Parmele Disability Advocates - Veteran Affairs

25/06/2025

In January, Parmele rolled out a refresh on our brand. We still offer the same professional, competent VA and SSD disability representation with the same helpful and experienced team members.

Along with this name refresh, will be combining this FB page, Parmele Disability Advocates - Veteran Affairs, with our main FB page, Parmele Disability Advocates.

The Parmele team has experienced tremendous change and growth in the past 24 years and we are excited for the next 24. Make sure to follow our main PARMELE DISABILITY ADVOCATES page, as we continually posting new information and content. This page will no longer post new information and will eventually close. If you have any questions, feel free to message us.

Parmele Disability Advocates. Disability advocacy for all.

20/06/2025

Did you know that the VA is making MAJOR changes to its sleep apnea disability ratings? Head over to our website and read our blog on this topic.(https://parmeledisability.com/blog/veteran-affairs/big-changes-coming-to-va-sleep-apnea/)

What's the bottom line? If you have sleep apnea, it would be essential that you file your sleep apnea claim before these changes go into effect. Questions about what this looks like? Call our specially trained VA team at 866-889-2570 and ask to speak with a VA team member. They will be happy to answer your questions and help you determine your next best steps.

Parmele Disability Advocates - Veteran Affairs.

If you're thinking about filing a VA disability claim for sleep apnea, now is the time to act. The VA is preparing to change sleep apnea ratings.

16/06/2025

Pentagon Job Cuts Stall Expansion of Sexual Assault and Su***de Prevention Programs

The Department of Defense's (DoD) initiative to bolster its workforce dedicated to preventing sexual assault, su***de, and behavioral issues within the military has encountered significant delays due to widespread personnel cuts and hiring freezes. Originally, the DoD aimed to have approximately 2,500 prevention personnel in place across various military services, combatant commands, ships, and bases by fiscal year 2028. However, as of now, only about 1,400 individuals have been hired, with plans to recruit at least 1,000 more civilians postponed.

Impact of Budget and Personnel Reductions
The delays stem from budget and staff cuts initiated under the Trump administration, alongside efforts by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, which have led to the elimination of thousands of jobs across the federal workforce . Defense officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged that these hiring delays would hinder efforts to address a broader spectrum of issues, including su***des, abusive behavior, and other misconduct.

Congressional Concerns
Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) have expressed deep concerns regarding the potential targeting of sexual assault prevention and response programs for cuts or elimination. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and military service leaders, they emphasized the importance of maintaining support for victims and ensuring that offenders are held accountable. They warned that even minor reductions could compromise decades of progress toward ending sexual abuse and harassment within the Department.

Ongoing Commitment to Prevention Programs
Despite the staffing shortfalls, the Pentagon has affirmed its commitment to the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program's goals, which include providing recovery assistance to service members, holding offenders accountable, and ensuring mission readiness. The Department is actively seeking efficiencies to ensure that the prevention workforce is appropriately sized and that tax dollars are spent effectively. Efforts are underway to redistribute the existing 1,400 personnel to cover gaps in underserved regions until additional staff can be hired.

Looking Ahead
The DoD's broader initiative, launched in 2022 in response to rising rates of sexual assaults and su***des, aims to implement a more integrated approach to address service members' stressors related to work, deployment, home life, and finances. As the Department navigates these challenges, the focus remains on maintaining the effectiveness of prevention programs and upholding the support systems essential for the well-being of service members.

Parmele Disability Advocates - Veteran Affairs. Disability advocacy for all.

14/06/2025

Our third Veterans Lunch was an amazing success! Even with the weather trying to deter us, our guests came out in droves and we had a great time. We're honored you attended and are excited to start planning for 2026!

Parmele Disability Advocates - Veteran Affairs.

13/06/2025

NEW YOUTUBE CONTENT!! Hop over to our YT channel (parmeledisability) for the newest video with VA Specialist Blake Leitch, as he explains the military's Duty to Assume Soundness policy and what that entails.

Parmele Disability Advocates - Veteran Affairs. Disability advocacy for all.

10/06/2025

🚨 Join the TWJ Team! Become a Warrior’s Journey Connector! 🇺🇸

We would love to have YOU be part of the TWJ family! If you're an active duty service member, veteran, or the spouse of one, this is your chance to join a mission that’s bigger than all of us — helping change and save the lives of our fellow warriors.

