Veterans Day 2024 is an occasion of historic pride as the Biden-Harris Administration highlights new initiatives that extend unprecedented support to veterans and their families.
Building on recent milestones, including a record low in veteran homelessness and expanded healthcare access, this Administration’s latest measures honor the enduring commitment to the brave men and women who have served.
Historic Milestones in Veteran Support
Supporting veterans remains central to the Biden-Harris agenda, with the Administration achieving historic results in veteran welfare this year.
Efforts include dramatically lowering veteran homelessness, improving healthcare access, and expanding veteran benefits—focusing on those affected by military toxic exposures.
Reduced Veteran Homelessness
Since 2023, homelessness among veterans has reached record lows, marking a 7.5% decrease in just one year. New initiatives through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the VA have helped reduce homelessness among veterans by an impressive 55.6% since 2010.
In 2024 alone:
- Nearly 48,000 veterans were permanently housed
- More than $800 million in grants was allocated for housing services
HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program enrollment is also at an all-time high, with nearly 90,000 veterans benefitting from these vouchers.
Strengthened Financial and Legal Assistance for Homeless Veterans
To prevent homelessness, the Administration has expanded legal assistance to homeless veterans and supported over 158,000 veterans in keeping their homes or avoiding foreclosure.
These critical support systems show tangible impacts in stabilizing veterans’ lives, reflecting the Administration’s commitment to improving veteran welfare.
Expanded Benefits for Toxic Exposure
Military toxic exposures have been a persistent issue affecting veterans’ health long after their service.
The Biden-Harris Administration has expanded the scope of health care and disability benefits available to those who have been exposed to toxic environments during service, largely through the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.
Newly Recognized Conditions and Fast-Tracked Care
The VA has added specific cancers, including bladder and ureter cancer, to the list of presumptive conditions associated with toxic exposure.
Additionally, VA has begun rulemaking processes to include conditions linked to service in high-risk zones, like the Southwest Asia area and Karshi-Khanabad (K2) in Uzbekistan. These measures are expected to speed up healthcare delivery, benefiting veterans and their families significantly.
Overview:
Metric |
2024 Figures |
|---|---|
| Disability Claims Processed | 2.51 million |
| Earned Benefits Provided | $187 billion to 6.7 million veterans |
| Health Care Appointments | 131 million |
| Family Caregiver Assistance | 88,095 caregivers supported |
This table reflects a landmark achievement in providing benefits to veterans and their families, affirming the Administration’s commitment to honoring those who served.
VA Sets Records in Health Care Delivery
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has delivered an unparalleled level of care and services this year. In 2024 alone, the VA provided healthcare to over 6 million veterans and logged a record 131 million healthcare appointments.
Furthermore, the VA’s reputation among veterans has improved substantially, with trust in VA services reaching an all-time high of 80.4%.
Veterans Trust in VA Services
Over recent years, veterans’ trust in the VA has steadily increased. In addition to high approval of outpatient care (now at 91.8%), recent enhancements in telehealth and tele-emergency services make healthcare more accessible for veterans in remote or underserved areas.
Enhanced Support for Student Veterans
Supporting education for veterans has been a core aspect of the Biden-Harris Administration’s veterans support strategy. On Veterans Day, the Department of Education announced $9 million in funding under the Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) program.
The program, currently active across 13 campuses in 10 states, is dedicated to:
- Hiring veteran success coaches and mentors
- Developing data systems to track veteran success metrics
CEVSS aims to enhance academic and mental health resources, ensuring that veterans have the support they need to succeed in higher education. Additionally, for many veterans, these resources bridge the gap between military service and civilian career success, enhancing the value of the Montgomery GI Bill.
Financial Protection and Employment Support
In response to increasing financial threats, the Biden-Harris Administration established the Veteran Scam and Fraud Evasion (VSAFE) Task Force. Launched in 2023, VSAFE aims to protect veterans from scams, fraud, and financial exploitation.
The initiative includes a centralized website and call center, providing easy access to fraud prevention and reporting resources.
Increased Employment Resources for Military Spouses
To further support military families, the Administration has prioritized career and employment resources for military spouses and caregivers.
In collaboration with the First Lady’s “Joining Forces” initiative, the government recently published a comprehensive employment plan for military families, removing employment barriers and expanding career opportunities for military-connected individuals.
Comprehensive Care for Veterans’ Families
Recognizing the unique needs of veterans’ families, the Biden-Harris Administration has introduced several measures to ensure comprehensive family support.
Consequently, VA programs now offer expanded child and long-term care services, with self-directed care options available for veterans and their families.
Furthermore, for caregivers, the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program offers flexible, individualized care options, ensuring more autonomy and access to high-quality care. Meanwhile, over 700 veterans currently receive VDC services through new programs.
An Ongoing Commitment to Veterans
This Veterans Day, the Biden-Harris Administration demonstrates its profound respect for America’s heroes through unwavering dedication to veterans and their families. Moreover, the Administration’s Veterans Day initiatives signify a continued commitment to enhancing veterans’ lives.
Consequently, these efforts ensure they receive deserving care, support and opportunities. Furthermore, this dedication underscores the Administration’s resolve to honor the sacrifices of America’s bravest individuals.
Through expanded healthcare access, financial protections, and ongoing educational and housing assistance, these new measures reaffirm the Administration’s commitment to veterans, not just on Veterans Day, but year-round.
This holistic approach to veteran support reminds us all of the value of service and the importance of honoring our nation’s veterans.
Sources: THX News & The White House.
