Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations

Changes from November 12, 2021 to June 28, 2022

This page shows textual changes in the document between the two versions indicated in the dates above. Textual matter removed in the later version is indicated with ~~red strikethrough~~ and textual matter added in the later version is indicated with blue.

Department of Veterans Affairs
~~November 12, 2021~~
~~FY2022~~ FY2022 June 28, 2022 Appropriations
Sidath Viranga Panangala
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers numerous programs that provide benefits The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers numerous programs that provide benefits
Specialist in Veterans Specialist in Veterans
and services to eligible veterans and their families. These benefits include medical care; disability and services to eligible veterans and their families. These benefits include medical care; disability
Policy Policy
compensation and pensions; education; vocational rehabilitation and employment services; compensation and pensions; education; vocational rehabilitation and employment services;

assistance to homeless veterans; home loan guarantees; administration of life insurance, as well assistance to homeless veterans; home loan guarantees; administration of life insurance, as well
Jared S. Sussman
as traumatic injury protection insurance for servicemembers; and death benefits that cover burial as traumatic injury protection insurance for servicemembers; and death benefits that cover burial
Analyst in Health Policy Analyst in Health Policy
expenses. expenses.

President President ~~Joe~~ Biden submitted his formal budget proposal for FY2022 on May 28, 2021. The Biden submitted his formal budget proposal for FY2022 on May 28, 2021. The
Heather M. Salazar
Administration requested $268.41 billion for VA. This amount included $155.44 billion in Administration requested $268.41 billion for VA. This amount included $155.44 billion in
Analyst in Veterans Policy Analyst in Veterans Policy
mandatory funding and $112.97 billion in discretionary funding—a 10.38% increase compared mandatory funding and $112.97 billion in discretionary funding—a 10.38% increase compared

with the $243.16 billion enacted in FY2021 (excluding FY2021 funding provided in the with the $243.16 billion enacted in FY2021 (excluding FY2021 funding provided in the
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, P.L. 117-2). The President’s budget also proposed using a American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, P.L. 117-2). The President’s budget also proposed using a
~~For a copy of the full report,~~
~~please call 7-5700 or visit~~
Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund, established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund, established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act
~~www.crs.gov.~~
of 2016 (P.L. 114-113), to transfer $820 million of unobligated balances at the end of FY2021 to of 2016 (P.L. 114-113), to transfer $820 million of unobligated balances at the end of FY2021 to
supplement the discretionary budget request for FY2022. In addition, the budget request included an advance appropriation supplement the discretionary budget request for FY2022. In addition, the budget request included an advance appropriation
request of $267.87 billion for FY2023 to fund the seven advance appropriations accounts: compensation and pensions, request of $267.87 billion for FY2023 to fund the seven advance appropriations accounts: compensation and pensions,
readjustment benefits, insurance and indemnities, medical services, medical community care, medical support and readjustment benefits, insurance and indemnities, medical services, medical community care, medical support and
compliance, and medical facilities. compliance, and medical facilities.
On July 29, 2021, the House passed H.R. 4502, consisting of seven appropriations bills. Division F of H.R. 4502 (H.Rept. On July 29, 2021, the House passed H.R. 4502, consisting of seven appropriations bills. Division F of H.R. 4502 (H.Rept.
117-81) included the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA) appropriations bill for 117-81) included the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA) appropriations bill for
FY2022. The House-passed bill FY2022. The House-passed bill ~~provides~~provided $268.59 billion for VA, including $155.44 billion in mandatory spending and $268.59 billion for VA, including $155.44 billion in mandatory spending and
$113.15 billion in discretionary spending. On August 4, 2021, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported its version of $113.15 billion in discretionary spending. On August 4, 2021, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported its version of
the MILCON-VA bill for FY2022 (S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35). The Senate Appropriations Committee-reported bill the MILCON-VA bill for FY2022 (S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35). The Senate Appropriations Committee-reported bill
~~recommends~~recommended $268.37 billion for VA for FY2022, including $155.44 billion in mandatory spending and $112.93 billion in $268.37 billion for VA for FY2022, including $155.44 billion in mandatory spending and $112.93 billion in
discretionary spending. Both the House-passed and Senate-reported versions of the MILCON-VA bill for FY2022 include discretionary spending. Both the House-passed and Senate-reported versions of the MILCON-VA bill for FY2022 include
$267.87 billion in advance appropriations for FY2023. $267.87 billion in advance appropriations for FY2023. ~~Because none of the regular appropriations bills were enacted at the~~
~~start FY2022, the President signed into law the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act~~
~~(H.R. 5305;~~ On March 15, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. P.L. 117-103), was signed into law. The act provides $269.26 billion for VA for FY2022, including $157.05 in mandatory spending and $112.22 billion in discretionary spending. The act also includes $272.32 billion in advance appropriations for FY2023. Comparative funding levels~~117-43) on September 30, 2021. The act provides continuing appropriations through December 3, 2021.~~
~~Accounts that received advance appropriations budget authority for FY2022 in Division J of P.L. 116-260 are not affected by~~
~~the continuing resolution (CR).~~
~~Comparative funding levels with amounts enacted~~ for FY2021 (excluding FY2021 funding provided in the American Rescue for FY2021 (excluding FY2021 funding provided in the American Rescue
Plan Act of Plan Act of 2021, P.L. 117-2) and FY2022 are as follows (component amounts may not sum to totals due to rounding): FY2022 Senate FY2022 Appropriations House-Passed Committee FY2021 Enacted H.R. 4502 S. 2604 FY2022 Enacted (P.L. 116-260) FY2022 Request (H.Rept. 117-81) (S.Rept. 117-35) (P.L. 117-103)~~2021, P.L. 117-2), amounts requested by the President and provided by the House-passed measure (Division F of~~
~~H.R. 4502), and amounts recommended by the Senate Appropriations Committee MILCON-VA bill for FY2022 (S. 2604;~~
~~S.Rept. 117-35) are as follows:~~
~~FY2022 Senate~~
~~FY2022~~
~~Appropriations~~

~~FY2021 Enacted~~
~~FY2022 Request~~
~~House-Passed~~
~~Committee~~
Veterans Benefits Veterans Benefits
$142.10 bil ion $142.10 bil ion
$159.09 bil ion $159.09 bil ion
$159.09 bil ion $159.09 bil ion
$159.16 bil ion $159.16 bil ion
$160.73 bil ion Administration (VBA, Administration (VBA,
including General including General
Operating Expenses) Operating Expenses)
Veterans Health Veterans Health
$90.64 bil ion $90.64 bil ion
$98.33 bil ion $98.33 bil ion
$98.46 bil ion $98.46 bil ion
$98.33 bil ion $98.33 bil ion
$97.93 bil ion Administration (VHA) Administration (VHA)
National Cemetery National Cemetery
$352 $352.0 mil ion mil ion
$394 $394.0 mil ion mil ion
$392 $392.0 mil ion mil ion
$394 $394.0 mil ion $394.0 mil ion mil ion
Administration (NCA) Administration (NCA)
Departmental Departmental
$10.06 bil ion $10.06 bil ion
$10.59 bil ion $10.59 bil ion
$10.65 bil ion $10.65 bil ion
$10.48 bil ion $10.48 bil ion
$10.28 bil ion Administration Administration

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Introduction
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a range of benefits and services to veterans The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a range of benefits and services to veterans
who meet certain eligibility criteria. These benefits and services include, among other things, who meet certain eligibility criteria. These benefits and services include, among other things,
hospital and medical care;1 disability compensation and pensions;2 education;3 vocational hospital and medical care;1 disability compensation and pensions;2 education;3 vocational
rehabilitation and employment services;4 assistance to homeless veterans;5 home loan rehabilitation and employment services;4 assistance to homeless veterans;5 home loan
guarantees;6 administration of life insurance, as well as traumatic injury protection insurance for guarantees;6 administration of life insurance, as well as traumatic injury protection insurance for
servicemembers; and death benefits that cover burial expenses.7 servicemembers; and death benefits that cover burial expenses.7
The department carries out its programs nationwide through three administrations and the Board The department carries out its programs nationwide through three administrations and the Board
of Veterans Appeals (BVA). The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is responsible for health of Veterans Appeals (BVA). The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is responsible for health
care services and medical and prosthetic research programs. The Veterans Benefits care services and medical and prosthetic research programs. The Veterans Benefits
Administration (VBA) is responsible for, among other things, providing compensation, pensions, Administration (VBA) is responsible for, among other things, providing compensation, pensions,
and education assistance. The National Cemetery Administration (NCA)8 is responsible for and education assistance. The National Cemetery Administration (NCA)8 is responsible for
maintaining national veterans cemeteries; providing grants to states for establishing, expanding, maintaining national veterans cemeteries; providing grants to states for establishing, expanding,
and improving state veterans cemeteries; and providing headstones and markers for the graves of and improving state veterans cemeteries; and providing headstones and markers for the graves of
eligible persons, among other things. The BVA reviews all appeals made by veterans or their eligible persons, among other things. The BVA reviews all appeals made by veterans or their
representatives for entitlement to veterans’ benefits, including claims for service connection, representatives for entitlement to veterans’ benefits, including claims for service connection,
increased disability ratings, pensions, insurance benefits, and educational benefits, among other increased disability ratings, pensions, insurance benefits, and educational benefits, among other
things. things.
Scope and Limitations of This Report
This report provides an overview of the FY2022 President’s request for VA and subsequent This report provides an overview of the FY2022 President’s request for VA and subsequent
congressional action. It begins with a discussion of various appropriations and funds that congressional action. It begins with a discussion of various appropriations and funds that
constitute VA’s budget, followed by a brief overview of the FY2021 congressional appropriations constitute VA’s budget, followed by a brief overview of the FY2021 congressional appropriations
process and enacted amounts for FY2021, including American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act (P.L. 117-process and enacted amounts for FY2021, including American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act (P.L. 117-
2) funding. It then discusses the President’s request for FY2022 for care, benefits, and services 2) funding. It then discusses the President’s request for FY2022 for care, benefits, and services
for veterans and administration of the department, followed by congressional action on the for veterans and administration of the department, followed by congressional action on the
FY2022 request. The report provides funding levels for the accounts as presented in the Military FY2022 request. The report provides funding levels for the accounts as presented in the Military
Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA) appropriations bill; it does Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA) appropriations bill; it does
not provide funding levels at the subaccount, program, or activity levels. Generally, VA accounts not provide funding levels at the subaccount, program, or activity levels. Generally, VA accounts
are purpose specific rather than program specific. For example, VHA’s supply chain are purpose specific rather than program specific. For example, VHA’s supply chain
modernization modernization ~~effort~~program could include funding from the medical support and compliance account and could include funding from the medical support and compliance account and
the information technology accountthe information technology account. Appendix B lists appropriations to VA from FY1995 to lists appropriations to VA from FY1995 to
FY2021. Funding amounts shown in the appendices of this report may include transfers in and FY2021. Funding amounts shown in the appendices of this report may include transfers in and

1 For more information on programs, see CRS Report R42747, 1 For more information on programs, see CRS Report R42747, Health Care for Veterans: Answers to Frequently Asked
Questions. .
2 For more information on programs, see CRS Report R44837, 2 For more information on programs, see CRS Report R44837, Benefits for Service-Disabled Veterans; and CRS Report ; and CRS Report
RS22804, RS22804, Veterans’ Benefits: Pension Benefit Programs. .
3 For a discussion of education benefits, see CRS Report R42755, 3 For a discussion of education benefits, see CRS Report R42755, The Post-9/11 GI Bill: A Primer. .
4 For details on VA’s vocational rehabilitation and employment, see CRS Report RL34627, 4 For details on VA’s vocational rehabilitation and employment, see CRS Report RL34627, Veterans’ Benefits: The
Veteran Readiness and Employment Program. .
5 For detailed information on homeless veterans programs, see CRS In Focus IF10167, 5 For detailed information on homeless veterans programs, see CRS In Focus IF10167, Veterans and Homelessness. .
6 For details on the home loan guarantee program, see CRS Report R42504, 6 For details on the home loan guarantee program, see CRS Report R42504, VA Housing: Guaranteed Loans, Direct
Loans, and Specially Adapted Housing Grants. .
7 For more information on burial benefits, see CRS Report R41386, 7 For more information on burial benefits, see CRS Report R41386, Veterans’ Benefits: Burial Benefits and National
Cemeteries. .
8 Established by the National Cemeteries Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-43). 8 Established by the National Cemeteries Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-43).
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out of accounts as calculated by VA; therefore, those amounts may be different from those shown out of accounts as calculated by VA; therefore, those amounts may be different from those shown
ini n Table 2 which presents budget authority from Table 2, w~~hich is based on budget authority amounts shown in~~ the MILCON-VA the MILCON-VA
appropriations bills and accompanying committee reports.appropriations bills and accompanying committee reports.
Table 2 is included at the end of discussion on the FY2022 budget request and congressional action. The Department of Veterans Affairs Budget
VA’s budget includes both mandatory9 and discretionary funding.10 Mandatory accounts fund VA’s budget includes both mandatory9 and discretionary funding.10 Mandatory accounts fund
disability compensation for veterans, the survivor’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation disability compensation for veterans, the survivor’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
(DIC) program, pensions, vocational rehabilitation and employment, education, life insurance, (DIC) program, pensions, vocational rehabilitation and employment, education, life insurance,
housing, clothing allowances, and burial benefits (such as burial allowances, grave liners, outer housing, clothing allowances, and burial benefits (such as burial allowances, grave liners, outer
burial receptacles, and headstones and markers), among other benefits and services. Discretionary burial receptacles, and headstones and markers), among other benefits and services. Discretionary
accounts fund medical care, medical research, construction programs, information technology, the accounts fund medical care, medical research, construction programs, information technology, the
Office of Inspector General, BVA, and general operating expenses, among other things. These Office of Inspector General, BVA, and general operating expenses, among other things. These
accounts are further supplemented by revolving funds, such as the Canteen Service Revolving accounts are further supplemented by revolving funds, such as the Canteen Service Revolving
Fund and the Pershing Hall Revolving Fund; trust funds, such as the Department of Veterans Fund and the Pershing Hall Revolving Fund; trust funds, such as the Department of Veterans
Affairs Cemetery Gift Fund and the General Post Fund; and special funds, such as the Medical Affairs Cemetery Gift Fund and the General Post Fund; and special funds, such as the Medical
Care Collections Fund and the Capital Asset Fund.11 Care Collections Fund and the Capital Asset Fund.11
Advance Appropriations12
VA has advance appropriation authority for specified medical care and benefits accounts. In 2009, VA has advance appropriation authority for specified medical care and benefits accounts. In 2009,
Congress enacted the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 (P.L. Congress enacted the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 (P.L.
111-81), authorizing advance appropriations for three of the four VHA accounts: medical 111-81), authorizing advance appropriations for three of the four VHA accounts: medical
services, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities.13 In 2014, Congress passed the services, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities.13 In 2014, Congress passed the
Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (H.R. 83; P.L. 113-235), which Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (H.R. 83; P.L. 113-235), which
amended 38 U.S.C. §117 and included three more accounts to the advance appropriations list of amended 38 U.S.C. §117 and included three more accounts to the advance appropriations list of
accounts. This act authorized advance appropriations for three mandatory VA benefits programs accounts. This act authorized advance appropriations for three mandatory VA benefits programs
within the Veterans Benefits Administration: compensation and pensions, readjustment benefits, within the Veterans Benefits Administration: compensation and pensions, readjustment benefits,
and veterans insurance and indemnities. Beginning with the FY2016 Military Construction and and veterans insurance and indemnities. Beginning with the FY2016 Military Construction and
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (MILCON- VA; P.L. 114-113), those Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (MILCON- VA; P.L. 114-113), those

