Trump promises to bring back troops booted for refusing COVID vaccine
Both Trump and his pick to lead the Pentagon have promised back pay for troops dismissed for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
Pentagon & Congress
Hegseth promises to reinstate, repay troops who refused COVID vaccine
About 8,000 troops were kicked out of the military for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
Amid COVID surge, VA hospitals not requiring masks for all patients
Individual hospitals may consider mask mandates if they see a surge in COVID-19 cases locally.
DOD to study whether COVID-19 vaccine helped or hurt troops
A provision in the annual defense bill continues the controversy surrounding the vaccine.
VA urging veterans, staff to get latest COVID-19 vaccine booster
Virus infection cases within the VA health care system are up more than 200% in the last two months.
New Jersey failed vets in state-run homes hit by COVID-19, report says
A scathing federal report has found New Jersey's two state-run veterans homes were unprepared to keep residents safe during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Surge in COVID cases sparks worries among VA leaders
Active cases among VA patients have nearly tripled in the last month.
GOP lawmakers target diversity training, COVID rules in defense bill
The annual defense authorization bill debate in the House focused mainly on hot-button social issues.
Advocates struggle to help homeless vets as COVID support disappears
The end of the national pandemic emergency also ended extra support services for homeless veterans.
Veterans Affairs medical sites drop mandatory mask requirements
Visitors and patients will no longer be required to wear masks at all times at the health care sites.
VA move to curb remote work puts all federal workers on notice
Decisions on new federal policies for off-site work could upend the pandemic adjustments made by millions of workers.
VA to scale back remote work rules, require more in-office time
The changes will begin with workers in the Washington, D.C. headquarters starting this fall.
Should VA keep spending leftover COVID funds or give them back?
When the national COVID-19 emergency ended earlier this month, about $2.1 billion in extra money for veterans support remained unused.
Support services for homeless veterans set to expire
Aid programs for homeless vets will end unless Congress speeds through new legislation.
Veterans Affairs drops mask requirement for all agency medical offices
Masks will still be mandated for some high-risk areas or facilities with rising virus numbers.
Troops who refused COVID vaccines still could face punishment
Individuals could face discipline or dismissal for failing to follow orders.
VA needs COVID accommodations extended before emergency status ends
Officials say telehealth prescription services that benefit nearly 50,000 veterans will end if lawmakers don't extend special authorities.