As a Warrior’s Journey Connector, you’ll play a vital role in building relationships, offering support, and guiding others through their personal journey of healing and hope.

💥 This is more than a role — it’s a calling.

If you’re passionate about making an impact and being a voice for those who’ve served, we want to hear from you!

👉 Apply now and help us continue the mission:

https://thewarriorsjourney.org/connector-application/

10/06/2025

We had a great time at our lunch last week. Thank you to all who attended and begin inviting your friends and family for next year's event.

Parmele Disability Advocates - Veteran Affairs. Disability advocacy for all.

06/06/2025

We are excited to see you tomorrow at our Veterans Appreciation Lunch. Be sure to note the new location.
Come hungry at 1130am!

Parmele Disability Advocates. Disability advocacy for all.

04/06/2025

Due to the possibility of extreme weather on Friday, we have moved the location for our lunch. Please note the new address below.

Everything else is the same! Free BBQ, giveaways, 1130-1300. See you this Friday and it's not too late to RSVP. Simply call 866-889-2570.

Parmele Disability Advocates - Veteran Affairs.

02/06/2025

The G.I. Bill stands as a testament to America's commitment to its veterans, offering them educational opportunities as a bridge to civilian life. However, recent investigations reveal that this promise is being undermined by fraudulent institutions exploiting both veterans and taxpayer funds.

THE EXPLOITATION OF VETERANS
Veterans, seeking to utilize their hard-earned benefits, often fall prey to deceptive institutions. These organizations present themselves as legitimate educational entities but, in reality, offer subpar or nonexistent programs. By the time the deception is uncovered, veterans have exhausted their benefits, leaving them without education and burdened by debt.

NOTABLE CASES OF FRAUD
• House of Prayer Christian Church: Despite being under scrutiny and described by some as a cult, this institution continued to receive G.I. Bill funds even after FBI raids on its campuses. This persistence highlights significant lapses in oversight.
• Retail Ready Career Center: This school defrauded veterans of over $70 million. Its owner, Jonathan Dean Davis, was convicted and sentenced to 19 years in federal prison. He misused veterans' education benefits for personal luxuries, including purchasing a Lamborghini and real estate.

SYSTEMATIC OVERSIGHT FAILURES
Investigations by organizations like Veterans Education Success have uncovered that government officials often ignored clear warning signs. In some cases, officials received gifts from fraudulent school operators, compromising their ability to act impartially. These failures allowed deceptive institutions to continue operating unchecked, further victimizing veterans.

THE NEED FOR REFORM
The exploitation of veterans through educational scams is not just a betrayal of individual service members but a misuse of public funds. Comprehensive reforms are essential to ensure rigorous oversight, protect veterans from predatory practices, and uphold the integrity of the G.I. Bill.

Parmele Disability Advocates - Veteran Affairs. Remember. Honor. Support.

31/05/2025

There's still time to grab friends and family and join us for our Veterans Appreciation Lunch!

RSVP by calling 866-889-2570 or by scanning the QR code in the image below. We can't wait to see you next Friday, June 6th.

Parmele Disability Advocates - Veteran Affairs.

29/05/2025

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a significant reorganization of its survivors assistance programs, aiming to expedite benefits and provide more compassionate support to families of deceased veterans.
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Key Changes to VA Survivors Assistance
Established in 2008, the Office of Survivors Assistance has been instrumental in consolidating benefits for deceased veterans under a single agency. The recent restructuring involves moving this office from the Veterans Benefits Administration to report directly to the VA Secretary. This shift is designed to streamline decision-making and enhance the delivery of services.

Additionally, a new "white-glove" survivor outreach team is being established at the Philadelphia VA Regional Benefit Office. This team will guide and assist eligible survivors throughout every step of the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) claims process, with the goal of expediting claims decisions.

VA Secretary Doug Collins emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, "The last thing survivors need in their time of grief is frustrating red tape and bureaucracy. That's why we are creating a better system to more quickly and effectively provide survivors the services, support, and compassion they've earned."
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What This Means for Veterans' Families
These changes are poised to significantly improve the experience for survivors navigating the VA's benefits system. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and providing dedicated support through the new outreach team, families can expect a more efficient and empathetic process during a challenging time.

Survivors may be eligible for benefits such as funeral resources, bereavement counseling, estate planning assistance, and clarification on which veterans' benefits continue after an individual's death. The VA's commitment to increasing automation in claims processing further underscores its dedication to serving veterans' families effectively.