing about 470,000 people, a quarter of whom are veterans. Some 6.2 million veterans in the United States receive disability benefits from the VA.
Veterans who received VA healthcare were not always eligible for a VA-covered burial, resulting in families having to cover the costs after their deaths.
This benefit from the Dole Act will mean eligible veterans will have their full burial costs covered.
This temporary expansion of burial benefits comes as the department reduces its headcount as part of the Trump administration's program to downsize the federal government - although by much less than originally planned.
The VA had planned to reduce its workforce to 400,000, but after much criticism last week announced it would shed fewer than 30,000 jobs this year. Some 12,000 staff will leave their roles by the end of September, after 17,000 job cuts were made between January and June.
The department says it has "multiple safeguards in place to ensure these staff reductions do not impact veteran care or benefits."
What To Know
"The new law specifies eligible Veterans are those who are discharged from VA-provided medical or nursing care to receive VA-provided hospice care at their home and who pass away between July 1, 2025, and Oct. 1, 2026," said the VA in a statement.
"Previously, Veterans who died at home under VA hospice care after discharge from VA-provided medical or nursing care were not always eligible for a full VA burial allowance. The Dole Act addresses that gap."
The Dole Act was signed into law in January 2025 by then-President Joe Biden.
Following its passage, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Republican Illinois Representative Mike Bost said: "The men and women who have served have earned access to a VA that puts them – not government bureaucracy – at the center of its operations. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act will do exactly that."
The act includes several increases and changes to veterans' benefits, including changing the definition of "surviving spouse" to "someone who lived continuously with the veteran until their death and who has not remarried," and requiring the VA to create a plan for creating transitional housing grants for homeless veterans.
Trump administration changes to the VA include barring transgender veterans from getting their fertility treatment covered by the VA, and increasing the VA budget by $83 billion through the recent budget.
What People Are Saying
VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a press release: "VA is working hard to fully implement the many provisions of the Dole Act. We're excited to offer this expanded benefit, which better supports Veterans who choose to spend their final days at home, surrounded by their loved ones."
What Happens Next
Families and caregivers are encouraged to contact their local VA office to determine eligibility and to apply for the expanded burial benefits.
Additional details are available on the VA burial benefits website or by calling 800-827-1000.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Rising NATO Ally Unveils Hypersonic Missile
Rising NATO Ally Unveils Hypersonic Missile

Newsweek

time3 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Rising NATO Ally Unveils Hypersonic Missile

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Turkey has unveiled its first locally developed hypersonic missile as part of six advanced weapons systems during a major fair run by the defense ministry. The missile is being developed by state-owned rockets and missiles company Roketsan. Newsweek has reached out to the Turkish Foreign Ministry and Roketsan for comment. Why It Matters Turkey is accelerating efforts to modernize its military as regional conflicts intensify, combining a push for self-reliance in weapons manufacturing with continued cooperation through its NATO allies. With tensions flaring with Israel, Turkey is expanding naval and air defense capabilities — including a fifth-generation fighter jet and aircraft carrier — and is eyeing a return to the U.S. F-35 fighter jet program. It is also becoming an increasingly important global arms supplier. Short and long range anti-tank missiles, manufactured by Turkish company Roketsan, are displayed during the International Defence and Security Fair (FEINDEF) in Madrid, May 12, 2025. Short and long range anti-tank missiles, manufactured by Turkish company Roketsan, are displayed during the International Defence and Security Fair (FEINDEF) in Madrid, May 12, 2025. THOMAS COEX/AFP/Getty Images What To Know The Tayfun Block-4 is the hypersonic variant of Türkiye's longest-range domestically produced ballistic missile, the Tayfun, according to the Daily Sabah, and was revealed during the International Defense Industry Fair taking place this week in Istanbul. On the first day of #IDEF2025, we unveiled six new systems that will further strengthen the power of our defense industry. Each system, developed through national engineering and indigenous capabilities, reflects the level we have reached in generating advanced technologies and… — ROKETSAN (@roketsan) July 22, 2025 The Tayfun is a land-based ballistic missile, operating at hypersonic cruise speed. It has a range of over 175 miles, a length of 21 feet and a pre-shaped fragmentation warhead. It is guided by an in-space navigation system and is designed to strike strategic targets such as air defense systems, command centers, and military infrastructure, according to the company. In addition to the Tayfun hypersonic missile, Roketsan also unveiled five other advanced systems including a ramjet-powered air-to-air missile, a submarine-launched cruise missile, a loitering munition, a supersonic UAV-launched missile, and a satellite launch vehicle. In 2022, Roketsan also successfully tested the first domestically developed air-to-ground supersonic missileTRG-230, Turkish media reported. Turkey accelerated its indigenous defense-industrial agenda Russian S‑400 air defense system in 2019 and subsequent expulsion from the Turkey accelerated building its indigenous defense capabilities after it was expelled from America's F‑35 program for acquiring the Russian S‑400 air defense system in 2019. What People Are Saying Roketsan said in a statement, according to the Daily Sabah: "The Tayfun Block-4 achieves long ranges, setting another record for the Turkish defense industry. Weighing over 7 tons, this new version of the Tayfun, with its multipurpose warhead, will be capable of destroying numerous strategic targets, such as air defense systems, command and control centers, military hangars and critical military facilities, from kilometers away." Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Byakar Tech, a Turkish defense company, wrote on X: "I wholeheartedly congratulate all the engineers and technicians who have brought these capabilities to our country. Now, our goal is to elevate our deterrent power to the highest level with high-volume production. We look to the future of our homeland's defense with even greater hope." What Happens Next The Tayfun Block-4 will enter Turkish service by late 2025 and is currently not intended for export, Roketsan CEO Murat İkinci said, according to Army Recognition Grup's platform.

