Roach Family Chiropractic & Massage

08/11/2026

VA Eligibility & Benefits Update – August 2026
In August 2026, VA disability compensation, DIC, Pension, and SMC payments increased by 2.8% due to the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment, and the PACT Act continues to expand healthcare eligibility for veterans exposed to toxins

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Impact
The 2.8% COLA took effect December 1, 2025, and is reflected in all August 2026 payments

This increase is tied to the Social Security Administration’s CPI-W index, which measured moderate inflation in 2025.

Monthly VA disability compensation ranges from $180.42 (10%) to $3,938.58 (100%) in tax-free benefits

Veterans undercompensated by outdated claims are estimated at 847,000, with an average shortfall of $2,340/year

PACT Act Healthcare Eligibility
The PACT Act (Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act) expanded VA healthcare eligibility to include:

Post-9/11 combat veterans

Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation, or other toxic hazards

Over 20 new presumptive conditions for toxic exposure are now recognized, meaning VA presumes service connection without requiring proof of causation

Veterans must proactively enroll in VA healthcare to secure benefits, even if they don’t plan to use them immediately

Enhanced mental health services and telehealth (e.g., VA Video Connect) are now more accessible, especially in rural areas

Disability Claims & Processing
New presumptive conditions added in 2026 include chronic sinus infections, high blood pressure, and thyroid problems, making it easier for some veterans to qualify

Claims processing time dropped by 47 days thanks to AI-powered ratings and automated evidence gathering

Virtual C&P exams now reduce wait times to about 10 days

Key Takeaways for August 2026
If you receive VA benefits, your August 2026 payment already includes the 2.8% COLA increase.

If you were exposed to toxins during service, PACT Act eligibility may now apply — even without a prior disability rating.

Enroll in VA healthcare promptly to avoid delays and ensure access to expanded services.

Review your disability claim for 2026 rate changes and presumptive conditions to avoid undercompensation.

07/31/2026

Free Hunting & Fishing for Veterans in Central Texas
Several nonprofit organizations in Central Texas offer free hunting and fishing trips for veterans.
1. Valhalla Outdoors
Website: valhallaoutdoors.org
2. Frontline Heroes Outdoors
Website: frontlineheroesoutdoors.org
3. Mad Dog Military Outdoors
Website: maddogmilitaryoutdoors.org
4. TXVet Outfitters
Website: txvetoutfitters.org
5. Hunting with Soldiers
Website: huntingwithsoldiers.org

07/31/2026

We were an awesome chiropractic team during our time at Fort Hood. Great to see my friends, Joanne, Flora and Dr Stacie!

07/31/2026

The Department of Veterans Affairs can now cover up to 10 months of rent, pay utility bills, buy groceries and arrange transportation for eligible homeless veterans under a new policy that took effect July 29. Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness can contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838. The free, confidential line operates 24 hours a day and can connect callers with the nearest VA medical center and homeless-program staff. Please share.

07/31/2026

Have you been putting off that massage your body desperately needs? We have some great specials for you. Call us today! (254) 680-7774.

07/30/2026

Meet our lovely staff at Roach Family Chiropractic.
Left to right- Dr Ngo (Chiropractor), C.C (Chiropractic Assistant), Sarah (Licensed Massage Therapist), Michelle (Chiropractic Assistant), Dr Collazo (Chiropractor), Jenni (Chiropractic Assistant) Angie (Licensed Massage Therapist) and Linette (Office Manager).

07/29/2026

Attention KISD!! All KISD employees and students receive 50% off.
Don't miss out on this exclusive offer. Expires September 15,2026.
Killeen Independent School District

07/22/2026

07/20/2026

At Roach Family Chiropractic and Massage, we understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. As a full-service chiropractor based in Killeen, TX, we are dedicated to providing you with comprehensive care that meets all your chiropractic needs.

Our services include expert adjustments that align your spine and improve your overall well-being. We also offer therapeutic massage to relieve tension and promote relaxation. For those looking for advanced treatments, our electrical muscle stimulation can help rehabilitate injuries and enhance muscle function.

We believe in a holistic approach to health, which is why we incorporate full body stretching and various therapeutic modalities into our practice. Our goal is to ensure you leave our office feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you.

Experience the difference at Roach Family Chiropractic and Massage. Visit us online at www.roachfamilychiropractic.com/ or come see us in Killeen, TX 76549. Your journey to a healthier you starts here.

07/17/2026

Citation: Munk, N., Daggy, J. K., Slaven, J. E., Evans, E., Foote, T., Laws, B., Matthias, M., & Bair, M. J. (2024). Care Ally-Assisted Massage for Veterans with Chronic Neck Pain: TOMCATT Results. JMIR Research Protocols, 11(9), e38950. 20202020

Summary: The TOMCATT study investigated the effectiveness of a care ally-assisted massage (CA-M) approach for Veterans with chronic neck pain compared to a waitlist control. Despite challenges with participant engagement and retention, CA-M led to statistically significant reductions in pain-related disability and pain severity at 3 and 6 months.