The Orlando VA Healthcare System is inviting veterans, families, caregivers, and members of the veteran community to a special Pregnancy & Infant Loss Virtual Memorial Event. This event is intended to bring people together to raise awareness and help break the silence surrounding pregnancy and infant loss, which touches families in a variety of ways. Thee gathering will provide a space to raise awareness, share support, and honor the beautiful lives of babies who departed too soon. The virtual event will be on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 12-1 p.m. Registration is required at https://bit.ly/4610BsQ. If you would like to honor your baby during the ceremony by providing a name and/or memento, email Lisa.Pharoah-Gaton@va.gov.
That Darned St. Louis Records Fire
Veterans from several generations have been impacted by the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, which destroyed 16–18 million U.S. military personnel files, primarily affecting Army and Air Force records. As many of us are painfully aware when dealing with the Veterans Affairs administration, loss of records from this time period has precluded ling disability claims. Although this situation has been affecting veterans since, well, 1973, the VA is now attempting to address the problem by streamlining the claims process for Veterans whose military records were damaged or destroyed in the 1973 fire. Under a new process launched in July, affected Veterans will receive one comprehensive packet instead of repeated requests for the same information, and VA employees will have greater visibility into previously submitted documents. The changes are intended to reduce paperwork and help speed claims processing. For more information, see https://bit.ly/3URvLQV.
File a Supplemental VA Claim for Denied Benefits
If VA denied your disability claim in the past, but now considers your condition presumptive, with the passage of the PACT Act, for example, you are encouraged to file a Supplemental Claim. This will allow VA to re-adjudicate your claim when presented with new evidence or policy. For more information on how to file a Supplemental Claim, see https://bit.ly/4gIkvhc.
Florida Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV)
The state CSDDV program provides an award to dependent children or un-remarried spouses of qualified Florida veterans. Financial Aid Applications (FFAA) for funding for the fall 2027 term needs to be submitted by April 1, 2027, for priority consideration of an initial award. The FFAA process opens on Oct. 1, 2026. For eligibility, more information, and to access the application forms, see https://bit.ly/4clSavN.
As always, please send along questions, concerns, or news items to osceolavets@gmail.com.
