Newsbytes July 11, 2025 

In this issue: 
FRA Veteran Services Impact Survey Results
VA Staff Reductions Proceed 
FRA Urges VA to Sustain Legal Services Funding
Pact Act Roundtable Round 2
VA Expands Burial Benefits

FRA Veteran Services Impact Survey Results
A recent survey by the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) highlights growing concerns among veterans regarding staffing reductions at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Veterans Services Impact Survey, which gathered responses from close to 600 veterans, focused on five key areas: healthcare quality, appointment wait times, claims processing, customer service, and overall experience. The data offers insight into how staffing changes are affecting those who rely on VA services. 

Healthcare services were a top concern. While 53.94% of respondents reported no change in care quality, 32.7% said it had worsened—19.69% described it as “slightly worsened” and 13.01% as “significantly worsened.” Only 13.35% reported improvement. These numbers suggest that while most noticed no difference, a significant portion of veterans are seeing reduced quality in care, potentially due to fewer staff and limited appointments. 

Appointment wait times have also increased. About 37.48% of respondents said wait times were longer—22.11% “slightly longer” and 15.37% “significantly longer.” A little over half (50.60%) noticed no change, and just 11.92% reported any improvement. These findings may indicate that staffing reductions are stretching scheduling capacity, especially in mental health and specialty care. 

Claims processing delays were also noted. About 30.81% of veterans said processing times had slowed, with 17.34% reporting they were “significantly slower.” Only 9.41% experienced faster processing, while 59.78% noticed no change. The data shows nearly one in three veterans are seeing delays in benefits—an urgent issue for those dependent on disability or compensation payments. 

Customer service also appears impacted. While 49.66% saw no change, 29.14% said it had worsened—9.48% noting it had “significantly worsened.” Meanwhile, 21.21% reported some improvement. These results suggest communication and responsiveness may have declined for many VA users, possibly due to fewer staff available to handle inquiries and follow-ups. 

Based on the survey, FRA issued five key recommendations to address these challenges: 

Restore and Protect Frontline Staffing Levels – Reinstate critical roles, especially in healthcare and claims processing, to reduce delays and service gaps. 

Improve Claims Processing Efficiency – Implement system upgrades and cross-training to speed up processing. 

Reduce Appointment Wait Times via Telehealth and Community Care – Expand partnerships and virtual services to ease demand on VA facilities. 

Enhance Communication and Customer Service – Upgrade call centers and provide ongoing staff training to improve responsiveness. 

Establish a Continuous Feedback System – Use real-time surveys or hotlines to monitor and address veteran concerns promptly. 

The FRA will be submitting these findings and recommendations to the VA Secretary, urging action to ensure veterans continue receiving timely, high-quality care and support. While many veterans reported no major changes, the sizable percentage who did highlights a need for continued oversight and responsive reform. 

As a nonpartisan organization representing sea service personnel and veterans, FRA remains committed to advocating for efficient, effective, and veteran-focused VA services. 

VA Staff Reductions Proceed 
The VA has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 30,000 employees by the end of fiscal year 2025, scaling down from an earlier rumored reduction of 83,000. The FRA, which actively engaged Congress for clarity, conducted its Veterans Services Impact Survey to assess how these cuts are affecting healthcare, claims processing, and other VA services. The findings contrast with VA assurances that “mission-critical” roles would be protected, highlighting delays in care and strained customer service. 

The reductions are being achieved through a federal hiring freeze, early retirements, deferred resignations, and attrition. Staffing decreased from 484,000 on January 1, 2025, to 467,000 by June 1, with another 12,000 expected to leave by September 30. 

Although the VA reports performance gains under Secretary Doug Collins, including a 30% reduction in the claims backlog and a record 2 million claims processed by June 202, the FRA remains concerned. The survey suggests these improvements may not reflect veterans’ day-to-day experiences and urges prioritization of frontline roles to prevent service disruptions. 