9 Mandatory programs funded through the annual appropriations process are commonly referred to as 9 Mandatory programs funded through the annual appropriations process are commonly referred to as appropriated
entitlements. In general, appropriators have little control over the amounts provided for appropriated entitlements; . In general, appropriators have little control over the amounts provided for appropriated entitlements;
rather, the authorizing statute establishes the program parameters (e.g., eligibility rules, benefit levels) that entitle rather, the authorizing statute establishes the program parameters (e.g., eligibility rules, benefit levels) that entitle
certain recipients to payments. If Congress does not appropriate the money necessary to meet these commitments, certain recipients to payments. If Congress does not appropriate the money necessary to meet these commitments,
entitled recipients (e.g., individuals, states, or other entities) may have legal recourse. For an overview of mandatory entitled recipients (e.g., individuals, states, or other entities) may have legal recourse. For an overview of mandatory
spending, see CRS Report R44641, spending, see CRS Report R44641, Trends in Mandatory Spending: In Brief. .
10 Funding for discretionary programs is provided and controlled through the annual appropriations process. For more 10 Funding for discretionary programs is provided and controlled through the annual appropriations process. For more
information, see CRS Report R41726, information, see CRS Report R41726, Discretionary Budget Authority by Subfunction: An Overview.
11 For more details about these funds, see Department of Veterans Affairs, 11 For more details about these funds, see Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2016 Congressional Budget Submission, ,
Supplemental Information and Appendices, vol. 1 of 4, February 2015, pp. Appendix 117-Appendix 126. (This is the Supplemental Information and Appendices, vol. 1 of 4, February 2015, pp. Appendix 117-Appendix 126. (This is the
last edition in which this information was published.) For definitions about “revolving funds,” “trust funds,” and last edition in which this information was published.) For definitions about “revolving funds,” “trust funds,” and
“special funds,” see Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OMB Circular No. “special funds,” see Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OMB Circular No.
A–11, A–11, Section 20- Terms and Concepts,, available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/a11.pdf. available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/a11.pdf.
12 In general, advance appropriations refer to budget authority provided in an appropriations act that becomes available 12 In general, advance appropriations refer to budget authority provided in an appropriations act that becomes available
for obligation one or more fiscal years after the year covered by the act. For a detailed discussion of advance for obligation one or more fiscal years after the year covered by the act. For a detailed discussion of advance
appropriations, see CRS Report R43482, appropriations, see CRS Report R43482, Advance Appropriations, Forward Funding, and Advance Funding: Concepts,
Practice, and Budget Process Considerations. .
13 Codified at 38 U.S.C. §117. 13 Codified at 38 U.S.C. §117.
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accounts received advance appropriations for the first time in FY2017, in addition to the three accounts received advance appropriations for the first time in FY2017, in addition to the three
VHA accounts already authorized to receive advance appropriations. VHA accounts already authorized to receive advance appropriations.
Section 4003 of the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of Section 4003 of the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of
2015 (P.L. 114-41) required the establishment of a separate new account for medical community 2015 (P.L. 114-41) required the establishment of a separate new account for medical community
carecare, beginning with the FY2017 appropriations cycle. The Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal beginning with the FY2017 appropriations cycle. The Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal
Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-315) authorized advance Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-315) authorized advance
appropriations for the medical community care account. appropriations for the medical community care account.
Congress had authorized (through P.L. 111-81, P.L. 113-235, and P.L. 114-315) advance Congress had authorized (through P.L. 111-81, P.L. 113-235, and P.L. 114-315) advance
appropriations of new budget authority for appropriations of new budget authority for ~~these~~the aforementioned VBA and VHA accounts to prevent potential VBA and VHA accounts to prevent potential
delays in the delivery of care and benefits to veterans that may have arisen in the event of a delays in the delivery of care and benefits to veterans that may have arisen in the event of a
funding lapse. funding lapse.
Under present budget scoring guidelines, advance appropriations are scored as new budget Under present budget scoring guidelines, advance appropriations are scored as new budget
authority in the fiscal year in which they become available for obligation, not in the fiscal year the authority in the fiscal year in which they become available for obligation, not in the fiscal year the
appropriations are enacted and are required to be accommodated within the statutory spending appropriations are enacted and are required to be accommodated within the statutory spending
caps for that year.14 Therefore, throughout the funding tables in this report, advance caps for that year.14 Therefore, throughout the funding tables in this report, advance
appropriations numbers are appropriations numbers are ~~noted~~displayed by the label “memorandum” and in the corresponding fiscal by the label “memorandum” and in the corresponding fiscal
year column. year column.
Historical Perspective
Figure 1 provides funding trends for mandatory, discretionary, and total VA-enacted provides funding trends for mandatory, discretionary, and total VA-enacted
appropriations from FY1995 through FY2021. Between FY1995 and FY2021, total mandatory appropriations from FY1995 through FY2021. Between FY1995 and FY2021, total mandatory
appropriations grew from $19.45 billion to $154.15 billion in nominal dollars, a compound appropriations grew from $19.45 billion to $154.15 billion in nominal dollars, a compound
annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.29%.15 During this same period, discretionary appropriations annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.29%.15 During this same period, discretionary appropriations
grew from $18.02 billion to $104.43 billion, a CAGR of 6.99%. The total VA appropriations from grew from $18.02 billion to $104.43 billion, a CAGR of 6.99%. The total VA appropriations from
FY1995 through FY2021 grew from $37.47 billion to $258.58 billion, a CAGR of 7.71%. FY1995 through FY2021 grew from $37.47 billion to $258.58 billion, a CAGR of 7.71%.

14 Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OMB Circular No. A–11, 14 Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OMB Circular No. A–11, Section 20-
Terms and Concepts, available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/s20.pdf; also see OMB , available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/s20.pdf; also see OMB
Circular No. A–11, Circular No. A–11, Appendix A -Scorekeeping Guidelines, available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/
uploads/2018/06/a11.pdf. uploads/2018/06/a11.pdf.
15 CAGR is annualized average rate of growth between two given years, calculated as CAGR; year FY1995 to year 15 CAGR is annualized average rate of growth between two given years, calculated as CAGR; year FY1995 to year
FY2021 = [(value in year 2021/value in year 1995) ^ (1/26)-1]. FY2021 = [(value in year 2021/value in year 1995) ^ (1/26)-1].
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Figure 1. VA Appropriations, FY1995-FY2021

Source: Figure prepared by CRS based on figures from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Figure prepared by CRS based on figures from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of
Management, Office of Budget (sManagement, Office of Budget (see Appendix B).
Notes: Amounts in nominal, or noninflation-adjusted, dol ars, and discretionary funding excludes offsetting Amounts in nominal, or noninflation-adjusted, dol ars, and discretionary funding excludes offsetting
col ections deposited in the Medical Care Col ections Fund (MCCF). col ections deposited in the Medical Care Col ections Fund (MCCF).
FY2009: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5) provided supplemental funding, VHA received FY2009: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5) provided supplemental funding, VHA received
$1.0 bil ion for the medical facilities account, and the $700 mil ion was for the economic recovery payments. The $1.0 bil ion for the medical facilities account, and the $700 mil ion was for the economic recovery payments. The
supplemental $700 mil ion is not included in the discretionary subtotal but included in overall VA total. supplemental $700 mil ion is not included in the discretionary subtotal but included in overall VA total.
FY2014: Amounts include $15 bil ion in mandatory funding provided in the Veterans Choice Act (P.L. 113-146). FY2014: Amounts include $15 bil ion in mandatory funding provided in the Veterans Choice Act (P.L. 113-146).
FY2021: Amounts include American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act (P.L. 117-2) funding. FY2021: Amounts include American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act (P.L. 117-2) funding.
FY2021 Budget Summary16
President Donald Trump submitted his budget proposal for FY2021 on February 10, 2020. The President Donald Trump submitted his budget proposal for FY2021 on February 10, 2020. The
President’s budget requested $240.25 billion for VA. This amount included $135.43 billion in President’s budget requested $240.25 billion for VA. This amount included $135.43 billion in
mandatory benefits funding and $104.81billion in discretionary funding. mandatory benefits funding and $104.81billion in discretionary funding.
On July 9, 2020, the House Appropriations Committee held a markup of the FY2021 MILCON- On July 9, 2020, the House Appropriations Committee held a markup of the FY2021 MILCON-
VA appropriations bill, and the bill was ordered reported to the full House on July 13 (H.R. 7609; VA appropriations bill, and the bill was ordered reported to the full House on July 13 (H.R. 7609;
H.Rept. 116-445). Subsequently, the text of H.R. 7609 was included in a four-bill appropriations H.Rept. 116-445). Subsequently, the text of H.R. 7609 was included in a four-bill appropriations
package (H.R. 7608, the State, Foreign Operations, Agriculture, Rural Development, Interior, package (H.R. 7608, the State, Foreign Operations, Agriculture, Rural Development, Interior,
Environment, Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill 2021) and passed Environment, Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill 2021) and passed
by the full House on July 24. The House-passed measure (Division D of H.R. 7608) provided a by the full House on July 24. The House-passed measure (Division D of H.R. 7608) provided a
total of $240.21 billion for VA, which included $135.43 billion in mandatory funding and total of $240.21 billion for VA, which included $135.43 billion in mandatory funding and
$104.78 billion in discretionary funding. $104.78 billion in discretionary funding.
On November 10, 2020, the chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Richard On November 10, 2020, the chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Richard
Shelby, released drafts of all 12 annual appropriations bills along with draft accompanying Shelby, released drafts of all 12 annual appropriations bills along with draft accompanying
explanatory statements, including the FY2021 MILCON-VA appropriations bill.17 The release of explanatory statements, including the FY2021 MILCON-VA appropriations bill.17 The release of

16 For complete details on FY2021 VA appropriations, see CRS Report R46459, 16 For complete details on FY2021 VA appropriations, see CRS Report R46459, Department of Veterans Affairs
FY2021 Appropriations. .
17 The 12 draft bills and explanatory statements are on the committee’s website, linked to the majority press release, at 17 The 12 draft bills and explanatory statements are on the committee’s website, linked to the majority press release, at
https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/committee-releases-fy21-bills-in-effort-to-advance-process-produce-https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/committee-releases-fy21-bills-in-effort-to-advance-process-produce-
bipartisan-results. bipartisan-results.
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the draft bills was intended to further negotiations on annual appropriations between the House the draft bills was intended to further negotiations on annual appropriations between the House
and the Senate.18 The majority draft FY2021 MILCON-VA appropriations bill recommended and the Senate.18 The majority draft FY2021 MILCON-VA appropriations bill recommended
$243.12 billion for VA, including $138.73 billion in mandatory spending and $104.39 billion in $243.12 billion for VA, including $138.73 billion in mandatory spending and $104.39 billion in
discretionary spending. discretionary spending.
Because no regular appropriations bills were enacted at the beginning of FY2021 on October 1, Because no regular appropriations bills were enacted at the beginning of FY2021 on October 1,
2020, certain VA accounts (excluding the seven advance appropriations accounts that received 2020, certain VA accounts (excluding the seven advance appropriations accounts that received
FY2021 budget authority in P.L. 116-94) were funded through a series of continuing resolutions FY2021 budget authority in P.L. 116-94) were funded through a series of continuing resolutions
(CRs). (CRs).
On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133, P.L. 116-260), was On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133, P.L. 116-260), was
enacted into law. Division J of this act contained the FY2021 Military Construction, Veterans enacted into law. Division J of this act contained the FY2021 Military Construction, Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA) Appropriations Act. The act provided $243.16 Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA) Appropriations Act. The act provided $243.16
billion for VA for FY2021, which included $138.73 billion in mandatory funding and $104.43 billion for VA for FY2021, which included $138.73 billion in mandatory funding and $104.43
billion in discretionary fundingbillion in discretionary funding.. Figure 2 provides funding levels for VHA, VBA, and provides funding levels for VHA, VBA, and
Departmental Administration, which includes the following accounts: general administration, Departmental Administration, which includes the following accounts: general administration,
BVA, information technology systems (IT systems); veterans electronic health record BVA, information technology systems (IT systems); veterans electronic health record
modernization (EHRM), Office of Inspector General, construction major and minor accounts, modernization (EHRM), Office of Inspector General, construction major and minor accounts,
grants for construction of state extended care facilities; and grants for the construction of veterans grants for construction of state extended care facilities; and grants for the construction of veterans
cemeteries. cemeteries.
Figure 2. FY2021 VA-Enacted Appropriations

Source: Figure prepared by CRS based on U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Figure prepared by CRS based on U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2021, committee print, prepared by House Committee on Appropriations, H.R. 133/P.L. 116-, committee print, prepared by House Committee on Appropriations, H.R. 133/P.L. 116-
260 [Legislative Text and Explanatory Statement] Book 2 of 2 Divisions G–L, 116th Cong., 2nd sess., 2021 260 [Legislative Text and Explanatory Statement] Book 2 of 2 Divisions G–L, 116th Cong., 2nd sess., 2021
(Washington: GPO, 2021), pp. 1885-1903. (Washington: GPO, 2021), pp. 1885-1903.
Notes: FY2021-enacted amounts exclude offsetting col ections deposited in the Medical Care Col ections Fund FY2021-enacted amounts exclude offsetting col ections deposited in the Medical Care Col ections Fund
(MCCF) and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act (P.L. 117-2) supplemental appropriations. (MCCF) and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act (P.L. 117-2) supplemental appropriations.

18 Ibid. See also the statement from the Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair, Senator Patrick Leahy, at 18 Ibid. See also the statement from the Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair, Senator Patrick Leahy, at
https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/minority/senate-approps-vice-chair-leahy-statement-on-the-release-of-the-https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/minority/senate-approps-vice-chair-leahy-statement-on-the-release-of-the-
fy-2021-senate-appropriations-bills-. fy-2021-senate-appropriations-bills-.
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Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2)
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L.
117-2). This legislation was crafted by authorizing committees, instead of appropriations 117-2). This legislation was crafted by authorizing committees, instead of appropriations
committees, using the budget reconciliation process.19 The Veterans’ Affairs Committee committees, using the budget reconciliation process.19 The Veterans’ Affairs Committee
provisions (Title VIII of P.L. 117-2) provide approximately $17.08 billion in mandatory funds for provisions (Title VIII of P.L. 117-2) provide approximately $17.08 billion in mandatory funds for
VA programs and activities. The law provided funding based on several broad categories and VA programs and activities. The law provided funding based on several broad categories and
allowed VA to allocate funding at the account level (seeallowed VA to allocate funding at the account level (see Figure 3).
Figure 3. American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Funding

Source: Figure prepared by CRS based on Department of Veterans Affairs, Figure prepared by CRS based on Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission,
Supplemental Information and Appendices, vol. 1of 4, May 28, 2021, p. Supplemental Information – 11. , vol. 1of 4, May 28, 2021, p. Supplemental Information – 11.
Note: ~~Al ocations~~Allocations are estimates and subject to change, based on FY2021 actual spending and changes are estimates and subject to change, based on FY2021 actual spending and changes
throughout FY2022throughout FY2022 and FY2023. .
A summary of VA provisions follows A summary of VA provisions follows, and Table 1 provides VA’s estimated allocations by provides VA’s estimated allocations by
account level. Final FY2022 account level. Final FY2022 and FY2023 funding allocations are subject to change based on FY2021 actual funding allocations are subject to change based on FY2021 actual
spending and changes throughout FY2022spending and changes throughout FY2022 and FY2023. .
 Section 8001 provided $272 million for VBA, general operating expenses  Section 8001 provided $272 million for VBA, general operating expenses
account, and the Board of Veterans Appeals, to remain available until September account, and the Board of Veterans Appeals, to remain available until September
30, 2023, for processing disability claims and appeals for entitlement to veterans’ 30, 2023, for processing disability claims and appeals for entitlement to veterans’
benefits. benefits.
 Section 8002 provided $14.48 billion to remain available until September 30,  Section 8002 provided $14.48 billion to remain available until September 30,
2023, for allocation to VA medical care accounts. VA established the Veterans 2023, for allocation to VA medical care accounts. VA established the Veterans
Medical Care and Health Fund to execute Section 8002 of P.L. 117-2. Medical Care and Health Fund to execute Section 8002 of P.L. 117-2.
 Section 8003 provided $100 million to remain available until September 30,  Section 8003 provided $100 million to remain available until September 30,
2022, for the supply chain modernization initiative. 2022, for the supply chain modernization initiative.
 Section 8004 provided $250 million for a one-time only obligation and  Section 8004 provided $250 million for a one-time only obligation and
expenditure to existing state extended care facilities for payment of per diem expenditure to existing state extended care facilities for payment of per diem
payments during March 11, 2021, through September 30, 2022. This section also payments during March 11, 2021, through September 30, 2022. This section also
provided $500 million to remain available until expended for grants to assist provided $500 million to remain available until expended for grants to assist
states to acquire, construct, remodel, modify, or alter state extended care states to acquire, construct, remodel, modify, or alter state extended care
facilities. facilities.

