The VA and the DoD are strengthening their partnership to ensure improved transitions for service members leaving the military. Doug Collins, the VA Secretary, and Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary, signed a memorandum on May 23 pledging increased partnership efforts to help veterans access health care and benefits more efficiently.
The agreement aims to enroll service members in VA care before separation. They expect the change will improve continuity of care, particularly for those with mental health conditions. The plan is to also expand shared use of health care resources, facilities, and personnel. The two departments also committed to better communication between providers and scheduling of appointments before discharge.
“This is about making sure the systems are working together from day one,” Collins said in a joint video announcement. Hegseth added, “It’s a shame that for far too long, there’s been a disconnect in the transition pipeline.”
Each year, an estimated 200,000 troops leave military service. While transition assistance programs, also known as TAP, are designed to help them prepare for civilian life by providing information on careers, benefits, and education, many service members either skip or rush through the courses, deeming them unimportant. This is problematic for both the program and the service members. Veterans’ organizations warn that this lack of preparation contributes to post-separation struggles and missed benefits.
The new agreement is a signal of a shift toward a proactive partnership, versus a reactive and resting on the shoulders of the service members. The collaboration includes plans for a joint electronic health record system and a Joint Separation Health Assessment to better track and support veterans’ well-being from service to civilian life.
“This is just the beginning,” Collins and Hegseth wrote. “Our unified efforts will break down barriers and better serve those who served.”
