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Veterans Desk, Inc. — Cookie Policy & Consent

Document ID: Veterans Desk, Inc. -COOKIE-v1.0
Effective Date: 2025-11-04
Contact: privacy@veteransdesk.org

1. Introduction & Scope

This Cookie Policy explains how Veterans Desk, Inc. (“Veterans Desk,” “we,” “our,” or “us“) uses cookies and similar technologies on VeteransDesk.org and any related sites, pages, and online tools that link to this Policy (collectively, the “Services“).

This Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which describes how we handle personal information more broadly.

By using the Services, you agree that we can use cookies and similar technologies as described in this Policy, unless you withdraw or adjust your consent through your browser settings and/or our Cookie Preference Center.

2. What Are Cookies & Similar Technologies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites you visit. They are widely used to enable websites to function efficiently and provide valuable information to site owners.

We may also use similar technologies, including:

  • Local storage and session storage

     

  • Pixels or tags (tiny graphics or code that record when you visit a page or interact with content)

     

  • Software development kits (SDKs) in mobile or third-party tools

     

In this Policy, we refer to all of these collectively as “cookies.”

3. Types of Cookies We Use

We categorize cookies used on the Services as follows. Specific cookies in each category may change over time.

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the Services to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set in response to:

  • Actions you take (e.g., logging in, filling out forms)

     

  • Security and fraud-prevention needs

     

  • Basic site operations (e.g., page navigation, load balancing)

     

You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site may not work correctly if you do.

Legal basis (EEA/UK): Our legitimate interests in providing secure, functioning Services and/or performance of a contract.

3.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as:

  • Remembering your preferences (e.g., language or region)

     

  • Keeping specific settings or choices across sessions

     

  • Supporting embedded content or tools (e.g., video players, forms, maps)

     

If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these features may not function properly.

Legal basis (EEA/UK): Your consent where required; otherwise, our legitimate interests in providing a better user experience.

3.3 Analytics & Performance Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with the Services by collecting information, often in aggregate form, such as:

  • Which pages are visited and for how long

     

  • Links clicked and navigation paths.

     

  • Device and browser information, general location (e.g., city/region)

     

We use this information to:

  • Monitor site performance

     

  • Improve content and navigation.

     

  • Understand what information is most useful to our community.

     

Where required by law, we will obtain your consent before setting analytics cookies.

Legal basis (EEA/UK): Your consent, where required; otherwise, our legitimate interests in measuring and improving the Services.

3.4 Advertising / Targeting Cookies (If Used)

As of the Effective Date, Veterans Desk does not use cookies for cross-site targeted advertising. If we introduce advertising or marketing cookies in the future, we will:

  • Update this Cookie Policy

     

  • Update our Cookie Preference Center

     

  • Provide appropriate opt-out and, where applicable, “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” options.

     

If and when used, these cookies would help us or third parties:

  • Measure the performance of campaigns

     

  • Show you more relevant messages on other sites or platforms.

     

Legal basis (EEA/UK): Your consent.

4. How We Use Cookie Information

We use information from cookies to:

  • Operate and secure the Services (strictly necessary cookies)

     

  • Remember your settings and preferences (functional cookies)

     

  • Analyze usage and improve content and navigation (analytics cookies)

     

  • If applicable in the future, support limited sponsorship or outreach efforts (advertising/targeting cookies, with consent)

     

We do not use cookies to make automated decisions that have legal or similarly significant effects on you.

5. Your Choices & Consent

5.1 Cookie Preference Center

Where available, you can manage your cookie preferences at any time through our Cookie Preference Center, which may be accessed via a link such as:

“Cookie Settings” or “Manage Cookies”

There you can:

  • View the categories of cookies used

     

  • Turn on or off non-essential cookies (e.g., functional, analytics)

     

  • Save or update your choices.

     

Your preferences apply to the device and browser you use when making the choices. You should repeat the process on each device and browser you use.

