Veterans Affairs
Follow the latest Veterans Affairs news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
October 15, 2024 at 5:35 PM

800 vets kicked out under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' get honorable discharges from DOD

More than 13,000 service members were kicked out under the policy between 1994 and 2011.
October 15, 2024 at 5:35 PM
The Pentagon is seen from the air in Washington, U.S., March 3, 2022, more than a week after Russia invaded Ukraine.
5 months ago

WWII veterans visit Omaha Beach to mark 80th anniversary of D-Day

American Airlines flew 68 World War II veterans to France to remember the fateful day.
5 months ago
VIDEO: WWII veterans visit Omaha Beach to mark 80th anniversary of D-Day
5 months ago

Senators want more information from VA about alleged 'flagrant misuse' of bonus money

An Internal watchdog found executives got some $11 million in improper bonuses.
5 months ago
In this May 10, 2013, file photo, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seal is shown at the headquarters in Washington, D.C.
10 months ago

LGBTQ+ military veterans still fighting for benefits

It’s been more than a decade since Congress ended the ban on LGBTQ+ service members. Thousands are still fighting for benefits. ABC News’ Devin Dwyer explains.
10 months ago
VIDEO: LGBTQ+ military veterans still fighting for benefits
1 year ago

Veteran opens up about journey from combat zones to college

Military veteran Jamie Springston shares how he returned to school after serving overseas.
1 year ago
Jamie Springston credits the nonprofit organization Student Veterans of America for helping to save his life. He is now the Marshall University Student Veterans of America Chapter President.
1 year ago

Fresh start for over 100 homeless veterans in Houston

The official opening of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation's Veterans Village will provide permanent and transitional shelter for veterans in the former Holiday Inn hotel in Houston.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Fresh start for over 100 homeless veterans in Houston
1 year ago

Ambitious new campaign aims to reduce veteran suicide rate by half

USAA's Face the Fight is employing its $41 million in philanthropic grants in an effort to halve the suicide rate among veterans by 2030
1 year ago
1 year ago

'They saved the world': Experts reflect on D-Day's significance, 79 years later

The number of World War II veterans, especially those who participated in the Normandy invasion on D-Day, is dwindling.
1 year ago
The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Va.
2 years ago

The historic legacy of the Montford Point Marines

Honoring and remembering the first Black men to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps.
2 years ago
VIDEO:  The historic legacy of the Montford Point Marines
2 years ago

Meet 2022’s veteran of the year

David Kim, founder and CEO of the charity Children of Fallen Patriots, talks with Kyra Phillips about his experience helping Gold Star families.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Meet 2022’s veteran of the year
2 years ago

Retired Navy SEAL aims to destigmatize mental health support

ABC News Live honors Veterans Day and speaks with retired Navy SEAL Dave Berkenfield on his efforts to bring awareness to mental health in the military.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Retired Navy SEAL aims to destigmatize mental health support
2 years ago

Recovering the history and identities of the country's 1st Black Marines

Many are on a mission to find the first Black Marines that were established in 1942 as the Montford Point Marines.
2 years ago
The Montford Point Marines, an all-Black, North Carolina-based unit, were the United States' first Black marines.
2 years ago

16th Annual Stand Up for Heroes event

Bob Woodruff Foundation announces a minimum $1M commitment to mental health support for military and veteran children.
2 years ago
VIDEO: 16th Annual Stand Up for Heroes event
2 years ago

Service dogs help veterans suffering from physical injuries, PTSD

Retired Master Sgt. David Crenshaw talks about how his service dog, Doc, has helped him through his PTSD and how service dogs can do the same for other veterans.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Service dogs help veterans suffering from physical injuries, PTSD
2 years ago

Vet suicide rate is lowest in years, VA says, but advocates worry it's an undercount

The veteran suicide rate dropped to its lowest in over a decade, according to a report released Monday from the Department of Veteran Affairs
2 years ago
American flags are planted on a grassy area of the National Mall in Washington to represent veterans or service members who died by suicide in 2018, Oct. 4, 2018.
2 years ago

New program looking deeper after a third of veterans report being arrested

One-third of veterans say they have been arrested, according to a new report by the Council on Criminal Justice, citing a 2017 study focused on military service and crime
2 years ago
United States Marine Corps patches are available for sale in a shop in San Francisco, Sept. 14, 2018.
2 years ago

After a 2-year break, Warrior games are underway at Disney World

The 11th Department of Defense Warrior Games are welcoming more than 300 adaptive athletes, with about 250 competing for the first time.
2 years ago
VIDEO: After a 2-year break, Warrior games are underway at Disney World
2 years ago

Disney World supporting veterans

The Department of Defense Warrior Games are being held at Disney World and Disney's Veterans Institute Summit is an initiative to share best practices in hiring, retaining and supporting veterans.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Disney World supporting veterans
2 years ago

