Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers signal support for using AI to prevent veteran suicides in FY26 VA funding bill reports
“There is a significant need to improve early suicide indicators and detection using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies that improve operational efficiency and effectiveness throughout veteran service delivery,” according to a House Appropriations panel report.
Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI offers US veterans free year of its ChatGPT Plus service
Veterans and transitioning servicemembers can register for the plan if they are within 12 months of their retirement or separation from active duty.
Modernization
Post-9/11 veterans group’s project to modernize VA healthcare includes suicide prevention focus
The initiative from the nonprofit Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is helmed by former VA Secretary David Shulkin and is looking into seven preliminary areas of care.
Artificial Intelligence
Inside Mission Daybreak: VA’s effort to support innovative suicide prevention
VA’s director of data and analytics innovation said the program “is looking for what is the right solution for the ways that we want to optimize care, and sometimes that's technology, and sometimes it isn't.”
Artificial Intelligence
VA’s AI suicide prevention tools aren’t meant to replace clinical interventions — advocates want it to stay that way
The AI tools currently being used to identify veterans at high-risk of suicide always include human outreach.
Artificial Intelligence
VA AI strategy says early use cases will inform adoption in new EHR
“As AI tools are validated and show worth, they will be incorporated into the EHR and many other information technology platforms through coordination between innovators and the teams managing those systems today,” the department said.
Modernization
VA to focus on EHR deployment first, then innovative additions, official says
Dr. Neil Evans, who is currently overseeing VA’s deployment of a new EHR system, said one benefit of rolling out the Oracle Health software is “we can, in the future, more easily orchestrate and deliver an integrated technological experience.”
Artificial Intelligence
AI-based suicide prevention efforts at VA always have human involvement, official says
“We do not currently have any plans that I'm aware of to use AI as a treatment device instead of providers,” Evan Carey, acting director of VA’s National Artificial Intelligence Institute, told lawmakers.
Emerging Tech
In-home clinical uses of immersive tech will raise data privacy questions, VA official says
VA has over 40 use cases of augmented reality and virtual reality tools for patients and department staff.
Modernization
Change Healthcare attack delayed EHR testing at Chicago site, VA watchdog says
A joint VA-DOD rollout of a new Oracle Health electronic health record system occurred around the same time that UnitedHealth Group subsidiary Change Healthcare was targeted by a ransomware attack in February 2024.
People
VA's suicide prevention lead departs government
Dr. Matthew Miller, the executive director for VA Suicide Prevention, has overseen efforts to explore the use of innovative solutions during his tenure.
Digital Government
Veterans Experience Office codified under new law
The office was created in 2015 to gather feedback from veterans and their families that would help VA improve its services, although it was never formally established within the department.
Digital Government
Veterans Affairs reduces claims backlog at record rate
The Veterans Affairs Department processed more disability compensation and pension claims in fiscal 2025 than any other previous year.
Ideas
Why veterans need their own health care record and system
COMMENTARY | To restore trust and deliver the care veterans deserve, the VA must prioritize smart investment in technology, better management practices and serious engagement with veteran feedback.
People
VA launches a departmentwide 'review of its mission' as it seeks changes to its operations
Veterans Affairs is no longer planning mass layoffs, but major changes still expected.
Artificial Intelligence
Inside VA’s yearslong AI effort to uncover veterans at high risk of suicide
VA’s REACH VET model scans veterans’ electronic health records to identify those in the top 0.1% of suicide risk and then provide them with more targeted support.
Breaking News
People
VA backs down on mass layoffs, will cut 30K through attrition only
Following significant pushback, VA is reversing course on its plan for widespread RIFs while still promising some staffing reductions.
Ideas
IT excellence: lessons from the VA, the Air Force and abroad
COMMENTARY | Americans want smarter government. Success stories at the VA and the Air Force show it’s possible to transform digital services with the right leadership.
People
Trump nominates Ryan Cote to serve as VA’s new IT chief
Cote previously served as the Department of Transportation’s CIO for two years during the first Trump administration.
Digital Government