We Need to Help Veterans Hurt by Government Shutdown

The federal government shutdown is hurting many of us, particularly struggling veterans.

So now is a good time for all of us to support veterans through private donations and other efforts.

According to the Washington Post, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki is warning that the shutdown has harmed efforts to reduce the disability claims backlog, and threatens compensation payments for millions of veterans.

For now, VA’s regional offices are closed to the public, and more than 7,000 VA employees are on furlough.

As a result, the size of the disability claims backlog is again creeping upward. According to the Post, since the VA ended paying overtime for claims processors on Oct. 1, the backlog of disability and pensions claims now stands at approximately 418,700. In contrast, the backlog decreased approximately 18,000 from Sept. 23 to Sept. 30.

In addition, Shinseki believes that if the shutdown continues into late October, compensation payments to more than 3.8 million veterans, including those with severe disabilities, will not be made in November, the newspaper reported.

Our veterans need the public’s help.   

Veterans Support Organization (VSO)’s fundraising has kicked into higher gear in recent weeks to raise even more money to support veterans’ causes like assisting local VA centers.

You can help us by donating online here.

Also, look for us at stores across the nation and donate what you can.

Let’s all do our part in helping veterans during these tough times.

Richard VanHouten is CEO and founder of Veterans Support Organization.