VFW Action Corps Weekly
VFW Welcomes VA Federal Electronic Health Record System Relaunch: VA has launched the new Federal Electronic Health Record system at four Michigan facilities, the first deployment since the project was paused in 2023, prompting praise from the VFW, an enduring advocate for the initiative. “The VFW has long supported the modernization of VA’s health record systems because veterans deserve a seamless, integrated and accessible health care experience,” said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. This rollout is part of an accelerated plan to expand the system to 13 sites in 2026 and aims to improve care coordination, reduce duplicative testing and streamline access to veterans’ health records. In response to earlier challenges, VA has resolved system issues, reduced bureaucratic delays, increased staffing and standardized implementation to ensure a smoother nationwide rollout. Complementing VA’s efforts, the VFW Department of Michigan assisted with outreach to veterans in the state to help them understand the changes and benefits they could expect from the new system. Read the press release.
Committee Hearing on Claims Backlog Reduction: The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held an oversight hearing on the reduced backlog of VA disability compensation claims. There were approximately 264,000 backlogged claims –– defined as pending for 125 days or more –– on January 20, 2025. In February 2026, this number dropped below 100,000 for the first time since 2020. VA witnesses attributed the reduction to focused management, more effective use of the National Work Queue, targeted overtime and the expanded use of automated decision tools. In VFW’s statement for the record, VFW provided recommendations to the committee to ensure continued progress in claims processing, such as continued development of electronic tools and investment in VA’s workforce. Read the VFW’s testimony for the record or watch the hearing, which begins at the 28:39 mark.
TAP Bill Gains More Bipartisan Support: The TAP Promotion Act continues to gain bipartisan momentum following last month’s VFW Washington Conference congressional testimony and advocacy on Capitol Hill. This legislation would strengthen oversight of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) by improving service member awareness, expanding access to accredited veterans service organizations and reinforcing participation requirements to better prepare transitioning service members for civilian life. Since the March fly-in, Senate bill S.3938 has grown to 29 bipartisan cosponsors, and House bill H.R.1845 now has 52, reflecting increased congressional interest in improving transition outcomes.
VA Home Loan Foreclosures: Since May 2025 when VA allowed the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program to expire, veterans have contacted the VFW noting that foreclosures are on the rise. VA stopped accepting new VASP applications last year before a permanent replacement relief program was in place. Congress responded by passing the VFW-supported VA Home Loan Program Reform Act (Public Law 119-31) into law on July 30, 2025, establishing a permanent partial claims program to help veterans bring delinquent mortgages current and avoid foreclosure. As of today, VA has yet to implement the program. At a recent hearing of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, a VA witness confirmed veterans must rely on temporary measures such as forbearance and loan modifications until partial claims programs are implemented, which is not expected until June. Lawmakers expressed frustration with the delay and urged VA to use every available authority to prevent veterans from losing their homes. Learn more. VFW Podcast Focuses on DPAA: VFW Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Cory Geisler joins host Rob Couture for a special overseas episode of Still Serving: The VFW Podcast offering an inside look at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) mission in Southeast Asia, recorded on location in Ho Chi Minh City. Geisler shares reflections from visits to Hawaii, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, highlighting forensic work, remote recovery efforts, international cooperation and threats to the mission, to include logistical barriers and funding shortfalls. Through meetings and site visits, the conversation underscores the human cost of war and the enduring commitment to the fullest accounting of missing servicemembers. Listen to episode 62, "Never Leave a Fallen Comrade,” on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on YouTube.