Annual Warrior Games underway

Hundreds of injured and wounded service members across the world are competing in adaptive sports celebrating their resilience and dedication.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Annual Warrior Games underway
2 years ago

Amid protests, Senate passes health care for vets exposed to toxic burn pits

The Senate on Tuesday night approved the PACT Act to help veterans exposed to toxic burn pits
2 years ago
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Jon Tester cheer with FealGood Foundation founder John Feal, center, as the two Senators meet with veterans ahead of an anticipated final passage of a bill for veterans with toxic exposure illnesses, outside of the US Capitol in Washington, Aug. 2, 2022.
2 years ago

Republicans reject spending bill for veterans exposed to 'burn pits,' toxins

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he would schedule another procedural vote Monday.
2 years ago
Veterans advocate Jon Stewart delivers impassioned remarks condemning Republican Senators for voting against the Honoring Our PACT Act, calling them cowards, July 28, 2022, in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The legislation would have established a connection between military service and exposure to toxins via burn pits, easing access to healthcare for veterans and active duty members.  The bill passed the Senate with 84 votes, but Republican Senators objected, claiming it contained unrelated spending.
2 years ago

Nothing new in veteran health care bill to spur GOP vote switch: Jon Stewart

Jonathan Karl interviews activist and comedian Jon Stewart on "This Week."
2 years ago
VIDEO: 1-on-1 with Jon Stewart
2 years ago

GOP rejects spending bill for veterans exposed to 'burn pits,' toxins

Comedian and activist Jon Stewart had some choice words for the Republicans who rallied together to block Wednesday evening’s Senate vote on the bill.
2 years ago
Comedian and activist Jon Stewart had some choice words for the Republicans who rallied together to block Wednesday evening’s Senate vote on the bill.
3 years ago

ABC exclusive: Inside the 'monumental' bid to end veteran homelessness

ABC News’ Devin Dwyer speaks with Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough on an ambitious effort to turn existing VA real estate into new housing for homeless veterans.
3 years ago
VIDEO: ABC exclusive: Inside the 'monumental' bid to end veteran homelessness
3 years ago

Can the VA pull off its 'monumental' bid to end veteran homelessness?

VA Secretary Denis McDonough says the nation's largest veterans housing project underway at the West LA VA could be a game-changer for eliminating veteran homelessness.
3 years ago
An encampment of veterans on the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs campus exists in the shadow of historic buildings first constructed to house and help them after World War II.
3 years ago

Bob Woodruff Foundation provides fertility funds to veterans in need

Crystal and Ash Engert, a trans military couple, share their IVF journey and the support they received from The Bob Woodruff Foundation and its Veterans In-Vitro Initiative.
3 years ago
VIDEO: Bob Woodruff Foundation provides fertility funds to veterans in need
3 years ago

Jon Stewart talks about hosting Department of Defense Warrior Games

The event, held Sept. 12-22, features active-duty and veteran service members, and will take place for the first time at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.
3 years ago
VIDEO: Jon Stewart talks about hosting Department of Defense Warrior Games
3 years ago

Jon Stewart joins lawmakers to push benefits for vets exposed to toxins

Jon Stewart joined lawmakers to unveil legislation that would make it easier for veterans exposed to toxic substances to access Veterans Affairs benefits.
3 years ago
Jon Stewart lends his support to legislation to expand benefits and improve care for military veterans suffering from toxic exposure to burn pits and other hazards, at the Capitol in Washington, May 26, 2021.
3 years ago

A 'monster': Woman who killed veterans at VA hospital gets 7 life sentences

Reta Mays' victims were killed in 2017 and 2018.
3 years ago
Reta Mays, 46, of Harrison County, W.Va., a former nursing assistant at the Louis A. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center (seen here) in Clarksburg, W.Va., pled guilty to murder and assault in the deaths of eighth veterans under her care in federal court in Clarksburg, July 14, 2020.
4 years ago

For vets struggling to readjust to civilian life, fitness offers new beginning

So many veterans struggle to readjust to civilian life after returning home. FitOps aims harness their leadership and develops them into personal trainers.
4 years ago
The program provides tools and training to turn the best in the battlefield into elite personal trainers.
4 years ago

FitOps gives veterans new purpose after military discharge

So many veterans struggle to readjust to civilian life after returning home. This program aims to harness their skills in leadership and is dedicated to turning soldiers into elite personal trainers.
4 years ago
VIDEO:  FitOps gives veterans new purpose after military discharge
4 years ago

Jon Stewart’s new mission

The former late-night comedian is now fighting for war veterans exposed to toxic fumes from military “burn pits.” ABC News’ Mona Kosar Abdi has more.
4 years ago
VIDEO: Jon Stewart’s new mission
4 years ago

Jon Stewart, lawmakers announce legislation to help veterans impacted by burn pits