19 For background information on the reconciliation process, see CRS Report R44058, 19 For background information on the reconciliation process, see CRS Report R44058, The Budget Reconciliation
Process: Stages of Consideration, and CRS Report R46675, , and CRS Report R46675, S.Con.Res. 5: The Budget Resolution for FY2021. .
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 Section 8005 provided $10 million for the Office of Inspector General to remain  Section 8005 provided $10 million for the Office of Inspector General to remain
available until expended. available until expended.
 Section 8006 provided $386 million for VBA for the Veterans Rapid Retraining  Section 8006 provided $386 million for VBA for the Veterans Rapid Retraining
Assistance Program (VRRAP), which was established by the American Rescue Assistance Program (VRRAP), which was established by the American Rescue
Plan Act of 2021. Plan Act of 2021.
 Section 8007 provided $1 billion to remain available until expended to provide  Section 8007 provided $1 billion to remain available until expended to provide
for any health care copayment or other cost sharing, and to reimburse any veteran for any health care copayment or other cost sharing, and to reimburse any veteran
who already paid a copayment or other cost sharing, for care and prescriptions who already paid a copayment or other cost sharing, for care and prescriptions
during the period beginning on April 6, 2020, and ending on September 30, 2021. during the period beginning on April 6, 2020, and ending on September 30, 2021.
 Section 8008 provided $80 million for Emergency Department of Veterans  Section 8008 provided $80 million for Emergency Department of Veterans
Affairs Employee Leave Fund to remain available from March 11, 2021, through Affairs Employee Leave Fund to remain available from March 11, 2021, through
September 20, 2022. The fund would pay for paid leave for VHA employees September 20, 2022. The fund would pay for paid leave for VHA employees
appointed under Chapter 74 of 38 appointed under Chapter 74 of 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) who are unable to (U.S.C.) who are unable to
work due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. work due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Table 1. American Rescue Plan Act (P.L. 117-2) Allocations
($ in Thousands) ($ in Thousands)
Estimated
Account
Allocation
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) - General Operating Expenses (GOE) Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) - General Operating Expenses (GOE)
$262,000 $262,000
Board of Veterans Appeals Board of Veterans Appeals
10,000 10,000
Section 8001 Subtotal
272,000
Veterans Medical Care and Health Fund (VMCHF) Veterans Medical Care and Health Fund (VMCHF)

Medical Services Medical Services
9,020,443 9,020,443
Medical Community Care Medical Community Care
1,901,196 1,901,196
Medical Support and Compliance Medical Support and Compliance
978,433 978,433
Medical Facilities Medical Facilities
2,572,928 2,572,928
Medical and Prosthetic Research Medical and Prosthetic Research
9,000 9,000
Section 8002 Subtotal
14,482,000
Information Technology Information Technology
100,000 100,000
Section 8003 Subtotal
100,000
Medical Community Care Medical Community Care
250,000 250,000
Grants for Construction of State Extended Care Facilities Grants for Construction of State Extended Care Facilities
500,000 500,000
Section 8004 Subtotal
750,000
Office of Inspector General Office of Inspector General
10,000 10,000
Section 8005 Subtotal
10,000 10,000
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) General Operating Expenses (GOE)- Veteran Rapid Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) General Operating Expenses (GOE)- Veteran Rapid
386,000 386,000
Retraining Assistance Program Retraining Assistance Program
Section 8006 Subtotal
386,000
Medical Services Medical Services
627,900 627,900
Medical Community Care Medical Community Care
72,100 72,100
Medical Care Col ections Fund Medical Care Col ections Fund
300,000 300,000
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Estimated
Account
Allocation
Section 8007 Subtotal
1,000,000 1,000,000
Emergency Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Leave Fund Emergency Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Leave Fund
80,000 80,000
Section 8008 Subtotal
80,000
Total TITLE VIII of American Rescue Plan Act (P.L. 117-2)
$17,080,000
Source: Table prepared by CRS based on Department of Veterans Affairs, Table prepared by CRS based on Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission,
Supplemental Information and Appendices, vol. 1of 4, May 28, 2021, p. Supplemental Information – 11; Department , vol. 1of 4, May 28, 2021, p. Supplemental Information – 11; Department
of Veterans Affairs, of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology Programs, vol. 2 of 4, , vol. 2 of 4,
May 28, 2021; and information from VA Office of Management, Office of Budget. May 28, 2021; and information from VA Office of Management, Office of Budget.
Note: VA established the Veterans Medical Care and Health Fund (VMCHF) to execute Section 8002 and VA established the Veterans Medical Care and Health Fund (VMCHF) to execute Section 8002 and
Section 8007, with the estimated allocation of funding for copayments not col ected. Section 8007, with the estimated allocation of funding for copayments not col ected.
The VA Transparency & Trust Act of 2021(P.L. 117-63) required the VA Secretary to submit to the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees detailed plans for obligating and expending funds provided in the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act (P.L. 117-2), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136), and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (P.L. 116-127). Additionally, P.L. 117-63 requires biweekly reports to the committees detailing the obligations, expenditures, and the planned uses for funds provided by P.L. 116-127, P.L. 116-136, and P.L. 117-2. Budget Request for FY2022 and
Congressional Action
President’s Request
On April 9, 2021, President Biden submitted his discretionary funding request for FY2022.20 The On April 9, 2021, President Biden submitted his discretionary funding request for FY2022.20 The
formal budget request for FY2022 was submitted on May 28. The President’s budget formal budget request for FY2022 was submitted on May 28. The President’s budget ~~requests~~requested
$268.41 billion for VA. This amount $268.41 billion for VA. This amount ~~includes~~included $155.44 billion in mandatory funding and $112.97 $155.44 billion in mandatory funding and $112.97
billion in discretionary appropriations. In addition, the Administration billion in discretionary appropriations. In addition, the Administration ~~is proposing~~proposed to use $820 to use $820
million from the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund to supplement the discretionary million from the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund to supplement the discretionary
budget request. The Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund was established by the budget request. The Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund was established by the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (P.L. 114-113, Division J, Title II, Section 243). The law Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (P.L. 114-113, Division J, Title II, Section 243). The law
allows unobligated balances of expired discretionary appropriations, in FY2016 or any allows unobligated balances of expired discretionary appropriations, in FY2016 or any
succeeding fiscal year, to be transferred from the General Fund of the Treasury to VA and succeeding fiscal year, to be transferred from the General Fund of the Treasury to VA and
deposited in the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund at the end of the fifth fiscal year after deposited in the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund at the end of the fifth fiscal year after
the last fiscal year for which such funds were available. The law stipulates that amounts deposited the last fiscal year for which such funds were available. The law stipulates that amounts deposited
in the fund may be available for facility infrastructure improvements, including nonrecurring in the fund may be available for facility infrastructure improvements, including nonrecurring
maintenance, at existing VA hospitals and clinics, and information technology systems maintenance, at existing VA hospitals and clinics, and information technology systems
improvements and sustainment, subject to approval by the Office of Management and Budget improvements and sustainment, subject to approval by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) and House and Senate Appropriations Committees.21 (OMB) and House and Senate Appropriations Committees.21
20 Office of Management and Budget (OMB), “Office of Management and Budget Releases the President’s Fiscal Year 2022 Discretionary Funding Request,” press release, April 9, 2021, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/FY2022-Discretionary-Request-Press-Release.pdf. 21 38 U.S.C. §313 note. Congressional Research Service 8 link to page 13 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations The President’s budget request for FY2022 included ~~The President’s budget request for FY2022 includes~~ $159.09 billion for VBA, including general $159.09 billion for VBA, including general
operating expenses; $98.33 billion for VHA; $394 million for NCA; and $10.59 billion for operating expenses; $98.33 billion for VHA; $394 million for NCA; and $10.59 billion for
departmental administration, which includes the following accounts: general administration, departmental administration, which includes the following accounts: general administration,
BVA, and information technology systems (IT systems); veterans electronic health record BVA, and information technology systems (IT systems); veterans electronic health record
modernization (EHRM), Office of Inspector General, construction major and minor accounts, and modernization (EHRM), Office of Inspector General, construction major and minor accounts, and
grants for construction of state extended care facilities; and grants for the construction of veterans grants for construction of state extended care facilities; and grants for the construction of veterans
cemeteries (secemeteries (see Figure 4). .

~~20 Office of Management and Budget (OMB), “Office of Management and Budget Releases the President’s Fiscal Year~~
~~2022 Discretionary Funding Request,” press release, April 9, 2021, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/~~
~~2021/04/FY2022-Discretionary-Request-Press-Release.pdf.~~
~~21 38 U.S.C. §313 note.~~
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~~The President’s budget also requests~~ The President’s budget also requested $156.59 billion in advance appropriations for FY2023 for $156.59 billion in advance appropriations for FY2023 for
VBA mandatory accounts and $111.29 billion in advance appropriations for FY2023 for VHA VBA mandatory accounts and $111.29 billion in advance appropriations for FY2023 for VHA
discretionary accounts. discretionary accounts.
Figure 4. FY2022 Budget Request

Source: Figure prepared by CRS based on U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Figure prepared by CRS based on U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military
Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th , report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th
Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81. Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81.
Notes: Total budget authority excludes offsetting col ections deposited in the Medical Care Col ections Fund Total budget authority excludes offsetting col ections deposited in the Medical Care Col ections Fund
(MCCF). (MCCF).
House Action
On June 25, 2021, the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Military On June 25, 2021, the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Military
Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, held a markup of the FY2022 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, held a markup of the FY2022 Military
Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA) appropriations bill, and Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA) appropriations bill, and
approved the draft bill. On June 30, the House Appropriations Committee held a markup of the approved the draft bill. On June 30, the House Appropriations Committee held a markup of the
FY2022 MILCON-VA appropriations bill, and the bill was ordered reported to the full House on FY2022 MILCON-VA appropriations bill, and the bill was ordered reported to the full House on
July 2 (H.R. 4355; H.Rept. 117-81). Subsequently, the text of H.R. 4355 was included in a seven-July 2 (H.R. 4355; H.Rept. 117-81). Subsequently, the text of H.R. 4355 was included in a seven-
bill appropriations package (H.R. 4502), consisting of the FY2022 Labor, Health and Human bill appropriations package (H.R. 4502), consisting of the FY2022 Labor, Health and Human
Services, Education; Agriculture, Rural Development; Energy and Water Development; Financial Services, Education; Agriculture, Rural Development; Energy and Water Development; Financial
Services and General Government; Interior, Environment; Military Construction, Veterans Services and General Government; Interior, Environment; Military Construction, Veterans
Affairs; Affairs; and Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills (House Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills (House
Committee Print 117-12). H.R. 4502 was passed by the House on July 29. Division F of H.R. Committee Print 117-12). H.R. 4502 was passed by the House on July 29. Division F of H.R.
4502 contained the FY2022 MILCON-VA appropriations bill. The full House-passed measure 4502 contained the FY2022 MILCON-VA appropriations bill. The full House-passed measure
~~provides~~provided $268.59 billion for VA, including $155.44 billion in mandatory funding and $113.15 $268.59 billion for VA, including $155.44 billion in mandatory funding and $113.15
billion in discretionary appropriations. Division F of H.R. 4502 also billion in discretionary appropriations. Division F of H.R. 4502 also ~~provides~~provided $159.09 billion for $159.09 billion for
VBA, including general operating expenses; $98.46 billion for VHA; $392 million for NCA; and VBA, including general operating expenses; $98.46 billion for VHA; $392 million for NCA; and
Congressional Research Service 9 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations $10.65 billion for departmental administration accounts. The House Committee report (H.Rept. $10.65 billion for departmental administration accounts. The House Committee report (H.Rept.
117-81) 117-81) ~~does~~did not address the Administration’s proposal to use the Recurring Expenses not address the Administration’s proposal to use the Recurring Expenses
Transformational Fund to supplement VA’s discretionary budget amount. Transformational Fund to supplement VA’s discretionary budget amount.
Senate Action
On August 4, 2021, the Senate Committee on Appropriations held a markup of its version of the On August 4, 2021, the Senate Committee on Appropriations held a markup of its version of the
FY2022 MILCON-VA appropriations bill (S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35) and reported it out of FY2022 MILCON-VA appropriations bill (S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35) and reported it out of
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committee.22 The Senate-reported FY2022 MILCON-VA appropriations bill committee.22 The Senate-reported FY2022 MILCON-VA appropriations bill ~~recommends~~ recommended $268.37 $268.37
billion for VA. This amount billion for VA. This amount ~~includes~~included $155.44 billion in mandatory funding and $112.93 billion in $155.44 billion in mandatory funding and $112.93 billion in
discretionary funding. The Senate Appropriations committee report discretionary funding. The Senate Appropriations committee report ~~indicates~~indicated agreement with the agreement with the
Administration’s proposal to use the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund to supplement Administration’s proposal to use the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund to supplement
VA’s discretionary budget amount. According to the committee report, the FY2022 Recurring VA’s discretionary budget amount. According to the committee report, the FY2022 Recurring
Expenses Transformational Fund balance is approximately $842 million, out of which VA Expenses Transformational Fund balance is approximately $842 million, out of which VA
proposed to allocate $820 million, with approximately $670 million for minor construction proposed to allocate $820 million, with approximately $670 million for minor construction
projects and the balance for IT systems.23 S. 2604 (S.Rept. 117-35) also projects and the balance for IT systems.23 S. 2604 (S.Rept. 117-35) also ~~recommends~~recommended $159.16 $159.16
billion for VBA, including general operating expenses; $98.33 billion for VHA; $394 million for billion for VBA, including general operating expenses; $98.33 billion for VHA; $394 million for
NCA; and $10.48 billion for departmental administration accounts. NCA; and $10.48 billion for departmental administration accounts.
On October 18, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy released a draft On October 18, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy released a draft
version of the FY2022 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, among other bills. Division C version of the FY2022 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, among other bills. Division C
of this draft committee bill included the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Additional of this draft committee bill included the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Additional
Appropriations bill. This bill made certain amendments to S. 2604 to comply with the FY2022 Appropriations bill. This bill made certain amendments to S. 2604 to comply with the FY2022
budget resolution (S.Con.Res. 14), which grants special budgetary treatment to certain types of budget resolution (S.Con.Res. 14), which grants special budgetary treatment to certain types of
spending, essentially exempting such spending from budget enforcement rules. S.Con.Res. 14 spending, essentially exempting such spending from budget enforcement rules. S.Con.Res. 14
applies such special budgetary treatment to veterans’ medical care within the Medical Services, applies such special budgetary treatment to veterans’ medical care within the Medical Services,
Medical Community Care, Medical Support and Compliance, and Medical Facilities accounts of Medical Community Care, Medical Support and Compliance, and Medical Facilities accounts of
the Veterans Health Administration. The exemption applies to spending provided in excess of the Veterans Health Administration. The exemption applies to spending provided in excess of
$89,849,000,000, but may not exceed $7,602,000,000. Accordingly, the Senate bill $89,849,000,000, but may not exceed $7,602,000,000. Accordingly, the Senate bill ~~provides~~provided the the
$98.33 billion recommended for VHA, with approximately $7.60 billion provided pursuant to $98.33 billion recommended for VHA, with approximately $7.60 billion provided pursuant to
S.Con.Res. 14. S.Con.Res. 14.
Continuing Appropriations ~~(Extending Government Funding and~~
~~Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, H.R. 5305; P.L. 117-43)~~
Because none of the regular appropriations bills were enacted at the beginning of the fiscal year Because none of the regular appropriations bills were enacted at the beginning of the fiscal year
on October 1, on October 1, 2021, Congress passed a Congress passed a series of continuing continuing ~~resolution (CR)~~resolutions (CRs). The first CR, the Extending Government Funding , the Extending Government Funding
and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305; P.L. 117-and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305; P.L. 117-43), was~~43), which the President~~ signed signed
into law on September 30, 2021. The act into law on September 30, 2021. The act ~~provides~~provided continuing appropriations for VA through continuing appropriations for VA through
December 3, 2021, at FY2021 funding levels, with certain exceptions.24 Since seven accounts December 3, 2021, at FY2021 funding levels, with certain exceptions.24 Since seven accounts
(compensation and pensions, readjustment benefits, insurance and indemnities, medical services, (compensation and pensions, readjustment benefits, insurance and indemnities, medical services,
medical community care, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities) received medical community care, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities) received
advance appropriations budget authority for FY2022 in the Military Construction, advance appropriations budget authority for FY2022 in the Military Construction, ~~Veterans~~
~~Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021 (Division J of P.L. 116-260), these~~
~~accounts are not affected by the CR.~~
~~However, Section 151 of Division A of the Extending Government Funding and Delivering~~
~~Emergency Assistance Act provides VA with transfer authority to transfer up to $193.5 million of~~
~~FY2021 unobligated balances from the medical services account to the following three accounts,~~
~~specifying that~~

