The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has unveiled a 2024 Equity Action Plan aimed at ensuring all Veterans receive the health care benefits they have earned. The department recently conducted a study to identify any disparities in grant rates for mental health conditions through disability compensation.

The study revealed no disparities or forms of prejudice in the allocation of these grants. However, it did note that while Black Veterans receive a higher rate of VA benefits, their grant rates are slightly lower for mental health conditions. In light of this new data, the department plans to update its Transition Assistance Program to better inform service members about the benefits they are eligible for. This is part of the Agency Equity Action plan, which is committed to advancing equity and fair lending to Veterans.

VA Secretary Denis McDonough said, "It’s our job to provide every Veteran with the world-class care and benefits they deserve, no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love, where they are from, or how they identify." He added that investigating any disparities in VA health care and benefits and eliminating them is exactly what this new study and plan will help achieve. "We will not rest until any and all disparities at VA are a thing of the past," McDonough stated.

Since the first equity action plan was released by the department in 2022, significant strides have been made to reduce inequality through programs and funding opportunities provided by the department. According to a press release by the VA, women Veterans now have more opportunities for breast cancer screenings and mammograms. Furthermore, an expansion of one-on-one maternity care has been implemented. A historic agreement with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was also reached to improve quality of life for Black Veterans. This partnership aims to increase both enrollment of Black Veterans in VA health care and awareness about VA benefits among these Veterans.