How Sequestration Affects the VA: Veterans to Remain Relatively Unscathed

Veterans are often concerned about how sequestration affects the VA. 

Good News About Sequestration: VA Health Care Not Affected

“Health-care is not affected by sequestration,” said Jason Dangel, spokesman for The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. “Our employees will continue in their positions and we’ll continue to provide benefits to veterans.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs is exempt from sequestration and by law, its budget can’t be slashed by more than 2 percent, far less than the 5-percent-plus cuts for other agencies under sequestration.

Others Programs for Vets at Risk

However, the Department of Labor’s Veterans Transition Assistance Program, which serves more than 150,000 vets yearly, would have to shrink operations, leaving thousands of transitioning veterans without help after leaving active duty. The Jobs for Veterans State Grants Program, which helps those seeking civilian employment, also would experience cuts.

Florida has the fastest-growing veterans population in the nation, with more than 1.5 million, and the third-largest number of disabled veterans.

More News for Veterans

• House Speaker Says VA Disability Claims System Broken
• Soldiers Complain that PTSD Diagnoses Were Changed by VA
• VA’s Inspector General Says Department of Veterans Affairs is Cooking the Books on VA Disability Claims