Veterans
Internal Veterans Affairs memo shows plan to scrutinize disability work from home accommodations
A department press secretary said the new policy is to ensure reasonable accommodations remain "necessary, reasonable and effective," while the American Federation of Government Employees contended it would push employees with disabilities out of the VA.
Breaking News
VA backs down on mass layoffs, will cut 30K through attrition only
Following significant pushback, VA is reversing course on its plan for widespread RIFs while still promising some staffing reductions.
Funding for further EHR deployments ‘vitally important,’ VA secretary says
VA Secretary Doug Collins said failing to modernize the agency’s electronic health record system “hurts our community care process because our doctors cannot communicate with the community [or] our doctors internally.”
Trump watchdog nominees draw congressional scrutiny for political histories
Labor inspector general nominee and former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., praised President Donald Trump during his confirmation hearing, while Veterans Affairs IG nominee Cheryl Mason, who was a senior advisor to VA Secretary Doug Collins, said she wasn’t involved in any decisions at the department.
Watchdog says VA isn’t keeping close enough tabs on retention bonuses
While department officials blamed an overhaul to human resources processes for the errors, the inspector general noted that auditors have previously warned about similar issues.
AI-driven contract cuts at VA spark concern
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., the ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said DOGE’s use of an AI tool resulted in the “wholesale slashing” of VA contracts.
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VA signs $700K agreement with OPM for assistance with mass layoffs
The department lacks expertise for such a large reduction, it says, and RIF planners confirm VA leadership is not offering clear guidance.
Updated
Unions and advocacy groups protest veteran job cuts, warn of downstream impacts
The Trump administration is planning to cut around 15% of staff at the Veterans Affairs Department.
Senator says VA is slow-footing benefits law, congresswoman wants a watchdog for Thrift Investment Board
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., has brought back legislation that would create an inspector general for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, while the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s ranking member argues the department is too slow in implementing legislation.
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NDAs for VA employees working on staff reduction plans prompts House Dems probe
The use of non-disclosure agreements could "chill employees from disclosing violations of waste, fraud and abuse," top oversight Democrat says.
VA moves survivors’ help office, again, to make it easier to get benefits
The department is seeking to reverse a 2021 decision by the Biden administration that placed the Office of Survivors Assistance under the Veterans Benefits Administration.
Lawmakers raise bipartisan concerns over VA RIFs as secretary says he may alter plans
VA secretary says he could end up cutting fewer than the proposed 80,000 employees, but the final tally could be greater as well.
VA tech panel’s top Democrat worries layoffs will harm EHR rollout
Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., is concerned that staffing vacancies, coupled with the department’s reduction in force plans, will put “more pressure onto the VA to execute on an expedited calendar for implementation” of its new EHR system.
Despite return-to-office deadline, some VA employees may still work remotely because there's not enough workspace
Veterans Health Administration employees who live within 50 miles of federal office space must begin working fully in person by May 5 if they’re not already, but agency officials said there’ll be leniency if there’s not enough workspace.
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VA forces staff in workforce reduction discussions to sign non-disclosure agreements
Senior leaders are contemplating which jobs to keep and which to slash in meetings, but telling staff they cannot discuss those topics.
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