Tech
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.
Oversight
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Health Administration to task over recent hiring restrictions within the department and controversial but since-rescinded bonus payments.
Defense
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.
Oversight
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.
Management
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.”
Workforce
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.
News
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.
Pay & Benefits
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.
Management
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.
Management
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.
Pay & Benefits
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.
Tech
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.
Management
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.
Defense
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.
Defense
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.
Management
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.
Workforce
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.
Pay & Benefits
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.
Pay & Benefits
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.
Workforce
VA employee discipline back in the spotlight as lawmakers move new bills
Another measure would provide VA managers with more training on disciplining employees.
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