News and reports from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans News

Veterans
Matt Miller, Director of the VA Office of Suicide Prevention, extended his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in Day 2 of the Gathering to Prevent Suicide Among American Indian & Alaska Native Service Members, Veterans, & their Families. "Thank you for the critical work you and your team in the VA Office of Suicide Prevention are doing every day," he stated.
Veterans

VA awards over $800 million in grants for veteran homelessness prevention

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the allocation of $806.4 million in grants aimed at supporting homeless and at-risk veterans through its Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) programs.
Veterans

New website launched by VA aims to protect veterans from scams

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Biden-Harris Administration have announced the launch of VSAFE.gov and 1-833-38V-SAFE (1-833-388-7233), a new government-wide website and call center aimed at protecting veterans, service members, and their families from fraud and scams.
Veterans

PACT Act boosts veteran care with $6.8 billion in benefits delivered

On the eve of the second anniversary of President Biden signing the PACT Act into law, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released a new dashboard to highlight the impact of this legislation on veterans and their survivors. The PACT Act has significantly expanded care and benefits for toxic-exposed veterans.
Veterans

VA expands access to benefits for veterans who served at Karshi-Khanabad base

On August 9, 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced measures to expand access to benefits for Veterans who served at Karshi-Khanabad (K2) base in Uzbekistan after September 11, 2001, and their survivors. These steps include:
Veterans

VA launches initiative to expand veteran healthcare through medical education

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched an online application portal for the new Pilot Program for Graduate Medical Education and Residency. This initiative aims to expand healthcare access for veterans nationwide.
Veterans

VA updates Burn Pit Registry for enhanced Veteran health research

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the launch of the redesigned Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, also known as the Burn Pit Research Registry. This database aims to improve understanding, research, and treatment of health issues affecting Veterans exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits during military service.
Veterans

VA announces $4 million grant program aiding veterans' transition

Eligible organizations providing employment-based resources and tools to help recently separated members of the Armed Forces and their spouses may now apply for grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Veterans

Margaret Kabat sworn in as new chief of staff at Veterans Affairs

Margaret Kabat was sworn in today as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' chief of staff. In this senior leadership role, Chief of Staff Kabat will serve as the top advisor to the VA Secretary and Deputy Secretary and provide strategic leadership to the organization.
Veterans

VA begins transition to simpler online sign-in experience for veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced plans to transition Veterans to a more modern, streamlined online login process over the next year. This initiative is part of the VA and Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to protect Veteran data and that of their beneficiaries.
Veterans

VA awards $26.8M in grants supporting legal services for homeless veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the allocation of $26.8 million in legal services grants to 108 public and non-profit organizations. The initiative aims to enhance access to legal services for eligible Veterans who are experiencing or at risk for homelessness.
Veterans

VA announces $10M in new funding opportunities for veteran suicide prevention

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.
Veterans

VA announces new national cemetery in Albuquerque

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.
Veterans

VA allocates over $2.4M in grants to honor veteran stories

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.
Veterans

VA extends presumptions for three new cancer types under PACT Act

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.
Veterans

VA awards second option period to Oracle Health for EHR modernization

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.
Veterans

Record number of women enrolls in veteran affairs healthcare

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.
Veterans

VA announces updates for Veteran competitiveness in housing market

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.
Veterans

VA announces second annual PACT Act Summer VetFest across U.S., D.C., Puerto Rico

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.
Veterans

VA calls for extension of veteran foreclosure moratorium through Dec. 31, 2024

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.
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