5.2 Browser & Device Settings

You can adjust your browser settings to:

  • Block or delete cookies

     

  • Notify you when a cookie is set.

     

  • Limit cookies to specific types.s

     

Instructions vary by browser; refer to your browser’s “Help” or “Settings” menu for more information. If you block all cookies, some Services may not function properly.

6. “Do Not Sell or Share” & CPRA (California Residents)

Veterans Desk does not sell your personal information for money. As of the Effective Date, we also do not “share” personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising as those terms are defined in the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA).

If we begin to use cookies or similar technologies in a way that constitutes:

  • “Sale” of personal information, or

     

  • “Sharing” for cross-context behavioral advertising

     

…we will:

  • Update this Cookie Policy

     

  • Provide a clear “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link or mechanism (including within the Cookie Preference Center)

     

  • Honor your choices and applicable opt-out rights.

     

For more details on your CPRA rights, please see our Privacy Policy.

7. Global Privacy Control (GPC) & Other Opt-Out Signals

Where required by law (such as in certain U.S. states), we will treat a valid Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal or similar legally recognized browser-based opt-out mechanism as:

  • A request to opt out of sale and/or sharing for cross-context behavioral advertising, where such sale/sharing occurs via cookies or similar technologies

     

As of the Effective Date, we do not engage in such sales or /sharing; however, if this changes, we will honor GPC signals as required by law.

Note: GPC and other signals apply on a per-browser, per-device basis. If you use multiple browsers or devices, you may need to enable GPC (or similar settings) on each one.

8. Third-Party Cookies & Embedded Content

Some cookies on our Services may be set by third parties, including:

  • Analytics providers

     

  • Embedded video or media platforms

     

  • Payment or form providers

     

  • Social media platforms (e.g., when you share content)

     

These third parties may treat the information they collect via their cookies in accordance with their own privacy and cookie policies, not ours. We encourage you to review those policies if you interact with their content or tools.

9. Data Retention

Cookies may remain on your device for different periods:

  • Session cookies – Deleted when you close your browser

     

  • Persistent cookies – Remain for a set period or until you delete them

     

We strive to ensure that non-essential cookies are set with retention periods that are appropriate to their purposes and consistent with our data retention practices.

10. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:

  • Changes in our use of cookies

     

  • Changes in technology or applicable law

     

  • Updates to our Services

     

When we do, we will:

  • Update the “Effective Date” at the top of this Policy

     

  • Post the updated version on the Services.

     

Where required by law or where changes are material, we may provide additional notice (e.g., a banner, pop-up, or email). Your continued use of the Services after these changes take effect means that you accept the revised Cookie Policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, your choices, or our use of cookies and similar technologies, please contact:

Veterans Desk, Inc.
 Email: privacy@veteransdesk.org

Please include “Cookie Policy” in the subject line so we can route your inquiry appropriately.

. 

Veterans Desk, Inc. — DMCA Agent & Takedown Policy

Document ID: Veterans Desk, Inc.-DMCA-v1.0
Effective Date: 2025-11-04
Contact: legal@veteransdesk.org

1. Introduction

Veterans Desk, Inc. (“Veterans Desk,” “we,” “our,” or “us“) operates VeteransDesk.org and related websites (collectively, the “Site“). Veterans Desk is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

We respect the intellectual property rights of others and expect users of the Site to do the same. This DMCA Agent & Takedown Policy describes how we handle claims of copyright infringement under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA,” 17 U.S.C. § 512).

This policy applies to content hosted on or served by VeteransDesk.org, including any user-generated content (e.g., profiles, reviews, comments, logos, or other materials uploaded or submitted by users).

