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The Big Shift: Restoring Rights, Automating Benefits, and the 2026 COLA Update.

In today’s episode, we break down a historic month for Veterans. From the VA reversing a 30-year policy on Second Amendment rights to the automation of GI Bill benefits following the Rudisill and Perkins rulings, there is a lot of movement in D.C. that affects your wallet and your rights.

1. Memorial Moment: Reflections on the recent loss of three American service members (Operation Epic Fury, March 1st).
2. Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes. For specific case updates, use the VA.gov "Ask VA" portal.

1. The News: As of Feb 17, 2026, the VA has officially ceased reporting Veterans to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) solely because they use a fiduciary.
2. Why it matters: This corrects a decades-old practice that stripped thousands of Vets of their right to own a firearm without due process.
3. Action Step: The VA is currently working with the FBI to retroactively remove names from the NICS list. If you were previously flagged, monitor your status.

1. The Update: The VA has launched an automated review system for 1.04 million Veterans potentially eligible for expanded education benefits.
2. Key Change: You no longer need to manually "opt-in" or request a review. The VA is prioritizing those currently enrolled in school or those who were enrolled in the last 6 months.
3. The 48-Month Rule: Reminder that combined MGIB and Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are still capped at 48 months total.

1. H.R. 980 & H.R. 1458: Passed the House in February. These bills focus on modernizing the GI Bill for hybrid and technical training.
2. The Sharri Briley & Eric Edmundson Act (H.R. 6047): A major push to increase Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for catastrophically disabled Vets and survivors by roughly $10,000/year.
3. H.R. 3123: The "Ernest Peltz Act" ensures accrued benefits are paid to the estate/family if a Veteran passes away before their claim is finalized.

1. 2.8% Increase: Now in full effect. Ensure your March check reflects the new rate.
2. State Highlights: Discussion on California’s recent $20,000 tax cut for military retirees and the nationwide crackdown on "claim sharks."

1. 2026 Golden Age Games: Hosted in Tampa, FL (June 27 – July 2). Registration is now open for Veterans 55+.

1. VA Fiduciary Program Update: va.gov/fiduciary
2. GI Bill Status Check: va.gov/education
3. Golden Age Games Registration: veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov