Management
VA Office Meant to Protect Whistleblowers Actually Helped Retaliate Against Them, IG Finds
In a scathing report, VA's auditor says the office engaged in "misdeeds and missteps" and failed to discipline top execs.
Management
How Donald Trump Turned to a Comics Titan to Shape the VA
In a new book and an interview with ProPublica, former VA Secretary David Shulkin describes how Marvel Entertainment’s Ike Perlmutter and two associates with no government experience exerted influence over millions of veterans.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Look to Ban 'Bribes' Federal Unions Use to Recruit New Members
Union says payments are merely rebates used to incentivize participation.
Pay & Benefits
New Program Leads to Uptick in Vets Using Private Health Care, but VA Insists It's 'Not Privatizing'
Ninety days into new initiative, VA has provided more than 1 million private sector consultations.
Oversight
Former VA Union Local Official Sentenced for Embezzlement
A former treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 331 pleaded guilty in May to stealing more than $80,000 from the union.
Pay & Benefits
Higher Pay and Parental Leave Could Help VA Address Vacancies, Official Says
Administration officials at multiple agencies acknowledge shortfalls in medical staffing.
Oversight
Officials Are Investigating 11 'Suspicious Deaths' at West Virginia VA Hospital
"These crimes shock the conscience," says Sen. Joe Manchin.
Management
‘I’m Just Baffled’: Internal Emails Show Career VA Employees Frustrated by Influence of Mar-a-Lago Outsiders
Employees question knowledge of the "Mar-a-Lago" crowd, but note importance of appeasing Trump's friends.
Defense
Trump Told the VA to Order ‘a Lot’ of Ketamine for Vets
The president wants to make a controversial new nasal spray available to depressed veterans. The agency says it will consider incorporating the drug after it has more data.
Oversight
5 Indicted for Alleged Scheme to Steal Millions From Military Members and Veterans
Potential victims of fraud and identity theft will be notified, and Defense will provide free credit monitoring services.
Workforce
Union Files Grievance After VA Bans Employees From Smoking at Work
VA says new policy will improve care for veterans, but employees say it violates their contract.
Management
'No Comment': Emails Show the VA Took No Action to Spare Veterans From a Harsh Trump Immigration Policy
The VA’s approach differs sharply from the Pentagon’s, which won an exemption for active-duty members of the military.
Management
As More Veterans Turn to Nursing Homes for Care, VA Needs to Improve Oversight
A watchdog recommends the Veterans Affairs Department boost facility inspections and provide more comprehensive information to vets and their families.
Management
Senate Democrats Demand VA Return to Bargaining Table with Union
Lawmakers accuse department leadership of “anti-worker, anti-union” tactics.
Management
Federal HR Officials: Get Rid of Most Hiring Authorities
Officials at the Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs departments said having too many avenues for hiring a federal employee causes paralysis at agencies.
Pay & Benefits
Retirement Backlog Grows, Bills Would Expand Veterans Benefits and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Management
Citing New Supreme Court Ruling, VA to Allow Religious Displays at Hospitals and Facilities
VA says its new policy will 'protect religious freedom,' though some feel it violates the Constitution.
Pay & Benefits
House Approves Shutdown Back Pay for Contractors, Trump Signs Law Expanding Vet Disability Benefits
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Workforce
VA Whistleblowers Tell Congress Retaliation Is Still Rampant
One VA employee received a proposed firing notice just one day prior to testifying.
Workforce