INSIDE THE WIRE

Our blog features original analysis and commentary from members of the National Command Council, addressing healthcare, regulation, legislation, and the evolving policy issues that directly impact combat veterans and their families.

Regulation

When a Veteran Cannot Speak for Themselves: The VA-DOJ Guardianship MOU and What It Means for Our Most Vulnerable

A new federal partnership (DOJ/VA) clears the legal path to protect incapacitated veterans—and opens a critical role for VSOs at every stage.

Brandon Barron

Mar 113 min read

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced full deployment of the External Provider Scheduling system across all VA facilities, with plans to expand its reach in 2026. For combat veterans navigating community care, this is a development worth understanding.

Getting to Your Community Care Provider Faster: Inside VA's EPS System

EPS eliminates the need for multiple calls and faxes – making the patient scheduling process easier – and includes the authorization referral number for your convenience. — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Brandon Barron

Mar 93 min read

Vets Affairs Dept Advisory Committee on Veteran Readjustment Is Meeting March 10th & 11th—And You Can Attend

Brandon Barron

Mar 42 min read

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Issues Dangerous New Interim Disability Adjudication Rule

Veterans Affairs Department Issues Dangerous New Interim Disability Adjudication Rule 38 CFR 4.10

Brandon Barron

Feb 177 min read

PACT Act in Motion: VA Launches Review of Toxic Exposures and Neurodegenerative Disease—Don’t Sit This Out

The Department of Veterans Affairs just opened a formal public comment period and announced its annual PACT Act listening session under 38 U.S.C. § 1172. This is the regulatory machinery that decides whether future veterans get presumptive service connection—or spend the rest of their lives fighting denials.

Brandon Barron

Feb 103 min read

Happening Now: Despite Shutdown, Education Department Staff Press Forward with Negotiated Rulemaking

Happening Now: Despite Shutdown, Education Department Staff Press Forward with Negotiated Rulemaking. Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee. The RISE Committee represents a broad coalition of perspectives across the higher-education and lending landscape. Its membership includes representatives of student loan borrowers—including those in repayment, deferment, or default—alongside veterans and military-service organizations, such as Student Veterans of

Brandon Barron

Nov 4, 20254 min read