2. Designated DMCA Agent

Pursuant to the DMCA, Veterans Desk designates the following agent to receive notices of alleged copyright infringement:

Designated DMCA Agent
Veterans Desk, Inc. – DMCA Agent
Email: [dmca@veteransdesk.org]
Mailing Address:
Veterans Desk, Inc. – DMCA Agent
18801 N Dale Marby, Suite 1020
Lutz, FL 33548
USA

Important: This contact information is only for DMCA copyright notices and counter-notices. For other issues, please use the contact information provided elsewhere on the Site.

Make sure this information matches your registered agent record with the U.S. Copyright Office.

3. Notices of Alleged Infringement (DMCA Takedown Notice)

If you believe content on the Site infringes your copyright (or that of a person you are authorized to represent), you may send a written DMCA notice to our Designated Agent. To be effective under 17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(3), your notice must include:

  1. Your physical or electronic signature.

     

  2. Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed, or, if multiple works are covered, a representative list of such works.

     

  3. Identification of the allegedly infringing material and information reasonably sufficient to permit us to locate it on the Site (for example, a URL or clear description of the specific page and content).

     

  4. Your contact information, including your name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.

     

  5. A statement that you have a good-faith belief that the use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.

     

  6. A statement that the information in the notification is accurate, and under penalty of perjury, that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.

     

We may reject or request clarification of notices that are incomplete, unclear, or do not substantially comply with the requirements of the DMCA.

4. Our Response to Proper DMCA Notices

Upon receiving a valid DMCA notice that substantially complies with Section 3 above, Veterans Desk will:

  1. Promptly investigate the identified content.

     

  2. Remove or restrict access to the allegedly infringing material where appropriate.

     

  3. Notify the user who posted or provided the material (if reasonably identifiable) that the content has been removed or disabled as a result of a DMCA notice.

     

  4. Where applicable, inform the user of their right to submit a counter-notice under the DMCA.

     

We may also document and retain DMCA notices as part of our records.

Removal or disabling of access is without prejudice to any rights, defenses, or claims of the parties.

5. Counter-Notices (Restoration Requests)

Suppose your content has been removed or disabled in response to a DMCA notice and you believe this was in error or that you have authorization to use the material. In that case, you may send a counter-notice to our Designated Agent.

To be effective under 17 U.S.C. § 512(g)(3), your counter-notice must include:

  1. Your physical or electronic signature.

     

  2. Identification of the material that has been removed or to which access has been restricted, and the location at which the material appeared before removal or disabling (e.g., specific URL).

     

  3. A statement, under penalty of perjury, that you have a good-faith belief that the material was removed or disabled as a result of a mistake or misidentification of the material.

     

  4. Your name, mailing address, and telephone number, and a statement that you consent to the jurisdiction of (a) the Federal District Court for the judicial district in which your address is located, or, if you are outside the United States, (b) any judicial district in which Veterans Desk may be found, and that you will accept service of process from the person who provided the original DMCA notice or that person’s agent.

     

If we receive a valid counter-notice, we may:

  1. Provide a copy of the counter-notice to the person who sent the original DMCA notice; and

     

  2. Inform that person that we may restore the removed material or re-enable access within 10–14 business days, unless we receive notice that a court action has been filed seeking to restrain you from engaging in the allegedly infringing activity.

     

Veterans Desk may, in its discretion, restore the content or continue to restrict access, subject to applicable law and court orders.

6. Repeat Infringer Policy

In appropriate circumstances and at our discretion, Veterans Desk may terminate or suspend accounts or access to the Site for users who are determined to be repeat infringers of copyright or who repeatedly submit infringing content.

We may consider a variety of factors in determining whether a user is a repeat infringer, including:

  • The number and nature of DMCA notices received regarding that user’s content;

     

  • Whether the user has previously been warned or had content removed for infringement;

     

  • The apparent legitimacy of the user’s content and responses.

     

We reserve the right to apply this policy on a case-by-case basis and to consider mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

7. Misrepresentations & Abuse of the DMCA Process

The DMCA requires that notices and counter-notices be made in good faith and with accurate information.

