(Washington, D.C.) – “Vietnam Veterans of America calls on Congress to bring a rapid resolution to the federal government shutdown, which will impact the delivery of services to veterans,” said Tom Burke, VVA National President. “Any disruption of care, support, and progress on life-saving initiatives leading to veterans waiting longer for the support they have earned puts an already vulnerable population at greater risk.”
“While VVA will continue to hold VA to its commitment to provide quality, consistent care and services to veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors, we also want to reassure our members that approximately 97 percent of VA employees will continue to work during the shutdown,” said Burke.
According to VA’s contingency plan (https://department.va.gov/contingency-planning/), VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and vet centers will be open as usual; benefits will continue to be processed and delivered; burials will continue at VA national cemeteries; and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue decisions on veterans’ cases. Additionally suicide prevention programs, homelessness services, and caregiver support will continue.
The following services are impacted during the shutdown:
VA will stop providing transition program assistance and career counseling.
VA’s GI Bill and National Cemetery Applicant Assistance hotlines will be closed.
VA benefits regional offices will be closed.
Public affairs and outreach to veterans will cease, including social media, VetResources emails, and responses to press inquiries.
There will be no grounds maintenance or placement of permanent headstones at VA cemeteries.
Applications for pre-need burial at VA cemeteries won’t be processed.
New Presidential Memorial Certificates will not be printed.
Outreach to state, county, tribal, municipal, faith-based, and community-based partners by VA Central Office will be suspended.
