The Veterans Administration (VA) reports there are approximately 19 million U.S. Veterans in the world today. 1 Most of those 19 million Veterans use the VA administrative appeals system to receive disability ratings for their service and to obtain general healthcare and treatment. To address the unique needs of this population, the VA has undergone a series of changes. These changes not only affect the Veteran population, but also Veterans’ families, VA healthcare providers, VA employees, and VA service organizations and attorneys who help Veterans navigate the system.
This article addresses some of the innovative programs within the VA and how those programs have affected Veteran healthcare.