22 The Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies did not hold a planned 22 The Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies did not hold a planned
subcommittee markup on August 2, 2021. subcommittee markup on August 2, 2021.
23 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, 23 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
~~Appropriation~~Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 67. , report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 67.
24 The FY2021 rate of operations does not apply to transfer authorities of unobligated balances from title X of Division 24 The FY2021 rate of operations does not apply to transfer authorities of unobligated balances from title X of Division
B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (P.L. 116-136), provided in Division J of the B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (P.L. 116-136), provided in Division J of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133, P.L. 116-260). Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133, P.L. 116-260).
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Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021 (Division J of P.L. 116-260), these accounts were not affected by the CR. However, Section 151 of Division A of the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act provided VA with transfer authority to transfer up to $193.5 million of FY2021 unobligated balances from the medical services account to the following three accounts, specifying that  up to $178 million may be transferred to the ~~ up to $178 million may be transferred to~~ VBA general operating expenses VBA general operating expenses
account, account,
 up to $5.8 million may be transferred to BVA, and  up to $5.8 million may be transferred to BVA, and
 up to $9.7 million may be transferred to the information technology systems  up to $9.7 million may be transferred to the information technology systems
account. account.
These transferred amounts These transferred amounts ~~are~~were to be used for expenses related to the processing of disability to be used for expenses related to the processing of disability
claims for asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis on a presumptive basis due to presumed exposure to claims for asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis on a presumptive basis due to presumed exposure to
particulate matter (such as burn pit emissions) during servicemembers’ deployment to countries particulate matter (such as burn pit emissions) during servicemembers’ deployment to countries
in in Southwest Asia and certain other countries.25 Additional CRs—Further Extending Government Funding Act (P.L. 117-70), Further Additional Extending Government Funding Act (P.L. 117-86), Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-95)—extended funding until the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, was enacted. Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471; P.L. 117-103)26 March 9, 2022, the House passed H.R. 2471, consisting of all 12 FY2022 appropriations bills. The Senate passed the measure on March 10. President Biden signed the measure into law as P.L. 117-103 on March 15. Division J of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, included the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022. The act provides $269.26 billion for VA for FY2022. This includes $157.05 billion in mandatory funding and $112.22 billion in discretionary funding (see Table 2). The act also provides $272.32 billion in advance appropriations for FY2023. This is $4.45 billion above the advance appropriations request of $267.87 billion for FY2023. This revised advance appropriations amount is for the compensation and pension account of VBA. Furthermore, Division J of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, includes Section 253, rescinding and reappropriating funds from the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund in support of the Administration’s proposal to use the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund to supplement VA’s discretionary budget amount. Nonrecurring maintenance projects (NRM) under the medical facilities account would receive $150 million, and the information technology account would receive $670 million (these amounts 25 For more information, see CRS Insight IN11724, VA Now Processing Gulf War Veterans’ Disability Claims for New Respiratory Presumptive Conditions. Also see Department of Veterans Affairs, “Interim Final Rule-Presumptive Service Connection for Respiratory Conditions Due to Exposure to Particulate Matter,” 86 Federal Register 42724-42733, August 5, 2021. 26 A joint explanatory statement accompanying H.R. 2471 was published in the Congressional Record. The explanatory statement accompanying Division J-the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022, can be found in “Explanatory Statement Submitted By Ms. Delauro, Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, Regarding the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2471, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022” Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 168, no. 42—Book IV (March 9, 2022), pp. H2944-H2991. Congressional Research Service 11 link to page 36 link to page 36 link to page 36 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations are not included in the medical facilities account and information technology account in Table 2 since they are reallocation of funds). ~~Southwest Asia and certain other countries.25~~
The next sections discuss account-level details of the President’s FY2022 request and The next sections discuss account-level details of the President’s FY2022 request and
congressional action on regular VA appropriations. Comparisons to FY2021-enacted funding congressional action on regular VA appropriations. Comparisons to FY2021-enacted funding
amounts do not include funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (P.L. 117-2). amounts do not include funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (P.L. 117-2).
Mandatory Programs Funding
Major mandatory program funding includes compensation and pensions (VA’s disability Major mandatory program funding includes compensation and pensions (VA’s disability
compensation program; pensions to low-income veterans, their surviving spouses, and dependent compensation program; pensions to low-income veterans, their surviving spouses, and dependent
children); readjustment benefits (education and vocational rehabilitation assistance); and veterans children); readjustment benefits (education and vocational rehabilitation assistance); and veterans
insurance and indemnities (the provision of life insurance). insurance and indemnities (the provision of life insurance).
Compensation and Pensions
The Compensation and Pensions category includes payments for benefits such as disability The Compensation and Pensions category includes payments for benefits such as disability
compensation; dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC); pension benefits for low-income compensation; dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC); pension benefits for low-income
disabled or elderly wartime veterans and their survivors; burial benefits (allowances, flags, disabled or elderly wartime veterans and their survivors; burial benefits (allowances, flags,
headstones, etc.); and a clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans. headstones, etc.); and a clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans.
For FY2022, VA requested $137.58 billion for the Compensation and Pensions account, an For FY2022, VA requested $137.58 billion for the Compensation and Pensions account, an
increase of $13.22 billion over the FY2021-enacted level of funding and $7.3 billion over the increase of $13.22 billion over the FY2021-enacted level of funding and $7.3 billion over the
FY2022 advanced appropriations FY2022 advanced appropriations ~~request (see~~amount (see Table 2)~~.26~~.27 The largest portion of the budget The largest portion of the budget is
request was disability compensation, and VA disability compensation, and VA ~~estimates~~estimated that $133.8 billion in compensation payments would that $133.8 billion in compensation payments would
go to an estimated 5.5 million veterans, 475,146 survivors, and 1,281 children in FY2022. go to an estimated 5.5 million veterans, 475,146 survivors, and 1,281 children in FY2022.
Pension payments Pension payments ~~are~~were estimated to be $4.8 billion to approximately 209,355 veterans and 147,472 estimated to be $4.8 billion to approximately 209,355 veterans and 147,472
survivors. Finally, an estimated $418.0 million survivors. Finally, an estimated $418.0 million ~~would be~~was allocated for burial benefits. allocated for burial benefits.2728
The funding request increase The funding request increase ~~includes~~included $3.0 billion in obligations during FY2022 for the three new $3.0 billion in obligations during FY2022 for the three new
Agent Orange presumptive conditions identified in P.L. 116-283: Parkinson’s-like symptoms, Agent Orange presumptive conditions identified in P.L. 116-283: Parkinson’s-like symptoms,
bladder cancer, and hypothyroidism. VA bladder cancer, and hypothyroidism. VA ~~estimates~~estimated that these new conditions qualifying for that these new conditions qualifying for
disability compensation disability compensation ~~include~~included approximately $2.2 billion in retroactive benefits. approximately $2.2 billion in retroactive benefits.~~28 In general,~~

~~25 For more information, see CRS Insight IN11724,~~ ~~VA Now Processing Gulf War Veterans’ Disability Claims for New~~
~~Respiratory Presumptive Conditions. Also see Department of Veterans Affairs, “Interim Final Rule-Presumptive~~
~~Service Connection for Respiratory Conditions Due to Exposure to Particulate Matter,” 86 Federal Register 42724-~~
~~42733, August 5, 2021.~~
2629 In general, the average payments for benefits, including disability compensation, pension, and survivor benefits, was expected to increase due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Division F of H.R. 4502 recommended for FY2022 an appropriation of $137.58 billion for VA’s Compensation and Pensions account, which was the exact amount VA requested (see Table 2).30 The House Appropriations Committee, in its report (H.Rept. 117-81), highlighted various areas of interest and directive actions. The committee encouraged VA to continue implementing GAO’s recommendations to improve regional office processing of claims, increase communication with Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), and discuss the feasibility of locating satellite congressional offices within VA Medical Centers. In addition, the committee remained concerned 27 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Benefits and Burial Programs and Departmental
Administration, vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, p. VBA-52. , vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, p. VBA-52.
2728 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Benefits and Burial Programs and Departmental
Administration, vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, , vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, ppp. VBA-52-53. . VBA-52-53.
2829 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Benefits and Burial Programs and Departmental
Administration, vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, p. VBA-53. , vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, p. VBA-53.
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~~the average payments for benefits, including disability compensation, pension, and survivor~~
~~benefits, would be expected to increase due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).~~
~~Division F of H.R. 4502 recommended for FY2021 an appropriation of $137.58 billion for VA’s~~
~~Compensation and Pensions account, which is the exact amount VA requested (see Table 2).29~~
~~The House Appropriations Committee, in its report (H.Rept. 117-81), highlighted various areas of~~
~~interest and directive actions. The committee encourages VA to continue implementing GAO’s~~
~~recommendations to improve regional office processing of claims, increase communication with~~
~~Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), and discuss the feasibility of locating satellite~~
~~congressional offices within VA Medical Centers. In addition, the committee remains concerned~~
30 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 29. Congressional Research Service 12 link to page 36 link to page 36 link to page 36 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations with the backlog of disability claims and the processing of dependency and indemnity with the backlog of disability claims and the processing of dependency and indemnity
compensation (DIC) claims when the cause of death is listed as COVID-19. The committee compensation (DIC) claims when the cause of death is listed as COVID-19. The committee
~~directs~~directed VA to provide additional guidance on how a survivor can request a medical opinion to VA to provide additional guidance on how a survivor can request a medical opinion to
determine if a service-connected illness or disability contributed to the veteran’s death, and determine if a service-connected illness or disability contributed to the veteran’s death, and
~~directs~~directed VA to continue providing quarterly reports on the disability backlog. VA to continue providing quarterly reports on the disability backlog.3031
In S. 2604, the Senate Appropriations Committee In S. 2604, the Senate Appropriations Committee ~~recommends~~recommended providing $7.35 billion in providing $7.35 billion in
additional funding to the $130.23 billion provided in advanced appropriations for FY2022. This additional funding to the $130.23 billion provided in advanced appropriations for FY2022. This
amount amount ~~provides~~provided VA with a total budget of $137.58 billion, equal to VA’s FY2022 request (see VA with a total budget of $137.58 billion, equal to VA’s FY2022 request (see
Table 2)~~.31~~.32 The committee’s report, S.Rept. 117-35, explained that the increase in appropriations The committee’s report, S.Rept. 117-35, explained that the increase in appropriations
~~reflects~~reflected the increased obligations VA faces with disability compensation payments, the the increased obligations VA faces with disability compensation payments, the
implementation of new laws, and the requirement to adjudicate disability claims for Blue Water implementation of new laws, and the requirement to adjudicate disability claims for Blue Water
Navy veterans.Navy veterans.3233 Title II of Division J in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103), provides $139.18 billion for VA’s FY2022 Compensation and Pension account (see Table 2). This amount is $14.82 billion over FY2021’s enacted amount, $8.96 billion over FY2022 advanced appropriations, and $1.61 billion over VA’s requested amount. The increase in funding is to provide for the expansion of benefits with the new presumption of service connection claims VA is adjudicating for exposure to environmental hazards.
Readjustment Benefits
The Readjustment Benefits category reflects several benefits related to the transition of The Readjustment Benefits category reflects several benefits related to the transition of
servicemembers from active duty status to veteran status, as well as benefits for disabled veterans. servicemembers from active duty status to veteran status, as well as benefits for disabled veterans.
Some of these programs include education benefits for veterans, survivors, and dependents; Some of these programs include education benefits for veterans, survivors, and dependents;
vocational rehabilitation and employment training for service-connected disabled veterans; and vocational rehabilitation and employment training for service-connected disabled veterans; and
helping individual veterans purchase and/or rehabilitate homes. helping individual veterans purchase and/or rehabilitate homes.
For FY2022, VA requested appropriations of $14.95 billion to provide funding for Readjustment For FY2022, VA requested appropriations of $14.95 billion to provide funding for Readjustment
Benefits, which Benefits, which iswas approximately $2.37 billion more than the amount enacted in FY2021 (see approximately $2.37 billion more than the amount enacted in FY2021 (see
Table 2). In addition to the appropriated funds, VA . In addition to the appropriated funds, VA ~~will combine~~combined $174.3 million in offsetting $174.3 million in offsetting
collections from the Department of Defense (DOD), and an estimated unobligated balance of $3.7 collections from the Department of Defense (DOD), and an estimated unobligated balance of $3.7
billion from FY2021 to sufficiently provide the benefits required. The increase in readjustment billion from FY2021 to sufficiently provide the benefits required. The increase in readjustment
benefits funding benefits funding iswas due, in part, to two legislative directives. First, P.L. 116-140, the Student due, in part, to two legislative directives. First, P.L. 116-140, the Student
Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, changed education and VR&E benefits due to the Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, changed education and VR&E benefits due to the
pandemic and required the continuation of benefits paid that otherwise may have stopped due to pandemic and required the continuation of benefits paid that otherwise may have stopped due to

~~29 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations,~~ ~~Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies~~
~~Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 29.~~
30educational institutions closing or the shift to a virtual learning environment.34 Second, P.L. 116- 31 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, , report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, ppp. 30-. 30-
31. 31.
3132 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriation Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, , report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, ppp. 33-34. . 33-34.
3233 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriation Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021,<LISRef number="35" , report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021,congress="117" title="*" type="senateReport" url="http://www.congress.gov/cgi-congress="117" title="*" type="senateReport" url="http://www.congress.gov/cgi-
lis/cpquery/R?cp117:FLD010:@1(sr35):" id="3753990749" /> p. 34. lis/cpquery/R?cp117:FLD010:@1(sr35):" id="3753990749" /> p. 34.
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~~educational institutions closing or the shift to a virtual learning environment.33 Second, P.L. 116-~~
For background on disability compensation benefits to veterans exposed to herbicide agents while serving on U.S. Navy or Coast Guard vessels off the coast of Vietnam, see CRS In Focus IF11368, Expansion of Benefits to Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans. 34 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Benefits and Burial Programs and Departmental Congressional Research Service 13 link to page 36 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations 315, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement 315, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement
Act of 2020, enhanced and expanded the eligibility for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Act of 2020, enhanced and expanded the eligibility for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM
Scholarship and the Fry Scholarship.Scholarship and the Fry Scholarship.3435
Division F of H.R. 4502 Division F of H.R. 4502 ~~provides~~provided $14.95 billion for Readjustment Benefits in FY2022, the exact $14.95 billion for Readjustment Benefits in FY2022, the exact
amount requested by VA.amount requested by VA.3536 The House Appropriations Committee, in its report (H.Rept. 117-81), The House Appropriations Committee, in its report (H.Rept. 117-81),
highlighted several VA efforts to help veterans transition to civilian life and requested that VA highlighted several VA efforts to help veterans transition to civilian life and requested that VA
continue and enhance those efforts. The committee continue and enhance those efforts. The committee ~~believes~~believed that VA should increase coordination that VA should increase coordination
with the Departments of Defense, Education, and Labor to ensure that veterans can successfully with the Departments of Defense, Education, and Labor to ensure that veterans can successfully
transition into jobs, receive employment training, and understand options available for repayment transition into jobs, receive employment training, and understand options available for repayment
or forgiveness of student loans. The committee also or forgiveness of student loans. The committee also ~~requests~~requested that VA explore possible options to that VA explore possible options to
continue the payment of benefits after December 21, 2021, with the possibility of educational continue the payment of benefits after December 21, 2021, with the possibility of educational
institutions continuing with virtual or hybrid programs. institutions continuing with virtual or hybrid programs.
In the same manner as the House Appropriations Committee, the Senate Appropriations In the same manner as the House Appropriations Committee, the Senate Appropriations
Committee recommended $14.95 billion for Readjustment Benefits in FY2022, the exact amount Committee recommended $14.95 billion for Readjustment Benefits in FY2022, the exact amount
requested by VA in S. 2604.requested by VA in S. 2604.3637 The committee report, S.Rept. 117-35, addressed one program The committee report, S.Rept. 117-35, addressed one program
within VA’s Readjustment Benefits, the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education within VA’s Readjustment Benefits, the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education
Courses (VET TEC) Program. The committee Courses (VET TEC) Program. The committee ~~supports~~supported this program and this program and ~~calls~~called on VA to consider on VA to consider
expanding the program to address increased demand.expanding the program to address increased demand.3738 Title II of Division J in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103), provides $14.95 billion for VA’s FY2022 Readjustment benefits account (Table 2). This is $2.34 billion over FY2021’s enacted amount and is equal to VA’s requested amount. The funding will enable VA to continue to pay education and VR&E benefits to veterans whose programs were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also fund the expansion of VA’s educational scholarship programs.
Veterans Insurance and Indemnities (VI&I)
The Veterans Insurance and Indemnities account is the mandatory funding mechanism for several The Veterans Insurance and Indemnities account is the mandatory funding mechanism for several
government life insurance programs for veterans. In addition to direct payments made to insured government life insurance programs for veterans. In addition to direct payments made to insured
veterans and their beneficiaries, this category includes supplemental funding for National Service veterans and their beneficiaries, this category includes supplemental funding for National Service