Tesla Profits Plummet
Tesla Profits Plummet

Newsweek

time3 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Tesla Profits Plummet

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Tesla has reported its third quarter in a row of declining profits despite billionaire founder Elon Musk stepping away from the world of politics. The tech CEO's most famous company continues to struggle to rebound from a period of concentrated protests earlier this year, with its latest reports for the second quarter showing a disappointing return. Newsweek contacted Tesla for more information via email. Why It Matters Tesla's latest financial results underscored the profound impact of CEO Elon Musk's political profile and ongoing global economic shifts on the electric vehicle giant's sales and profitability. With a third consecutive quarter of declining profits and a double-digit revenue drop, Tesla's position as an industry leader has come under fresh scrutiny. A combination of consumer boycotts, shifting federal policies, and intensified global competition has threatened both Tesla's near-term stability and its long-term innovation plans. What To Know Tesla reported a 16 percent drop in second-quarter profits for 2025, with net income falling to $1.17 billion (33 cents a share) from $1.4 billion, or 40 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue declined 12 percent to $22.5 billion, down from $25.5 billion over the same period last year, representing the company's largest revenue fall in over a decade. Vehicle deliveries also dropped by 13.5 percent year-on-year, from 443,956 to 384,122 units. Cars including a cybertruck parked outside a Tesla Service and repair center in Rocklin, CA, Feb. 13, 2025. Cars including a cybertruck parked outside a Tesla Service and repair center in Rocklin, CA, Feb. 13, 2025. Getty Images The weakened results came amid months of consumer backlash attributed to Musk's divisive political commentary and increasing association with far-right politicians in the U.S. and Europe. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) earlier this year, Musk led the Trump administration's drive to reduce federal spending and faced fierce backlash over drastic cuts to the government's budget, including thousands of federal jobs, and the dismantling of entire agencies. Amid the uproar, Tesla cars and Tesla property have been targeted in protests against Musk's right-wing activism. Tesla has experienced ongoing boycotts abroad, particularly in key European markets like Great Britain, France, and Germany, and encountered stiff competition from Chinese and European automakers. Adding to the pressure, the expiration of a federal $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit and a rollback of carbon credit penalties by Congress jeopardized Tesla's regulatory credit revenue, a revenue stream that dropped to $439 million this quarter from $890 million a year ago. Following Wednesday's financial news, Tesla shares fell 3 percent in after-hours trading. The company's stock is down by roughly half since December. What People Are Saying Eric Schiffer, a top tech investor and the chair of the private equity firm Patriarch Organization, told Newsweek that Musk's reputation could still recover, saying: "The ties to DOGE, in time, and the negative sentiment around it will dissipate. Innovation and new products can recapture people's imagination, and recalibrate their view of his brand and that of Tesla." Forrester analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee told the Associated Press: "The perception of Elon Musk, its chief executive, has rubbed the sheen right out of what once was a darling and soaring automotive brand. [Tesla] is a toxic brand that is inseparable from its leader." What Happens Next Tesla has launched a pilot robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with announcements of expansion into other U.S. cities. Musk suggested that hundreds of thousands of autonomous cabs could be deployed on American roads by the end of next year.