  • Knowingly misrepresenting that material is infringing or was removed by mistake may expose the complaining party or counter-notifying party to liability for damages, including costs and attorneys’ fees, under 17 U.S.C. § 512(f).

     

  • Veterans Desk may, at its discretion, decline to act on notices or counter-notices that appear abusive, retaliatory, or obviously invalid.

     

If you are unsure whether your copyright has been infringed or whether your use of another’s work is authorized (e.g., fair use), you should consult with legal counsel before sending a DMCA notice or counter-notice.

8. Scope & Relationship to Other Policies

This DMCA Agent & Takedown Policy:

  • Applies only to copyright issues under U.S. law for content hosted on the Site;

     

  • Does not address other types of claims (e.g., trademark, defamation, privacy), which may be handled under different procedures; and

     

  • Works alongside our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and other applicable policies.

     

Use of the Site remains subject to all other terms and policies of Veterans Desk, Inc.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this DMCA Agent & Takedown Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law, practice, or our operations.

When we do:

  • We will update the Effective Date at the top of this page, and

     

  • Post the updated Policy at VeteransDesk.org (or a successor location).

     

Your continued use of the Site after an updated Policy is posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

10. Contact

For DMCA notices and counter-notices, please contact our Designated Agent as listed in Section 2.

For all other questions about the Site or our policies, please contact us at:

Veterans Desk, Inc.
Email: legal@veteransdesk.org

 

Veterans Desk, Inc. — Accessibility Statement

Document ID: Veterans Desk, Inc.: Accessibility Statement -v1.0
Effective Date: 2025-11-04 

Contact: legal@veterandesk.og

1. Our Commitment

Veterans Desk, Inc. (“Veterans Desk,” “we,” “our,” or “us“) is a nonprofit charitable organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are committed to making VeteransDesk.org and related online services (collectively, the “Site“) accessible and usable for all users, including people with disabilities.

We view accessibility as an ongoing process and a core part of our mission to provide clear, educational information to veterans, their families, and community providers.

2. Accessibility Standard & Goals

Veterans Desk aims to align the Site with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, Level AA, to the greatest extent reasonably possible.

Because accessibility is a continuum and technology is constantly evolving, we cannot guarantee that every page or feature will be fully compliant at all times. However, we are actively working toward WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility as our design and development goal.

3. Ongoing Efforts & 90-Day Rolling Fix Program

We approach accessibility as an ongoing, iterative effort. Our program includes:

  • Periodic reviews of new and existing content against WCAG 2.2 AA criteria, focusing on key user flows and commonly visited pages.

  • Prioritization of issues that materially affect the ability of users with disabilities to access core information and tools.

  • A 90-day rolling fix program, under which:

    • We log accessibility issues that are reported to us or identified in internal reviews.

    • We aim to address and deploy fixes for material issues within 90 days of identification.

    • Some issues (e.g., those requiring significant redesign, vendor changes, or custom development) may necessitate a more extended remediation period. In such cases, we will work toward reasonable interim accommodations.

4. Technical & Browser Compatibility

We intend for Veterans Desk, Inc.  to be compatible with:

  • Current versions of major browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

  • Current versions of standard operating systems (e.g., Windows, macOS, iOS, Android)

  • Assistive technologies that work with operating system and browser accessibility features (e.g., screen readers, screen magnifiers, keyboard-only navigation)

While we strive for broad support, some combinations of older browsers, operating systems, or assistive technologies may not perform optimally. Using the latest version of your browser and operating system generally improves compatibility.

5. Third-Party Content & Services

The Site may include content, widgets, or services provided by third parties (e.g., embedded videos, maps, scheduling tools, payment or donation processors, survey platforms, or social media feeds). Veterans Desk does not control the accessibility of third-party services, but we:

  • Seek to select vendors who are working toward or support accessibility; and

  • Encourage users to contact us if third-party content materially interferes with access to essential information, so we can identify alternatives or reasonable accommodations where possible.

