FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 14, 2025

CONTACT: press@iava.org

IAVA Urges Immediate Action Following VA Watchdog Report on Worsening Staffing Shortages

Veterans group calls for urgent hiring, retention, and mental health investments to address crisis at VA facilities

WASHINGTON, DC — Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is calling for urgent action in response to a new report from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (OIG) showing a dramatic rise in severe staffing shortages at VA medical facilities across the country. The report identified more than 4,400 instances of severe shortages over the last year, representing a 50% increase from the previous year. Nearly every VA medical center reported critical gaps in doctors, nurses, and other key health care roles. Psychologists and mental health care providers were the most cited care gap, with 57% of facilities reporting it as a shortage.

“These findings confirm what veterans have been telling us for years: too many VA facilities simply do not have the staff to meet the needs of those who served,” said IAVA CEO Dr. Kyleanne Hunter. “When 94% of facilities report shortages in doctors and almost 80% report shortages in nurses, it is veterans who pay the price. The time for studies and reports is over. We need real, sustained action to fix this crisis and ensure that the VA is staffed appropriately.”

IAVA has long advocated for measures to improve VA staffing, including expediting hiring for mission-critical roles, boosting retention through competitive pay and benefits, and ensuring adequate staffing in both clinical and non-clinical positions. The organization is urging Congress and VA leadership to:

• Streamline hiring by reducing bureaucratic delays and using direct-hire authority where possible.
• Invest in retention with competitive salaries, restored bargaining rights, and improved workplace culture.
• Address shortages in mental health care with targeted recruitment of psychologists and psychiatrists.
• Maintain safety and support services by filling critical non-clinical roles such as VA police officers.

“Every unfilled position represents a delay in care, a cancelled appointment, or a veteran going without the help they need,” Dr. Hunter continued. “We owe our veterans more than gratitude. We owe them the timely, world-class, and culturally-competent care they earned. That starts with fully staffing the VA.”

The report detailing these staffing challenges coincide with the VA ending collective bargaining agreements for most unionized employees on August 6, 2025. The change affects over 350,000 nurses, doctors, and support staff. The VA says the move will help employees focus on serving veterans, while unions warn it undermines workers’ rights and could harm veteran care.
IAVA will continue to work with policymakers, the VA, and other stakeholders to ensure that the nation keeps its promise to all who have worn the uniform.

For media inquiries, please contact:
press@iava.org
(212) 982-9699

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is the leading voice of the Post-9/11 generation of American veterans. We represent over 425,000 members, and our best-in-class, non-partisan advocacy on behalf of the post-9/11 generation of veterans has chalked up big wins for our community – and America – for 20 years and counting.

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