~~33 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission,~~ ~~Benefits and Burial Programs and Departmental~~
Administration, vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, p. VBA-78. , vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, p. VBA-78.
3435 The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship is a program for eligible veterans and dependents who are enrolled in The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship is a program for eligible veterans and dependents who are enrolled in
an undergraduate STEM program or who have earned a post-secondary graduate degree and are working toward a an undergraduate STEM program or who have earned a post-secondary graduate degree and are working toward a
certification or are in a clinical training program. The scholarship would allow all beneficiaries to extend their Post-certification or are in a clinical training program. The scholarship would allow all beneficiaries to extend their Post-
9/11 Bill or Fry Scholarship benefits. The Fry Scholarship is a scholarship for children and spouses of certain veterans 9/11 Bill or Fry Scholarship benefits. The Fry Scholarship is a scholarship for children and spouses of certain veterans
who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, or a member of the Selected Reserve who died from a who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, or a member of the Selected Reserve who died from a
service-connected disability. service-connected disability.
3536 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 31. , report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 31.
3637 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriation Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 34. , report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 34.
3738 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriation Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, p. 34. , report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, p. 34.
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Life Insurance (NSLI), Life Insurance (NSLI),3839 Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI), Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI),3940 and Veterans Mortgage and Veterans Mortgage
Life Insurance (VMLI).Life Insurance (VMLI).4041
For FY2022, VA For FY2022, VA ~~estimates~~estimated that this account that this account ~~will require~~required $136.95 million, approximately $5.58 $136.95 million, approximately $5.58
million more than the FY2021-enacted funding.million more than the FY2021-enacted funding.4142 This funding will help provide life insurance to This funding will help provide life insurance to
5.6 million veterans, servicemembers, and dependents. Provided appropriations 5.6 million veterans, servicemembers, and dependents. Provided appropriations ~~would enable~~for FY2022 enabled VA VA
to transfer $20,000 to the NSLI program, $32.3 million to the VMLI program, and $104.7 million to transfer $20,000 to the NSLI program, $32.3 million to the VMLI program, and $104.7 million
to the S-DVI program. In addition, VA will have an estimated $6.0 million in collections from to the S-DVI program. In addition, VA will have an estimated $6.0 million in collections from
premiums, interest on investments, and extra hazard payments from military service branches. VA premiums, interest on investments, and extra hazard payments from military service branches. VA
also requested $109.87 million in advance appropriations for FY2023.also requested $109.87 million in advance appropriations for FY2023.4243
In H.R. 4502 and S. 2604, both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees In H.R. 4502 and S. 2604, both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees ~~recommend~~recommended
appropriating $136.95 million to VA’s insurance and indemnity account, which appropriating $136.95 million to VA’s insurance and indemnity account, which iswas the amount the amount VA requested.44 Title II of Division J in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103), provides $136.95 million VA’s FY2022 Insurance and Indemnities account (see Table 2). This is $7.73 million over FY2021’s enacted amount and equal to VA’s requested amount. VA
~~requested.43~~
Medical Care and Medical Research Discretionary
Programs Funding
Background
The Veterans Health Administration operates one of the nation’s largest integrated direct health The Veterans Health Administration operates one of the nation’s largest integrated direct health
care delivery systems.care delivery systems.4445 Although Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Although Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance
Program (CHIP) are also publicly funded programs, most health care services under these Program (CHIP) are also publicly funded programs, most health care services under these
programs are delivered by private providers in private facilities. In contrast, the VA health care programs are delivered by private providers in private facilities. In contrast, the VA health care
~~system could be categorized as a veterans-specific national health care system, in the sense that~~
~~the federal government owns the medical facilities and employs the health care providers.45~~

3839 The National Service Life Insurance (NSLI) program was created on October 8, 1940, to handle insurance needs of The National Service Life Insurance (NSLI) program was created on October 8, 1940, to handle insurance needs of
World War II veterans. These policies were issued until April 24, 1951, and provided a maximum of $10,000 in World War II veterans. These policies were issued until April 24, 1951, and provided a maximum of $10,000 in
coverage. See https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/nsli.asp. coverage. See https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/nsli.asp.
3940 The Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) program was established on April 25, 1951, and remains open for The Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) program was established on April 25, 1951, and remains open for
new policies to service-connected disabled veterans who separated under other than dishonorable conditions. S-DVI new policies to service-connected disabled veterans who separated under other than dishonorable conditions. S-DVI
provides up to $10,000 in coverage for which premium relief is available to certain insured veterans. Up to an provides up to $10,000 in coverage for which premium relief is available to certain insured veterans. Up to an
additional $30,000 in supplemental coverage may be granted without a waiver of premiums. See https://www.va.gov/additional $30,000 in supplemental coverage may be granted without a waiver of premiums. See https://www.va.gov/
life-insurance/options-eligibility/s-dvi/. life-insurance/options-eligibility/s-dvi/.
4041 The Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (NSLI) program provides veterans who meet certain requirements, including The Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (NSLI) program provides veterans who meet certain requirements, including
having received a grant for specially adapted housing with up to $200,000 of mortgage protection life insurance. This having received a grant for specially adapted housing with up to $200,000 of mortgage protection life insurance. This
program pays the benefit directly to the bank or lender of the veteran’s mortgage. See https://www.va.gov/life-program pays the benefit directly to the bank or lender of the veteran’s mortgage. See https://www.va.gov/life-
insurance/options-eligibility/vmli/. insurance/options-eligibility/vmli/.
4142 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Budget in Brief, May 2021, p. BiB-28. , May 2021, p. BiB-28.
4243 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Benefits and Burial Programs and Departmental
Administration, vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, , vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, ppp. VBA-129, 131. . VBA-129, 131.
4344 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 33; , report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 33;
and U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, and U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related
Agencies Appropriation Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, , report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35,
p. 35. p. 35.
4445 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY 2009 Performance and Accountability Report, Washington, DC, November , Washington, DC, November
16, 2009, p. I-42. Established on January 3, 1946, as the Department of Medicine and Surgery by P.L. 79-293, 16, 2009, p. I-42. Established on January 3, 1946, as the Department of Medicine and Surgery by P.L. 79-293,
succeeded in 1989 by the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration, and renamed the Veterans Health succeeded in 1989 by the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration, and renamed the Veterans Health
Administration in 1991. Administration in 1991.
~~45 Adam Oliver, “The Veterans Health Administration: An American Success Story?” The Milbank Quarterly, vol. 85,~~
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system could be categorized as a veterans-specific national health care system, in the sense that the federal government owns the medical facilities and employs the health care providers.46 The VA’s health care system is organized into 18 geographically defined Veterans Integrated The VA’s health care system is organized into 18 geographically defined Veterans Integrated
Service Networks (VISNs). Although policies and guidelines are developed at VA headquarters to Service Networks (VISNs). Although policies and guidelines are developed at VA headquarters to
be applied throughout the VA health care system, management authority for basic decisionmaking be applied throughout the VA health care system, management authority for basic decisionmaking
and budgetary responsibilities is delegated to the VISNs.and budgetary responsibilities is delegated to the VISNs.4647 As of September 30, 2020, the VHA As of September 30, 2020, the VHA
operated 146 hospitals, 134 nursing homes, 775 community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs),operated 146 hospitals, 134 nursing homes, 775 community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs),4748
and 300 Readjustment Counseling Centers (Vet Centers).and 300 Readjustment Counseling Centers (Vet Centers).4849 In 2009, VA began a pilot Mobile Vet In 2009, VA began a pilot Mobile Vet
Center (MVC) program to improve access to services for veterans in rural areas, and the Center (MVC) program to improve access to services for veterans in rural areas, and the
department has deployed 83 MVCs to date.department has deployed 83 MVCs to date.4950
Although VHA provides most health care services to eligible veterans through its integrated Although VHA provides most health care services to eligible veterans through its integrated
network of facilities, it does pay for care in the community under certain circumstances. The network of facilities, it does pay for care in the community under certain circumstances. The
Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) applies eligibility for care in the community broadly Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) applies eligibility for care in the community broadly
to all enrolled veterans based on specific criteria.to all enrolled veterans based on specific criteria.5051 VA is authorized to provide care in the VA is authorized to provide care in the
community through individual agreements with community providers, called community through individual agreements with community providers, called veterans care
agreements. VA is also authorized to reimburse for emergency care visits if specific criteria are . VA is also authorized to reimburse for emergency care visits if specific criteria are
met.met.5152 Inpatient and outpatient care is provided in the private sector to eligible dependents of Inpatient and outpatient care is provided in the private sector to eligible dependents of
veterans under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs veterans under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs
(CHAMPVA).(CHAMPVA).5253 In addition, VHA provides grants for construction of state-owned nursing homes In addition, VHA provides grants for construction of state-owned nursing homes
and domiciliary and domiciliary ~~facilities53~~facilities54 and collaborates with the Department of Defense in sharing health and collaborates with the Department of Defense in sharing health
care resources and services. care resources and services.
Apart from providing direct patient care to veterans, Apart from providing direct patient care to veterans,5455 VHA’s other statutory missions are to VHA’s other statutory missions are to
conduct medical research,conduct medical research,5556 serve as a contingency backup to the DOD medical system during a serve as a contingency backup to the DOD medical system during a
~~national security emergency,56 provide support to the National Disaster Medical System and the~~

46 Adam Oliver, “The Veterans Health Administration: An American Success Story?” The Milbank Quarterly, vol. 85, no. 1 (March 2007), pp. 5-35. no. 1 (March 2007), pp. 5-35.
4647 Kenneth Kizer, John Demakis, and John Feussner, “Reinventing VA health care: Systematizing Quality Kenneth Kizer, John Demakis, and John Feussner, “Reinventing VA health care: Systematizing Quality
Improvement and Quality Innovation,” Improvement and Quality Innovation,” Medical Care, vol. 38, no. 6 (June 2000), Suppl. 1:17-116. , vol. 38, no. 6 (June 2000), Suppl. 1:17-116.
4748 For more information on CBOCs, see CRS Report R41044, For more information on CBOCs, see CRS Report R41044, Veterans Health Administration: Community-Based
Outpatient Clinics (archived). (archived).
4849 Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology
Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-443. Vet Centers are a nationwide system of community-based programs , vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-443. Vet Centers are a nationwide system of community-based programs
separate from VA medical centers (VAMCs). Client services provided by Vet Centers include psychological separate from VA medical centers (VAMCs). Client services provided by Vet Centers include psychological
counseling and psychotherapy (individual and group), screening for and treatment of mental health issues, substance counseling and psychotherapy (individual and group), screening for and treatment of mental health issues, substance
abuse screening and counseling, employment/educational counseling, and bereavement counseling, among other abuse screening and counseling, employment/educational counseling, and bereavement counseling, among other
services. services.
4950 Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology
Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-443. , vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-443.
5051 For more information on the VCCP and the eligibility criteria, see CRS Report R45390, For more information on the VCCP and the eligibility criteria, see CRS Report R45390, VA Maintaining Internal
Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (VA MISSION Act; P.L.115-182). .
5152 For more information, see CRS Report R42747, For more information, see CRS Report R42747, Health Care for Veterans: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. .
5253 For details on CHAMPVA, see CRS Report RS22483, For details on CHAMPVA, see CRS Report RS22483, Health Care for Dependents and Survivors of Veterans. .
5354 Under the grant program, VA may fund up to 65% of the cost of these state-owned facilities. States must fund the Under the grant program, VA may fund up to 65% of the cost of these state-owned facilities. States must fund the
remaining 35%. The law requires that 75% of the residents in a state extended care facility must be veterans (38 U.S.C. remaining 35%. The law requires that 75% of the residents in a state extended care facility must be veterans (38 U.S.C.
§§8131-8138.) All nonveteran residents must be spouses of veterans or parents of children who died while serving in §§8131-8138.) All nonveteran residents must be spouses of veterans or parents of children who died while serving in
the U.S. Armed Forces. VA is prohibited by law from exercising any supervision or control over the operation of a the U.S. Armed Forces. VA is prohibited by law from exercising any supervision or control over the operation of a
state veterans nursing home, including setting admission criteria. Admission requirements are determined exclusively state veterans nursing home, including setting admission criteria. Admission requirements are determined exclusively
by the state. Also see CRS In Focus IF11656, by the state. Also see CRS In Focus IF11656, State Veterans Homes. .
5455 38 U.S.C. §7301(b). 38 U.S.C. §7301(b).
~~55 38 U.S.C. §7303.~~
56 38 U.S.C. §56 38 U.S.C. §~~8111A~~7303. .
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national security emergency,57 provide support to the National Disaster Medical System and the Department of Health and Human Services as necessary,Department of Health and Human Services as necessary,5758 and train health care professionals to and train health care professionals to
provide an adequate supply of health personnel for VA and the nation.provide an adequate supply of health personnel for VA and the nation.5859
The Veteran Patient ~~Population59~~Population60
In FY2021, approximately 9.2 million of the 19.5 million total veterans were enrolled in VA’s In FY2021, approximately 9.2 million of the 19.5 million total veterans were enrolled in VA’s
health care system.health care system.6061 VA estimates that in FY2022, enrollment will grow by approximately 5,000. VA estimates that in FY2022, enrollment will grow by approximately 5,000.
In FY2021, of the total number of enrolled veterans, VA anticipated treating approximately 7.0 In FY2021, of the total number of enrolled veterans, VA anticipated treating approximately 7.0
million unique veteran and nonveteran patients.million unique veteran and nonveteran patients.6162 For FY2022, VHA estimates that it will treat For FY2022, VHA estimates that it will treat
about 7.2 million unique veteran patients, or 1.0% over the FY2021 estimate (seabout 7.2 million unique veteran patients, or 1.0% over the FY2021 estimate (see Table A-1 for for
veteran population, VA enrollees, and VA patients from FY2000 to FY2022). veteran population, VA enrollees, and VA patients from FY2000 to FY2022).
In addition, VHA estimates that outpatient visits will increase from 114.72 million visits in In addition, VHA estimates that outpatient visits will increase from 114.72 million visits in
FY2021 to 118.99 million visits in FY2022, an increase of 4.27 million, or 3.7%. VHA FY2021 to 118.99 million visits in FY2022, an increase of 4.27 million, or 3.7%. VHA
anticipates a decrease in the total number of inpatients treated in all inpatient facilities from 1.05 anticipates a decrease in the total number of inpatients treated in all inpatient facilities from 1.05
million patients in FY2021 to 1.03 million patients in FY2022, a decrease of 1.9%.million patients in FY2021 to 1.03 million patients in FY2022, a decrease of 1.9%.6263
President’s Request and Congressional Action
The VA’s annual appropriations for the medical services, medical community care, medical The VA’s annual appropriations for the medical services, medical community care, medical
support and compliance, and medical facilities accounts include advance appropriations that support and compliance, and medical facilities accounts include advance appropriations that
become available one fiscal year after the fiscal year for which the appropriations act was become available one fiscal year after the fiscal year for which the appropriations act was
enacted. Therefore, funding levels for FY2022 for these four accounts were provided by the enacted. Therefore, funding levels for FY2022 for these four accounts were provided by the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Div. J; P.L. 116-260). However, in any given year the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Div. J; P.L. 116-260). However, in any given year the
Administration could Administration could ~~request additional funding for~~ submit a revised budget request based on projected budget requirements for the upcoming fiscal year and Congress could the upcoming fiscal year and Congress could
revise revise ~~these~~ previously enacted advance appropriation amounts through the annual appropriations process. Across all four accounts, the amounts through the annual appropriations process. Across all four accounts, the
President’s budget increased by $3.27 billion over the President’s budget increased by $3.27 billion over the ~~advance appropriations amount in~~
~~FY2022.63~~ enacted advance appropriation amounts for FY2022.64 This increase from the FY2022 request was driven by readjusted actuarial estimates This increase from the FY2022 request was driven by readjusted actuarial estimates
for the medical community care account. In total, the FY2022 budget request for VHA is $101.72 for the medical community care account. In total, the FY2022 budget request for VHA is $101.72
billion, including medical care collections (seebillion, including medical care collections (see Table 2).64

