U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal agency responsible for providing a wide range of benefits and services to veterans of the U.S. armed forces and their families. The VA operates through three main administrations:

• the Veterans Health Administration (VHA),
• the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA),
• and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA).

The VHA oversees the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system. Its services include primary care, specialized care, mental health treatment, and long-term care.

The VBA administers various benefits programs such as disability compensation, pension programs, education benefits (including the GI Bill), home loan guarantees, life insurance, and vocational rehabilitation and employment services. Additionally, the VBA manages a fiduciary program to appoint and oversee fiduciaries for veterans unable to manage their VA benefits.

The NCA is responsible for providing burial and memorial benefits to veterans and eligible family members, as well as maintaining national cemeteries.

Beyond these core functions, the VA also conducts and supports research on veterans’ health issues, contributing to advancements in medical knowledge and care practices for veterans and the general population alike.