Veterans Affairs Employee Sues Over Allegedly Inaccessible Electronic Health Records System

WASHINGTON — A lawsuit has been filed by Laurette Santos, a Department of Veterans Affairs employee, against the VA concerning its implementation of a new electronic health record system which she claims is not accessible to users with disabilities, particularly affecting employees and veterans who are visually impaired. The litigation, initiated last month in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, centers on the system’s failure to integrate with screen readers and other assistive technologies. Santos, who has served as a licensed social worker at the VA for over a decade, currently works … Read more

Federal Judge Allows Lawsuit Against Department of Veterans Affairs for Racial Discrimination in Benefits to Proceed

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal district court judge has ruled that a lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) alleging racial discrimination in disability benefits can proceed. The suit claims that the VA systematically rejected applications for benefits from Black veterans at a higher rate than their white counterparts, a practice that has allegedly persisted since World War II. The case was brought by Vietnam veteran Conley Monk Jr. of Connecticut on behalf of himself and his late father, a World War II veteran. The lawsuit asserts that the VA engaged in “systematic benefits … Read more

Canadian Lawyers File Lawsuit Against Foreign Affairs Ministry Over Military Exports to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

TORONTO, CANADA – A group of Canadian lawyers have filed a lawsuit against Canada’s global affairs ministry, alleging the export of military goods and technology to Israel during the Gaza conflict. The lawyers argue that these exports could potentially contribute to human rights violations against Palestinians. Despite the accusations, the Canadian government denies any wrongdoing, stating that the exported goods were “non-lethal” in nature. According to records, Canada has authorized export permits worth at least C$28.5m ($21m) to Israel since the conflict began on October 7. Israel, for its part, defends its actions by citing … Read more

Concordia Parish Police Jury Extends Partnership with Department of Veterans Affairs to Support Local Veterans

Vidalia, Louisiana – The Concordia Parish Police Jury unanimously voted on Monday to renew its cooperative agreement with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. The agreement, which amounts to just under $15,000, aims to provide services to 953 veterans and their families residing in the parish. Over the course of one year, the parish will pay LDVA $14,534 in monthly payments of $1,211. These funds will cover approximately 27.85% of various expenses, including salaries, travel, supplies, postage, equipment maintenance, telephone, and internet services. The collaboration between the police jury and LDVA has proven to be … Read more