An increased number of veterans who assert previous disability decisions were incorrect are filing claim appeals, The Washington Post reports. 

Numbers provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs reveals a 50 percent increase in disability appeals since Obama took office in early 2009. Currently 256,061 veterans are filing appeals, and the Board of Veterans' Appeals, a subset of the VA, told the Washington Post the number of pending cases is expected to double over the next four years.

The startling number of appeals is quickly morphing into a backlog situation similar to the one already plaguing the VA – disability claims. Around 900,000 disability claims were filed with this department at its peak this year, and while the VA alleges it has cut that number by 20 percent, the backlog continues. According to the news outlet, the high profile of the disability claims controversy has overshadowed the veterans waiting on their appeals.

Veterans who file disability claims appeals are facing long waits with seemingly no end in sight. According to data on the VA website, veterans on average wait more than 1,000 days after filing an appeal through the basic administrative steps. There are ways for veterans to file disability appeals outside of the VA system – through the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims – but it takes an additional 321 days. 

The Washington Post reports that the growing backlog of disability appeals is a result of a decrease in available VA resources. 

A battle over spousal benefits for guard members and veterans in same-sex marriages has erupted in Texas, turning the recent shift in federal policy into even more of a bipartisan political debate.

According to the Texas Tribune, 16 Democratic lawmakers are asking the Texas National Guard to reconsider its current ban on allowing same-sex military couples and veterans from receiving spousal benefits. Military health insurance, social security assistance and identification cards are among the benefits now available to married same-sex couples, under the new directive from the Department of Defense. 

The policy change comes several months after the Supreme Court issued an unprecedented ruling last June, striking down a portion of the Defense of Marriage Act that blocked federal agencies from recognizing same-sex marriage. However, the Texas National Guard is an agent of both the state and federal governments, answering to both the president and the state's governor. This dual role allowed the guard to ignore the DoD's policy change and act according to the state. Texas currently has a Family Code that bans same-sex couples from receiving marriage licenses. 

Currently, Texas National Guard members can only enroll in the veterans benefits programs that are operated out of federal campuses. In their letter, the 16 lawmakers pressed Maj. Gen. John Nichols to allow state-operated institutions to grant these services. 

The Texas National Guard is not the only one refusing to process claims for same-sex military spouses and veterans. NPR reported that the Mississippi National Guard will not grant spousal benefits to same-sex couples unless they apply for a marriage license on federal property. 

The 2004 Battle of Fallujah was one of the fiercest of the Iraq War. Now, more than nine years later, a group of Marine reservists are choosing to honor those killed in a unique way. The five servicemembers are set to embark on a lengthy 81-mile hike as a tribute to the dozens of troops who lost their lives during the weeks-long battle, Military Times reported.

The hike is being led by Maj. Charleston Malkemus, who fought in the infamous battle. He started the hike as a small endeavor but it has since grown by leaps and bounds, and he estimates that approximately 50 people will be making the trek with him this Labor Day weekend. In addition to honoring fallen troops, Malkemus hopes his hikes will increase awareness of the challenges returning servicemember​s face.

"According to our count, 81 died during the two major offensives of the battle of Fallujah," he told the news source. "We hope [the hike] begins to rouse the community. The next greatest generation of America is about to come home, so we see this as only the beginning."

Malkemus and his fellow hikers aren't the only ones showing support through a lengthy journey. Capt. Michael Boelk and his wife recently ran 100 miles over the course of 24 to 27 hours in an effort to support military families, NBC affiliate KARE reports. 

The Post-9/11 GI Bill has not only helped servicemembers pursue their education goals, but it has also helped millions of military family members enter the classroom. The ability to transfer the benefits to loved ones is one of the entitlement's most significant advantages, but due to budget cuts there has been a growing concern that troops may no longer be able to transfer the GI Bill. However, in a discussion at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel affirmed his commitment to ensuring vets can share their benefits with their spouse or children, Military Times reported.

A personal issue
In addition to feeling a professional obligation to protect the GI Bill as the Secretary of Defense, Hagel is especially committed to preserving all of its benefits because he was one of the senators who helped write it when it went through Congress in 2007 and 2008. Not only that, but Hagel used the Vietnam-era GI Bill after he separated from service. So even as the Pentagon looks to cut costs at nearly every corner in the light of sequestration, the GI Bill is one area that may not see quite the same changes as others.

