Secretary’s Priorities

The Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative (IMMVI) launched in July 2021 when VA partnered with the Department of Homeland Security to consolidate relevant federal resources for noncitizen service members, Veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors.

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect others and health care workers from hospitalization and death, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said Jan. 19 at a Blue Star Families online forum.

VA will begin processing disability claims Aug. 2 for asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis on a presumptive basis based on presumed particulate matter exposures during military service in Southwest Asia and certain other areas — if these conditions manifested within 10 years of a qualifying period of military service.

VA Chief of Staff Tanya Bradsher visited the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System’s (VAGLAHS) West Los Angeles campus to reaffirm the commitment to ending Veterans homelessness.

VA announced today two major decisions related to presumptive conditions associated with Agent Orange and particulate matter exposures during military service in Southwest Asia.

What has VA accomplished in President Biden's first 100 days? Here's a list, detailing vaccinations, equity & inclusion, and how VA has delivered.

The U.S. Small Business Administration will begin registrations at 9 a.m. April 30 and open applications at noon May 3 for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from Veterans, along with businesses owned and controlled by women and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens. Following the 21 days, all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Veterans would see improved infrastructure, more jobs and small business assistance in the proposed American Jobs Plan, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said April 15. Speaking during a White House press call, the secretary said the plan would give VA more resources to help Veterans.

Veterans will see significant help through the American Rescue Plan, VA Secretary Denis McDonough told the House Veterans Affairs Committee March 25 during a virtual hearing.

VA is steadfast leading the way in President Joseph Biden’s Jan. 22 Executive Order to deliver economic relief to Americans amid the COVID-19 crisis by addressing economic hardships the Veteran community faces during the ongoing pandemic. 

Veterans deserve a leader who will “fight relentlessly” for them, said Denis McDonough, President Joe Biden's nominee for VA secretary.

VA Secretary Robert L. Wilkie said while COVID-19 scaled down Wreaths Across America events, they still ensure people remember Veterans.