Business
VA Employees Say They Are ‘Prisoners of a System’ They Can’t Change
The future of the VA means fewer facilities, and a hybrid approach to healthcare, VA Secretary Bob McDonald told a congressional panel.
Policy
House Passes Bill Allowing VA Secretary To Claw Back Bonuses
The measure gives the VA secretary yet another tool to punish employees committing misconduct.
Business
Despite Scandal, the VA Has Actually Fired Very Few for Misconduct
Despite declaring a new culture of accountability, the Veterans Affairs Department fired about half the number of workers in 2014 than it did the previous year.
Ideas
A New Diagnosis for Combat Nightmares
Soldiers returning from duty often experience vivid dreams, night sweats and other symptoms commonly classified as PTSD, but a new condition may be more accurate.
Policy
Should Veterans With PTSD Be Exempt From the Death Penalty?
Some legal experts suggest the criminal justice system should treat convicted veterans suffering from war trauma differently than other criminals.
Business
Lawmakers Seek Tighter Restrictions on VA Executives' Bonus Pay
A new bill caps the number of VA executives eligible for bonuses, and instructs leaders to switch jobs within the department at least once every five years.
Policy
Senators Reintroduce Sick Leave Bill for Disabled Vets
The bill, which has bipartisan support, grants sick leave to first-year federal workers who are vets with a service-connected disability rating of at least 30 percent. By Kellie Lunney
Business
VA Announces Major Department Realignment
By June 30, the Veterans Affairs Department plans to streamline its fragmented bureaucracy into a single, five-region national framework. By Kellie Lunney
Science & Tech
Report Finds VA's Monitoring System Is Not Doing Its Job
The VA's inspector general found that a new system designed to keep close watch on the agency’s IT initiatives needs some monitoring of its own. By Hallie Golden
Business
Lawmakers Want Investigation of VA Hospital Known as 'Candy Land'
Wisconsin lawmakers want the VA to investigate one of its hospitals that developed a reputation among veterans for how much pain medication doctors handed out. By Kaveh Waddell
Business
VA Bonuses for Bad Employees Targeted Again
The House introduced legislation Monday that would give the VA authority to make employees pay back bonuses. By Kellie Lunney
Business
House Passes Bill To Increase Jobs for Veterans
The Hire More Heroes Act will give small businesses some breathing room under Obamacare’s employer mandate, while also encouraging the private sector to hire more veterans. By Kellie Lunney
Science & Tech
VA Looks to IBM’s Watson To Improve Veterans Health Care
The technology first made famous in 2011 after beating human competitors on ‘Jeopardy’ could help veterans. By Frank Konkel
Policy
Three Post-9/11 Veterans Named to Senate Armed Services Committee
The GOP has selected three freshman senators, all veterans of Iraq or Afghanistan, to serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee. By Molly O’Toole
Ideas
Coburn Has Gone Too Far Blocking Veterans Suicide Bill
By blocking veteran’s suicide prevention, Sen. Coburn shows exactly the kind of ego-fuelled hypocrisy exhausting Americans. By Montel Williams
Policy
Sen. Coburn Is Holding Up the Veterans Suicide Prevention Bill
Several senators want the Clay Hunt suicide prevention bill passed by unanimous consent, but its being held up by Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma. By Jordain Carney
Science & Tech
Will Veterans' Data Ever Truly Be Secure?
The VA’s chief information officer told a House committee that the agency’s domain controllers are secure. By Frank Konkel
Policy
Walz Drops His Bid for Top Democratic Spot on House VA Committee
The former Army National Guard soldier faced pushback over seniority and a waiver that's allowed him to stay on the committee. By Billy House
Policy
New Bill Targets the Pensions of Misbehaving VA Employees
Rep. Jeff Miller wants to prevent senior executives at the Department of Veterans Affairs who are about to be fired from retiring with full benefits. By Kellie Lunney
Business