~~57 38 U.S.C. §8117(e).~~
~~58 38 U.S.C. §7302.~~
5965 The medical and prosthetic research account does not receive advance appropriation and is funded through regular annual appropriations. 57 38 U.S.C. §8111A. 58 38 U.S.C. §8117(e). 59 38 U.S.C. §7302. 60 Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology
Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-38. , vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-38.
6061 In general, a veteran is required to be enrolled in the VA health care system to receive health care services, and once In general, a veteran is required to be enrolled in the VA health care system to receive health care services, and once
a veteran is enrolled, that veteran remains enrolled in the VA health care system and maintains access to VA health a veteran is enrolled, that veteran remains enrolled in the VA health care system and maintains access to VA health
care services. For more information on enrollment, see CRS Report R42747, care services. For more information on enrollment, see CRS Report R42747, Health Care for Veterans: Answers to
Frequently Asked Questions. .
6162 A A unique veteran patient means each patient is counted only once in each fiscal year. However, there could be means each patient is counted only once in each fiscal year. However, there could be
multiple visits (clinical encounters) per unique veteran patient in a given fiscal year. multiple visits (clinical encounters) per unique veteran patient in a given fiscal year.
6263 Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology
Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-40. , vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-40.
6364 Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology
Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-11. , vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-11.
6465 The committees on appropriations include medical care cost recovery collections when considering funding for the The committees on appropriations include medical care cost recovery collections when considering funding for the
VHA. Congress has provided VHA the authority to bill some veterans and most health care insurers for nonservice-VHA. Congress has provided VHA the authority to bill some veterans and most health care insurers for nonservice-
~~connected care provided to veterans enrolled in the VA health care system, to help defray the cost of delivering medical~~
~~services to veterans. Funds collected from first- and third-party (copayments and insurance) bills are retained by the~~
~~VA health care facility that provided the care for the veteran. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of~~
~~1985 (P.L. 99-272), enacted into law in 1986, established means testing for veterans seeking care for nonservice-~~
~~connected conditions. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (P.L. 105-33) established the Department of Veterans Affairs~~
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As required by the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 (P.L. 111- As required by the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-
81), the President’s budget 81), the President’s budget ~~requests~~requested $111.29 billion in advance appropriations for the four $111.29 billion in advance appropriations for the four
medical care appropriations (medical services, medical community care, medical support and medical care appropriations (medical services, medical community care, medical support and
compliance, and medical facilities) for FY2023, an increase of approximately 14.2% over the compliance, and medical facilities) for FY2023, an increase of approximately 14.2% over the
FY2022-requested amount of $97.45 billion for the same four accounts. In FY2023, the FY2022-requested amount of $97.45 billion for the same four accounts. In FY2023, the
Administration’s budget request would provide $70.32 billion for the medical services account, Administration’s budget request would provide $70.32 billion for the medical services account,
$24.16 billion for medical community care, $9.67 billion for the medical support and compliance $24.16 billion for medical community care, $9.67 billion for the medical support and compliance
account, and $7.13 billion for the medical facilities account (seeaccount, and $7.13 billion for the medical facilities account (see Table 2)..
The House-passed version of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill (Division F of H.R. 4502; The House-passed version of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill (Division F of H.R. 4502;
H.Rept. 117-81) H.Rept. 117-81) ~~provides~~provided a higher VHA appropriation than the President’s request a higher VHA appropriation than the President’s request for FY2022 ($123 million ($123 million
higher), while the Senate Appropriations Committee MILCON-VA bill for FY2022 (S. 2604; higher), while the Senate Appropriations Committee MILCON-VA bill for FY2022 (S. 2604;
S.Rept. 117-35) S.Rept. 117-35) ~~recommends~~recommended the same amount as the President’s request. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Division J of P.L. 117-103), provides $101.32 billion in total for VHA in FY2022. This is $400 million less than the President’s request and is due to rescissions in the Medical Services and Medical Community Care accounts ($200 million each).66 The act provides $111.29 billion in advance appropriations for FY2023, the same amount as the President’s request. the same amount as the President’s request. The sections below The sections below
detail the amounts requested for each VHA account for FY2022detail the amounts requested for each VHA account for FY2022 ~~and~~, the funds provided in the the funds provided in the
House-passed bill and recommended in the Senate Appropriations Committee bill for each House-passed bill and recommended in the Senate Appropriations Committee bill for each
~~account~~account, and the final amount provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022. .
Medical Services
The medical services account covers expenses for furnishing inpatient and outpatient care and The medical services account covers expenses for furnishing inpatient and outpatient care and
treatment of veterans and certain dependents, including care and treatment in non-VA facilities; treatment of veterans and certain dependents, including care and treatment in non-VA facilities;
outpatient care on a fee basis; medical supplies and equipment; salaries and expenses of outpatient care on a fee basis; medical supplies and equipment; salaries and expenses of
employees hired under Title 38, employees hired under Title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.); cost of hospital food service (U.S.C.); cost of hospital food service
operations;operations;6567 grants for adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and members of the Armed grants for adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and members of the Armed
Forces, beneficiary travel, prosthetics, Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), aid to state Forces, beneficiary travel, prosthetics, Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), aid to state
veterans’ homes; and assistance and support services for family caregivers, and costs associated veterans’ homes; and assistance and support services for family caregivers, and costs associated
~~with activation of newly constructed or leased VA medical care facilities, among other distinct~~
~~activities.66~~
~~For FY2022, the President’s budget requests $58.90 billion for the~~ connected care provided to veterans enrolled in the VA health care system, to help defray the cost of delivering medical medical services to veterans. Funds collected from first- and third-party (copayments and insurance) bills are retained by the VA health care facility that provided the care for the veteran. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-272), enacted into law in 1986, established means testing for veterans seeking care for nonservice-connected conditions. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (P.L. 105-33) established the Department of Veterans Affairs ~~services account. This~~
~~amount is equal to the FY2022 advance appropriated amount. According to VA, when combined~~
~~with $9.6 billion of unobligated balances from funding provided in the American Rescue Plan~~
~~Act, this amount fully funds all resources.~~
~~The House-passed version of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill (Division F of H.R. 4502;~~
~~H.Rept. 117-81) provides $106 million over the FY2022 President’s request. The Senate~~
~~Appropriations Committee MILCON-VA bill recommendation for FY2022 is the same as the~~
~~President’s request. Both the House-passed bill and the Senate Appropriations Committee bill~~

Medical Care Collections Fund (MCCF) and gave the VHA the authority to retain these funds in the MCCF. Instead of Medical Care Collections Fund (MCCF) and gave the VHA the authority to retain these funds in the MCCF. Instead of
returning the funds to the Treasury, VA can use them, without fiscal year limitations, for medical services for veterans. returning the funds to the Treasury, VA can use them, without fiscal year limitations, for medical services for veterans.
In FY2004, the Administration’s budget requested consolidating several existing medical collections accounts into one In FY2004, the Administration’s budget requested consolidating several existing medical collections accounts into one
MCCF. The conferees of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2004 (H.Rept. 108-401) recommended that MCCF. The conferees of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2004 (H.Rept. 108-401) recommended that
collections that would otherwise be deposited in the Health Services Improvement Fund (former name), Veterans collections that would otherwise be deposited in the Health Services Improvement Fund (former name), Veterans
Extended Care Revolving Fund (former name), Special Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Activities Fund (former name), Extended Care Revolving Fund (former name), Special Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Activities Fund (former name),
Medical Facilities Revolving Fund (former name), and the Parking Revolving Fund (former name) should be deposited Medical Facilities Revolving Fund (former name), and the Parking Revolving Fund (former name) should be deposited
in MCCF. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005 (P.L. 108-447, H.Rept. 108-792) provided the VA with in MCCF. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005 (P.L. 108-447, H.Rept. 108-792) provided the VA with
permanent authority to deposit funds from these five accounts into the MCCF. permanent authority to deposit funds from these five accounts into the MCCF.
6566 Division J Section 255 of P.L. 117-103. 67 In its FY2008 budget request to Congress, VA requested the transfer of food service operations costs from the In its FY2008 budget request to Congress, VA requested the transfer of food service operations costs from the
medical facilities appropriations to the medical services appropriations. The House and Senate Appropriations medical facilities appropriations to the medical services appropriations. The House and Senate Appropriations
Committees concurred with this request. The cost of food service operations supports hospital food service workers, Committees concurred with this request. The cost of food service operations supports hospital food service workers,
provisions, and supplies related to the direct care of patients. provisions, and supplies related to the direct care of patients.
~~66 Department of Veterans Affairs,~~ ~~FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology~~
~~Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-306.~~
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~~provide FY2023 advance appropriations equal to the President’s request of $70.32 billion (see~~
Table 2).
~~Within the total amount provided for medical services in the House-passed bill for FY2022 ($59.0~~
~~billion), the committee provides an additional $10 million over the request for the whole health~~
~~initiative ($83.60 million total), an additional $1 million for suicide prevention ($599 million~~
~~total), an additional $73 million for gender-specific care for women ($778.50 million total), and~~
~~an additional $2.51 million for mental health ($13.18 billion total).~~
Congressional Research Service 18 link to page 36 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations with activation of newly constructed or leased VA medical care facilities, among other distinct activities.68 For FY2022, the President’s budget requested $58.90 billion for the medical services account. This amount is equal to the FY2022 advance appropriated amount. According to VA, when combined with $9.6 billion of unobligated balances from funding provided in the American Rescue Plan Act, this amount fully funds all needs. The House-passed version of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill (Division F of H.R. 4502; H.Rept. 117-81) provided $106 million over the FY2022 President’s request. The Senate Appropriations Committee MILCON-VA bill recommendation for FY2022 was the same as the President’s request. Both the House-passed bill and the Senate Appropriations Committee bill provided FY2023 advance appropriations equal to the President’s request of $70.32 billion (see Table 2). The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Division J of P.L. 117-103), provides $58.7 billion in FY2022. This is $200 million less than the President’s request. The act provides $70.32 billion in advance appropriations for FY2023, the same amount as the President’s request. The act provides for a vast array of specific initiatives funding through Medical Services. This includes $1.4 billion for the VA’s caregiver programs and $3.3 million for the Office of Rural Health and the Rural Health Initiative.69 Medical Community Care
Section 4003 of the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of Section 4003 of the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of
2015 (P.L. 114-41) required the establishment of a separate new account for medical community 2015 (P.L. 114-41) required the establishment of a separate new account for medical community
care, beginning with the FY2017 appropriations cycle. The Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal care, beginning with the FY2017 appropriations cycle. The Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal
Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-315) authorized advance Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-315) authorized advance
appropriations for the medical community care account. The account is intended to consolidate all appropriations for the medical community care account. The account is intended to consolidate all
community care programs under a single appropriation, and it is the funding source for care that community care programs under a single appropriation, and it is the funding source for care that
VHA provides to eligible veterans through community health care providers. These programs VHA provides to eligible veterans through community health care providers. These programs
include the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), the Camp Lejeune Family Member include the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), the Camp Lejeune Family Member
Program (CLFMP), CHAMPVA, the Foreign Medical Program (FMP), the Spina Bifida Health Program (CLFMP), CHAMPVA, the Foreign Medical Program (FMP), the Spina Bifida Health
Care Program, the Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Health Care Benefits Program Care Program, the Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Health Care Benefits Program
(CWVV), and the Indian Health Service (IHS)/Tribal Health Programs (THP) Reimbursement (CWVV), and the Indian Health Service (IHS)/Tribal Health Programs (THP) Reimbursement
Agreements Program. Agreements Program.
Some expenses related to the community care program are funded through the medical support Some expenses related to the community care program are funded through the medical support
and compliance account and the Information Technology account. These expenses include and compliance account and the Information Technology account. These expenses include
administrative expenses related to claims processing performed by the Third Party Administrators administrative expenses related to claims processing performed by the Third Party Administrators
(TPAs) and VHA, and software required for information technology (IT) systems related to the (TPAs) and VHA, and software required for information technology (IT) systems related to the
community care program.community care program.67
~~The President’s budget requests $23.42 billion for the medical community care account. This~~
~~amount is $3.27 billion over the FY2022 advance appropriated amount of $20.15 billion. This~~
70 68 Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-306. 69 “Explanatory Statement Submitted By Ms. Delauro, Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, Regarding the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2471, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022” Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 168, no. 42—Book IV (March 9, 2022), p. H2945. 70 Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-334. Congressional Research Service 19 link to page 36 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations The President’s budget requested $23.42 billion for the medical community care account. This amount was $3.27 billion over the FY2022 advance appropriated amount of $20.15 billion. This requested increase was largely driven by readjusted actuarial estimates for the medical community care increase was largely driven by readjusted actuarial estimates for the medical community care
account.account.6871
The House-passed version of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill (Division F of H.R. 4502; The House-passed version of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill (Division F of H.R. 4502;
H.Rept. 117-81) H.Rept. 117-81) ~~provides~~provided $3.26 million more than the FY2022 advance appropriation amount. $3.26 million more than the FY2022 advance appropriation amount.
This This iswas $5 million less than the FY2022 request. The Senate Appropriations Committee bill $5 million less than the FY2022 request. The Senate Appropriations Committee bill
~~recommends~~recommended the same amount as the FY2022 request. Both bills the same amount as the FY2022 request. Both bills ~~provide~~provided FY2023 advance FY2023 advance
appropriation amounts equivalent to the President’s request (seeappropriation amounts equivalent to the President’s request (see Table 2).
~~Medical Support and Compliance~~
. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Division J of P.L. 117-103), provides $23.22 billion in FY2022. This is $200 million less than the President’s request. The act provides $24.16 billion in advance appropriations for FY2023, the same amount as the President’s request. The committees remain focused on preventing disruption of care—specifying that the VA is encouraged to sustain continuity of care for rural veterans and that care is not disrupted for dialysis patients.72 Medical Support and Compliance This account provides for expenses related to the management, security, and administration of This account provides for expenses related to the management, security, and administration of
VA’s health care system through the operation of VA medical centers (VAMCs) and other medical VA’s health care system through the operation of VA medical centers (VAMCs) and other medical
facilities, such as community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) and Vet Centers. This includes facilities, such as community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) and Vet Centers. This includes
among other things, VMAC leadership teams (Director, Chief of Staff, Chief Medical Officer, and among other things, VMAC leadership teams (Director, Chief of Staff, Chief Medical Officer, and

