VA and artificial intelligence
A new VA study to develop artificial intelligence that can predict aggressive prostate cancer began July 1. Five VA medical centers are working together to develop an artificial intelligence algorithm that can predict if a case of prostate cancer might spread to other parts of the body. The study will eventually expand to 14 sites and will analyze data from more than 5,000 veterans diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer who have undergone initial treatment. Treatment for prostate cancer varies based on the likelihood of that cancer spreading to other parts of the body. The AI study will enable doctors to input massive amounts of different information into the algorithm that is developed, and the result should be a much more accurate and timely diagnosis of the aggressiveness of that case of prostate cancer. Due to its national footprint of care to veterans, the VA is the only entity that researchers can combine extensive electronic medical records, high-performance computing, and precision oncology care to create an innovation like this AI program, according to Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Discovery Dr. Carolyn Clancy.
VA changes GI Bill transfer procedure
The G.I. post-9/11 education benefits earned and paid for while on active duty can be transferred to dependents of the veteran with restrictions based on how long the veteran has been out of the military. The application process to transfer those benefits has been modified to greatly reduce the time and complexity of the process. The streamlined application to use transferred post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits is now available on VA.gov. Once logged in, with an account verified by Id.me or Login.gov, Transfer of Education Benefits (TOE) applicants may now save time with pre-filled sponsor details; transferred direct deposit information; a shorter application with less questions; and easier navigation on VA.gov. This two-year transition is called the Digital G.I. Bill initiative. Visit news.va.gov/12390-simplified-post-9/11-gi-bill-transfer. Get the most out of your education benefits you have earned, before they expire, by using them or transferring them to an eligible dependent.
Veterans Corner: Leukemia, VA research, and cancer compensation
Protect your GI Bill from scams
Some educational institutions and programs use misleading practices and overpromise their degrees’ value and earning power. Veterans attending college or trade schools should be wary of scammers who tell you they can help you avoid repayment, lower your payments, or get your loans forgiven for a price. Scams related to not having to pay back student loans proliferate every year. Contact your loan servicer, which is listed on your Federal Student Aid account dashboard, to check out whether your loan might be eligible for restructuring or forgiveness. Never pay for help with your student loans; there are free services to help you. Do not rely upon news stories, comments from others or organizations that claim to be able to reduce or eliminate your student loan indebtedness. Scammers who prey on veterans who are going to school often will use the latest digital technology by advertising on social media like Instagram, Facebook, X or others. Unlike a certain TV commercial, “It must be true because it is on the internet” is not true and often is just the opposite. Social media sources do not always investigate thoroughly these scammer organizations who post on the social media.
Quote of the day
A law being considered in New York City would require the removal of a statue of George Washington or the addition of a plaque near the statue to illustrate the foibles of our first president. Have we as a nation gone down the trail that we are America and will always be America as we know and love her, or must we be vigilant to protect our freedoms and our way of life?
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” — Abraham Lincoln
What does the POW/MIA Missing Man Table represent?
Photos: Bloomington Labor Day Parade 2023
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park on Monday for the Labor Day parade.
Jerry Vogler is superintendent of the McLean County Veterans Assistance Commission.
