The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that it is on track to reduce its workforce by nearly 30,000 employees by the end of fiscal year 2025. This reduction will be achieved primarily through normal attrition, early retirements, deferred resignations, and the ongoing federal hiring freeze, eliminating the need for a large-scale reduction-in-force (RIF).
This decision comes after months of uncertainty, as the VA had previously been considering a department-wide RIF that could have reduced staff by as much as 15%. However, as the department has worked through its various attrition programs, the need for an RIF has diminished.
Impact on VA Workforce and Veterans
According to the VA’s most recent data, the department employed approximately 484,000 people as of January 1, 2025. By June 1, 2025, that number had decreased to 467,000 employees, reflecting a reduction of nearly 17,000 staff members. By the end of the fiscal year, the VA anticipates that 12,000 additional employees will exit through voluntary programs like early retirement and the deferred resignation program.
While this reduction in staff is a significant shift for the VA, the department aims to maintain its ability to serve the nation’s veterans. However, the staffing cuts, even without a formal RIF, could have consequences for the quality and timeliness of services provided to veterans. Many fear that these staff reductions may further strain an already overburdened system and exacerbate delays in critical services like claims processing, medical care, and customer support.
VA Secretary Doug Collins' Initial Warning
VA Secretary Doug Collins had previously stated that the department could lay off as many as 80,000 employees, raising concerns among veterans and advocacy groups about how these cuts might impact service delivery. While the current reduction plan avoids a formal RIF, veterans’ groups have continued to voice concerns over the long-term effects on service efficiency and staff morale.
What This Means for Veterans
The reduction in VA staff, while managed through voluntary attrition and retirements, will likely still have a ripple effect on veterans who rely on timely benefits and healthcare services. As the VA continues to streamline its workforce, veterans may experience longer wait times for claims processing, appointments, and other essential services.
Additionally, the loss of thousands of employees could strain existing staff members, leading to burnout and further delays. Veterans’ advocates have expressed concerns that these cuts could diminish the department’s ability to respond to the increasing needs of the veteran community, especially as the number of aging veterans grows and demands on the system continue to rise.
What’s Next for the VA?
Despite the reductions, the VA has assured veterans that it remains committed to fulfilling its mission to serve them. Secretary Collins has emphasized that the VA is working to adapt to its new workforce size and ensure that veterans continue to receive the care and benefits they deserve. However, many are left wondering whether the reduced staff will be able to maintain the level of service veterans have come to expect.
Advocacy groups are continuing to push for stronger safeguards to ensure that veterans are not left behind in the face of these staffing changes. There are also calls for a more transparent process as the VA navigates these reductions to avoid any negative impacts on veterans’ services.
As the VA moves forward with its staffing reductions, it remains to be seen how the department will adjust its internal processes to mitigate the impact on veterans and ensure that quality care is not sacrificed. Veterans and their families are encouraged to stay informed and advocate for their rights as the situation evolves.
