News Releases
VA publishes Interim Final Rule for Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program - As part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ national homeless prevention efforts, VA published an Interim Final Rule which allows VA to enhance the provision of legal services for Veterans experiencing or at risk for homelessness. (5/31/22)
VA Secretary Denis McDonough statement on PACT Act - President Biden has stated we have a sacred obligation to support Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. As part of his first State of the Union address, he identified supporting Veterans as a key pillar of his Unity Agenda and an issue that can unite the country. The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act makes good on that promise. (5/27/22)
VA launches $20 million innovation challenge to reduce Veteran suicide - As part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ 10-year strategy to reduce Veteran suicide, VA invites innovators across the country to participate in Mission Daybreak — a $20 million challenge designed to help VA develop new suicide prevention strategies for Veterans. (5/25/22)
VA implements COVID-19 health protection levels enhancing Veteran, visitor and employee safety at medical facilities - — The Department of Veterans Affairs Health Administration launched three operational levels called VHA COVID-19 Health Protection Levels to provide a consistent, nationwide approach at its medical centers. (5/24/22)
VA national cemeteries to host public Memorial Day ceremonies after two years without gatherings - The Department of Veteran Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration will host its first public Memorial Day ceremonies since 2019. (5/23/22)
Statement from Secretaries Fudge, McDonough, Vilsack and Yellen on continued efforts to connect homeowners to pandemic relief - The Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development Marcia L. Fudge, Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough, Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Treasury Janet L. Yellen are calling on servicers of federally backed mortgages to make every effort to ensure no individual or family unduly experiences unnecessary hardship or foreclosure while assistance is available under the Homeowner Assistance Fund. (5/6/22)
VA brings new electronic health record system to Columbus, Ohio, medical facilities - The Department of Veterans Affairs launched its new electronic health record April 30 at the VA Central Ohio Healthcare System in Columbus, Ohio, marking the third rollout in VA’s modernization effort to replace the more than 30-year-old software that tracks and stores patient information. (5/2/22)
VA expands reimbursement agreement program to Urban Indian Organizations - The Department of Veterans Affairs partners with Health and Human Services’ 41 Indian Health Service grant-funded Urban Indian Organizations serving eligible American Indian/Alaska Native Veterans. (4/28/22)
VA encourages volunteers to “Carry The Load” for an American hero during trek across country - Beginning April 28, volunteers organized by Carry The Load, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration will visit 50 national cemeteries during a 20,000-mile march along five separate routes covering 48 states — converging on Memorial Day weekend for final rally in Dallas, Texas. (4/25/22)
VA establishes presumptive service connection for rare respiratory cancers for certain Veterans - As part of President Biden’s Unity Agenda commitment to support the nation’s Veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs is adding nine rare respiratory cancers to the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposures to fine particulate matter. (4/25/22)
Redevelopment of VA Greater Los Angeles West L.A. Campus represents proof of concept for the nation as a way forward in tackling homelessness - As part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ efforts to end Veteran homelessness, Secretary Denis McDonough released Master Plan 2022, April 22, detailing the updated vision for a stable and supportive community for homeless and other at-risk Veterans and their families at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. (4/22/22)
National Veterans Creative Arts Festival to showcase award-winning Veterans - The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is back in person for the first time since 2019 and will be held April 20-25 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (4/19/22)
VA Secretary statement on the leadership change at the helm of VA’s Board of Veterans’ Appeals - President Biden has announced his intended nominee to serve as the chairman of the Veterans’ Board of Appeals for the Department of Veterans Affairs. (4/15/22)
VA issues Notice of Funding Opportunity for Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program - As part of the Department of Veterans Affairs and White House national suicide prevention efforts, April 15, VA published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for approximately $51,750,000 in suicide prevention grants. (4/14/22)
VA advances equity in benefits, services and health care - The Department of Veterans Affairs released its Equity Action Plan, April 14, to eliminate barriers to health care, benefits and services, and create opportunities to improve access and experiences for historically marginalized Veterans. (4/14/22)
