The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has initiated the process to find new leaders for its Veterans Health and Veterans Benefits Administrations. The announcement was made today, with VA Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., set to chair the commissions responsible for identifying candidates.
These commissions are tasked with recommending individuals for the roles of Under Secretary for Health and Under Secretary for Benefits. Their recommendations are a necessary step before the president can nominate candidates, who will then require Senate confirmation.
This search is taking place as the department implements several reforms aimed at enhancing services for veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Among these changes are:
- Redirecting funds from gender dysphoria treatments to support paralyzed veterans and amputees.
- Processing a record number of disability claims, achieving one million processed claims by February 20th in fiscal year 2025.
- Accelerating the rollout of an integrated electronic health record system that had stalled under previous administration.
- Ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives from prior policies, saving over $14 million.
- Reversing telework policies from the previous administration by requiring employees to return to office work.
- Allocating hundreds of millions towards direct health care and benefits instead of non-essential projects.
The role of Under Secretary for Health involves overseeing the nation's largest healthcare system dedicated to veterans' care. This includes managing over 1,300 facilities such as hospitals and clinics and ensuring training and research efforts improve veteran health outcomes.
Meanwhile, the Under Secretary for Benefits is charged with delivering timely VA benefits and services. This position oversees accurate processing of disability claims, educational benefits management, home loan programs, vocational rehabilitation counseling for disabled veterans, transition support from military to civilian life, and economic empowerment initiatives.
Further details about these positions can be found in their respective job descriptions.