US Sends Nuclear Submarine to Pacific Fleet Amid China Threat
US Sends Nuclear Submarine to Pacific Fleet Amid China Threat

Newsweek

time3 hours ago

  • Newsweek

US Sends Nuclear Submarine to Pacific Fleet Amid China Threat

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States redeployed a second nuclear-powered submarine—capable of launching long-range Tomahawk missiles—from the East Coast to Hawaii this month, as it moves to position its most-capable units in the Indo-Pacific in response to China's naval buildup. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email. Why It Matters China has expanded its military presence—particularly its navy—across the Western Pacific in recent years, raising alarms among the U.S. and its regional allies. It has also built up a large missile arsenal capable of striking Japan, including U.S. military bases located there. Japan—a key element of the U.S. island chain strategy to contain China in the Western Pacific—has been bolstering its defenses against potential Chinese aggression by upgrading its ship-killing weapons and acquiring advanced warships capable of intercepting missiles. What To Know In response to China's growing military threat, the Pentagon has bolstered its force posture in the Western Pacific. This includes the deployment of an aircraft carrier equipped with stealth fighter jets and a land-based missile system capable of conducting long-range strikes. Some of America's nuclear-powered, conventionally armed fast-attack submarines serve with the Pacific Fleet and are stationed in Washington, California, Hawaii, and Guam—the latter, the closest to China and a key military hub, has hosted five submarines since last November. The submarine USS Indiana reached its new home port, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, on Tuesday after departing its previous base in Groton, Connecticut. It now serves as the third Virginia-class fast-attack submarine assigned to the Submarine Squadron 7. The Pearl Harbor-based submarine squadron now provides "training, material, and personnel readiness support" to a total of seven fast-attack submarines—three Virginia-class and four Los Angeles-class—according to a press release from the U.S. Pacific Submarine Force. Prior to the arrival of the Indiana, the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Toledo completed a change of home port on July 12, arriving in Hawaii. This made the former Connecticut-based vessel the fourth Los Angeles-class submarine assigned to the Submarine Squadron 7. The United States "Virginia"-class fast-attack submarine USS "Indiana" arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on July 22, 2025. The United States "Virginia"-class fast-attack submarine USS "Indiana" arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on July 22, 2025. Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Scott Barnes/U.S. Navy In addition to the Virginia-class and the Los Angeles-class, the U.S. Navy operates three fast-attack submarines of the Seawolf-class, which are based in Bremerton and Bangor, Washington. Commissioned in 2018, the Indiana is the 16th Virginia-class submarine. Unlike some of its older sister ships, it features two large payload tubes—each capable of firing six Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of 1,000 miles—in place of 12 individual vertical launch tubes. The submarine concluded its last overseas mission on March 27, returning from a six-month deployment in the U.S. European Command's area of responsibility—which includes all of Europe, Turkey, Russia, and the South Caucasus—a map provided by the command shows. The U.S. Navy says fast-attack submarines are tasked with seeking and destroying enemy naval vessels, projecting power from sea to shore using missiles and special operations forces, and conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. What People Are Saying U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh, commander of the Pacific Submarine Force, said in a press release on Tuesday: "Over the past 10 months, Indiana's crew has expertly navigated the challenges of an operational deployment and a homeport shift … I'm excited for Indiana to join the Pacific Submarine Force and to bolster our submarine presence to maintain a secure and prosperous, free, and open Indo-Pacific." U.S. Navy Commander Kyle Johnson, commanding officer of USS Indiana, said in a press release on Tuesday: "We look forward to working with Submarine Squadron 7 and our Pearl Harbor partners to prepare Indiana—the 'Battle Bass'—for any tasking, at any time, in defense of our nation." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the U.S. Navy will deploy additional ships and submarines to the Pacific—particularly to Hawaii, Guam, and its forward-deployed fleet in Japan.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store