Rising health care staffing deficiencies in VA, according to a supervisory body's findings

Rising health care staffing deficiencies in VA, according to a supervisory body's findings

Staffing Shortages Persist at VA Hospitals, Affecting Veteran Care

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is grappling with a significant increase in severe occupational staffing shortages, according to a report from the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) [1][2][3][4]. In fiscal year 2025, the VHA reported 4,434 severe staffing shortages, a 50% increase compared to the previous year.

Nearly all VHA facilities (139 total) identified staffing shortages, with 94% reporting severe shortages in Medical Officer occupations and 79% in Nursing occupations [3][4]. Clinical staffing shortages notably included medical officers, nursing positions, and psychologists, while nonclinical severe shortages were prominent in police, food service workers, and maintenance mechanics.

The rise in shortages has correlated with increases in wait times for veterans. For instance, the average wait for new outpatient surgical appointments is 41 days, significantly exceeding the VA target. Primary care appointments have also been delayed at some locations [5].

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has authority under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA) and the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act (VCQEA) to waive veterans’ preference requirements for certain "Hybrid Title 38" occupations to expand the candidate pool. The VA continues to use noncompetitive appointments for Medical Officer and Nurse occupations to help mitigate shortages [3][4].

However, the VA has faced workforce reductions, losing over 17,000 employees by mid-2025 amidst a plan to cut at least 30,000 positions overall as part of cost-saving measures. This likely exacerbates staffing challenges [5].

The OIG did not make specific recommendations in its 2025 report, but the persistent and escalating shortages highlight systemic difficulties in recruitment and retention across both clinical and nonclinical roles [3].

It's important to note that the VA saw record turnover among its health care workforce at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest VA data shows about 7,500 employees in veteran-facing jobs have left the department so far this fiscal year [6]. The VA is no longer considering a "department-wide" reduction-in-force to cut more than 80,000 positions [7].

The VA's Press Secretary stated that the VA wait times and backlogs got worse under President Biden and are getting better under President Trump [8]. However, the impact of employees leaving under the deferred resignation program and the department's plans to reduce staffing through attrition are not fully reflected in the OIG's report [6].

The VA is experiencing a 45% decrease in job applications submitted between fiscal 2025 and 2024 [9]. As the VHA continues to address these challenges, it remains crucial to ensure timely and effective healthcare delivery to veterans.

[1] https://www.oig.va.gov/FOIA/Reports/2025/Report_18-04547-185.pdf [2] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/09/27/va-hospitals-are-short-staffed-and-wait-times-are-getting-worse-report-says/ [3] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/09/27/va-hospitals-are-short-staffed-and-wait-times-are-getting-worse-report-says/ [4] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/09/27/va-hospitals-are-short-staffed-and-wait-times-are-getting-worse-report-says/ [5] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/09/27/va-hospitals-are-short-staffed-and-wait-times-are-getting-worse-report-says/ [6] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/09/27/va-hospitals-are-short-staffed-and-wait-times-are-getting-worse-report-says/ [7] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/09/27/va-hospitals-are-short-staffed-and-wait-times-are-getting-worse-report-says/ [8] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/09/27/va-hospitals-are-short-staffed-and-wait-times-are-getting-worse-report-says/ [9] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/09/27/va-hospitals-are-short-staffed-and-wait-times-are-getting-worse-report-says/

1. Investigations into the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) reveal an alarming surge in chronic occupational staffing shortages, as per a report from the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG).
2. In the year 2025, the VHA reported a stark increase of 50% in severe staffing shortages compared to the previous year, reaching 4,434.
3. VHA facilities across the country recorded staffing shortages, with 94% identifying severe shortages in medical officer roles and 79% in nursing positions.
4. Clinical staffing shortages primarily affected medical officers, nursing positions, and psychologists, while nonclinical positions, such as police, food service workers, and maintenance mechanics, also experienced notable shortages.
5. This rise in staffing shortages has led to significant delays in veteran care, with the average wait for new outpatient surgical appointments currently at 41 days.
6. Primary care appointments have also been delayed at some locations, exceeding the VA's target.
7. The Veterans Affairs (VA) has the power, under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA) and the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act (VCQEA), to waive veterans’ preference requirements for certain "Hybrid Title 38" occupations to expand the candidate pool.
8. On the other hand, the VA has experienced workforce reductions, losing over 17,000 employees by mid-2025, in a move to cut at least 30,000 positions overall as a cost-saving measure.
9. The OIG's 2025 report did not propose specific solutions, but the persisting and worsening staffing shortages highlight lingering challenges in recruitment and retention across both clinical and nonclinical roles.
10. The VA's healthcare workforce saw record turnover during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with about 7,500 employees in veteran-facing jobs leaving the department midway through this fiscal year.
11. The VA initially considered implementing a "department-wide" reduction-in-force to cut more than 80,000 positions, but abandoned this plan.
12. The VA Press Secretary stated that wait times and backlogs worsened under President Biden but have improved under President Trump.
13. However, the impact of employees leaving under the deferred resignation program and the department's plans to reduce staffing through attrition are not fully reflected in the OIG's report.
14. The VA has observed a 45% decrease in job applications between fiscal 2025 and 2024.
15. As the VHA addresses these issues, it is essential to prioritize timely and effective healthcare delivery to veterans.
16. The staffing shortages in the VHA raise concerns about workplace wellness, particularly in an era where chronic diseases and medical conditions are on the rise.
17. Factors influencing these conditions, such as climate change, air pollution, and unhealthy food options in the manufacturing sector, contribute to an increased prevalence of respiratory conditions, digestive health issues, skin conditions, and eye health problems.
18. Additionally, mental health has become a growing area of focus in the healthcare industry, with therapies and treatments widely available to manage mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
19. The rise of cybersecurity threats in the digital age poses a significant challenge to both businesses and individuals, requiring vigilance in safeguarding personal and financial information.
20. In terms of cardiovascular health, medical advancements have led to more effective treatments for heart diseases, stroke, and high blood pressure, but lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise remain major risk factors.
21. Autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions, and cancer continue to be significant medical concerns, with ongoing research and therapies offering some hope for improved treatments and care.
22. Medication costs for medical conditions and chronic diseases can be a significant burden for many patients, especially those who relied on Medicare for coverage.
23. It's crucial to recognize the impacts of energy consumption on both environmental health and financial well-being, with the transition to renewable resources and energy-efficient technologies becoming increasingly important in various industries.
24. As the retail sector evolves, it grapples with issues ranging from employment practices to sustainability.
25. Transportation plays a crucial role in shaping cities and towns, with various modes from cars and bicycles to public transportation systems contributing to lifestyle, environmental, and financial aspects alike.
26. Financing and investing in venture capital is critical for innovation and development in sectors like technology, healthcare, and clean energy.
27. The management of wealth and personal finances requires a balanced approach, balancing spending, saving, and investing to ensure long-term financial stability.
28. Home improvements are often seen as a means of increasing property value, but energy-efficient upgrades can also bring environmental and financial benefits.
29. Businesses must consider the broader societal implications of their operations, impacting various sectors such as healthcare, education, and climate change.
30. Personal relationships, along with owning pets and traveling, are integral components of an individual's overall well-being, shaping their mental, emotional, and social health.
31. The entertainment world is vast, encompassing various aspects such as movies, TV shows, celebrities, music, books, online content, and live events, providing a means for escapism, learning, and cultural exchange.

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