Veterans Affairs officials held a forum last week to discuss current operations with the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. The department has not had a Senate-confirmed under secretary for health in six years. The VA hopes to deploy the new system to multiple new sites later this year. Active coronavirus cases among department patients have increased over the last month. The move follows promises by the administration to increase the number of burn pit illnesses eligible for benefits. About $52 million in grants are expected to be distributed to groups by this fall. VA leaders said veterans should be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts and emails that could lead to serious financial problems. A watchdog warned the lack of reporting by department officials could leave the public at risk. An inspector general report this week said VA's patient wait time data is inconsistent and misleading. Administration officials are pushing for a 20 percent increase in VA program funding for next fiscal year. Load More