6. Alternate Formats & Assistance

If you experience difficulty accessing content on the Site or need information in an alternative format, we will make reasonable efforts to assist you.

Examples of alternate-format or assistance requests include:

  • Receiving a particular page or document in a different digital format (e.g., accessible PDF, plain-text, large print)

  • Assistance navigating a process (e.g., forms) that you cannot complete because of a disability

  • Guidance to equivalent information through another channel (e.g., email support)

To request an alternate format or accessibility-related assistance, please contact us as described in Section 7 and provide:

  • The URL or name of the page or document you are trying to access

  • A brief description of the problem or barrier you are encountering

  • Your preferred format or method of receiving the information

  • Your contact information so that we can follow up

We will review your request and respond within a reasonable time frame, aiming to offer an adequate accommodation where practicable.

7. Feedback & Contact

We welcome feedback about the accessibility of VeteransDesk.org. If you encounter an accessibility issue or have suggestions for improvement, please contact:

Accessibility Contact
Veterans Desk, Inc. – Accessibility
Email: legal@veteransdesk.org

Please include:

  • “Accessibility” in the subject line

  • A description of the issue or suggestion

  • Any assistive technology or browser you are using (if applicable)

  • The URL or page where you encountered the problem

Your input helps inform our 90-day rolling fix program and longer-term accessibility roadmap.

8. Enforcement, Limitations & Legal Notice

Veterans Desk cannot guarantee uninterrupted, error-free access to the Site on every device or platform, nor full compatibility with every assistive technology. Some content or features may not yet fully meet WCAG 2.2 AA criteria or may depend on third-party components outside our direct control.

Nothing in this Accessibility Statement:

  • Creates contractual or legal rights beyond those available under applicable law; or

  • Limits rights or obligations that may exist under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, or other governing accessibility laws.

9. Changes to This Accessibility Statement

We may update this Accessibility Statement periodically to reflect:

  • Changes in web standards (including WCAG),

  • Changes to the Site, or

  • Updates to our accessibility program.

When we make changes, we will:

  • Update the Effective Date above; and

  • Post the updated Statement at VeteransDesk.org (or a successor URL).

Contact:

legal@veteransdek.org

Your continued use of the Site after an updated Statement is posted constitutes your acknowledgment of the revised Accessibility Statement.




Veterans Desk, Inc. — Gift Acceptance Policy 

Document ID: Veterans Desk, Inc.: D-GIFT-v1.0 

Effective Date: 11.19.2025 Contact: gifts@veteransdesk.org

1) Purpose & Scope

Veterans Desk, Inc. (“Veterans Desk, Inc. “) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This policy guides the review and acceptance of charitable contributions to ensure that gifts align with our mission, comply with laws and ethics, and protect donors and Veterans Desk, Inc. It applies to all gifts (cash and non-cash) and all fundraising channels.

2) Our Commitment

  • We honor donor intent consistent with our mission.
  • We do not provide tax, legal, or investment advice. Donors should consult their advisors.
  • Veterans Desk, Inc. is independent and not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; gifts do not influence medical decisions or VA eligibility/benefits.

3) What Gifts We Accept (standard)

Veterans Desk, Inc. generally accepts the following, subject to review:

  • Cash & Equivalents: checks, ACH/wire transfers, and credit/debit cards.
  • DAF & Foundations: grants from donor-advised funds and private/public foundations.
  • Securities: marketable stocks, mutual funds, and bonds (typically liquidated upon receipt).
  • IRA QCDs: Qualified Charitable Distributions where permitted by law.
  • Employer Matching Gifts.
  • In-Kind Goods/Services: valuable goods or professional services that Veterans Desk, Inc. can use or readily liquidate (see §7).
  • Event/Sponsorship Support: recognized as sponsorship per our Sponsorship & Advertising Standards (no endorsements).

