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VA Announces a New Social Media Policy

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has immersed itself in social media over the last couple of years for multiple reasons. As the VA has built up more of a presence on social media websites, it became necessary to establish a social media policy so as to ensure communication with veterans is done in a secure manner, especially given the current state of veterans disability. 

According to Brandon Friedman, the VA's Director of Online Communications, the VA is not utilizing social media because "it's cool or because it's a fad." Instead, it is about making sure the "right veterans" have the "right information" at the "right time." The VA's new social media policy seeks to establish a method that will improve how the VA communicates with veterans.

The VA launched its first social media site in 2009. Since then, its influence can be seen in multiple places. Aside from the highly regarded VAntage Point blog, there are more than 100 VA-established Facebook pages, more than 50 Twitter feeds, a Flickr page, a YouTube channel, and multiple blogs.

Under the new social media policy, communication between the VA and veterans is to be "open and transparent." If VA employees are to use social media, their representation of the VA must be "properly represented in all communications." Further, all "disparaging comments" or statements made that release sensitive VA information must be edited.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.