VA SAIL report scorecard shows majority of VA medical centers have improved over past year in quality of services provided to Veterans
WASHINGTON - Using a web-based report scorecard that measures, evaluates and benchmarks quality and efficiency at its medical centers, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently released data that showed significant improvements at the majority of its health care...
VA achieves historic goal by delivering 81,000 appeals decisions to Veterans in fiscal 2018
WASHINGTON - On Sept. 14, two weeks ahead of schedule, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) exceeded its goal to deliver 81,000 appeals decisions of disability benefits and services to Veterans in fiscal year 2018 - 28,000 more decisions...
President signs bill into law requiring VA to hire 50 outreach specialists to support Veterans involved in justice system
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it is ready to hire an additional 50 Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) specialists following President Trump's signing today of the Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018, a new law shoring...
Veterans gather in San Diego for VA's 11th annual Summer Sports Clinic
WASHINGTON - About 120 Veterans from across the country were expected to participate in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) 11th National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in Southern California, which began Sept. 16.
VA implements new fiduciary regulations
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently updated regulations related to how it governs the oversight of beneficiaries, who, because of injury, disease, or age, are unable to manage their VA benefits, and the appointment and oversight of fiduciaries...
VA marks Suicide Prevention Month in September with ‘Be There' campaign: Initiative urges communities to support at-risk Veterans through simple actions
WASHINGTON - To mark Suicide Prevention Month this September, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is shining a light on effective ways to prevent Veteran suicide with its Be There campaign.
VA to fund first national center of excellence for Veteran and caregiver research
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will fund a new center of excellence to expand the department's capacity to deliver innovative, data-driven and integrated approaches to improve services for Veterans and their caregivers.
VA releases data on vacancies as required under MISSION Act
Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released its figures on employment vacancies as of June 30, as mandated each quarter under the recently passed MISSION Act.
VA announces upcoming awards of nearly $326M in grants to help at-risk Veterans and family members
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that thousands of low-income Veteran families around the nation will continue to receive benefits under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.
VA General Counsel Jim Byrne named VA Acting Deputy Secretary
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that its General Counsel, Jim Byrne, has been named Acting Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs effective Aug. 28.
VA announces $200M in funding for Grant and Per Diem Program to support homeless Veterans programs nationwide
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it plans to provide approximately $200 million in fiscal year 2019 funding to support more than 13,000 transitional housing beds for its Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program.
VA expands Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program to improve service to Veterans: Hiring effort underway to reduce counselor-to-caseload ratio
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E) recently began the process of reducing the average counselor-to-caseload ratio, to one to 125 or below, through the hiring of 172 vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs).
Secretary Wilkie Statement on the Passing of Senator John McCain
On behalf our nation's Veterans, we are all saddened by the passing of one of America's great warriors. Senator John McCain's life of courage and sacrifice continued a legacy of selfless service begun by his family over one hundred years...
Appeals Modernization: VA's Progress One Year Since Enactment of the Historic Law
Today marks one year since President Donald J. Trump signed into law one of the most significant statutory changes in decades to affect the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans it serves. The Veterans Appeals Improvement and...
VA Secretary clarifies collective bargaining authority related to professional conduct, patient care
Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that VA Secretary Robert Wilkie clarified that unions can no longer use collective bargaining rights when it comes to professional conduct and patient care by VA providers. Specifically, Secretary Wilkie has...
At White House, VA Secretary underscores low unemployment for Veterans under President Trump
In his first White House Cabinet Meeting as Secretary of Veterans Affairs yesterday, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie underscored for President Donald Trump and the public how the President's policies have led to near-record-low unemployment rates for America's Veterans. Asked by...
VA, Walgreens collaborate to improve care coordination for Veterans
WASHINGTON - As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) efforts to improve care coordination for Veterans, the department is working with pharmacy services provider Walgreens to coordinate patient and pharmaceutical care for VA-enrolled patients.
Veterans ‘TEE' up for 25th anniversary golf tournament sponsored by VA & DAV
WASHINGTON - More than 200 Veterans with visual impairments, severe illness or injury are set to tee up for the 2018 National Disabled Veterans Training, Exposure and Experience (TEE) Tournament, which will take place Sept. 9-14 near Iowa City, Iowa.
VA updates the disability rating schedule related to skin conditions
Effective Aug. 13, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) updated portions of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD, or Rating Schedule) that evaluate conditions related to the skin.
VA announces leadership changes to take effect shortly
Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced several leadership changes that will take effect shortly. These leadership changes will build upon a strong current team that will continue to carry out the priorities of President Trump and newly...
