Tech
Veterans Affairs sheds more light on $14B transformation recompete
The department's main health care agency announces its decision on which companies will be eligible and reveals more on how teams can be structured.
Workforce
Bipartisan bill would let VA medical employees grieve compensation mistakes
Unlike most federal workers, medical professionals at the Veterans Affairs Department are unable to negotiate over compensation adjustments like payroll errors.
Workforce
VA is putting veterans at risk by improperly screening employees, watchdogs warn
The department does not have a good explanation for why the shortfalls occurred, officials say.
Management
VA creates new monitoring system after glitch affects more than 120,000 veterans’ claims
Officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs said they’re creating a new system to notify officials “within 24 hours” of any issues affecting electronically filed claims.
Management
VA is leading the way to restoring trust in government
COMMENTARY | The hard work of improving customer experience can restore faith and trust in government institutions.
Management
Stefanik calls for fraud officer to protect veterans from scam in new bill
The New York congresswoman partnered with House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost, R-Ill., to sponsor new legislation that would create an officer to help warn veterans about potential scam and identity theft schemes.
Management
VA hopeful boosted staffing can help reduce rising veteran suicides
With the number of veteran suicides climbing in 2021, the department continues to deploy resources and recruit mental health professionals to help provide care.
Oversight
VA veterans crisis line to face new investigation by GAO
Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., says several whistleblowers have told him and his staff that veterans crisis line “responders are currently transferring veterans determined to present complex needs to an indefinite waiting list for eventual contact from a special unit.”
Management
VA officials reassigned following a House Committee's investigation into harassment allegations
Members of the office tasked with investigating harassment claims have been transferred following an investigation by the House Veterans Affairs Committee into sexual misconduct claims within that office.
Pay & Benefits
Veterans’ health care coverage expanded by the Biden administration
The VA will create new programs meant to make care more accessible.
Workforce
Honoring our heroes and a call to serve at the VA
COMMENTARY | The Veterans Affairs Department offers an unparalleled opportunity for doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals to give back to those who have already given so much.
Workforce
VA attributes record-breaking year to massive increases in hiring
The department will now focus on retaining those employees through various incentives and process improvements, officials say.
Workforce
Administration officials defend maligned whistleblower protection office, though lawmakers still want changes
A VA office meant to protect employees is fundamentally flawed, lawmakers and advocates say.
Management
‘Historic agreement’ reached between VA and Cherokee Nation to expand veterans care in Oklahoma
The clinic, which will serve both non-Native and Indigenous veterans, is expected to open early next year.
News
Jordan’s bid to be House speaker ends after rejection by GOP in closed meeting
The closed-door meeting came after Rep. Jim Jordan’s third attempt to win sufficient support from Republicans, who hold a slim majority in the House.
Workforce
If Sen. Ernst thinks veterans are fraudsters, she couldn't be more wrong
COMMENTARY | Criticism regarding potential inefficiencies or shortcomings in teleworking policies should be directed at the policy or system, not the workers who operate within the guidelines provided, writes one veteran.
Workforce
Despite hiring efforts, 92% of VA facilities report severe nursing shortages
While the department has made strides filling vacancies, VA's health care centers are struggling to find candidates in occupations across their workforces.
Workforce
Using special funding and authorities, some agencies are finding big success in growing their workforces
The Biden administration is growing some workforces to previously unseen levels.
Defense
PACT Act in one year aided 340,000 ailing veterans and survivors, Biden says
The act expands health care eligibility for up to 3.5 million post-9/11 veterans, and for those who served during the Vietnam and Cold War eras.
Defense