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Proposed VA Workforce Reductions Raise Concerns Among Veterans
Recently, a memo from the chief of staff of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Department suggested an unprecedented reduction of over 80,000 positions within the agency. Accompanying this announcement was a video from VA Secretary Doug Collins, who asserted that the department would cease “kicking the can down the road” and instead focus on returning staffing to levels seen in 2019.
While Secretary Collins reassured that veteran healthcare services would not be adversely affected by these proposed layoffs, many veterans and VA employees—many of whom are veterans themselves—express significant skepticism regarding this claim.
Understanding the Target of Cuts
The memo raises critical questions about the specific areas these cuts will impact. If healthcare and research are exempt, what services are on the chopping block? Will the cuts extend to services like benefits claims processing, job training, or even maintenance of national cemeteries? A drastic workforce reduction could jeopardize essential services for over nine million veterans and undermine the crucial mission of the VA, which was founded to honor the commitments made to service members.
A Personal Journey
Reflecting on my own military service, I joined the military in 2005 at age 22, following a family legacy of service. My tenure as a combat medic with the Army National Guard included multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. My life changed dramatically following a 2012 incident in Helmand Province, where an IED blast led to severe injuries, including traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Recovery required extensive medical attention and surgeries, which strained my resources and highlighted the inadequacies of private healthcare systems.
Ultimately, I turned to the VA for my healthcare needs. This decision transformed my experience, as the team at the VA understood my background and provided the necessary support for my recovery.
The Importance of Specialized Care
The VA’s mission centers on veteran care, emphasizing the importance of tailored healthcare approaches. Veterans often face unique health challenges that civilian healthcare providers may not fully understand. One significant concern is the exposure many veterans experienced to environmental hazards, such as the toxic smoke from burn pits. Service members deployed in the Middle East have reported alarming rates of respiratory issues linked to these exposures. The uncertainties about long-term health effects create anxiety among veterans, who wonder about the future implications of their injuries.
Research programs at the VA are vital for addressing these health concerns. My work in VA research focuses on evaluating veterans with deployment-related respiratory issues, specifically targeting the long-term effects of burn pits. If proposed cuts advance, essential research efforts may be compromised, putting at risk not only the healthcare provided to veterans but also advancements that could benefit broader public health.
Wider Implications of Proposed Cuts
The VA’s research initiatives contribute significantly to breakthroughs that benefit all Americans, such as developments in prosthetics, cardiac devices, and treatments for traumatic brain injuries. Ironically, the VA’s entire research budget constitutes less than 0.01% of the federal budget—suggesting that cutting such programs may not result in meaningful financial savings.
With potential mass exit of experienced VA employees, many of whom might take advantage of buyouts or face contract terminations, the VA is approaching a critical crisis. A reduced workforce unable to support ongoing research and care could exacerbate existing shortages of clinical staff and hinder necessary reforms within the VA, including the modernization of outdated electronic health records; thus, jeopardizing access to care for veterans.
Looking for Solutions
No one is denying the challenges faced by the VA. The organization suffers from administrative delays, and bureaucracy often impedes its ability to deliver timely services. However, there are more constructive ways to address these issues without resorting to sweeping layoffs that could reverse progress made in veteran care.
History has demonstrated that bipartisan collaboration can lead to effective reform. In the 1990s, there was a concerted effort known as the National Partnership for Reinventing Government that sought to improve government efficiency while also balancing the budget. This approach involved gathering assessments from agency leadership and soliciting input from employees, setting a precedent for effective governance that could be emulated today.
As a veteran who took an oath to protect this nation, I, along with millions of others, face the daunting possibility that the government may again fall short in upholding its commitment to care for us after our service.
Rachel E. Howard is a research coordinator at the Veterans Affairs Department in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and served in the Michigan Army National Guard from 2005 to 2019. She has been recognized for her service with honors including the Purple Heart, Combat Medic Badge, and Army Commendation Medal with Valor.
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