Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)

Before I get into my remarks, I’d like to give a shout-out to my teammates manning the One VA Experience at today’s event—a VA health care enrollment and benefits clinic. To any Vets in the audience, please go sign up for the care and benefits you've earned and that you deserve. They’re here for you. We all work for you.

The Department of Veterans Affairs launched a groundbreaking national advertising campaign to encourage Veterans to sign up for the VA health care and benefits they’ve earned.

Good morning, everyone. Carl Blake, thanks for that kind introduction. More importantly, thank you for your selfless service on behalf of your brothers- and sisters-in-arms.

Today, Joshua Jacobs was confirmed as VA’s Under Secretary for Benefits — marking the first time since 2014 that VA has a confirmed Under Secretary for Benefits, Under Secretary for Health, and Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs. In this role, Jacobs will lead the Veterans Benefits Administration in the delivery of earned benefits to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors

Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough approved the establishment of a commission on July 19, to identify candidates to lead and manage the Veterans Benefits Administration in the position of Under Secretary for Benefits.

The Department of Veterans Affairs introduces new efforts to improve interagency coordination and expand outreach to criminal justice partners, to better help those reentering into society after incarceration.

Today the VA announced that it will adjust its Veteran Signals survey of education beneficiaries schedule to ensure thorough analysis of its recently completed 2018 survey

WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) […]

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced the establishment of a search commission to help identify candidates for the position of Under Secretary for Benefits.

VA Establishes Commission to Recommend Under Secretary for Benefits

WASHINGTON —The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced the establishment of a search commission to help identify candidates for the position of Under Secretary for Benefits.

The Under Secretary for Benefits is the senior official within the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), which oversees a variety of benefits and services to service members, Veterans and their families.

Search commission candidates will be selected based on criteria governed by law, along with appropriate skills, knowledge and attributes as leaders, managers and educators. The commission is a prerequisite to the president’s appointment of a successful candidate, subject to Senate confirmation.

By law, the appointment is made without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of demonstrated ability, both in fiscal management and in the administration of programs of VBA or of similar content and scope.

VBA includes a network of 56 regional offices and more than 21,800 employees. Nearly 4 million Veterans currently receive compensation for disabilities incurred in service or pensions for wartime Veterans, who become totally disabled in civilian life. In addition, more than a half million widows, children and parents of deceased Veterans are paid survivor compensation or death pensions.

Other programs administered by the Under Secretary for Benefits include: education benefits, vocational rehabilitation and employment for Veterans, and life insurance; as well as VA-guaranteed home loans for both active-duty personnel and Veterans.

The commission, once named, is expected to complete its work by April 20. For more information about this position, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/getjob/viewdetails/447997000 .

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