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

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.

Workforce

VA Whistleblowers Tell Congress Retaliation Is Still Rampant

One VA employee received a proposed firing notice just one day prior to testifying.

Workforce

How Well Do VA’s Regional Offices Perform? VA Doesn’t Really Know.

The department has 1,000 employees to oversee medical centers, but their roles have never been clearly defined and performance is not clearly measured, auditors say.

Defense

For Soldiers, Risk of Suicide Linked With Firearm Ownership

Clinicians advise that soldiers at risk for suicide spend less time close to guns.

Defense

ICE Doesn't Know How Many Non-Citizen Military Veterans It Has Deported

Poor data on those living here or overseas means many are denied benefits, GAO found.

Management

Trump’s VA Firing Spree Falters in Court

Rather than defend a law that the president loves, the VA will reinstate a hospital director whom it twice tried to fire.

Management

How Ex-Congressman Jeff Miller Is Single-Handedly Shaping The Push To Privatize VA Health Care

Behind Miller’s growing lobbying portfolio lies one of the biggest unexamined shifts in Washington’s influence game.

Management

‘Quality Review’ Isn’t Fixing Veterans’ Claims System

Public reports have understated due process mistakes and legal errors in the veterans' appeals process, research finds.