VA leaves vacant thousands of medical and nursing jobs.

VA leaves vacant thousands of medical and nursing jobs. According to a New York Times analysis of data provided to Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) chose not to fill about 14,400 vacancies, including 4,900 nursing positions, many of which became vacant through buyout offers and resignations. The effective staffing reductions came despite a 2025 VA Office of Inspector General report citing severe medical officer shortages in 94% of VA facilities and nurse shortages in 79% of facilities. Nurses interviewed by the Times described having to take on nonpatient duties, including transporting patients and answering phones, due to a shortage of support staff as well.