WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced an update to its hiring-freeze guidelines for the Department.

Effectively immediately, hiring restrictions are removed for the Veterans Health Administration’s medical facilities; for medical and non-medical positions; and for Veterans Benefits Administration regional and field offices. The VA’s National Cemetery Administration had no restrictions, and this remains unchanged.

However, in order to streamline VA’s corporate structure and administrative positions, VA will maintain a process that requires thorough review before hiring. Hiring in the administrations must have the appropriate Under Secretary level approval; and at VA’s Central Office, the Chief of Staff must approve.

“VA is committed to serving Veterans, but at the same time improving efficiency and reducing bureaucracy,” said Dr. David J. Shulkin, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov

Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.

Contact us online through Ask VA

Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.

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