~~67 Department of Veterans Affairs,~~ ~~FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology~~
~~Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-334.~~
~~68 Department of Veterans Affairs,~~ ~~FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology~~
~~Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-11.~~
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Chief Nurse) and VAMC support functions, such as “quality of care oversight, security services, Chief Nurse) and VAMC support functions, such as “quality of care oversight, security services,
legal services, billing and coding activities, acquisition, procurement, and logistics activities, legal services, billing and coding activities, acquisition, procurement, and logistics activities,
human resource management, logistics and supply chain management, and financial human resource management, logistics and supply chain management, and financial
management.”management.”6973 This account also funds 18 Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) This account also funds 18 Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN)7074
offices, which include network management activities such as the following network leadership offices, which include network management activities such as the following network leadership
teams within each VISN: Network Director, Deputy Network Director, Chief Financial Officer, teams within each VISN: Network Director, Deputy Network Director, Chief Financial Officer,
Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Information Officer.Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Information Officer.7175 This account also provides for expenses This account also provides for expenses
related to VHA Central Office (VHACO) operating units, such as offices of the Assistant Under related to VHA Central Office (VHACO) operating units, such as offices of the Assistant Under
Secretary for Community Care and Deputy Assistant Under Secretary for Community Care, the Secretary for Community Care and Deputy Assistant Under Secretary for Community Care, the
Office of the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Services and the Chief Medical Office of the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Services and the Chief Medical
Officer (AUSH/CS), and the Office of Discovery, Education, and Affiliate Networks (DEAN), Officer (AUSH/CS), and the Office of Discovery, Education, and Affiliate Networks (DEAN),
among other offices and suboffices. among other offices and suboffices.
71 Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-11. 72 “Explanatory Statement Submitted By Ms. Delauro, Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, Regarding the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2471, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022” Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 168, No. 42—Book IV (March 9, 2022), p. H2947. 73 Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA- 351. 74 VISN offices provide management and oversight to the medical centers and clinics within their assigned geographic areas. Each VISN office is responsible for allocating funds to facilities, clinics, and programs within its region and coordinating the delivery of health care to veterans. 75 Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA- 352. Congressional Research Service 20 link to page 36 link to page 36 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations The President’s budget requested ~~The President’s budget requests~~ $8.40 billion for the medical support and compliance account. $8.40 billion for the medical support and compliance account.
This amount is equivalent to the FY2022 advance appropriated amount.This amount is equivalent to the FY2022 advance appropriated amount.7276
Both the House-passed version of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill (Division F of H.R. 4502; Both the House-passed version of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill (Division F of H.R. 4502;
H.Rept. 117-81) and the Senate Appropriations Committee bill H.Rept. 117-81) and the Senate Appropriations Committee bill ~~provide~~provided the same amount as the the same amount as the
President’s request (seePresident’s request (see Table 2).
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Division J of P.L. 117-103), provides $23.22 billion in FY2022. This is equivalent to the President’s request. The act provides $9.67 billion in advance appropriations for FY2023, the same amount as the President’s request. Medical Facilities
The medical facilities account funds expenses pertaining to the operations and maintenance of The medical facilities account funds expenses pertaining to the operations and maintenance of
VHA’s capital infrastructure. These expenses include utilities and administrative expenses related VHA’s capital infrastructure. These expenses include utilities and administrative expenses related
to planning, designing, and executing construction or renovation projects at VHA facilities. It also to planning, designing, and executing construction or renovation projects at VHA facilities. It also
funds medical facility leases, including clinical space in CBOCs, engineering and environmental funds medical facility leases, including clinical space in CBOCs, engineering and environmental
management, grounds maintenance, fire protection, nonrecurring maintenance, recurring management, grounds maintenance, fire protection, nonrecurring maintenance, recurring
maintenance and repairs, textile care processing and maintenance, and operating equipment maintenance and repairs, textile care processing and maintenance, and operating equipment
maintenance and repairs, among others. maintenance and repairs, among others.
The President’s budget The President’s budget ~~requests~~requested $6.73 billion for the medical facilities account. This amount is $6.73 billion for the medical facilities account. This amount is
equivalent to the FY2022 advance appropriated amount.equivalent to the FY2022 advance appropriated amount.7377
Both the House-passed version of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill (Division F of H.R. 4502; Both the House-passed version of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill (Division F of H.R. 4502;
H.Rept. 117-81) and the Senate Appropriations Committee bill H.Rept. 117-81) and the Senate Appropriations Committee bill ~~provide~~provided the same amount as the the same amount as the
President’s request (seePresident’s request (see Table 2).. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Division J of P.L. 117-103), provides $6.73 billion in FY2022. This is equivalent to the President’s request. The act provides $7.13 billion in advance appropriations for FY2023, the same amount as the President’s request. Medical and Prosthetic Research As required by law, the medical and prosthetic research program (medical research) focuses on research into the special health care needs of veterans. This account provides funding for many
~~Medical and Prosthetic Research~~
~~As required by law, the medical and prosthetic research program (medical research) focuses on~~
~~research into the special health care needs of veterans. This account provides funding for many~~

~~69 Department of Veterans Affairs,~~ ~~FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology~~
~~Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA- 351.~~
~~70 VISN offices provide management and oversight to the medical centers and clinics within their assigned geographic~~
~~areas. Each VISN office is responsible for allocating funds to facilities, clinics, and programs within its region and~~
~~coordinating the delivery of health care to veterans.~~
~~71 Department of Veterans Affairs,~~ ~~FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology~~
~~Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA- 352.~~
~~72 Department of Veterans Affairs,~~ ~~FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology~~
~~Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-19.~~
~~73 Department of Veterans Affairs,~~ ~~FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology~~
~~Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-19.~~
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types of research, such as investigator-initiated research; mentored research; large-scale, multisite types of research, such as investigator-initiated research; mentored research; large-scale, multisite
clinical trials; and centers of excellence. VA researchers receive funding not only through this clinical trials; and centers of excellence. VA researchers receive funding not only through this
account but also from DOD, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and private sources. The account but also from DOD, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and private sources. The
medical services, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities accounts also provide medical services, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities accounts also provide
funds for additional expenses required for VAMCs supporting research activities. funds for additional expenses required for VAMCs supporting research activities.
In general, VA’s research program is intramural; VA investigators conduct research at VA In general, VA’s research program is intramural; VA investigators conduct research at VA
facilities and in approved off-site space occupied by VA under a legal agreement. Unlike other facilities and in approved off-site space occupied by VA under a legal agreement. Unlike other
federal agencies, such as NIH and DOD, VA does not have the statutory authority to make federal agencies, such as NIH and DOD, VA does not have the statutory authority to make
research grants to colleges and universities, cities and states, or any other non-VA entities. research grants to colleges and universities, cities and states, or any other non-VA entities.
76 Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-19. 77 Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-19. Congressional Research Service 21 link to page 36 link to page 36 link to page 36 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations The President’s budget requested ~~The President’s budget requests~~ $882 million for the medical and prosthetic research account, an $882 million for the medical and prosthetic research account, an
increase of $87 million, or 10.9%, above the FY2021-enacted amount of $795 million. The increase of $87 million, or 10.9%, above the FY2021-enacted amount of $795 million. The
VHA’s major research priorities in FY2022 include, among others, traumatic brain injury (TBI), VHA’s major research priorities in FY2022 include, among others, traumatic brain injury (TBI),
military exposures, and Coronavirus-related research and impact, cloud computing and storage, military exposures, and Coronavirus-related research and impact, cloud computing and storage,
data security/counterintelligence, precision oncology, and collaboration with Department of data security/counterintelligence, precision oncology, and collaboration with Department of
Energy.Energy.7478
The House-passed version of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill (Division F of H.R. 4502; The House-passed version of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill (Division F of H.R. 4502;
H.Rept. 117-81) H.Rept. 117-81) ~~provides~~provided $22 million more than the FY2022 request. The amount recommended $22 million more than the FY2022 request. The amount recommended
by the Senate Appropriations Committee bill for FY2022 by the Senate Appropriations Committee bill for FY2022 iswas the same as the request (see the same as the request (see Table 2). The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Division J of P.L. 117-103), provides $882 million in FY2022. 2).
Nonmedical Discretionary Programs Funding
National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
The majority of NCA’s discretionary funding falls into the Operations and Maintenance category. The majority of NCA’s discretionary funding falls into the Operations and Maintenance category.
VA requested a total of $394 million in FY2022 for this account (seeVA requested a total of $394 million in FY2022 for this account (see Table 2)—a $42 million, or —a $42 million, or
12%, increase for NCA’s operations and maintenance expenses over the FY2021-enacted 12%, increase for NCA’s operations and maintenance expenses over the FY2021-enacted
amount. The requested funding will provide for an estimated 136,000 interments, perpetual care amount. The requested funding will provide for an estimated 136,000 interments, perpetual care
of 4 million gravesites, and the operations and maintenance of 158 national cemeteries and 34 of 4 million gravesites, and the operations and maintenance of 158 national cemeteries and 34
additional sites.additional sites.7579 The request also The request also ~~includes~~included funding to support hiring an additional 97 full-time funding to support hiring an additional 97 full-time
equivalents (FTEs), bringing the total number of FTEs from 2,120 in FY2021 to 2,217 in equivalents (FTEs), bringing the total number of FTEs from 2,120 in FY2021 to 2,217 in
FY2022.FY2022.7680
As VA As VA ~~continues to work~~works toward its goal of providing 95% of veterans with access to a cemetery toward its goal of providing 95% of veterans with access to a cemetery
within 75 miles of their homes, within 75 miles of their homes, ~~the VA~~VA’s request request ~~includes~~included $7.6 million for the continued activation $7.6 million for the continued activation
of the rural cemeteries in Fargo, ND; Cheyenne, WY; and Northwoods, WI; of the rural cemeteries in Fargo, ND; Cheyenne, WY; and Northwoods, WI; ~~and for~~along with the initial initial
activation of the New York and Indianapolis columbarium-only cemeteries and the Cedar City, activation of the New York and Indianapolis columbarium-only cemeteries and the Cedar City,
UT, rural cemetery. With the addition of these new cemeteries and the increased workload UT, rural cemetery. With the addition of these new cemeteries and the increased workload
anticipated during FY2022, VA requested $7.7 million and 35 new FTEs to address these needs.anticipated during FY2022, VA requested $7.7 million and 35 new FTEs to address these needs.7781
Within the Operations and Maintenance appropriations category, VA requested funds to support Within the Operations and Maintenance appropriations category, VA requested funds to support
the agency’s programs and initiatives to memorialize the veterans in the cemeteries. The funds the agency’s programs and initiatives to memorialize the veterans in the cemeteries. The funds
will be used to continue developing the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) and to incorporate millions of veterans’ records from non-VA national cemeteries. To complement NCA’s digital efforts, NCA will continue to develop onsite interpretive signs, exhibits, and publications to increase the public’s knowledge of NCA’s history. To commemorate its 50th anniversary, NCA is to produce a book that would be the “first comprehensive history of NCA highlighting its establishment and transformation to the present.”82 78
74 Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology
Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-544. , vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA-544.
7579 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Budget in Brief, May 2021, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Budget in Brief, May 2021, ppp. BiB-32-33. . BiB-32-33.
7680 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Budget in Brief, May 2021, p. BiB-33. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Budget in Brief, May 2021, p. BiB-33.
7781 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Benefits and Burial Programs and Departmental
Administration, vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, pp. NCA-23, vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, pp. NCA-23~~, 24.~~
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~~would be used to continue developing the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) and to incorporate~~
~~millions of veterans’ records from non-VA national cemeteries. To complement NCA’s digital~~
~~efforts, NCA will continue to develop onsite interpretive signs, exhibits, and publications to~~
~~increase the public’s knowledge of NCA’s history. To commemorate its 50th anniversary, NCA is~~
~~to produce a book that would be the “first comprehensive history of NCA highlighting its~~
~~establishment and transformation to the present.”78~~
~~Division F of H.R. 4502 provides~~-24. 82 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Benefits and Burial Programs and Departmental Administration, vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, p. NCA-25. Congressional Research Service 22 link to page 36 link to page 36 link to page 36 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations Division F of H.R. 4502 provided $392 million for NCA expenses in FY2022, which is $2 million $392 million for NCA expenses in FY2022, which is $2 million
less than the requested amount but $40 million over the FY2021-enacted amount (less than the requested amount but $40 million over the FY2021-enacted amount (see Table 2)~~.79~~
.83 The House Appropriations Committee, in its report (H.Rept. 117-81), explained that NCA should The House Appropriations Committee, in its report (H.Rept. 117-81), explained that NCA should
prioritize two key goals: (1) maintaining the current level of services at existing cemeteries and prioritize two key goals: (1) maintaining the current level of services at existing cemeteries and
(2) activating new cemeteries to increase burial access. In addition, the committee highlighted (2) activating new cemeteries to increase burial access. In addition, the committee highlighted
two items it would like to see more action on: (1) completing the replacement of the headstones two items it would like to see more action on: (1) completing the replacement of the headstones
of prisoners of war that have a German insignia on them and (2) pursing efforts to expand and of prisoners of war that have a German insignia on them and (2) pursing efforts to expand and
ensure burial access to veterans in rural communities.ensure burial access to veterans in rural communities.8084
In comparison, the Senate Appropriations Committee, in S. 2604, recommended $394 million for In comparison, the Senate Appropriations Committee, in S. 2604, recommended $394 million for
NCA expenses in FY2022, which is equivalent to the requested amount and $42 million over the NCA expenses in FY2022, which is equivalent to the requested amount and $42 million over the
FY2021-enacted amount.FY2021-enacted amount.8185 The committee report, S.Rept. 117-35, addressed three The committee report, S.Rept. 117-35, addressed three ~~NCA projects~~
~~that are in progress~~ongoing NCA projects. First, the committee . First, the committee ~~directs~~directed VA to establish a pilot program to partially or VA to establish a pilot program to partially or
fully enclose committal shelters at national cemeteries located in various climates. Second, the fully enclose committal shelters at national cemeteries located in various climates. Second, the
committee committee is was pleased with the progress toward completion of the Western New York National pleased with the progress toward completion of the Western New York National
Cemetery and Cemetery and ~~requests~~requested a timeline for completion within 60 days after enactment of the act. a timeline for completion within 60 days after enactment of the act.
Finally, the committee Finally, the committee ~~supports~~supported additional infrastructure at rural cemeteries, but additional infrastructure at rural cemeteries, but ~~requests VA to~~
~~also~~requested that VA consider any necessary water, sewer, and electric utilities needed for these projects. consider any necessary water, sewer, and electric utilities needed for these projects.8286 Title II of Division J in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103), provides $394 million for VA’s FY2022 National Cemetery Administration account (see Table 2). This is $42 million over FY2021’s enacted amount and equal to VA’s requested amount.
VBA, General Operating Expenses
VA requested $3.423 billion in funding for VBA general operating expenses for FY2022. This VA requested $3.423 billion in funding for VBA general operating expenses for FY2022. This
amount was an estimated $243 million, or 7.6%, increase over the enacted FY2021 budget and amount was an estimated $243 million, or 7.6%, increase over the enacted FY2021 budget and
will support 25,303 FTEs, an increase of 560 over FY2021 (will support 25,303 FTEs, an increase of 560 over FY2021 (see Table 2)~~.83~~.87 In addition, VA’s two In addition, VA’s two
key priorities for FY2022 are benefits delivery and suicide prevention.key priorities for FY2022 are benefits delivery and suicide prevention.8488 To address these To address these
priorities, VA requested $81.5 million to modernize the Education Service platform to improve priorities, VA requested $81.5 million to modernize the Education Service platform to improve
claims processing, collaboration with stakeholders, and communications through an online claims processing, collaboration with stakeholders, and communications through an online
platform. In addition, VA requested $3.6 million to develop and implement a pilot program that platform. In addition, VA requested $3.6 million to develop and implement a pilot program that

