FIELD ISSUED – DAILY VETERAN UPDATE
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
FORWARD BRIEF (EVENING EDITION)
Good evening. This Evening Edition delivers verified VA updates, federal rulemaking activity, and mission-critical resources for veterans, service members, and their families. The Field Issued Daily Veteran Update is a living record — built to inform, not persuade. Every item below is grounded in primary sources to keep you informed, empowered, and mission-ready.
VA NEWS — CORE
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Caregiver Program Eligibility Extended Through 2028: The VA announced a final rule extending Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) eligibility for “legacy” participants and applicants through **September 30, 2028**.
Source: VA.gov News Release, November 20, 2025 (View Source) -
VA Makes Gynecology Care Easier for Women Veterans: The VA announced a streamlined process allowing enrolled women Veterans to schedule appointments directly with VA gynecology providers without needing a referral from a primary care provider.
Source: VA.gov News Release, December 4, 2025 (View Source)
FEDERAL REGISTER – VETERANS AFFAIRS
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Debtor Waiver Deadline Extended (Final Rule): VA published a final rule (RIN 2900-AS18) extending the debtor’s deadline to request a waiver of indebtedness for overpayments from 180 days to **one year**, effective **January 26, 2026**.
Source: Federal Register, November 26, 2025 (View Source) -
VA Seeks Public Comment on Military Pay Waiver: The VA is requesting comments regarding the notice of waiver of VA Compensation or Pension to receive Military Pay and Allowances. The comment period closes **December 22, 2025**.
Source: Federal Register, November 20, 2025 (View Source)
FEDERAL REGISTER – DOD / DHS / OTHER AGENCIES
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DoD Seeking Comment on Personnel Data Collection: The DoD is seeking comment on a proposed information collection request regarding personnel data. The deadline for public comment is **February 9, 2026**.
Source: Federal Register, December 9, 2025 (View Source) -
CRITICAL DEADLINE: SBA Information Collection: The Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking public comments on reporting and recordkeeping requirements under OMB review. The comment deadline is **December 31, 2025**.
Source: Federal Register, December 8, 2025 (View Source)
CONGRESSIONAL ACTIVITY – BILLS & LEGISLATIVE MOVEMENT
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H.R. [N/A]: VA Research Reform Act (Introduced)
Summary: This bill proposes establishing a centralized data system and mandating national timelines for VA research project approval to cut through red tape and hasten the implementation of clinical findings.
Source: Congressman Murphy Press Release, December 10, 2025 (View Source) -
H.R. 2970: National Veterans Advocate Act of 2025
Status: Introduced in House (April 17, 2025).
**Impact:** Seeks to create an independent Office of the National Veterans’ Advocate within the VA to provide better advocacy and independent legislative recommendations.
Source: Congress.gov (View Source)
OVERSIGHT WATCH — VA OIG / GAO
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GAO Warns on Quality of Contracted Exams: A GAO report (GAO-26-108783) warns the VA must implement recommendations to improve the quality of medical exams provided by contracted providers (C&P Exams) used in disability claims processing.
Source: GAO Report, November 20, 2025 (View Source) -
GAO Warns on Academic Leasing Challenges: A GAO report (GAO-26-107821) warns the VA must systematically identify and address challenges in leasing space from academic affiliates to ensure efficient resource allocation.
Source: GAO Report, November 25, 2025 (View Source)
FEDERAL WORKFORCE WATCH
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OPM Sunsets Federal Academic Alliance: OPM issued new guidance (December 1, 2025) officially terminating the Federal Academic Alliance and providing updated guidance on Senior Executive Service (SES) Reassignments.
Source: OPM Memos, December 1, 2025 (View Source) -
New Executive Development Programs Announced: OPM guidance confirms agencies must announce two new executive development programs (SEDP and LEAG) to Senior Executives, Professionals, GS-15s, and GS-14s no later than **December 19, 2025**.
Source: OPM Memo, November 19, 2025 (View Source)
HEALTHCARE & RESEARCH UPDATES
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Tricare Open Season Deadline Passed: The Tricare Open Season deadline for 2026 health plan changes expired yesterday, **December 9th**. Beneficiaries who missed the deadline must now rely on Qualifying Life Events (QLEs) to make changes.
Source: TRICARE News, December 2, 2025 (View Source) -
VA Proposes Reinstating Abortion Exclusion: VA is proposing to reinstate the full exclusion on abortions and abortion counseling from the medical benefits package, reverting to the pre-2022 policy.
Source: Federal Register, August 4, 2025 (View Source)
HIRING, INTERNSHIPS & CAREER PIPELINES
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CRITICAL DEADLINE TODAY: Contract Specialist & Health Benefits: The deadlines for the GSA Contract Specialist (GS-12) and the VA Health Benefits Assistant (GS-5) expire today, **December 10, 2025**.
Source: USAJOBS/GSA & VA, December 10, 2025 (View Openings) -
Remote VA Coder Positions Open: The VHA is hiring for fully remote Inpatient Coder and Medical Records Technician (Coder) Auditor positions (GS 4-10) with deadlines throughout early December.
Source: USAJOBS/VA, December 2025 (View Remote Openings)
VETERAN HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVES
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$34M HUD-VASH Voucher Registration Cycle Open: The 2025 registration cycle for the HUD-VASH voucher program is currently open for Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to apply for approximately $34 million in housing support.
Source: VA Loan Network / HUD-VASH (View Source)
VETERAN BENEFITS & CLAIMS UPDATES
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Debtor Waiver Deadline Extended (Rule): VA published a final rule extending the debtor’s deadline to request a waiver of indebtedness for overpayments from 180 days to **one year**, effective **January 26, 2026**.
Source: Federal Register, November 26, 2025 (View Source) -
S.2392 (COLA) Now Effective: The Cost-of-Living Adjustment is now in effect, ensuring veterans’ compensation and survivor benefits keep pace with the rate of inflation.
Source: Congress.gov (View Source)
DEFENSE & NATIONAL SECURITY ITEMS RELEVANT TO VETERANS
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Treaty of Paris Anniversary: Today marks the anniversary of **December 10, 1898**, when the Treaty of Paris formally ended the Spanish-American War, ceding Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States.
Source: White House / Naval History (View Source)
VSO / NONPROFIT / PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Veterans Counseling Veterans, Inc.
Veterans Counseling Veterans, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the mental health and overall quality of life for active-duty military, veterans, and their families by connecting the community with critical mental wellness resources and professionals.
Visit Website
#VetsCounselingVets
TGVP SPOTLIGHT — THE GINGER VETERAN PODCAST
Most recent episode: “Billy and Bobbi Sue, Lover’s Leap” (Verifiable, Nov 13, 2025)
Listen: Listen Here
Website: Visit TGVP Website
Contact: gingerveteranpod@gmail.com
THIS DAY IN MILITARY HISTORY
On **December 10, 1941**, the U.S. submarine *Sealion* was sunk in an air attack at Manila Bay, Philippines. It was the first U.S. submarine sunk during World War II.
**EVENING EDITION NOTE:** This update missed the morning post time. The mission requires sustained vigilance; ensure all critical deadlines (GSA Contract Specialist, VA Health Benefits Assistant) are disseminated immediately.
#FieldIssued, #TheGingerVeteranProductions, #TheGingerVeteranPodcast, #VAResearch, #Tricare, #GAO, #USAJOBS, #VABenefits, #IssuedForLife
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