Information Technology: Department of Veterans Affairs Faces Ongoing Management Challenges

VA's mission is to promote the health, welfare, and dignity of all veterans in recognition of their service to the nation by ensuring that they receive medical care, benefits, social support, and lasting memorials. According to information from the department, its employees maintain the largest integrated health care system in the nation for more than 5 million patients at more than 1,500 sites of care, provide compensation and pension benefits for nearly 4 million veterans and beneficiaries, and maintain nearly 3 million gravesites at 163 properties. Over time, the use of IT has become increasingly important to the department's efforts to provide these benefits and services to veterans; VA relies on its IT systems for medical information and records and for processing benefits claims, including compensation and pension and education benefits. Further, VA is increasingly expected to improve its service to veterans by sharing information with other departments, especially DOD. Testimony before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Committee on Veteran's Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives.