VA and DOD plan to launch a pilot program later this month to assess whether the two agencies can move to a single physical examination to cover “fitness for duty” and “disability pay” determinations. A release from the VA states that servicemembers at three military treatment facilities—Malcolm Grow Medical Center at Andrews AFB, Md.; National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.—will participate, but VA personnel are to conduct the medical evaluations, which could take place at VA facilities.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…