VA releases health care benefit application for Spanish-speaking Veterans
WASHNGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released the Spanish version of the application for health benefits, as part of VA's effort to simplify and improve the health care enrollment process for Veterans.
Secretary Wilkie meets with leaders at Washington DC VA Medical Center
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie visited the Washington DC VA Medical Center (VAMC), where he met with facility and regional leaders and received updates on recent progress in Veterans' care and plans for further improvements...
Forever GI Bill expands VA educational benefits
WASHINGTON - Effective Aug. 1, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented 15 more provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act of 2017, also referred to as the Forever GI Bill.
President Trump selects Jake Leinenkugel to lead VA commission focused on Veterans' mental health treatment
Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that President Donald J. Trump has selected former VA White House Senior Advisor Thomas 'Jake' Leinenkugel to lead a key commission focused on the department's mental health care programs.
VA implementing presidential executive order governing union activities during official work hours
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced it has begun implementing a recent presidential executive order (EO), which offered new guidelines for how union officials use work hours when representing federal employees.
VA and IBM Watson Health Extend Partnership to Support Veterans With Cancer
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and IBM Watson Health announced the extension of a public-private partnership to apply artificial intelligence (AI) to help interpret cancer data in the treatment of Veteran patients.
VEText system transforming VA's medical scheduling process
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently launched VEText, a text messaging appointment-reminder system, which to date has helped VA reduce no-show medical visits by more than 100,000.
VA Establishes Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization to Support Transition From Legacy Patient Data System
WASHINGTON - Focused on ensuring a successful transition from a legacy patient data system, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the recent establishment of the Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization (OEHRM).
VA's Board of Veterans' Appeals Using Innovative Tools to Make a Record Number of Decisions
WASHINGTON - Strengthened by innovative tools, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently issued a record number of decisions for Veterans appealing their disability benefits claims.
VA Partnership with National Cancer Institute Will Boost Veteran Access to Clinical Trials
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it has formed a partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) which will provide more access to the latest treatment options for VA patients with cancer.
Aimed at Suicide Prevention, VA Shares Winners of Its ‘Gun Safety Matters Challenge'
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently selected three winners in its Gun Safety Matters Challenge, an open-innovation contest to develop cost-effective solutions for firearm storage, which Veterans and their families or friends could use to prevent...
VA's new ‘ChooseVA' campaign highlights Veteran benefits and services, aims to attract and retain employees
WASHINGTON - Emphasizing a multitude of benefits and services to its 9 million Veteran customers, as well as promoting the organization as a great place to work, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) kicked off its new 'ChooseVA' marketing...
VA Releases State-level Veteran Suicide Data, National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released state-level Veteran suicide data today as a follow-up to its 2015 National Suicide Data Report, which was released on June 18
Award-winning VA video series, The American Veteran, receives 2017 regional Emmy Award
WASHINGTON - A video story produced by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - focusing on a Navy Veteran and comedian who recovered from a possible career-ending stroke in 2016 with the help of VA doctors and therapists - received...
Modern Healthcare Magazine Recognizes VA's Top Physician as one of 2018's 50 Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) top physician, Dr. Carolyn Clancy, who leads VA's Veterans Health Administration (VHA), was named by Modern Healthcare magazine as one of 2018's 50 Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders in an...
Nine VA Programs Receive Awards for Innovation in Health IT
Nine U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs were recently recognized for outstanding innovations in federal health technology at an awards ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
VA Provides Reorganization Plan to Strengthen and Modernize Department
WASHINGTON - Today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced specific recommendations in the President's 'Delivering Government Solutions in the 21st Century' - Reform Plan and Reorganization Recommendations.'
VA Showcases New Medical Advancements in Veteran Care on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Office of Research and Development hosted a Research Fair at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill to share new medical advancements in improving health care and quality of...
VA Releases National Suicide Data Report
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released findings from its most recent analysis of Veteran suicide data for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
VA Issues New Policy to Protect Veteran Homeowners from Predatory Lending
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a new policy implementing the May 2018 Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, to protect Veteran homeowners from predatory lending practices when obtaining a VA-guaranteed refinance loan.
VA Extends Record of Transparency with First-Ever Posting of Annual Nursing Home Ratings
Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) extended its unprecedented 18-month record of transparency disclosures by making public for the first time its annual nursing home ratings. The data show that, overall, VA's nursing home system - composed of...
VA and PsychArmor Institute Offer Online Suicide Prevention Training
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in collaboration with PsychArmor Institute, a national nonprofit that provides online education and support to Americans who work with, live with or care for military service members, Veterans and their families,...
