VA To Fire 10,000 Employees Following $11 Million Dollar Scandal

The VA is under fire after a damning report revealed the department is trying to rid itself of almost 10,000 staff members while trying to keep the lid on a multi-million dollar scandal. 

VA Under Fire

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture

In a massively controversial move, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has started laying off frontline healthcare workers – despite multiple previous promises to protect these jobs.

US Department of Veterans Affairs Lays Off Healthcare Workers

Image Credit: Shutterstock / TK.Miller

A deep dive by CNN, including documents and interviews with over 20 VA employees and job applicants, paints a clear picture of what’s happening behind the scenes.

Key Roles Affected

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monika Wisniewska

The layoffs are hitting key roles like psychologists, clinical social workers, and other frontline caregivers.

Major Budget Shortfall

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

These cuts are part of a larger plan to solve a major budget shortfall – the VA is aiming to trim the workforce by around 10,000 roles.

Experts Warn

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Thx4Stock team

Experts argue that these cuts couldn’t come at a worse time, as veterans are already facing long wait times for services. On top of this, the suicide rate among veterans is already very high.

Multi-Million Dollar Bonus Scandal for Top VA Executives

Image Credit: Shutterstock / TierneyMJ

Adding to this controversy is a multi-million dollar scandal involving top VA executives. Allegedly, the VA paid its senior executives over $11 million in improper bonuses last year, according to a May inspector general report.

Damage Control

Image Credit: Shutterstock / sirtravelalot

VA Secretary Denis McDonough has since canceled these bonuses and started trying to recover the funds, but the damage is done.

Quality of Care at Risk

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dmytro Zinkevych

Just last year, the VA was on a hiring spree, adding tens of thousands of employees to keep up with the surge in veterans seeking care. Now, the sudden cuts have left many insiders worried that the quality of care will suffer.

Lawmakers React

Image Credit: Shutterstock / photobyphotoboy

Lawmakers are also concerned. Reports have also surfaced that job offers for direct-care positions have been canceled, prompting a flurry of requests for clarification from the VA.

Reassurances from The VA

Image Credit: Shutterstock / chaylek

VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal has been trying to reassure everyone with memos stating that hiring will continue for vital roles, especially those related to patient safety and critical areas like suicide prevention and homelessness. However, he also mentioned that some administrative and non-essential clinical positions could be on the chopping block.

Uncertainty Over Frontline Positions

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Drazen Zigic

But how many of these frontline positions will actually be saved? That’s still unknown.

Strategic Hiring

Image Credit: Shutterstock / DC Studio

VA spokesperson Terrence Hayes insists that while the VA is hiring strategically in key areas, the agency already has enough staff to meet veterans’ needs.

Capitol Hill Criticism

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images

The staffing shakeup has also sparked criticism on Capitol Hill. In April, the top senators on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs criticized the staff reduction plan as chaotic. They have called for the VA to provide detailed information on employee vacancies and how the cuts might affect care.

Veteran Care at Stake

Image Credit: Shutterstock / wellphoto

Dr. Harold Kudler, a psychiatrist with decades of experience serving veterans, is confused by the decision to cut frontline positions. “It’s very simple. If you remove access to expert care – if you remove access to the largest suicide prevention program in the country, if not the world – then that’s not good for veterans,” he said in an interview with CNN.

Suicide Prevention Concerns

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Krakenimages.com

This concern is backed by a Government Accountability Office report from February, which noted that veterans have a suicide rate significantly higher than the general population.

Budget Challenges

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wasan Tita

VA Secretary McDonough – while addressing the staffing cuts at a Senate hearing in May – acknowledged the tough budget choices but insisted that the VA’s employee retention is at historic highs. He assured people that the VA would continue to fill positions based on clinical need.

Ongoing Struggles

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

Despite these reassurances, a recent Government Accountability Office report highlighted ongoing challenges in providing timely care – with many VA facilities still struggling to schedule mental health appointments promptly.

Stakeholders Worry About Momentum

Image Credit: Shutterstock / BlueSkyImage

Stakeholders are worried that the reduction in health workers could jeopardize any momentum for improving care.

Union Concerns

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Salivanchuk Semen

Jeff Shapiro, president of the VA council for the National Federation of Federal Employees union, stated, “Any reduction in staffing, particularly in critical areas like mental health and primary care, poses significant risks.”

Complex Situation

Image Credit: Pexels / Christina Morillo

The situation at the VA is complex and will require a lot of work to solve the many issues facing this arm of the government.

Remote No More: 19 Companies Returning to the Office

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images

As the pandemic wanes, companies are recalling remote workers back to the office, sparking debates on fairness, costs, and convenience. However, there are also notable productivity, coworking, and mental health benefits to consider. Feeling the effects of these changes? Remote No More: 19 Companies Returning to the Office

8 Costco Must Buys and 8 to Leave Behind

Image Credit: Pexels / Gustavo Fring

Ever wandered Costco’s aisles, questioning if that giant jar of pickles is a real bargain? Or debated buying tires where you get your rotisserie chicken? Welcome to the definitive guide to Costco shopping—a journey to save money, prevent regrets, and offer quirky insights into bulk buying. 8 Costco Must Buys and 8 to Leave Behind

23 Reasons Texas Is the Next Big Thing

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Texas is becoming a beacon of opportunity, blending cultural heritage with economic growth. From its landscapes to its industries, the Lone Star State offers a dynamic lifestyle. Here are 23 reasons why Texas stands out, attracting entrepreneurs, artists, tech professionals, and families seeking new beginnings. 23 Reasons Texas Is the Next Big Thing

15 Top Sites to Sell Your Unwanted Goods Besides Craigslist

Image Credit: Shutterstock / GaudiLab

Selling your unwanted items can declutter your space and boost your income. While Craigslist is popular, there are many alternatives with unique features and wider audiences. Explore these 15 Craigslist alternatives for selling everything from furniture to electronics, finding the perfect platform to turn clutter into cash. 15 Top Sites to Sell Your Unwanted Goods Besides Craigslist

Work from Anywhere: 19 Companies Still Supporting Remote Work

Image Credit: Shutterstock / insta_photos

Tired of commuting and craving work flexibility? You’re not alone. Many companies now offer remote work, benefiting both employees and employers. Ever wondered how this shift could enhance your work-life balance? Work from Anywhere: 19 Companies Still Supporting Remote Work

The postVA To Fire 10,000 Employees Following $11 Million Dollar Scandal first appeared on Liberty & Wealth.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / sakoqwakestock.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.

+ posts

Leave a Comment