Veteran Care Briefing

1) VA Fully Funds In-Home Care for the Most Complex Cases* VA’s skilled home health program will now cover 100% of the cost of in-home and community-based services for Veterans with spinal cord injuries, ALS, and similar complex conditions (up from 65%).* The change implements Section 120 of the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act of 2025 and is expected to benefit roughly 200 Veterans this fiscal year.Full story: VA Press Room – “VA increases in-home and community-based services expenditure cap for Veterans with complex conditions”2) 2023 Veteran Suicide Report Shows Slight Decline, Persistent Risks* The latest National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report counted 6,398 Veteran suicides in 2023 (17.5 per day), a slight improvement year-over-year.* Per-capita rates, however, climbed for both men and women, and 61% of those lost were outside VA care in their final year—prompting renewed outreach and data-sharing pushes with civilian health systems.* VA says more than 33,000 Veterans have newly enrolled since January 2025 as part of the ongoing prevention campaign.Full story: VA Press Room – “VA releases annual Veteran suicide prevention report updated with 2023 data”3) VA Hiring Surge: 300+ VR&E Counselors and Specialists* Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) is recruiting more than 300 counselors and employment specialists nationwide through March 17.* Target applicants include professionals with counseling, social work, and rehabilitation backgrounds who can build individualized plans for service-connected Veterans.* The push aims to shrink caseloads and accelerate employment, education, and independent-living outcomes.Full story: VA Press Room – “VA hiring more than 300 employment counselors and specialists”4) State & Community Engagement: National Salute + Valentines for Vets* Michigan proclaimed February 8–14 “National Salute to Veteran Patients Week,” encouraging residents, schools, and civic groups to send valentines, host recognition events, and explore volunteer roles in VA medical centers and state Veteran homes. (Proclamation)* Texas Veterans Land Board launched its 2026 “Valentines for Vets” drive, asking communities to mail cards (postmarked by Feb 10) to residents of all 10 State Veterans Homes, with printable templates and addresses posted online. (KCBD coverage) Get full access to Veteran Voice at veterannews.substack.com/subscribe