Surprising or not, the Department of Veterans Affairs kept physical, paper files on each and every claim made by a veteran, and because the record keeping is cumbersome and archaic, many question why the VA has stuck to such an outdated claims system for so long, especially with the recent uptick of veterans needing support and services.

As the phrase “Stay Strong Boston” echoes through the city of Boston, as well as the country, patients who lost limbs in the devestating Boston Marathon bombing are trying to do just that. A week after the heinous attack, 48 people remain hospitalized and at least 13 survivors lost a limb. These victims are being treated at various hospitals in the Boston area, which include Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Tufts Medical Center, and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Our nation’s veterans are the population most at risk for developing mesothelioma. Because asbestos exposure was unavoidable for many, mesothelioma is still one of the most deadly diseases that affect veterans even today.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer that few people survive. This disease has made the news in recent years due to lawsuits filed against companies that do not disclose their knowledge of the potential toxic results of asbestos exposure.

First known as Armistice Day, the history of Veterans Day comes from the end of fighting during World War I on November 11, 1918 when an armistice between the Allied Nations and Germany went into effect and ended the most destructive and widespread war to that date. The war officially ended seven months later when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.

Michael Stevens, a former member of the Merchant Navy, died from repeated asbestos exposure and subsequent malignant mesothelioma. He was 83.

Similarly to the Merchant Marine in the United States, the Merchant Navy operates on behalf of the United Kingdom. Formerly established and nationally recognized by King George V after World War I, the Merchant Navy served a pivotal role not only in the Great War but also in World War II. These privately operated vessels supported the Royal Navy's efforts during times of conflict.

During the peak exposure years of 1930 to 1970, many American veterans were told not to worry about the potential health effects of asbestos, Agent Orange or ionizing radiation exposure. Even so, asbestos was one of the top contaminants within army installations as late as 1990. It was only new construction and products that were discontinued in the late 1970s. Today, those same service men and women continue to be in danger from past exposures to many military-related asbestos applications.

Military service is crucial to ensure the success of the United States. Fortunately, citizens of the United States volunteer willfully and a draft has not been necessary since the Vietnam War. While the nation strives to offer those who serve proper compensation, there are a number of risks involved with service. While some are clear to those who sign up, others are relatively unknown.

Though it seems like years in the making, finally medical records, personnel information and benefits kept by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) on active duty service members and veterans will be forever linked together.

In a plot that seems more fitting in a movie thriller, the United States Marshals caught up to the fugitive after a cross-country chase, accused of siphoning millions of dollars in donations from a phony United States Navy Veterans charity.

Besides the staggering number of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with psychological trauma stemming from their wartime experience, one of the biggest news stories about veterans continues to be the incredibly high unemployment rate.

For some Americans, this may have been a long time in the making, but recently Maine demonstrated how valuable their veterans are to their state by mandating the establishment of a specialized court for veterans.

President Barack Obama's Federal Budget proposal pleases 4 of the nation's largest veterans organizations, even as these organizations agree there is a lot more room to improve.

It is everyone's favorite time of year: tax time. In an effort to relieve some of the stress associated with April 15, we've put together some useful and timely information for employers of veterans and active duty service members. Some of the following information is new for this tax season.

Unlike wars and military conflicts in the past, the end of the Iraq War is marked without any American celebration. Even as recent at the formal end of the first Gulf War, official and unofficial parades, celebrations and ceremonies dotted American cities and towns, where people congratulated the returning troops and veterans.

Now’s the time to start planning for sending gifts to your husband, wife, son or daughter that’s serving overseas. With only a handful of days left before the shipping deadline, getting great ideas for gifts may be difficult, especially if you’re like the rest of us, juggling holiday events, wrapping other presents and attending festive functions.

Regardless of how you look at it, the sheer volume of veterans from the time of the Vietnam Conflict through current war efforts abroad who are homeless is tragic, devastating and entirely unnecessary. According to 100,000 Homes Campaign – an organization dedicated to providing homes to the homeless– there are nearly 76,000 homeless veterans today.

It’s no surprise that our active duty service members are using today’s technology – including social media, blogging, texting and instant messaging – to stay in touch with family and friends, while also sharing their personal stories and experiences.

There’s an entire world online for veterans to be a part of. From discussion groups and forums to social networking sites specifically created for veterans of different combat situations and branches.

As the largest veterans organization, the American Legion not only supports veterans but the community. Believing that any great change starts in the neighborhoods of veterans, the American Legion supports veterans and their families, provides academic scholarships and promotes patriotism among the younger population.