Department+of+Veterans+Affairs

Current Leaders: 

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Mission Statement: Our goal is to provide excellence in patient care, veterans' benefits and customer satisfaction. We are striving for high quality, prompt and seamless service to veterans. Our department's employees continue to offer their dedication and commitment to help veterans get the services they have earned.======

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__Swine Flu:__ VA is working to monitor human cases of Swine Flu in the United States. A Swine Flu advisory has been issued to all of the medical facilities nationwide. Our medical professionals are carefully monitoring our Veteran population for any new cases and any new strains.======

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__GI Bill:__ VA starts accepting applications for the Post 9/11 GI Bill on May 1, 2009. Individuals with active duty service since September 11, 2001, may be eligible for this benefit. The program provides tuition assistance, a housing allowance and the option to transfer these benefits to family members under certain circumstances. By law, the new benefit is effective August 1, 2009. ====== __Progress Report:__ President Obama’s charter to transform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) into a 21st Century organization has ignited new purpose and urgency within VA. The Office of the Secretary has been reorganized to ensure unified direction. We are working to strengthen ethical behavior, increase transparency, create accountability, and improve services to Veterans.

Budget: The VA uses its money to support medical programs for Veterans and also mandatory benefit programs for them as well. They work to support those who have sacrificed so much for our country and use all the finances they can to help them. For more budget info: [|VA Budget Hightlights]

History: It was established July 21, 1930. The VA originally incorporated the functions of the former U.S. Veterans' Bureau, the Bureau of Pensions and the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. On October 25, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation creating a new federal Cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs to replace the Veterans Administration effective March 15, 1989.