Workforce

Unions are Urging the VA to Better Educate Employees About Their Rights Under COVID Law

Although Congress has approved a number of measures to help federal workers stay safe during the pandemic, labor groups say the Veterans Affairs Department has not adequately trained employees on those benefits.

Tech

Vista Modernization Still a Priority at VA, but Funding Is a Question

Two instances of the homegrown electronic health record have been moved to the cloud as part of a pilot project, but it's not clear if funding or support exists for more cloud migration as VA transitions to a commercial electronic health record.

Pay & Benefits

The VA Wants to Help Native American Vets Better Access Their Benefits

As of October 2021, there were about 160,000 American Indians/Native Hawaiians/Alaska Natives veterans nationwide, according to VA officials.

Pay & Benefits

Better Bonuses and Child Care Subsidies Are Coming to VA Employees

On Wednesday, Secretary Denis McDonough announced new steps to hire and retain workers amid unusually high turnover.

Pay & Benefits

The VA’s Nurses Are One Step Closer to Getting a Big Pay Raise

Measure granting the raises passes a House committee, but loses bipartisan support after Republicans seek to block department’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Defense

Private Group Keeps Afghanistan Evacuations Flying Despite Ground Halt

Group leader: “There are Americans saying, ‘Help me, help me, help me.’ And the State Department is saying, ‘Fill out your form in triplicate.’”

Workforce

‘Sheer Madness:’ Agencies Scramble to Implement New Policies for COVID-Positive Employees

With staffing shortages arriving or anticipated, agencies look to adapt their quarantine and isolation guidelines.

Management

Some Veterans Affairs Beneficiaries Will Receive Notification Letters Late Due to Printing Delays 

VA and Government Publishing Office attribute the slow-down to labor shortages and the supply chain crisis. 

Defense

Poll: Veterans Say US Left Afghanistan Without Honor, and They Want to Talk About It

70 percent of Americans surveyed said they have “never” or “rarely” talked to a veteran about the war.

Workforce

Percentage of Veterans in the Federal Workforce Stagnates at 31%

The Interagency Veterans Advisory Council is looking to boost that, as well as increase representation of veterans in the Senior Executive Service. 

Management

91% of VA Health Care Workers Submitted COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Data 

“The goal of the disciplinary process is not to fire people,” but rather “get people vaccinated,” said the VA secretary. 

Defense

Veterans Day: How Crosses and Mementos Help These Marines Remember Fallen Comrades

For some military members, a hillside in California embodies the sacrifices of serving.

Management

Lawmakers Look to Boost VA Research by Poaching From Other Agencies, Governments

VA would be better positioned to lead on issues like traumatic brain injury and PTSD, committee leaders say.