Overview
- A VA spokesperson confirmed the agency is scrapping roughly 26,400 vacant roles, following a leaked memo that identified as many as 35,000 health-care positions for elimination.
- Most targeted roles are unfilled physician, nursing and support jobs that leaders say have gone unused for more than a year.
- The department says no current employees are being removed and operations will continue, though facilities will keep hiring for necessary vacancies.
- Union leaders and frontline staff warn the reductions could worsen chronic shortages and extend wait times, with some veterans already facing months-long delays for mental health appointments.
- Reporting indicates a broader shake-up may also reduce the VA’s 18 regional offices, with an announcement expected soon.