Since his swearing-in ceremony on July 30, Veterans Affairs Secretary, Robert Wilkie has demonstrated his leadership style by getting out and about - continuously. From visiting the VA Medical Centers, to attending the Military Family Summit, Wilkie is making sure he is visible and hears all voices in VA. Last month, Wilkie attended a VA Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs meeting with veteran service organizations, including MOAA, where legislative priorities were shared.

Wilkie reflected on his first months as secretary and the progress that has been made thus far. He also hinted at upcoming changes. Wilkie's overarching commentary focused on the fact that VA is an enormous organization and that changes must be made in phases. These changes would then only be implemented after Wilkie is convinced that the outcomes to veterans will be free of glitches, errors, and problems. Towards that goal, VA's new Electronic Health Record is being tested in Washington and Alaska to work out any glitches before it goes nationwide.

Wilkie made clear VA must undergo what he termed “business transformations” in order to better serve veterans. One example he provided is improving supply chains to VA Medical Centers. In 2017, VA made 4 million purchases using credit cards for items such as medical supplies. Wilkie has started reviewing DoD supply practices to determine if there is a more efficient system.

During the October meeting with Wilkie, MOAA representatives took the opportunity to stress the importance of VA and DoD collaboration in addressing matters of toxic exposures to current conflict veterans, specifically when it comes to their healthcare and benefits.

Electronic Health Records should alleviate challenges servicemembers face in proving toxic exposures. As documented by MOAA in previous articles, Blue Water Navy Veterans from Vietnam have struggled to prove their exposure to Agent Orange. With the EHRs, a servicemember's records could easily transition as he or she leaves service.

Wilkie expressed a desire to make Vet Centers, which offer counseling and referral services for combat veterans, more robust. He also wishes to “widen” the Veterans Choice Program, which enables veterans to receive care from a community provider instead of the VA (provided they have VA authorization).

Hinting at more transformations to come, Wilkie said that he is working with the President and more changes will be announced in January at the next State of the Union address. One issue that might be addressed by the President is access standards for VA and DoD being shortened to seven days for primary care appointments. MOAA will remain engaged with VA and its continued efforts towards transformation.