Veterans Affairs is on the hunt for new leaders to manage its health care and benefits programs. This process, which kicked off recently, is expected to take several months. What makes this search unique is that candidates for these roles are not just picked by the president but from suggestions made by special commissions. These commissions consist of community advocates, industry specialists, and past appointees.
VA Secretary Doug Collins is crucial to this effort. He has appointed Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence to lead both commissions. Their task is to find capable leaders who can carry out important reforms aimed at improving services for veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
The role of undersecretary for health is particularly significant. This position oversees more than 1,300 VA medical facilities. The current acting undersecretary is Steven Lieberman. The job also involves setting training standards for health care professionals and planning for emergencies, like pandemics.
On the benefits side, the undersecretary role is just as pivotal. This individual is responsible for managing benefits for about 6 million veterans and many others in their families. The acting undersecretary for benefits is Michael Frueh, who is handling crucial services like disability payments, education benefits, and home loans.
Historically, filling these roles has not been easy. During Donald Trump’s first term, the department faced numerous challenges finding stable leadership, leading to many temporary appointments.
Currently, the VA is working on reforms to enhance efficiency. Some changes include phasing out certain treatments, ending remote work, and speeding up claim processing. As the department focuses on these new leadership positions, Collins is also reviewing plans to cut the workforce by over 17%, which has raised concerns about the impact on service delivery.
With these changes in motion, the commission will start evaluating candidates soon. The Senate will then confirm any selected leaders, a process that could stretch on for months. However, if Trump disapproves of the candidates, he has the power to send them back to the drawing board.
The effects of these leadership searches and reforms will be closely watched by veterans and advocates alike. Their outcomes could shape the future of veterans’ health care and benefits significantly.
For more information on veterans’ affairs and related statistics, you can take a look at the VA’s official reports.
Check out this related article: New U-M Report Reveals Widespread Concerns Among Older Adults About Climate Change and Health
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