Description: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal executive department charged with providing health care, disability and pension benefits, education and training, housing assistance, rehabilitation, and burial services to U.S. military veterans and their families. Its mission is to serve and honor veterans by delivering integrated benefits and services, conducting veteran-focused research, and administering a nationwide network of medical centers, regional benefit offices, and national cemeteries. Type: Federal executive department / government agency Policies: Administration and implementation of veterans' health care policy, disability compensation and pension programs, education benefits (including the GI Bill), vocational rehabilitation and employment services, homelessness prevention and housing assistance for veterans, mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, caregiver support, veterans' research and clinical innovation, and management of national cemeteries and memorial services. Funding: Primarily funded through annual and supplemental federal appropriations enacted by the U.S. Congress, supplemented by reimbursements from other federal health programs, grants, and fee-for-service collections where applicable. Affiliates: Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), National Cemetery Administration (NCA), VA Central Office leadership (Secretary and Under Secretaries), major veterans service organizations and partners such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and various state departments of veterans affairs.
