Tagged News

• American Legion Holds Meetings for Valley Veterans Coping with Loneliness Play Video

  December 26, 2019 6:08 PM

  MERCEDES – For some veterans who have served and now live alone, the holiday season may be a struggle. According to the United States Department of Veteran's Affairs, suicide is a concern for veterans and it only gets worse this time of year. With 104 members, the J.... more »

• Organization Helping Valley Veterans Properly Fill Out Claims Play Video

  November 11, 2019 5:27 PM

  WESLACO – Veterans are being charged and losing thousands of dollars for assistance services they can get for free. In Hidalgo and Cameron counties, veterans can receive assistance at no cost. They will not get money taken from their benefits or pay up front. The Disabled American Veterans... more »

• Valley Man Hospitalized for Vaping Speaks about His Recovery Play Video

  November 10, 2019 11:18 PM

  WESLACO – A Rio Grande Valley man continues to recover after he was hospitalized for a vape-related injury. Jaydee Hernandez said he vaped nicotine and THC for about six months before his lungs began deteriorating. Doctors had to put Hernandez in a coma to stabilize him. "I... more »

• VA Now Using Video Games to Help Rehabilitate Veterans Play Video

  October 23, 2019 5:09 PM

  WESLACO – The Department of Veterans Affairs is now using video games to help rehabilitate veterans. The VA partnered with Microsoft back in May. Microsoft donated more than 170 controllers specifically designed for people with limited mobility, giving disabled veterans a way to play again and help them... more »

• Veterans with VA Home Loans Expected to Receive Refund Play Video

  October 16, 2019 4:24 PM

  WESLACO – The Department of Veterans Affairs has some refunds in the works for veterans with VA home loans. The veterans administration’s review of loans, some dating back 20 years, revealed extra fees were charged. Samuel Perez, a Hidalgo County veteran service officer, says refunds can add up... more »

• Assistance Available for Veterans with Type 2 Diabetes Play Video

  May 20, 2019 12:36 PM

  WESLACO – The U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs is offering treatments to veterans with type two diabetes. The organization will provide diabetes care for up to one year at no cost. For information, visit www.VA.gov/Health . Watch the video above for further details. more »

• VA to Host Town Hall for Veterans to Discuss Health Benefits Play Video

  March 20, 2019 4:06 PM

  MCALLEN – Leaders from the Veterans Affairs are hosting a town hall for veterans to discuss health benefits in McAllen. Veterans are invited, along with their family members and others who are associated. It will take place at the VA McAllen Outpatient Clinic on March 28 from 6... more »

• VA Asking for Public’s Feedback Regarding New Standards for Health Coverage Play Video

  February 25, 2019 5:58 PM

  WESLACO – New standards for community care and urgent care for veterans is set to take effect in June, according to a Department of Veterans Affairs press release. Last month, VA leaders in Washington proposed these provisions in health coverage. This will guide when veterans can seek care... more »

• New VA Law to Help Veteran Appeals Process Play Video

  February 20, 2019 5:30 PM

  WESLACO – The Veteran Affairs office has implemented the Veterans Appeals Improvement and the Modernization Act signed into law in August 2017. Veterans can now use a higher-level review option to appeal a claims decision, which means a more experienced adjudicator will conduct a review of the previous decision.... more »

• Donna Veteran Concerned About Advancing Technology Play Video

  January 7, 2019 12:41 PM

  DONNA – A Donna veteran says he doesn’t understand how to use new technology through the Department of Veterans Affairs. He blames age as a factor to not being able to learn about computers and cellphone apps. KRGV’s Frank McCaffrey spoke with veteran Apolonio Uresti, 70, who served... more »

• Fireworks May Trigger Relapse for Veterans Battling PTSD Play Video

  December 31, 2018 6:15 PM

  WESLACO – Fireworks displays on New Year’s could trigger a relapse for some veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A Rio Grande Valley veteran says at any time a loud noise can become a trigger for this illness. KRGV’s Trason Bragg spoke with VA telemental health program manager... more »

• Valley Veteran Concerned Government Shutdown May Affect Benefits Play Video

  December 23, 2018 3:14 PM

  MCALLEN- A valley veteran says he's concerned the government shutdown will affect his monthly payment. Larry Pelton receives monthly disability payments after the VA determined his lung disease was caused by asbestos exposure during his time in the Navy. CHANNEL 5's Frank McCaffrey reached out to a Hidalgo... more »

• VA Asking for Valley Veterans’ Input on Gun Safety Play Video

  July 11, 2018 3:38 PM

  WESLACO – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is asking for input from Rio Grande Valley veterans. The VA is promoting its ‘Gun Safety Matters’ challenge and wants ideas about safe storage and security when it comes to firearms in the home. Veterans can provide their input through a website... more »

• RGV Veteran Pleased with VA System Upgrade Play Video

  May 22, 2018 5:54 PM

  PORT ISABEL – A Rio Grande Valley veteran says he’s happy with a new medical records system upgrade. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs signed a 10-year $10 billion deal for a new medical records system upgrade. In the eight years he has used the VA health services, he’s had... more »

• VA Creates Action Plan to Get Off 'High-Risk List' Play Video

  April 23, 2018 3:08 PM

  HARLINGEN – A Rio Grande Valley veteran is fed up with running into red tape at his local VA health facilities. He is hoping a new VA plan to get off a government high-risk list will solve the problem. In a new release, the VA says it is taking decisive... more »