4) Gifts Requiring Prior Review/Approval

The Gift Acceptance Committee (GAC) reviews non-standard or potentially burdensome gifts before acceptance, including:

  • Restricted gifts with conditions that may be impractical;
  • Closely held business interests, stock subject to lockups, options, or derivatives;
  • Real estate or timeshares;
  • Vehicles, boats, aircraft;
  • Crypto/digital assets;
  • Artwork/collectibles;
  • Gifts that could create conflicts of interest, reputational risk, undue reporting, or environmental liabilities.

GAC Composition: Managing Director (chair), Treasurer/CFO, one Board member, and counsel/advisor as needed.
Authority: Staff may accept standard gifts up to $10,000; the Treasurer may accept gifts up to $100,000; the GAC/Board may accept gifts above $10,000 or non-standard gifts.

5) Restricted Gifts & Variance

We welcome reasonable restrictions that fit our mission. If a restriction becomes impracticable or obsolete, Veterans Desk, Inc. may apply variance power to use the gift in the closest possible manner to the donor’s original intent.

6) Valuation, Receipts & Acknowledgment

  • Veterans Desk, Inc. issues receipts that describe the gift and the date it was received. Veterans Desk, Inc. does not accept non-cash gifts; donors are responsible for obtaining appraisals (e.g., IRS Form 8283).
  • If required, Veterans Desk, Inc. will file IRS Form 8282 upon disposal of specific non-cash property.
  • Quid pro quo acknowledgments disclose the fair-market value of any benefits provided.
  • Acknowledgment goal: within five business days of deposit/acceptance for cash/marketable securities; within 10 business days for approved non-cash gifts.

7) In-Kind Gifts (goods & services)

  • Veterans Desk, Inc. accepts only items/services we can use or readily liquidate without undue cost or risk.
  • Donors must represent that they own/transfer a clear title and that the goods are safe and lawful.
  • Donors should retain independent appraisals for tax purposes; services themselves are generally not tax-deductible (consult advisors).

8) Real Estate

Subject to GAC review, including: independent appraisal, title report, environmental screening (Phase I if indicated), carrying costs, marketability, and any encumbrances. Veterans Desk, Inc. may decline or require liquidation at/after closing.

9) Crypto/Digital Assets

If accepted, crypto is processed via a qualified third-party processor and typically liquidated immediately. Gifts are irrevocable upon receipt; refunds are not available after the item has been liquidated. Donors must complete any KYC/AML steps required by the processor.

10) Sponsorships & Co-Branding

Sponsorship support is acknowledged in accordance with our Sponsorship & Advertising policy. Sponsorships do not influence educational content or directory placement. No clinical or VA-affiliation endorsements are permitted.

11) Donor-Advised Funds, Pledges & Installments

  • DAF grants are welcome; no goods/services with more than incidental value will be provided in return.
  • Pledges should be documented in writing, including the schedule and purpose. Naming occurs after pledge agreements are executed and payments commence.

12) Conflicts of Interest & Due Diligence

Board members, staff, and volunteers must disclose any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves when appropriate. Veterans Desk, Inc. may decline gifts that create conflicts of interest, violate policy/law, or pose reputational, operational, or financial risk.

13) Refusal or Return of Gifts

Veterans Desk, Inc.  may decline or, in rare cases and where lawful, return a gift that:

  • Cannot be used as intended;
  • Would expose Veterans Desk, Inc.  to material legal, environmental, tax, or reputational risk;
  • Includes conditions inconsistent with our mission or independence.

14) Use of Gifts & Stewardship

Unrestricted gifts support our greatest needs. Restricted gifts are tracked and utilized in accordance with the donor’s intent. We report impact through acknowledgments, updates, and our annual report.

15) Recordkeeping & Privacy

Veterans Desk, Inc. maintains donor records in accordance with applicable law and our Donor Privacy Policy. We do not sell or share donor data for unrelated marketing.

