Veterans

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. 

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.

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.

VA’s AI model to prevent suicides is a 'game changer,' official says

The REACH-VET program identifies roughly 6,700 retired servicemembers per month, according to a top lawmaker.

VA to review more previously awarded bonuses after improperly doling out $11M to execs

The department has used an “improper and overzealous application” of new authorities to give extra pay to certain employees, IG says.

Exposed to Agent Orange at U.S. bases, veterans face cancer without VA compensation

Mounting evidence shows that as far back as the 1950s, in an effort to kill the ubiquitous poison oak and other weeds at Fort Ord, the military experimented with and sprayed the powerful herbicide combination known colloquially as Agent Orange.

VA employee discipline back in the spotlight as lawmakers move new bills

Another measure would provide VA managers with more training on disciplining employees.

Senate Veterans’ Affairs chair calls for more mental health care providers in rural areas

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., asked VA Secretary Denis McDonough to increase the number of providers and ensure they are “in locations where veterans need them most.”