Jun 23 WATCH: Trump signs bill to protect whistleblowers, expedite firing of Veterans Affairs employees By Darlene Superville, Associated Press The measure has broad bipartisan support and is part of an effort encouraged by Trump to fix an agency that provides services to millions of veterans. Continue reading
Jun 20 Shulkin issues new policy to curb employee drug theft from VA hospitals By Hope Yen, Associated Press Federal authorities are investigating possible opioid and other drug theft by VA employees, even after the VA announced "zero tolerance" in February. Continue reading
Jun 06 Senate approves bill to make firing Veterans Affairs employees easier By Hope Yen, Associated Press The bipartisan measure passed by voice vote. It comes more than three years after a 2014 scandal at the Phoenix VA medical center, where some veterans died while waiting months for appointments. Continue reading
May 30 WATCH: Veterans Affairs Secretary Shulkin says there’s ‘a lot of work to do’ to fix the system By Hope Yen, Darlene Superville, Associated Press Shulkin is expected to begin speaking at 11:30 a.m. EST. Watch live here. Continue reading
May 03 Shulkin says he’s considering closing 1,100 Veterans Affairs facilities By Hope Yen, Associated Press Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin says his department is seeking to close perhaps more than 1,100 VA facilities nationwide as it develops plans to allow more veterans to receive medical care in the private sector. Continue reading
Apr 27 WATCH: Trump signs order creating accountability office at VA By Darlene Superville and Hope Yen, Associated Press President Donald Trump, who made improving veterans' care a prominent issue as he campaigned for office, was to issue the order while visiting the VA. Continue reading
Apr 18 Veterans Affairs launches pilot program with CVS to reduce wait times for veteran care By Hope Yen, Associated Press Some ailing veterans can now use their federal health care benefits at CVS "MinuteClinics" to treat minor illnesses and injuries, under a pilot program announced Tuesday by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Continue reading
Apr 14 Can President Trump keep his promises to veterans? By Gretchen Frazee As a candidate, Donald Trump made veterans services a top issue. Now, nearly three months into his administration, Mr. Trump is facing a number of barriers to achieving one of his main promises on the campaign trail. Continue reading
Apr 13 WATCH: VA Secretary Shulkin addresses report that VA hospital in D.C. puts patients at ‘unnecessary risk’ By Joshua Barajas A Veterans Affairs hospital in Washington, D.C., was flagged by inspectors in a report released on Wednesday for its mismanagement of medical equipment, supplies and staffing. Continue reading
Apr 04 VA says it fixed the veteran suicide hotline, but critics say it’s still broken By Hope Yen, Associated Press The Department of Veterans Affairs told skeptical lawmakers Tuesday it has already fixed problems with its suicide hotline that were highlighted in an internal watchdog's report released just two weeks ago. Continue reading