The VA and its partners are pursuing research, including six major studies, to better understand the potential health effects of burn pit exposures.
House subcommittee pushes for burn pit exposure answers
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Sandra Basu
Despite Shulkin ouster, VA continues with VISN restructuring plans
Despite changes in leadership, VA is planning to move forward with restructuring efforts, including redesigning its VISN system.
Committee approves bill to provide agent orange benefits to ‘blue water’ vets
A long sought-after bill that would make it easier for Blue Water Navy veterans to receive Agent Orange benefits has been passed by a key House of Representatives committee.
DoD acknowledges its medical adverse event reporting is ‘unreliable’
The process for tracking the DoD’s most serious adverse medical events is “fragmented, impeding the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) ability to ensure that it has received complete information,” according to a new review.
Bill to Streamline, Expand VA’s Choice Program Signed Into Law
Legislation that would streamline VA’s community care programs into one program and expand VA’s caregiver program to veterans of all eras was signed into law earlier this month..
VA Inks Contract for Massive New Health Record System
Calling it one of the largest IT contracts in the federal government, with a ceiling of $10 billion over a decade, then-VA Acting Secretary Robert Wilkie announced that the agency signed a contract with Cerner for its new electronic health record (EHR).
Surprise! President Nominates Wilkie for Permanent VA Secretary
President Donald Trump said last month that acting VA Secretary Robert Wilkie “has done an incredible job” and, in a surprise move, nominated him for the permanent Cabinet position.
Legislation: Clinicians Must Be Involved in Formulary Design, Purchasing
Legislation to prevent VA from outsourcing creation of its drug formulary and to require more input from medical professions is being considered in Congress.
GAO: VA Needs Better Planning for ‘Complex’ Appeals System Overhaul
Gene L. Dodaro became the eighth Comptroller...
Former VA Secretary Nominee Claims Allegations Against Him Are False
Veterans’ groups expressed concern last month regarding a “lack of permanent leadership at the department,” after Rear Adm. Ronny L. Jackson, MD, withdrew his name from consideration as VA secretary amid anonymous allegations of misconduct.
VSOs Express Concerns About Making Caregiver Program More Restrictive
Draft legislation that would expand the Family Caregiver Program but make eligibility for the program more restrictive raised concerns for several veterans’ groups.
Shulkin Ousted, White House Physician Nominated for VA Secretary
WASHINGTON — After several weeks of speculation regarding his future in the Trump Administration, VA Secretary David Shulkin, MD’s tenure came to an abrupt end on March 28.
Congress Seeks More Oversight of VA EHR Program
WASHINGTON — Legislation under consideration by Congress would increase oversight of VA’s adoption and implementation of its forthcoming electronic health record (EHR) system.
GAO: ‘Gaps’ in MHS Physician Specialties Could Affect Wartime Readiness
WASHINGTON — The military services need to develop “targeted and coordinated strategies” to alleviate military physician gaps, a recent report recommended.
Congress, VSOs Have Wait-and- See Position on Jackson Nomination
WASHINGTON — Navy Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, MD, was thrust into the spotlight with his nomination as VA secretary late last month, raising questions about the qualifications he would bring to the position.
VA Vows to Meet Deadline for Revamp of Veteran Claims Appeal Process
WASHINGTON—VA has told legislators that the agency is on track with a new law that will give veterans more options to have their claims appeals reviewed.
Congress Urged to Find a Cost-Effective Way to Expand Benefits to Pre-9/11 Veteran Caregivers
WASHINGTON — Veterans from earlier eras should have expanded benefits related to family caregiver, but only if they are severely injured, VA officials have told Congress.
With New Hires, VA Has Net Increase of 8,303 Employees; Still Needs Mental Health Professionals
By Sandra Basu WASHINGTON—VA made progress in...
New VA Budget Requests Seeks Community Care Expansion
WASHINGTON — Calling the Trump...
DoD, VA Still Struggle with Diagnosing, Treating Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
Diagnosing and treating mild traumatic brain injury continues to pose challenges for clinicians, TBI experts told lawmakers.