"[The GI BIll is something] we want to protect in every way we can, because we think it is the right thing to do for our people," he told the gathered crowd. ""We've committed to do that for our people. We think it enhances our people, it enhances our country. It is a smart investment in our country. It is a smart investment in you, in your families."

Recent changes take effect
Although the transfer rights are still in place, they have seen some changes in recent weeks. On Aug. 1, in order for servicemembers to share their benefits with their spouses or children they had to begin adhering to changeds. Now, if they want to transfer their benefits to a family member, troops have to incur an additional four years of service. Previously, a 20-year veteran would only have to serve between one and three years extra. Army officials recommend signing up to transfer benefits even if they aren't planning on doing so.

"It's a really great program," said Kim Seldon, an Army veteran, military spouse and USO volunteer at a recent briefing. "It's worth thousands of dollars. I just hope all of the service members and their families can take advantage of the program." 

Finding a job is one of the most important parts of transitioning from active duty to civilian life, but doing so can sometimes be difficult, especially for wounded or disabled veterans. In an effort to make the process a bit easier, the Department of Labor is considering implementing some new rules. The new regulations would require government contractors to set a goal of having at least 7 percent of their workforce comprised of disabled workers and 8 percent made up of veterans, Stars and Stripes reported.

The new rules might have a significant impact on veterans' employment because government contractors employ about 20 percent of the nation's workforce – approximately 16 million people. However, the move has not been without its critics. Specifically, some say it conflicts with already existing regulations that bar interviewers from asking about an applicant's disability. Still, Labor Secretary Thomas Perez believes it could be good for both employers and wounded vets.

"To create opportunity, we need to strengthen our civil rights laws and make sure they have the intended effect," he told the news source recently.

Unemployment for disabled workers stands at about 14.7 percent, but recent efforts from the federal government have helped bring down the rate among veterans. In July, the rate for post-9/11 vets was about 7.7 percent.

There has been a wide variety of programs aimed at helping veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan find civilian jobs, but two servicemembers have taken things into their own hands. Thomas Wilder and Neil McCanon, both Iraq veterans, are nearing the launch of their own craft brewery, aptly called Young Veterans Brewing Co., The Associated Press reported.

Wilder and McCanon returned from Iraq in 2005 and found transitioning back to the civilian world was difficult. They went down a number of different paths, including heading back to school and finding employment in various forms, but nothing felt right. Eventually, after trying out a home brewing kit and earning positive reviews from friends, it became clear that starting the brewery was the best option. Although the businesses venture is partly about earning money, Wilder says there's more to it than that.

"For me, it's sort of my way of showing that after service there's more to do," Wilder told the AP. "For a lot of soldiers who come home, there's a lot of trouble. I've been through that, and I know what that's like." 

The two high school friends aren't the only entrepreneurs in the military community, and the National Defense University Foundation is looking to give them the chance to have their business ideas heard. The first annual Veterans Venture Forum is slated for Oct. 29.

Many servicemembers face a long road to transitioning to civilian life upon returning from combat. Although it can often be a struggle to go from the harsh environment of the battlefield to the civilian life, veterans turn to a wide variety of methods to help them cope. For former Marine Dan Hottle, that outlet turned out to be hiking in Yellowstone National Park, and he has since turned that love of nature into a fulfilling post-service job as a spokesman for the park, CNN Travel reports.

Yellowstone and the military
Hottle continues a long tradition of former service members making their way to Yellowstone. In fact, for the first 32 years of the park's existence, it was administered by the U.S. Army and many of its rangers were veterans. As Hottile indicates, that trend continues more than a century later. The job requires Hottle to live at Yellowstone, and for many months of the year, the unforgiving weather can be a challenge. However, the rural landscape is exactly what he likes and what he needed after returning home from Afghanistan more than a decade ago.

"Where I had just come from was so austere," he told CNN. "So the national parks were the perfect place to be by myself. It's the best thing I could do."

