Doug Collins Expands VA Health Care Access and Budget Priorities

# SEO-Optimized Podcast Episode Description **Secretary of Veterans Affairs Podcast: Doug Collins Updates - VA Health Care Enrollment, Budget, & Home Loan Reforms (April 2026)** Join host Marc for an in-depth discussion of the latest headlines surrounding **Doug Collins**, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, as of April 2026. This episode covers major VA developments affecting veterans nationwide, including record-breaking health care enrollment, federal budget allocations, and critical policy reforms. **Episode Highlights:** - **VA Health Care Enrollment Surge**: Over 100,000 new veterans enrolled in VA health care in Q1 2026, with total new enrollments reaching 739,000 since the PACT Act of 2022. Learn how the PACT Act expanded eligibility for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other combat zone toxins. - **Federal Budget Approval**: $469 billion allocated for military construction and VA spending in the fiscal 2027 budget, with Secretary Collins set to testify before the Senate subcommittee. - **VA Home Loan Program Modernization**: Congressman Abraham Hamadeh's calls for reforming outdated VA home loan rules to better serve today's housing market. - **VA IT Leadership**: Updates on Gary Shatswell's nomination as VA CIO and Assistant Secretary for Information Technology. - **Upcoming VA Rating Changes**: Insights into pending VA disability rating changes expected by September 2026. - **Veterans Homelessness Initiatives**: New VA housing support programs to mitigate homelessness risks among veterans. Perfect for veterans, military families, VA employees, and anyone interested in veteran benefits and policy updates. *A Quiet Please production* This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.