On Wednesday, outgoing officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assured veterans and their families that their medical care and support services would largely remain unchanged despite the incoming political shift in Washington, D.C.
Commitment to Veterans’ Needs
As the new leadership prepares to take charge, these officials emphasized that veterans should continue to reach out for assistance and benefits.
The commitment to serve their needs remains unwavering.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough expressed optimism about the incoming administration, stating that discussions are already underway to ensure they have the necessary resources to maintain and improve care for veterans.
He underscored the critical nature of sustaining operations during this transition phase.
To facilitate a seamless transfer, representatives from the incoming administration and VA staff have been engaging in talks about key initiatives.
These include the overhaul of electronic health records, the introduction of new rules on presumptive benefits, and addressing the financial hurdles the department is currently facing.
Stable Operations Amid Transition
Unlike numerous federal agencies that depend heavily on political appointments, the VA relies primarily on career officials who are expected to continue in their roles after the inauguration.
This characteristic of the department suggests that the shift in leadership should cause fewer disruptions in service delivery compared to other federal entities.
While McDonough acknowledged that policy changes could potentially affect healthcare access and benefits for veterans, he asserted that the direction the new administration takes is ultimately their decision.
Nonetheless, he reassured stakeholders that the current leadership is dedicated to ensuring support and continuity for veterans and their families during this transition period.
In light of recent severe winter storms and wildfires in California, VA officials also urged affected veterans to seek assistance.
They reassured that staff would be available in the coming weeks to address these urgent needs.
Managing Expectations
McDonough also stressed the importance of managing expectations throughout this transition, expressing confidence that disruptions would be kept to a minimum.
For veterans who require help regarding these issues or other support services, assistance is available at the helpline (800-698-2411) or online at the VA’s website: va.gov/resources/disaster-help.
Source: Militarytimes