VA's Veterans Crisis Line Improves Service With Third Call Center Opening in Topeka, Kansas
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it has opened its third Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) call center in Topeka, Kansas on the campus of the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center.
VA Commits $17 Million to Expand Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program
WASHINGTON - The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking action to address Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) by earmarking $17 million in funds to support Veterans in need.
Statement by Acting VA Secretary Peter O'Rourke – President Trump signs historic MISSION Act
Today President Trump kept his promise to our Nation's Veterans and signed the historic VA MISSION Act into law. His leadership today in the Rose Garden is testament to his commitment to Veterans, caregivers, and their families.
VA Leaders and Team Named as Finalists for Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals
WASHINGTON - Two employees and a team from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) were recently honored as finalists for Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals, or Sammies, by the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service, which recognizes the...
VA's Board of Veterans' Appeals resolves record number of claims to date for FY 2018
Underscoring the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) pledge to reduce the wait time for those appealing disability benefits claims, the Board of Veterans' Appeals, as of May 27, has signed more than 53,650 decisions to date in fiscal year...
Focused on Patient Safety, VA to Host Summit Launching a National Registry for Medical Implant Devices
In collaboration with three federal agencies and several academic leaders, the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will host a national summit June 4 in Washington, D.C., focused on launching the nation's largest health-system, medical-implant tracking program.
President Trump's Executive Order Supporting Mental Health Care for Transitioning Service Members Now Underway
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that the White House has approved an interagency plan to implement President Trump's executive order supporting Veterans with mental health care and suicide-prevention resources during their transition from uniformed...
VA Recognizes Mental Health Month With Video Campaign Focused on How Treatment Can Transform Lives
WASHINGTON - In recognition of Mental Health Month this May, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) emphasized the positive impact of mental health treatment through a video campaign spotlighting hundreds of Veterans who have stepped forward to combat the...
VA Announces New Acting Secretary, Retirement of Deputy Secretary
Today, the White House named Peter O'Rourke as Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. O'Rourke previously served as VA Chief of Staff. Jacquelyn Hayes-Byrd will serve as VA Acting Chief of Staff while Mr. O'Rourke serves...
Statement by Acting Secretary Robert Wilkie – VA signs contract with Cerner for an electronic health record system
I am pleased to announce we have signed a contract with Cerner today that will modernize the VA's health care IT system and help provide seamless care to Veterans as they transition from military service to Veteran status, and when...
Statement by Acting VA Secretary Robert Wilkie – House Passage of the MISSION Act
I congratulate Chairman Roe and Members from both parties who forged an overwhelming vote of support for the MISSION Act. This long-awaited legislation streamlines VA's community care programs, strengthens health care options for our nation's Veterans, whether in the VA...
VA Announces Whole Health Flagship Sites: Personalized Plan Puts Veterans in Control of their Health Care
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released the names of 18 facilities designated VA Whole Health Flagship sites, which are spread around the country within the VA health-care system and are focused on empowering and equipping Veterans...
VA announces Paul Lawrence as new Under Secretary for Benefits
Today VA announced that Paul R. Lawrence will assume office Tuesday, May 15 as the department's new Under Secretary for Benefits. Lawrence is a former Army captain and airborne school graduate, and has served in a number of key positions...
VA Updates Disability Rating Schedule to Better Align with Modern Medicine
WASHINGTON - Effective May 13, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will update portions of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD, or rating schedule) that evaluates the organs of special sense eye conditions, as well as gynecological conditions...
VA Celebrates National VA Research Week 2018
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will celebrate 93 years of improving the lives of Veterans and other Americans through the department's health research and research programs during National VA Research Week held May 14-18.
VA Celebrates ‘Nurses Week 2018' with a Number of Activities Recognizing VA's 93,000 Nurses Nationwide
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was pleased to recognize and celebrate National Nurses Week held May 6 - 12 with a number of activities, including the release of 'Meaningful Tweets,' a heartfelt VA twist on a...
VA Expands Telehealth by Allowing Health Care Providers to Treat Patients Across State Lines
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a new federal rule that will allow VA doctors, nurses and other health-care providers to administer care to Veterans using telehealth, or virtual technology, regardless of where in the...
VA Nurse and formerly homeless Veteran: ‘For every bad thing you hear that goes on at the VA, there's a thousand great things that go on there that you will never hear about'
Today Little Rock's Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System nurse and Veteran David Hathcock, works in the same hospital that helped him pull his life together after becoming addicted to drugs and losing "everything" including his home and car.
