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 for these vulnerable beneficiaries. Managed by VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the new regulations, which took effect […]

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. The campaign highlights the risk factors and warning signs for suicide, provides information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources, and helps individuals and organizations start […]

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. Managed by VA’s Office of Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D), the first of its kind center will be […]

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 reported the following vacancies: 45,239 overall vacancies at the department, out of a total of 419,353 full-time authorized and budgeted positions. This overall number of vacancies includes: […]

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. These Veterans, who are permanently housed or transitioning to permanent housing, will continue to have access to crucial services with the funding of approximately […]

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. The list of community partners who will work with VA to provide transitional housing for homeless Veterans can be […]

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. Byrne was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Aug. 9, 2017, as the General Counsel for the department. Prior to joining VA, Byrne served in Lockheed Martin Corp.’s […]

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). The hiring effort, which began early this summer, will help improve service to Veterans with service-connected disabilities and employment […]

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 ago. He will be missed by all of those who have worn the uniform and […]

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 Modernization Act of 2017 (Appeals Modernization Act) was signed Aug. 23, 2017, aimed at transforming a complex, […]