The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched its search for candidates for the under secretary for benefits, or USB, position with the establishment of a commission led by VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence.
The USB will oversee the Veterans Benefits Administration and will be responsible for the timely delivery of benefits and services to veterans and their loved ones, the VA said Thursday.
The modernization of healthcare systems to accelerate the delivery of benefits and care is one of the key topics at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Healthcare Summit on Feb. 12. The GovCon networking event is open to new businesses offering innovative healthcare technologies and established companies that want to deepen their partnership with government agencies, such as the VA. Secure your tickets today.
Table of Contents
How Is the Under Secretary for Benefits Appointed?
The commission will present a list of candidates that President Donald Trump can nominate as USB.
Once the president has made his pick, the White House will send a notification to the Senate committee in charge of the nomination process, which will include a confirmation hearing and a Senate vote.
VBA has been without a permanent leader since January 2025, when Josh Jacobs stepped down from the USB role following the change of administration.
Trump previously nominated Karen Brazell, a U.S. Army veteran and former senior adviser to VA Secretary Doug Collins, to lead VBA, but she withdrew her nomination in October for “personal reasons,” Politico reported.
What Is VBA?
VBA is the VA’s arm that ensures eligible beneficiaries have access to resources and various support tied to military service and post-service needs.
In January 2025, the agency partnered with Leidos QTC Health Services to enhance the medical disability examination services, including claimant appointments, medical records management and customer satisfaction evaluations, in Regions 1 through 4.
Related Articles
Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, has announced the appointment of Charles Wall, principal legal adviser at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as deputy director of ICE. DHS said Thursday Wall has served at ICE since 2012. What Are DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s Thoughts on Charles Wall’s Appointment? Noem, a previous Wash100 awardee, said she looks forward to working with Wall. “For the last year, Mr. Wall served as ICE’s Principal Legal Advisor, playing a key role in helping us deliver historic results in arresting and removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from American
The Securities and Exchange Commission has named Russell McGranahan as its new general counsel, succeeding Jeffrey Finnell, who served as acting general counsel. McGranahan will direct legal counsel and provide guidance to the SEC chairman, commissioners and staff across the commission’s regulatory and enforcement activities, the agency said Thursday. Who Is Russell McGranahan? McGranahan most recently served as senior adviser to the SEC chairman, providing strategic and legal counsel. Before joining the SEC, he was general counsel of the General Services Administration, serving as the agency’s chief legal officer. Earlier, McGranahan spent more than nine years as general counsel of wealth management
The U.S. government and Taiwan have signed a trade agreement to strengthen U.S. semiconductor supply chains and secure the country’s industrial and technological leadership. As the U.S. deepens strategic partnerships like the recent Taiwan trade deal to strengthen semiconductor and advanced technology supply chains, artificial intelligence remains at the center of America’s economic and national security priorities. These developments underscore why leaders across government and industry are focused on building resilient AI ecosystems powered by secure, next-generation chips. Join the conversation at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18. Book your spot now to hear directly