From the very start of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reviews of the VA and early announcements indicating that workforce reductions could reach as high as 80,000, MOAA has maintained a clear and consistent position. 

We absolutely support the responsible pursuit of finding savings and efficiencies within the federal workforce. As fellow taxpayers, why wouldn’t we be supportive of efficient government? At the same time, MOAA has been unwavering in its stance that cost-cutting measures must never compromise the earned benefits guaranteed to our veterans and retirees. These benefits are not budget line items — they are solemn promises made in recognition of service and sacrifice. 

While the loss of 30,000 VA positions will allow the department to avoid reduction-in-force measures that could have more than doubled those staffing cuts, the true measure of its impact lies not in these numbers, but in the outcomes: the quality, accessibility, and timeliness of care and benefits delivered to veterans.

As of now, the full impact of these staffing decisions remains unclear. The final report card cannot be issued until we see how they affect veterans’ experiences with the VA system.

Will appointments be harder to schedule? Will claims take longer to process? Will specialized care become less accessible? These are the real questions veterans and their families are asking — and MOAA is committed to finding the answers. We will work alongside our partners in the veterans service organization (VSO) community to advocate for accountability and transparency throughout the process.

Just as we remain vigilant in ensuring that the legislation MOAA supports is implemented faithfully and effectively, we will continue to track VA performance and push for a streamlined department that still puts veterans first, ensuring they receive the care and benefits they’ve earned without compromise.