VA Secretary on Veteran Benefits Cuts
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is trying to reassure veterans that their benefits are not being cut. This comes in the wake of concerns raised in the veteran community over firings, possible benefits cuts, and privacy issues related to a 2025 push to eliminate what some believe to be wasteful government spending.
And those concerns are growing. Published reports in early 2025–including those by Stripes.com and Military.com–indicate rising concern among military families and DoD officials about the general protection of veteran benefits and private data in the wake of visits to and attention on the Department of Veterans Affairs by the created-in-2025 Department of Governmental Efficiency.
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What Military.Com Says
Military.com reports, “Veterans Affairs officials confirmed…they are working with officials from the Department of Government Efficiency on ways to reform agency operations but insisted that veterans’ medical and benefits data is not being shared with any outside offices.”
But there are concerns among vets and military families, thanks in part to what Military.com reports about federal job security in the wake of DOGE efforts:
“On Feb. 13, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the dismissal of more than 1,000 employees who had served for less than two years. According to Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., that included researchers working on cancer treatment, opioid addiction, prosthetics and burn pit exposure.”
How concerned are officials, veterans, and veteran activist groups about the possibility of personal data breaches, benefits cuts, and other possible actions? According to FedScoop.com, Senators demanded answers from the VA secretary after a Department of Governmental Efficiency “data dive” at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
What Some Senators Say
Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee expressed concern, according to the FedScoop.com article from February 18, 2025, noting “Senators, veterans, and members of the public have serious concerns” about the Department of Governmental Efficiency’s ”lack of transparency surrounding them, including his potential access to and handling of sensitive or personal information.”
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Rumor Control?
Doug Collins was sworn in as the new head of the Department of Veterans Affairs on February 5, 2025. Later in February, he posted an official VA YouTube video to assuage fears that budget cuts or other alterations to veterans benefits were not happening.
“I’m the Secretary of VA, and I’m telling you right now, that’s not happening… the reality is, Veterans benefits aren’t getting cut,” Collins claimed.
“…You know, the one thing that hadn’t changed about D.C. it’s the media up here that like to tell you stuff that they want you to believe… I’m going to give you a breakdown.”
The breakdown does not include specifics. Instead, Collins attempts some form of rumor control based on the activities of the Department of Governmental Efficiency, stating;
”….There’s also a rumor out there that DOGE is out there…this infamous thing that’s going to take personal information…”
What the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Says
“I’m telling you what we got. Doge Representatives here are doing what they’re supposed to be doing, and that is looking at our contracts to ensure we have the best run facility for efficiency. To make sure, who? The veteran, gets the care they need.”
Collins concludes the video by saying the goal is to “put the money where it belongs—you know where that is back with our veterans…we’ve hit the ground running, and like I’m saying, if you want to come for the real truth, come to see me.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs issued a press release that included the statements above, but also added Collins’ “reaffirmation” of the VA commitment to “prioritizing Veterans,” noting, “We’re putting Veterans number one back at the VA…”
$98 Million for Veterans
One of the few specifics offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs on this issue? According to the VA official site, the VA has “redirected nearly $98 million toward Veterans’ care and services rather than reducing them.” The specifics of that multi-million dollar redirect are unclear at press time.
Does the VA Secretary succeed in addressing the fears of the military and veteran community that Elon Musk’s DOGE efforts may cut their benefits? Watch the video and decide for yourself.
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About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