More than just Yellowstone
Although Yellowstone has a long history of employing servicemembers – it is the oldest national park, after all – but it is not the only park that is reaching out to military families. In fact, in 2012 the National Park Service gives military families the chance to see every park for free, according to The Associated Press. The pass, which usually costs $80, provides access to 2,000 locations across the U.S., and the move has been applauded by many advocates, including Dr. Jill Biden, who runs the Joining Forces initiative with first lady Michelle Obama. 

"Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to our servicemen and women who make great sacrifices to protect our country and preserve our freedom," Biden announced at the launch of the program, according to the AP. "In recognition of their service, we are so pleased to be putting out a welcome mat for our military families at America's most beautiful and storied sites."

Many veterans decide to pursue educational opportunities upon separating from service, and President Barack Obama has made a concerted effort to ensure that colleges and universities across the country are making it as easy as possible for troops to earn their degrees. Among the most significant of these programs has been Obama's so-called "8 Keys To Success," a plan he unveiled recently during a speech at the Disabled American Veterans National Convention last weekend.

What's in the plan? 
Many of the facets of the plan are not difficult for colleges to implement. First, and perhaps most importantly, Obama said schools should work to create a culture of trust and connectedness across the campus. The second piece of the plan is ensure student veterans have support from campus leadership. Obama's keys also include offering services such as academic, career and financial assistance before significant problems crop up. Other steps in the plan include centralizing campus wide efforts, using a uniform set of data, collaborating with local communities and preparing staff to meet the unique needs of student vets.

Hundreds of institutions following suit
More than 250 schools have been leading the way when it comes to helping veterans return to the classroom, and Obama says other institutions should follow suit. Doing so can help veterans earn degrees, certifications and other licensure that can make it easier for them to find jobs in the civilian realm. Obama's new plan has been applauded by many in both the education and military communities. 

"This is a major step forward in the Administration's work to encourage institutions of higher education to support Veterans with access to the courses and resources they need to ensure that they graduate and get good jobs," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

A growing need
Making sure schools are prepared to cater to veteran students is of the utmost importance, especially as many of them return from Afghanistan. In fact, there has already been a considerable increase in the number of servicemembers using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. In 2012, nearly 500,000 used the popular education benefits, which was up considerably from the previous year, according to data from the Department of Defense. 

The lengthy disability claims backlog is one of the biggest issues facing the veteran population. However, in a recent speech at the Disabled American Veterans' conference, President Barack Obama assured those in attendance that his administration is making considerable progress. Specifically, he says the backlog has been reduced by about one-fifth since reaching a high water mark of 600,000 earlier this year, The Associated Press reported.

One of the biggest reasons for the increased size of the backlog is the fact that Obama made it easier for Vietnam vets exposed to agent orange to apply for benefits. He also expanded coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions that weren't covered before. Since then, there have been a number of steps put in place to bring the number down, including requiring VA employees to put in overtime hours, but Obama says more work needs to be done.

"Today I can report that we are not where we need to be, but we are making progress," Obama told Orlando, Fla., crowd. "So after years when the backlog kept growing, finally the backlog is shrinking."

Obama seemed confident that the wide-ranging efforts, including new technology, training and processing rules can help bring the backlog back down to zero by 2015, Stars and Stripes notes.

When the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010, it ushered in a number of big changes for millions of Americans, and many veterans wondered where they fit into the mix. Nearly all the major provisions will come into affect in 2014, and as that date draws closer, the Department of Veterans Affairs recently launched a website to answer any questions that former servicemembers are likely to have.

Among the concerns veterans are likely to have is whether they will fall under the insurance mandate if they have coverage from the VA. The good news is they won't see a change to their benefits. However, there are an estimated 1.3 million veterans and 950,000 military spouses and children who do not have health insurance. VA officials hope the new website will encourage veterans to enroll in the system.

"VA wants all Veterans to receive health care that improves their health and well-being," said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki.  "If you are enrolled in VA health care, you do not need to take any additional steps to meet the health care law coverage standards.  If you are not enrolled in VA health care, you can apply at any time."

The VA offers some impressive benefits for its members. Specifically its health care system has no enrollment fee and no monthly premiums or deductibles.