Modernize VA Infrastructure

In recent years, VA has made incredible strides to modernize its internal and external operating systems. The implementation of new interoperable electronic health records is underway, allowing VA and DoD clinicians to share health data, ensuring continuity of care for transitioning servicemembers. Additionally, VA has updated its website to be more interactive and intuitive, allowing veterans to quickly find the information they need. These are major accomplishments and a system slowly but surely moving to the 21st century is a win for all veterans.

Each generation of veterans, including the post-9/11 generation, rely on VA for both health care and benefits, and an agile system capable of accommodating them is critical. About 49% of all veterans are enrolled in VA health care. Among IAVA member survey respondents, 84% are enrolled in VA health care, of whom, 85% rated their experience at VA as average or above average. IAVA members have been clear that access to VA care can be challenging, but once in the system, they are satisfied with their treatment. Further independent reviews of VA health care show that the quality often exceeds the private sector.

Providing today’s veterans with a system willing to adapt to them will take the full coordination of the executive branch, Congress, state and local government, and stakeholders in the private and nonprofit sectors. We need a system that leverages the use of new technologies to streamline processes and enables the VA to take a more dynamic approach to respond to the needs of today’s veterans. Even so, the best technology will not save a system if it is built upon outdated structures. The VA must connect its internal departments and work with DoD to streamline services.

As more and more post-9/11 veterans enter into VA for health care and benefits, they are expecting quality and innovation on par with the private sector. This includes online access to medical records, benefit processing and applications, and appointment scheduling.

In the past few years, VA has invested resources to updating their website to make it more interactive and intuitive; with great success. To continue this momentum, VA must build upon its successes and continue to invest in innovative platforms and technologies to keep up with today’s veterans.

• Update current VA technology to compete in the 21st century
• Ensure technology systems are able to handle the needs of the millions of veterans dependent on VA and invest in updating these technology systems
• Work to ensure ease of operation for VA clinicians and staff to improve productivity and support the demand of veterans through VHA and VBA
• Invest in new and innovative technology systems and tools that will make the overall experience at VA better for veterans
• Ensure electronic options are available for all VA forms and paperwork
• Continue to expand the services available on va.gov
• Support expanding telehealth options of VA services