Commission Formed to Lead Veterans Health and Veterans Benefits Administrations

Officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have announced that they are vetting candidates to lead the Veterans Health and Veterans Benefits Administrations, and that VA Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, PhD, will chair both commissions.¹

The commissions will help the VA find candidates for its Under Secretary for Health (USH) and Under Secretary for Benefits (USB) positions and are a prerequisite to a presidential nomination of a candidate, subject to Senate confirmation, for each role.

The USH is responsible for the country’s largest healthcare system and works to provide veterans with healthcare choices they have earned while maintaining and improving the department’s direct healthcare capabilities. The USH manages the operation of the VA’s more than 1300 healthcare facilities, including hospitals, community-based outpatient clinics, nursing homes, domiciliaries, and Vet Centers. The USH also administers the training and education of the VA’s healthcare professionals, develops and supports the department’s contingency healthcare plans in the event of a national emergency, and leads research efforts focused on improving veterans’ health.

The USB directs the timely delivery of VA benefits and services for eligible veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors. The USB is responsible for ensuring accurate disability claims decisions, managing educational benefits for veterans and dependents, managing the home loan guaranty program, overseeing vocational rehabilitation and counseling for disabled veterans, bolstering the transition support available from military to civilian life, and accelerating the economic empowerment and independence of service members and veterans.

Reference

1. Veterans Affairs. VA starts search for new health and benefits leaders [press release]. April 14, 2025. Accessed April 15, 2025. https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-starts-search-for-new-health-and-benefits-leaders/