16) Naming & Recognition

Veterans Desk, Inc. may offer recognition (e.g., listings, digital plaques) subject to Board approval and alignment with mission and brand standards. Veterans Desk, Inc. may modify/withdraw recognition if circumstances change materially.

17) Administration & Revisions

This policy is approved by the Board and reviewed at least annually. For questions, please email gifts@veteransdesk.org.

18) Contact

  • General: gift@veteransdesk.org

Veterans Desk, Inc. — User Generated Content & Reviews Policy 

Document ID: Veterans Desk, Inc.: User Content and Reviews-v1.0 • 

Effective: 11.25.2025

Contact: legal@veteransdesk.org

1) Scope & Definitions

This Policy governs any content you submit to Veterans Desk, Inc.—including reviews, ratings, comments, photos, audio/video clips, and profile submissions (“UGC”). “Providers” are organizations or clinicians listed in our directory. “You” includes consumers, caregivers, and providers posting on their own listings (where allowed).

2) Eligibility & Account

  • You must be a member to post. 
  • Create one account per person; do not impersonate others or misstate your affiliation.

     

3) What’s Allowed vs. Prohibited

Allowed: honest, first-hand experiences; factual, non-diagnostic statements; your original photos/media; constructive feedback.
Prohibited (non-exhaustive):

  • PHI/PII: No Protected Health Information or sensitive identifiers (names, DOB, medical record # numbers, exact appointment times).

     

  • Medical/Legal Advice: No clinical instructions, diagnoses, or legal advice.

     

  • Hate/Harassment: No slurs, threats, targeted harassment, or doxxing.

     

  • Illegal/Dangerous Content: No incitement, self-harm instructions, or illicit sales.

     

  • Defamation/Misrepresentation: No knowingly false statements presented as facts.

     

  • Spam/Manipulation: No fake reviews, incentives without disclosure, coordinated brigading, or review gating.

     

  • IP Violations: Don’t upload copyrighted or trademarked material you don’t own (see DMCA below).

     

  • Off-topic/Advertising: No unrelated promotions, affiliate links, or lead-gen.

     

4) Honest Reviews & Conflicts of Interest

  • Reviews must reflect your own experience, posted after that experience occurred.

     

  • Disclose material connections (e.g., you’re an employee, contractor, received a free service, or were paid)—use “#ad” or a plain disclosure line.

     

  • The Consumer Review Fairness Act prohibits contract terms that ban or penalize honest reviews; VD does not enforce “gag clauses.”

     

5) Verification & Anti-Manipulation

  • VD may use automated and human checks to detect fraud (IP/device patterns, velocity, conflict links).

     

  • We may ask for non-PHI verification (e.g., approximate visit month, general location) to confirm authenticity.

     

  • We may label reviews as “Verified Interaction” when minimal proof is provided (never PHI).

     

6) Ratings & Edits

  • Star ratings must reflect your overall experience.

     

  • You may edit your review to fix errors or add context. Substantial edits may be time-stamped or re-queued for review.

     

  • VD may annotate with “Context/Policy Notes” (e.g., policy changes) where helpful.

     

7) Provider Responses

  • Providers may publicly respond to a review, but must not disclose PHI or private account details.

     

  • Keep responses factual, respectful, and solution-oriented. Do not retaliate against reviewers.

     

8) Moderation & Enforcement

VD employs a layered approach, comprising pre-filters, post-publication review, and reports. We may:

  1. De-prioritize or label content (context or policy labels).

     

  2. Edit to remove personal data/links that violate rules (limited, viewpoint-neutral).

     

  3. Hide or remove content that violates policy or law.

     

  4. Limit features or suspend accounts for repeated or egregious violations.

     

  5. Escalate to authorities if required by law or safety policy.

     

9) Reporting & Appeals

  • Use the “Report” link on any item or email legal@veteransdesk.org with the URL and reason.

     

  • We aim to review reports within 3–5 business days. Safety issues are prioritized.

