VA Plans to Cut Nearly 30,000 Jobs by Fiscal 2025: What This Means for Employees and the Future Workforce

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is planning to cut about 30,000 positions by the end of this fiscal year. This is down from earlier estimates of 72,000 positions. VA Secretary Doug Collins announced that there will be no large-scale layoffs; instead, the reductions will mostly happen through attrition, which includes retirements and voluntary resignations.

By June 1, 2025, the VA had already reduced its workforce from 484,000 to 467,000 employees. They anticipate nearly 12,000 more will leave by September, which allows the department to avoid drastic measures. The VA assures that veteran care and benefits will remain intact despite these changes. Over 350,000 critical positions, crucial for veteran services, are exempt from cuts under a federal hiring freeze.

Reactions to these cuts vary. House VA Committee Chairman Mike Bost expressed confidence in Secretary Collins, suggesting critics should wait before jumping to conclusions. In contrast, Senator Richard Blumenthal raised concerns about the work environment in the VA, indicating that the cuts will have negative impacts on veteran care, regardless of assurances from leadership.

While a reduction of 30,000 positions is significant, it is less severe than some earlier plans. A leaked memo from March hinted at returning staff levels to those of 2019, which would involve larger cuts. This approach follows the implementation of the PACT Act of 2022, which expanded healthcare eligibility for veterans exposed to toxic substances. The expansion created a pressing need for more staff to handle the increased number of veterans seeking care.

House VA Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano criticized the staffing reductions, claiming they undermine the successes achieved through the PACT Act. He believes a smaller workforce could jeopardize benefits for veterans. The VA’s current staffing strategy hinges on balancing efficiency with the need for comprehensive care.

Internal documents indicate that the VA had considered more aggressive staffing cuts up until recently. Earlier evaluations discussed merging the number of Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) from 18 to 10, a move that could streamline operations but also raise concerns about accessibility for veterans seeking care.

Experts warn that significant downsizing in workforce typically affects frontline services. According to a recent report, organizations that cut staff often experience a decline in service quality, with research suggesting a direct link between workforce size and operational efficiency in healthcare settings. As the VA navigates these changes, they are likely to face scrutiny regarding how service levels will be maintained.

VA Press Secretary Peter Kasperowicz responded to concerns by stating that many discussions from past internal documents do not reflect current plans. The department is working with the Office of Personnel Management to manage this unprecedented restructuring, as it has never undertaken such large staffing adjustments before.

For updated information on the VA’s workforce plans and impacts, visit [VA News](https://news.va.gov). The outcome of these changes remains to be seen, but it is clear the stakes are high for both the VA and the veterans it serves.

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department of veterans affairs,secretary doug collins