Veterans
Cost overruns and delays plague VA’s new integrated financial management system
The rollout of VA’s modernized financial management and acquisition system has been affected by delays in the department’s new electronic health record system, since “multiple deployments” depend on the EHR’s launch at medical facilities.
VA’s planned restart of its electronic health record system rollouts draws lawmaker concern
“I think we are far from ready to endorse further go-live activities,” Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., said about VA’s plan to resume deployments in fiscal year 2025.
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A mental health program for service members transitioning to civilian life was unable to contact most enrollees
Oversight officials have spotlighted numerous concerns with programs to help individuals leaving the military.
Project 2025: The worst-case scenario for veterans
COMMENTARY | "By dismantling key agencies and slashing federal jobs, Project 2025 risks undermining not only government efficiency but also the livelihoods of tens of thousands of veterans," writes one veteran.
A crucial step towards justice for veterans
COMMENTARY | A new bill would provide retroactive payment of benefits for veterans with covered mental health conditions stemming from military sexual trauma, an insidious issue affecting countless service members.
Lawmakers want VA to report on its use of automation to process benefits claims
The legislative proposal seeks to enhance VA’s adoption of new technologies, including providing lawmakers with “a timeline for modifying and implementing the use of such automation tools” in the benefits claims process.
House GOP official bashes VA leader for ‘budgetary mismanagement’
House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost’s letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough takes the leader of the Veterans Health Administration to task over recent hiring restrictions within the department and controversial but since-rescinded bonus payments.
Biden to pardon vets discharged for same-sex relationships
White House officials said Wednesday that veterans convicted under Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice over several decades under military law would be pardoned by President Biden.
Colorado VA medical facility leaders created a ‘psychologically unsafe’ environment for employees
A pair of inspector general investigations substantiated claims that VA officials in Aurora, Colo., presided over a toxic work environment that also featured a year-long pause in certain surgeries due to staff departures.
Lawmakers press VA to report on the delays in its burn pit registry revamp
An October 2022 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine said VA should “initiate a new phase” of its Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to make it “a user-friendly, efficient and effective resource.”
VA employees warn of stark consequences from hiring restrictions
New memorandum entrusts local VA leaders to make "difficult staffing decisions" as department looks to shed employees.
On 80th anniversary of D-Day invasion, Biden and Macron honor WWII veterans at Normandy
Veterans, families, political leaders and military personnel are gathering in Normandy to commemorate D-Day, which paved the way for the Allied victory over Germany in World War II.
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Lawmakers blast VA over executive bonus scandal, but secretary declines to offer any heads
Many Republicans called for VA to fire top officials after it improperly approved $11M in bonuses for senior executives.
House committee chair applauds suspension of three top VA cops amid harassment allegations
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost, R-Ill., said in a statement that whistleblowers at the Atlanta VA Medical Center informed the committee of claims of sexual harassment, retaliation and misconduct within the center’s police department.
VA's tech training program for vets is up for renewal, but backers want more accountability
A provision in a recently introduced legislative package would extend VA’s VET-TEC training program through September 2026 while seeking to address employment disparities.
New bill would task VA with more actively promoting veteran transition assistance
The Informing VETS Act would require the department to regularly promote programs designed to assist veterans leaving military service and offer more comparison of information on educational benefits.
DOD, VA need more data on how their toxic exposure tracking app is used, watchdog says
A report from the Government Accountability Office found that oversight of the joint system for centralizing toxic exposure records has fallen off, despite a growing influx of PACT Act-related claims.
VA says it's seeing more patients than ever and cutting wait times for them
Staffing and productivity gains will allow VA to continue functioning more efficiently while avoiding burnout, official says.
More military veterans and active duty service members are dying by suicide than in battle. Understanding why can help with prevention
Active duty service members and veterans experience unique stresses that can lead to suicide.
Memorial Day: A Reminder of Sacrifice and Vigilance
COMMENTARY | "It's not just a time to remember those who have died in service to our country; it is a time to reflect on the principles they fought to protect," writes one veteran.
Biden to announce 1 million claims granted for VA benefits under toxic exposure law
The law has also led to more than 145,000 people enrolling in health care provided by the Veterans Affairs Department.