     

  • You may appeal removal/suspension once within 14 days via legal@veteransdesk.org. Provide additional context or corrections.

     

10) DMCA Copyright Procedure

If your copyrighted work was posted without permission, send a DMCA Notice to our Designated Agent (see site footer) with the statutory elements. We may remove the material and notify the user. Valid counter-notices may restore content as permitted by law. Repeat infringers may be terminated.

11) Privacy & PHI Reminder

  • VD is an education platform and not a HIPAA-covered entity. Still, do not post PHI.

     

  • Do not share another person’s private information without consent.

     

  • For privacy requests, contact privacy@veteransdesk.org.

     

12) Safety & Crisis Content

UGC that indicates immediate risk may be escalated. For emergencies, call 911 or local emergency services; for veterans’ crisis support, contact the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, then Press 1). VD is not an emergency service.

13) Reuse License to Veterans Desk

By posting UGC, you grant VD a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to host, reproduce, display, adapt, and distribute your UGC in connection with VD’s services and promotional materials. You retain ownership. You warrant that you have the necessary rights to post the content and that it doesn’t infringe upon the rights of others.

14) Advertising & Endorsements

  • If your UGC includes endorsements, you must clearly disclose any material connection (including payments, gifts, free services, and memberships).

     

  • VD may use excerpts of reviews in marketing with attribution (name/handle as configured in your profile).

     

15) Retention & Removal

  • The UGC may be retained for backup, audit, or legal purposes even after it is removed from public view.

     

  • We typically retain UGC for up to 5 years from the last activity, unless a more extended period is required for legal or safety reasons.

     

16) Legal Notices & VA Non-Affiliation

  • Education-only; no medical or legal advice.

     

  • VD is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Do not bring cannabis onto VA property.

     

  • Laws and program rules vary by state and workplace; consult your own professional for guidance.

     

17) Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy. The last updated date will change; material changes may be announced in-product or via email.

18) Contact

  • General: support@veteransdesk.org

     

  • Legal/Appeals: legal@veteransdesk.org / legal@veteransdesk.org

     

  • Privacy: privacy@veteransdesk.org

     

  • DMCA Agent: legal@veteransdesk.org

     

HIPAA Compliance Disclaimer

Veterans Desk is not a HIPAA-covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and is not subject to HIPAA privacy or security requirements. We do not collect, store, or transmit Protected Health Information (PHI) on behalf of veterans, healthcare providers, or any other party.

Our platform operates solely as an informational and networking resource. We offer membership access to a publicly viewable directory of VA Community Care Network (CCN) providers, along with educational links and resources. We do not provide direct medical referrals, coordinate patient care, or act as an intermediary between veterans and healthcare providers in any clinical capacity.

All communications, medical information, or personal data exchanged between a veteran and a provider occur outside of Veterans Desk and at the sole discretion and responsibility of the parties involved. Veterans Desk does not monitor, manage, or store these exchanges.

By using this site, you acknowledge and agree that:

  1. Veterans Desk is not your healthcare provider or representative.

     

  2. Veterans Desk does not give medical advice, make treatment recommendations, or guarantee provider performance.

     

  3. Any medical or personal information you choose to share with a provider is done independently and outside our control.

     

If you require medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please contact a licensed healthcare provider directly or use your VA-approved care coordination channels.

No Medical Advice

All content provided by Veterans Desk, including but not limited to articles, guides, directory listings, and linked resources, is for informational and educational purposes only. Veterans Desk does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and nothing on this site should be interpreted as such.

Use of this website does not create a patient–provider relationship between you and Veterans Desk, its staff, or any healthcare provider listed on the site. We strongly encourage all veterans and users to consult directly with a licensed healthcare professional or their VA-approved care coordinator before making any decisions related to their health, treatments, or medical care.

Veterans Desk makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of any information provided. Reliance on any information found on this site is solely at your own risk.