News and reports from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced $10 million in new funding for eligible states, territories, and Tribal governments through cooperative agreements aimed at enhancing Veteran suicide prevention strategies.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the construction of a new national cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico, set to begin in 2025. The cemetery will be named Albuquerque National Cemetery and will become the third national cemetery in the state.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced that the National Cemetery Administration has awarded nine grants totaling more than $2.4 million as part of the Veterans Legacy Program (VLP). This initiative honors America’s veterans and service members by uncovering and sharing their stories.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the inclusion of three new cancer types in the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposure under the PACT Act. This move aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s Unity Agenda and the Biden Cancer Moonshot initiative, aiming to support Veterans nationwide.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the award of the second option period for its contract with Oracle Health to support the Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) modernization, focusing on improved fiscal and performance accountability.

On Women Veterans Recognition Day, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that more than 53,000 women veterans enrolled in VA health care between May 2023 and May 2024. This marks a 20% increase over the previous year and represents the largest enrollment year for women veterans on record.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced updates today to assist eligible Veterans, active-duty Service members, and surviving spouses using VA-guaranteed home loan benefits in remaining competitive in the housing market. The update allows these individuals to pay for certain real estate buyer-broker fees when purchasing a home.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will host the second annual PACT Act Summer VetFest, featuring over 100 events across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. These events aim to encourage veterans and survivors to apply for health care and benefits available under the PACT Act. Scheduled from June through August, these gatherings will include VA health care and benefits professionals ready to assist veterans with applications, enrollments, and screenings for toxic exposures.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued guidance urging mortgage servicers to implement a targeted moratorium on foreclosures for Veterans with VA-guaranteed loans through December 31, 2024. This measure aims to help Veterans and their families remain in their homes beyond the current foreclosure moratorium ending on May 31.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that Veterans will no longer need to pay copays for their first three outpatient mental health care and substance use disorder visits each calendar year through 2027. This initiative aims to expand access to mental health services and reduce out-of-pocket costs for Veterans.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced an expansion of its partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD) to increase VA health care access for Veterans in Virginia. The new agreement will allow Veterans to receive care at the Langley VA Clinic, located within the Langley Air Force Base Hospital on Joint Base Langley-Eustis.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced plans to host Memorial Day ceremonies at over 130 national cemeteries across the United States. The events, which are intended to commemorate the lives of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation, as well as all Veterans buried in VA cemeteries, will take place throughout Memorial Day weekend.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been recognized as one of the top 10 fastest rising research institutions in North America, according to the esteemed Nature Index. The VA's long-standing history of medical breakthroughs includes the development of the CAT scan, the pacemaker innovation, and the execution of the first-ever liver transplant. In recent years, VA researchers have contributed significantly to critical initiatives such as COVID-19 response, women’s health, telehealth, suicide prevention, the PACT Act, President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot, among others.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has officially inaugurated its newest clinic in South Tampa, Florida. The Sabal Park Clinic is equipped to provide a wide range of services including primary care, mental health, social work, and dietetics. It is designed to cater to the needs of up to 3,600 Veterans.

WASHINGTON — On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a new grant program designed to aid service members and their spouses in transitioning from military to civilian life. The grants will be awarded to eligible organizations that provide employment-based resources and tools for transitioning service members and spouses. This includes resume assistance services, interview training, job recruitment training, employment placement services, and other services that directly contribute to a successful transition.