Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald has said his goal for 2016 is to bolster the department’s customer service as his office continues to work on reform efforts, Military Times reported Thursday.
Leo Shane III writes that McDonald told the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee that the MyVA restructuring plan aims to simplify the benefits appeals process, increase external healthcare options and update the VA website and contact centers.
The secretary added that he will work to drive cultural change to provide veteran-centric services even as committee members also noted that the major parts of MyVA call for legislative action.
Dianna Cahn of Stars and Stripes also reports that McDonald’s 2016 agenda overall includes 12 priorities to improve veteran care.
The report said veterans’ organizations such as the American Legion and Concerned Veterans for America have issued statements regarding their concerns about the promised reforms in MyVA.
