The Odessa American is the leading source of local news, information, entertainment and sports for the Permian Basin.

Those who serve in the military put themselves in harm’s way to protect the country in its time of need, and benefits ...

Congress is calling for action in response to reporting last week from NPR that "claim shark" companies are using aggressive ...

Veterans who rely on disability compensation can expect a meaningful, if modest, lift in their monthly payments in 2026, as ...

NPR has been following the money behind veterans' disability claims — specifically, for-profit companies that help vets navigate the VA's red tape. Critics of the companies call them "claim sharks." ...

Suppose you are the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a servicemember who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness. In that case, ...

Veterans face higher fraud risks, from benefit impersonation to pension poaching and fake charities. Scammers use ...

Veterans' disability payments will increase by 2.8% in 2026 due to a cost-of-living adjustment, effective December 1, 2025.

"What is VA doing to oversee the quality of these disability exams? We took a comprehensive look at all aspects of their oversight," Elizabeth Curda said.

The VA pays monthly benefits to millions of veterans. Here's when you can expect to receive December's VA benefit payment.

WASHINGTON — Problems with the privately contracted disability exams veterans undergo to determine their benefits were the focus of a House Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee hearing Thursday that ...

VA officials had said in May that it planned to extend the deadline; Thursday’s announcement cemented the plan. (Army photo) The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to extend benefits through 2028 to ...