Comedian Jon Stewart joined lawmakers on Tuesday to announce legislation that would make it easier for veterans with diseases linked to burn pits to access benefits.
4 years ago
Comedian Jon Stewart speaks alongside Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand as they advocate for Congress to pass legislation to provide benefits for members of the US military exposed to burn pits while serving overseas, during a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, April 13, 2021.
4 years ago

Gillibrand, Rubio announce veterans’ health bill

Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., announced legislation that would make it easier for veterans with diseases linked to burn pits to access Veterans Affairs benefits.
4 years ago
Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., announced legislation on Tuesday that would make it easier for veterans with diseases linked to burn pits to access Veterans Affairs benefits.
4 years ago

Trump rolls out plan to address veteran suicides

President Donald Trump rolled out a national plan to address veteran suicides, part of a three-year effort to address the problem.
4 years ago
People place American flags on the National Mall in Washington to raise awareness of veterans and service members who died by suicide, March 27, 2014.
4 years ago

Foundation aims to teach students character by engaging veterans

The Travis Manion Foundation teaches students character and engages veterans.
4 years ago
The Travis Manion Foundation aims to link these veterans, who have so much to teach, to young people in need of character and leadership lessons.
5 years ago

44 veterans have died at Holyoke Soldiers' Home, 100 test positive for COVID-19

44 veterans have died at Massachusetts Soldiers' Home which is facing two investigations
5 years ago
An ambulance and a health care worker with protective equipment arrived at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, March 31, 2020, in Holyoke, Mass.
5 years ago

D-Day veteran on fellow soldiers: 'We watched out for each other'

A World War II veteran shares with ABC News' Terry Moran his memories of the war while he visits his friend's grave in Normandy.
5 years ago
VIDEO: D-Day veteran on fellow soldiers: 'We watched out for each other'
5 years ago

VA watchdog report finds vets are owed refunds for incorrect fees

Thousands of disabled veterans are owed millions in repayments after government overcharges for home loans.
5 years ago
The logo of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Sept. 8, 2017, at the Department of Veterans Affairs office in Washington, D.C.
5 years ago

US World War II veteran receives France's medal of honor on D-Day anniversary

Stan Friday, an Army scout, went ahead of the Allied troops after D-Day to scope out the danger and witnessed two Nazi concentration camps before they were liberated.
5 years ago
US WWII veterans (from left) Stan Friday, from Pennsburg, Pa., KT Robbins, from Olive Branch, Miss., and Buck Price from Tarboro, N.C., stand on Omaha Beach in  Normandy, France, on June 5, 2019.
5 years ago

Heroes return to Normandy for 75th anniversary of D-Day

"World News Tonight" anchor David Muir traveled to France with a group of veterans to remember the invasion that changed the course of WWII.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Heroes return to Normandy for 75th anniversary of D-Day
6 years ago

Veterans group calls for multi-agency investigation amid 'suicide epidemic'

American Veterans is calling for a multi-agency investigation into what they're calling a "suicide epidemic among veterans and service members."
6 years ago
Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient clinic in Austin, Texas.
6 years ago

Scientists call on VA to study toxic exposure in vets, again

Scientists call on lawmakers and the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund a new program to study generational health effects among Gulf War and post-9/11 veterans.
6 years ago
In this file photo marines are in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 23, 1990.
6 years ago

VA officials contest report that underpaid vets would not be reimbursed

Officials from the Department of Veteran Affairs sought to correct conflicting reports Thursday that they would not reimburse underpaid vets from an August backlog.
6 years ago
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seal stands at the headquarters in Washington, D.C., May 10, 2013.
6 years ago

'Disgruntled' Air Force vet sets himself on fire outside state Capitol: Authorities

Atlanta's Capital Square became a crime scene Tuesday when a man described by authorities as a "disgruntled" Air Force veteran tired to set himself on fire.
6 years ago
7 years ago

Dems say allegations against VA nominee include wrecking government car while drunk

A new document alleges the VA secretary nominee overzealously prescribed painkillers, was described as unethical and once drunkenly crashed a government car.
7 years ago
White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson speaks to reporters during the daily press briefing in the Brady press briefing room at the White House, in Washington, Jan. 16, 2018.
7 years ago

Patients at risk due to failed VA leadership: Watchdog report

The veterans affairs secretary said critical deficiencies likely exist.
7 years ago
Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin speaks at a news conference at the Washington Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, March 7, 2018.
7 years ago
President Donald Trump signs an executive order supporting veterans as they transition from military to civilian life with Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, right, in the Oval Office, Jan. 9, 2018 in Washington.
7 years ago

VIDEO: The Department of Veteran Affairs secretary is under growing pressure
7 years ago

VA took years to review complaints against doctors in some cases, watchdog says

The government watchdog looked into five of the US's 170 VA medical centers.
7 years ago
Exterior view of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center on May 8, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona.