Sep 02, 2026
Statement of
Gregg Orto, Deputy Director
National Veterans Service
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
For the Record
United States House of Representatives
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
With Respect To
“Beyond Go-Live: VA Electronic Health Record Modernization Status Update”
Washington, D.C.
Chairman Bost, Ranking Member Takano, and members of the committee, on behalf of the men and women of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and its Auxiliary, thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Record (EHR) deployment.
The VFW has long supported the goal of a modern, interoperable health record that allows health care information to follow service members from active duty to VA as veterans. As with past deployments of the EHR, we have been candid about the problems associated with the earlier deployments, including disruptions to care, technical and patient safety challenges, and insufficient communication with veterans and VA employees.
It is just as important to recognize when VA listens to those concerns, changes its approach, and demonstrates improvement. The resumption of EHR deployments in 2026 reflects a significant deliberate approach. Beginning with the April 2026 rollout at VA medical centers in Michigan, VA partnered with Oracle Health and was focused on site readiness, employee preparation, leadership involvement, and direct communication with veterans prior to implementation.
The VFW appreciates VA’s improved outreach to veterans. Prior to the Michigan deployment, VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence and other VA leaders worked with the VFW Department of Michigan to conduct outreach at VFW Posts to discuss with veterans what they could expect from the deployment to the new system. This was an area in which the VFW had previously raised concerns, and we appreciate VA leadership listening and initiating the outreach.
The Michigan deployment was followed by EHR integration at three VA medical centers in Ohio and one in Kentucky in June and, most recently, at three medical centers in Indiana in August. With these deployments, 11 VA medical centers have successfully transitioned to the Federal EHR in 2026.
Successful implementation of a new electronic health record is not simply an information technology project. It affects virtually every aspect of health care delivery from scheduling and pharmacy operations to clinical documentation and coordination of care. The VFW recognizes the thousands of VA employees who have trained, adapted to new workflows, and continued serving veterans throughout these transitions.
We also appreciate the hands-on leadership demonstrated during the recent deployments. Modernization of a health care system as large and complex as VA cannot be managed solely from Washington, D.C. It is a team effort. Successful implementation requires engagement with local medical center leaders, clinicians, employees, veterans, Veterans Service Organizations such as the VFW, and other stakeholders who understand how these changes affect care at the community level.
A single interoperable health record between the Department of Defense and VA at all medical facilities remains the critical objective. Service members should have confidence that their medical information will follow them when they transition from active duty and VA medical personnel should have timely access to the information necessary to provide continued, coordinated care. When fully implemented, the new EHR has the potential to improve continuity of care, reduce unnecessary duplication, and provide veterans with seamless health care.
The VFW recognizes that considerable work remains before the new EHR is deployed throughout VA. Congressional oversight remains essential, and future deployments must continue to protect patient safety, minimize disruptions to care, incorporate lessons learned, and ensure that veterans and VA employees are adequately prepared before implementation.
We commend Deputy Secretary Lawrence, VA leadership, Oracle Health, local medical center employees, and the veterans and stakeholders who have contributed to the progress achieved during the 2026 deployments so far. The progress demonstrated in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana shows that preparation, communication, accountability, and direct engagement with veterans can make a significant difference.
The VFW looks forward to continuing to work with VA and Congress as implementation moves forward. Our goal in these deployments remains unchanged: ensuring veterans receive reliable and seamless health care that they have earned and deserve.
Information Required by Rule XI2(g)(4) of the House of Representatives
Pursuant to Rule XI2(g)(4) of the House of Representatives, the VFW has not received any federal grants in Fiscal Year 2026, nor has it received any federal grants in the two previous Fiscal Years.
The VFW has not received payments or contracts from any foreign governments in the current year or preceding two calendar years.