Pay & Benefits
Board Again Significantly Scales Back Marquee Federal Employee Firing Law
Tens of thousands of workers will no longer be eligible for expedited removal.
Oversight
VA Is Much Slower at Setting Appointments When Sending Vets to the Private Sector for Care
The department is failing to meet its less ambitious goals for health care appointments outside its own system.
Workforce
The House Passes a Bill to Give VA Medical Employees Greater Union Rights
The VA Employee Fairness Act would grant medical professionals the right to bargain over scheduling and official time, and to file grievances over pay disputes.
Workforce
VA Hopes Its Staffing Progress Will Help With the Looming COVID Wave
Officials are still looking for new tools to staff up, including by removing a $400,000 annual pay cap for some employees.
Tech
'It's a Great Time' for Laid off Tech Workers to Take a Job at VA, Agency CIO Says
During a media call on Friday, the VA’s CIO and CTO discussed the department’s efforts to attract new talent amid thousands of layoffs across the tech sector.
Workforce
Officials Seek to Reassure Lawmakers Skeptical VA Can Staff Up to Meet New Obligations
VA will soon provide new care and benefits to millions and lawmakers have concerns about its capacity.
Tech
VA Used COVID Relief Funds to Bolster IT and Digital Services
The VA used supplemental COVID funding from three different bills to support expanded telehealth services and remote operations during the worst of the pandemic.
Defense
Thousands of Veterans Deluge VA with Claims for Toxic Exposure Benefits, Health Care
The VA is processing claims at its fastest rate ever, as hundreds of thousands of veterans apply for health care under a toxic exposure law.
Workforce
VA Employees Launch a 'Rate My Professors' for Federal Supervisors
The new site will allow employees to anonymously review their bosses.
Defense
‘I Can Go Anywhere’: How Service Dogs Help Veterans With PTSD
The PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act means more veterans with symptoms of traumatic stress can get specially trained service dogs.
Management
A Defense Policy Bill Amendment Would Establish a Veteran-Focused Cyber Training Program
A provision included in House and Senate legislation authorizing Defense Department spending for fiscal year 2023 would allow veterans and military spouses to receive cyber training “at no cost.”
Pay & Benefits
The VA Gives Raises to 10,000 Nurses, Takes More Steps to Boost Recruiting and Retention
The department is looking to quickly implement a new suite of incentives aimed at making VA a more attractive place to work.
Tech
Blind to Problems: How VA’s Electronic Record System Shuts Out Visually Impaired Patients
Veterans Affairs’ electronic health records aren’t friendly to blind- and low-vision users, whether they’re patients or employees. It’s a microcosm of America’s health care system.
Workforce
VA Acquisition Workforce Are Mostly Satisfied, Despite Reported Program Issues
A large majority of acquisition staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs said in a recent Government Accountability Office survey that they are satisfied in their current positions, despite continued issues with the VA’s acquisition programs.
Workforce
Unions Are Making a Last-Ditch Effort to Expand Bargaining Rights for VA Medical Professionals
Labor leaders are urging lawmakers to vote to repeal a longstanding bar against negotiating over matters affecting patient care before the end of Congress’ session.
Management
This is How DOJ Plans to Defend Feds Facing State Prosecution for Performing Abortions
The Biden administration has laid out its legal rationale to ensure federal employees are shielded from state laws banning the care.
Workforce
A Disabled Veteran Has Waited 8 Years for a $1 Million Settlement From the Air Force
David P. Bighia had hoped to work at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio. Instead, he’s been fighting the Air Force as he faces home foreclosure.
Tech
A VA Official Has 'Deep Concerns' About the Agency's Electronic Health Record Deployment
But leadership at the agency pushed back against projected cost overruns and delays moving forward.
Oversight
New Fight Opens in Congress Over VA Policy that Sidesteps State Abortion Bans
Sharp GOP criticism of new abortion policy is expected to lead to court challenges
Management
VA to Offer Abortions in Limited Cases
In a policy reversal, the department is following the Dobbs decision by allowing VA doctors to terminate pregnancies caused by rape or incest, or that threaten the mother's life.
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