To improve efficiency, the VA is consolidating administrative functions across the Veterans Health Administration, Benefits Administration, and National Cemetery Administration. Efforts include centralizing procurement, IT, and budgeting, merging 274 call centers, and moving payroll to the VA Time and Attendance System across 50 medical centers. These changes aim to cut costs and improve service, but the FRA warns that implementation must be carefully managed to avoid harming care quality. 

The VA has also introduced new policy shifts: ending gender dysphoria treatment, eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and expanding use of the electronic health record system. Meanwhile, 60,000 employees have returned to in-office work to improve collaboration. While a large-scale reduction-in-force (RIF) has been ruled out, ongoing reviews are focusing on reducing bureaucracy. 

Despite these moves, the FRA’s findings indicate that veterans remain concerned. The association urges robust oversight to ensure reforms don’t compromise care. Veterans and caregivers can stay informed at VA.gov or by calling 800-827-1000. 

FRA Urges VA to Sustain Legal Services Funding 
The Fleet Reserve Association sent a letter to Secretary Collins advocating continued funding for Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV), a key partner in assisting homeless veterans. LSNV helps secure benefits for vulnerable veterans, especially when FRA’s volunteer Veteran Service Officers (VSOs), trained under the VA’s TRIP program, encounter complex cases. 

The FRA’s survey showed increased wait times and inconsistent service, challenges likely to worsen with staff reductions. From January to June 2025, VA staffing dropped by 17,000, with another 12,000 expected to leave by September. FRA notes these cuts are poorly timed, especially as the PACT Act’s expansion of benefits has increased demand for services. 

The FRA also challenged the VA’s reliance on artificial intelligence to fill staffing gaps, emphasizing that human interaction remains essential, especially in legal and benefits assistance. Citing LSNV’s impact through its partnership with FRA, the letter urges the VA to maintain and expand nonprofit grant funding to counterbalance staff losses and uphold service levels. 

The association also continues working with Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees to advocate for sustained support. It warns that cutting grants to trusted partners like LSNV risks leaving homeless and at-risk veterans underserved. Veterans and caregivers are encouraged to call 800-827-1000 for updates and assistance. 

Pact Act Roundtable Round 2
The House Veterans Affairs Committee minority held a roundtable to discuss the military’s handling of toxic exposure. The event, led by Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), focused on needed reforms to the 2022 PACT Act, which was designed to address health issues from chemical, radiation, and environmental exposures during service. 

Air Force Lt. Col. Jacob Berry, a physician specializing in environmental medicine, said the military has the science and data to protect troops but lacks the will. He pointed to rising cancer cases at nuclear missile bases, recently exposed by a Military.com investigation. The FRA echoed calls for improved expanded screenings to detect exposure-related conditions. 

The roundtable revealed a shortage of occupational health specialists in high-risk areas. A health study at Malmstrom AFB found that service members were being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma at younger ages than the general population. 

Air Force veteran Dave Crete shared his experience with radiation exposure near a Nevada nuclear test site. He described the long-term effects and the challenge of getting care years later. The FRA called for expanded PACT Act coverage for domestic toxic exposures and emphasized the value of early detection through VA screening programs. 

The discussion comes as the VA faces workforce reductions. The FRA warns these cuts may limit access to critical screenings and treatments. Rep. Takano acknowledged the difficulty of the discussion but stressed its urgency. As reforms move forward, the FRA continues to push for stronger protections and better care for those exposed. 

VA Expands Burial Benefits
The VA has announced a temporary expansion of burial benefits for certain veterans under the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. From July 1, 2025, to October 1, 2026, veterans who pass away while receiving VA-authorized hospice care at home after being discharged from medical or nursing facilities will be eligible for full burial allowances. 

Previously, these veterans were not always covered, leaving a gap in end-of-life support. The FRA praised the change, noting it honors veterans’ wishes to spend their final days at home and eases the financial burden on families. 

VA Secretary Doug Collins affirmed the department’s commitment to the Act and to supporting veterans and families through compassionate care. The FRA encourages families to contact their local VA office or call 800-827-1000 for more information. The association continues advocating for expanded and accessible benefits for all who served.