~~78 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission,~~ ~~Benefits and Burial Programs and Departmental~~
~~Administration, vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, pp. NCA-25.~~
79would provide employment opportunities to veterans and servicemembers with service-connected disabilities, and to use this program to learn more about ways to assist disabled veterans.89 83 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 72. , report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 72.
8084 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 73. , report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 73.
81In March 2022, VA completed the removal and replacement of the three controversial headstones. For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11587, Removal of Nazi Symbols and Inscriptions on Headstones of Prisoners of War in VA National Cemeteries. 85 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriation Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, , report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, ppp. 65-66. . 65-66.
8286 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriation Bill, 2022, Report to , Report to ~~Accompany~~accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, p. 66. , 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, p. 66.
8387 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Benefits and Burial Programs and Departmental
Administration, vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, , vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, ppp. VBA-147. . VBA-147.
8488 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Budget in Brief U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Budget in Brief, May 2021, p. BiB-28. 89 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Benefits and Burial Programs and Departmental Congressional Research Service 23 link to page 36 link to page 36 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations Division F of H.R. 4502 provided~~, May 2021, p. BiB-28.~~
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~~would provide employment opportunities to veterans and servicemembers with service-connected~~
~~disabilities, and to use this program to learn more about ways to assist disabled veterans.85~~
~~Division F of H.R. 4502 provides~~ $3.417 billion for VBA General Operating Expenses in $3.417 billion for VBA General Operating Expenses in
FY2022, which is $5.6 million less than the requested amount but $237.4 million over the FY2022, which is $5.6 million less than the requested amount but $237.4 million over the
FY2021-enacted amount (seeFY2021-enacted amount (see Table 2)~~.86~~.90 The committee stated that “VBA should prioritize use of The committee stated that “VBA should prioritize use of
these funds to process claims, including claims related to new Agent Orange presumptive these funds to process claims, including claims related to new Agent Orange presumptive
conditions, and reduce the claims backlog.”conditions, and reduce the claims backlog.”8791 In addition, the committee In addition, the committee ~~identifies~~identified several areas several areas
that it that it ~~would like~~wanted VA to address. The committee VA to address. The committee ~~encourages~~encouraged VA to create a transparent and VA to create a transparent and
evidence-based framework to expeditiously establish new presumptions for illnesses and evidence-based framework to expeditiously establish new presumptions for illnesses and
disability associated with toxic exposures. It also disability associated with toxic exposures. It also ~~directs~~directed VA to partner with DOD, TRICARE, VA to partner with DOD, TRICARE,
private sector health providers, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to private sector health providers, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to
complete a report that examines the total number of veterans who have filed claims for disability complete a report that examines the total number of veterans who have filed claims for disability
compensation related to burn pits, along with the demographic information, medical diagnoses, compensation related to burn pits, along with the demographic information, medical diagnoses,
location of burn pits, and the approval and denial rates and rationale for denials.location of burn pits, and the approval and denial rates and rationale for denials.8892
In comparison, the Senate Appropriations Committee, in S. 2604, In comparison, the Senate Appropriations Committee, in S. 2604, ~~recommends~~recommended $3.486 billion for $3.486 billion for
VBA general operating expenses in FY2022. This funding is $63 million above VA’s requested VBA general operating expenses in FY2022. This funding is $63 million above VA’s requested
amount and $306 million over the FY2021-enacted amount.amount and $306 million over the FY2021-enacted amount.8993 The committee report, S.Rept. 117- The committee report, S.Rept. 117-
35, addressed several issues, such as, but not limited to, compensation and pension exams, 35, addressed several issues, such as, but not limited to, compensation and pension exams,
digitization of military records, and a national training curriculum. The committee expressed its digitization of military records, and a national training curriculum. The committee expressed its
concern about VBA’s increased reliance on contract examiners for compensation and pension concern about VBA’s increased reliance on contract examiners for compensation and pension
exams and urged VA to make these exams available at VA facilities “with the capability to exams and urged VA to make these exams available at VA facilities “with the capability to
conduct them in a safe and thorough manner.”conduct them in a safe and thorough manner.”9094 The committee also The committee also ~~requests VA to~~requested that VA work in work in
coordination with the Archivist of the United States to provide an update, in the form of a report, coordination with the Archivist of the United States to provide an update, in the form of a report,
on the progress made by the National Personnel Records Center on improving veterans’ access to on the progress made by the National Personnel Records Center on improving veterans’ access to
military records and on the effort to digitize outstanding personnel records for the year 1990 and military records and on the effort to digitize outstanding personnel records for the year 1990 and
earlier. Finally, the committee earlier. Finally, the committee ~~encourages~~encouraged VA to improve its training of disability claim VA to improve its training of disability claim
processors to ensure they are correctly adjudicating claims of veterans suffering from processors to ensure they are correctly adjudicating claims of veterans suffering from
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).91

~~85 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission,~~ ~~Benefits and Burial Programs and Departmental~~
~~Administration, vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, pp. VBA-150.~~
8695 Title II of Division J in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103), provides $3.45 billion for VBA’s FY2022 General Operating Expenses account (see Table 2). This is $273.81 million over FY2021’s enacted amount and $30.81 million over VA’s requested amount. The increase in funding is intended to help VA process new benefits claims and lower the claims backlog.96 Administration, vol. 3 of 4, May 2021, p. VBA-150. 90 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 35. , report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 35.
8791 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany , report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021 p. 35. , 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021 p. 35.
8892 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, , report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, ppp. 36-. 36-
37. 37.
8993 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriation Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 37. , report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 37.
9094 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriation Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 37. , report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 37.
9195 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriation Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, , report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, ppp. 38-. 38-39. 96 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Division J: Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation Bill, 2022, joint explanatory statement to accompany Senate Amendment to H.R. 2471 ~~39.~~
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Board of Veterans’ Appeals
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals is an agency within VA established in 1933. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals is an agency within VA established in 1933.9297 The BVA’s role is The BVA’s role is
to conduct hearings and make final decisions on behalf of the VA Secretary regarding appeals for to conduct hearings and make final decisions on behalf of the VA Secretary regarding appeals for
veterans’ benefits and services from VBA, VHA, and NCA, as well as the Office of General veterans’ benefits and services from VBA, VHA, and NCA, as well as the Office of General
Counsel (OGC), that are presented to BVA for appellate review.Counsel (OGC), that are presented to BVA for appellate review.9398
The The VA’s FY2022 request for BVA FY2022 request for BVA iswas $228 million, a $32 million increase over the FY2021-enacted $228 million, a $32 million increase over the FY2021-enacted
amount of $196 million (amount of $196 million (seesee Table 2). This amount would support 129 new full time equivalent . This amount would support 129 new full time equivalent
(FTE) staff, including 35 additional Veteran Law Judges (VLJs). (FTE) staff, including 35 additional Veteran Law Judges (VLJs).
The House-passed version of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill (Division F of H.R. 4502; The House-passed version of the MILCON-VA appropriations bill (Division F of H.R. 4502;
H.Rept. 117-81) H.Rept. 117-81) ~~provides~~provided $228 million as requested, along with authority to carry over 10% $228 million as requested, along with authority to carry over 10%
~~percent of~~ of this funding into FY2023. this funding into FY2023.
The Senate Committee version MILCON-VA bill for FY2022 (S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35), similar The Senate Committee version MILCON-VA bill for FY2022 (S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35), similar
to the House-passed bill, to the House-passed bill, ~~recommends~~recommended the same amount as the President’s request. The committee the same amount as the President’s request. The committee
report, while acknowledging the current appeals backlog, report, while acknowledging the current appeals backlog, ~~states~~stated: “[the] Department is currently : “[the] Department is currently
experiencing a backlog of disability claims, which has only been exacerbated by the COVID–19 experiencing a backlog of disability claims, which has only been exacerbated by the COVID–19
pandemic. The Committee pandemic. The Committee ~~recognizes~~recognized veterans’ expectations regarding timely and accurate veterans’ expectations regarding timely and accurate
appeals processing, and supports full funding of the [BVA] to increase personnel, reduce the appeals processing, and supports full funding of the [BVA] to increase personnel, reduce the
backlog of claims and get veterans the timely answers they deserve.”backlog of claims and get veterans the timely answers they deserve.”94
99 Title II of Division J in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103), provides $228 million for VA’s FY2022 Board of Veterans Appeals account (see Table 2). This is $32 million over FY2021’s enacted amount and equal to VA’s requested amount. Information Technology
The information technology (IT) account provides funding for department-wide IT activities such The information technology (IT) account provides funding for department-wide IT activities such
as IT and telecommunications support, management of data systems, and acquisition of IT as IT and telecommunications support, management of data systems, and acquisition of IT
systems and department-wide cybersecurity efforts, among other things. systems and department-wide cybersecurity efforts, among other things.
The President’ The President’s FY2022 IT budget request FY2022 IT budget request iswas $4.843 billion, a decrease of $31.7 million below the $4.843 billion, a decrease of $31.7 million below the
2021-enacted budget (2021-enacted budget (see Table 2). Of this amount, $297 million would . Of this amount, $297 million would behave been for IT development, for IT development,
such as building new software applications; $3.13 billion would such as building new software applications; $3.13 billion would behave been for operations and for operations and
maintenance (O&M); and $1.414 billion would maintenance (O&M); and $1.414 billion would behave been for staffing and administrative support for staffing and administrative support
services. The Administration’s budget services. The Administration’s budget ~~is proposing~~proposed to supplement the IT budget request with to supplement the IT budget request with
$670 million from the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund in FY2022.$670 million from the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund in FY2022.95100 The budget proposed to use the Transformational Fund to support IT infrastructure 117th Cong., 1st sess., March 9, 2022, p. 12. 97 38 U.S.C. §§7101-7113. 98 ~~The budget~~

~~92 38 U.S.C. §§ 7101-7113.~~
93 Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans’ Appeals Annual Report, Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, December 2020, , Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, December 2020,
p. 5. p. 5.
9499 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriation Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p., report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 69. 69.
95100 The Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund was established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (P.L. The Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund was established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (P.L.
114-113, Division J, Title II, Section 243). The law allows unobligated balances of expired discretionary 114-113, Division J, Title II, Section 243). The law allows unobligated balances of expired discretionary
appropriations, in FY2016 or any succeeding fiscal year, to be transferred from the General Fund of the Treasury to VA appropriations, in FY2016 or any succeeding fiscal year, to be transferred from the General Fund of the Treasury to VA
and deposited in the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund at the end of the fifth fiscal year after the last fiscal and deposited in the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund at the end of the fifth fiscal year after the last fiscal
year for which such funds were available. The law stipulates that amounts deposited in the fund may be available for year for which such funds were available. The law stipulates that amounts deposited in the fund may be available for
facility infrastructure improvements, including nonrecurring maintenance, at existing VA hospitals and clinics, and facility infrastructure improvements, including nonrecurring maintenance, at existing VA hospitals and clinics, and
~~information technology systems improvements and sustainment, subject to approval by the Office of Management and~~
~~Budget (OMB) and House and Senate Appropriations Committees.~~
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~~proposes to use the Transformational Fund to support IT infrastructure~~ readiness, Financial readiness, Financial
Management Business Transformation (FMBT),Management Business Transformation (FMBT),96101 and modernizing human resources systems. and modernizing human resources systems.97102
The House-passed bill (Division F of H.R. 4502) The House-passed bill (Division F of H.R. 4502) ~~provides~~provided approximately $4.842 billion for the IT approximately $4.842 billion for the IT
systems account for FY2022, which systems account for FY2022, which iswas approximately $1 million less than the request ( approximately $1 million less than the request (seesee Table
2). Within this total, the House-passed measure . Within this total, the House-passed measure ~~allocates~~allocated $297 million for IT development, such $297 million for IT development, such
as building new software applications; $3.13 billion for operations and maintenance (O&M); and as building new software applications; $3.13 billion for operations and maintenance (O&M); and
$1.413 billion for staffing and administrative support services. H.Rept. 117-81 $1.413 billion for staffing and administrative support services. H.Rept. 117-81 ~~directs~~directed the Office the Office
of Information Technology (OIT), in coordination with VHA and Office of Electronic Health of Information Technology (OIT), in coordination with VHA and Office of Electronic Health
Records Modernization (OEHRM), to develop end-to-end encrypted communication for Records Modernization (OEHRM), to develop end-to-end encrypted communication for
telehealth, and to develop a centralized data system to catalog sexual harassment and assault telehealth, and to develop a centralized data system to catalog sexual harassment and assault
complaint data as part of a comprehensive policy to end sexual assault, including sexual complaint data as part of a comprehensive policy to end sexual assault, including sexual
harassment and gender-based harassment, throughout VA.harassment and gender-based harassment, throughout VA.98103
The Senate Appropriations Committee-reported FY2022 MILCON-VA appropriations bill (S. The Senate Appropriations Committee-reported FY2022 MILCON-VA appropriations bill (S.
2604: S.Rept. 117-35) 2604: S.Rept. 117-35) ~~recommends~~recommended approximately $4.843 billion for the IT systems account, the approximately $4.843 billion for the IT systems account, the
same as the Administration’s request (same as the Administration’s request (seesee Table 2). Of this amount, the Senate version of the . Of this amount, the Senate version of the
MILCON-VA appropriations bill MILCON-VA appropriations bill ~~recommends~~recommended $297 million for IT development, $3.13 billion for $297 million for IT development, $3.13 billion for
operations and maintenance (O&M), and $1.414 billion for staffing and administrative support operations and maintenance (O&M), and $1.414 billion for staffing and administrative support
services, the same as the President’s budget request. The committee also services, the same as the President’s budget request. The committee also ~~supports~~supported the the
Administration’s proposal to allocate Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund funds to Administration’s proposal to allocate Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund funds to
supplement funds for IT programs delineated in the Administration’s budget proposal for supplement funds for IT programs delineated in the Administration’s budget proposal for
FY2022.FY2022.99
~~Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM)100~~104 The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, provides $4.843 billion for the IT systems account (see Table 2), and of this amount, $1.414 billion is for staffing and administrative support services, $3.13 billion is for O&M, and $297 million is for systems development. Furthermore, the act includes a provision to allocate $670 million of the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund balances to support IT programs. Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM)105
On May 17, 2018, VA signed a contract with Cerner Corporation to modernize its electronic On May 17, 2018, VA signed a contract with Cerner Corporation to modernize its electronic
health care record system. This account provides funding for activities required to plan and health care record system. This account provides funding for activities required to plan and
~~deploy the Cerner Millennium electronic health care record system at VA medical facilities. This~~
~~includes the Electronic Health Record (EHR) contract costs, infrastructure readiness, and~~
~~expenses related to the Project Management Office (PMO). Beginning with the Military~~

96 information technology systems improvements and sustainment, subject to approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and House and Senate Appropriations Committees. 101 In 2016, VA embarked on a new financial management modernization program known as the Financial Management In 2016, VA embarked on a new financial management modernization program known as the Financial Management
Business Transformation (FMBT) program. Funding for the FMBT is derived from multiple accounts. These include Business Transformation (FMBT) program. Funding for the FMBT is derived from multiple accounts. These include
the IT appropriation account, general administration appropriation account, and the Franchise Fund appropriation the IT appropriation account, general administration appropriation account, and the Franchise Fund appropriation
account. For more information on FMBT, see U.S. Government Accountability Office, account. For more information on FMBT, see U.S. Government Accountability Office, Veterans Affairs: Ongoing
Financial Management System Modernization Program Would Benefit from Improved Cost and Schedule Estimating, ,
GAO-21-227, April 20, 2021. GAO-21-227, April 20, 2021.
97102 Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology
Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. OIT–643. , vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. OIT–643.
98103 The Deborah Sampson Act of 2020 (Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits The Deborah Sampson Act of 2020 (Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits
Improvement Act of 2020; P.L. 116-315; 134 STAT. 5022) required the Secretary to establish a comprehensive anti-Improvement Act of 2020; P.L. 116-315; 134 STAT. 5022) required the Secretary to establish a comprehensive anti-
harassment and anti-sexual assault policy at VA. U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, harassment and anti-sexual assault policy at VA. U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military
Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th , report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th
Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 78. Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 78.
99104 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, And Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p., report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 70. 70.
~~100~~105 P.L. 115-407, Title V, § P.L. 115-407, Title V, § 503, 132 Stat. 5376 defines ‘‘Electronic Health Record Modernization Program’’ as “any 503, 132 Stat. 5376 defines ‘‘Electronic Health Record Modernization Program’’ as “any
~~activities by the Department of Veterans Affairs to procure or implement an electronic health or medical record system~~
~~to replace any or all of the Veterans Information Systems and Technology Architecture, the Computerized Patient~~
~~Record System, the Joint Legacy Viewer, or the Enterprise Health Management Platform; and any contracts or~~
~~agreements entered into by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out, support, or analyze the activities under the~~
~~[Electronic Health Record Modernization Program].”~~
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Congressional Research Service 26 link to page 36 link to page 36 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations deploy the Cerner Millennium electronic health care record system at VA medical facilities. This includes the Electronic Health Record (EHR) contract costs, infrastructure readiness, and expenses related to the Project Management Office (PMO). Beginning with the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY2018 (P.L. 115-Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY2018 (P.L. 115-
141), Congress established this new account, which is “intended to be the single source of 141), Congress established this new account, which is “intended to be the single source of
funding within VA for the electronic health record effort” (H.Rept. 115-673). The Office of the funding within VA for the electronic health record effort” (H.Rept. 115-673). The Office of the
Deputy Secretary is the only office responsible for administering the funds in this account. Deputy Secretary is the only office responsible for administering the funds in this account.
On October 24, 2020, VA began initial deployment of the Cerner Millennium EHR at the Mann- On October 24, 2020, VA began initial deployment of the Cerner Millennium EHR at the Mann-
Grandstaff VAMC in Spokane, WA, and the West Consolidated Patient Account Center. Due to Grandstaff VAMC in Spokane, WA, and the West Consolidated Patient Account Center. Due to
various implementation challenges, and potential patient safety issues encountered during various implementation challenges, and potential patient safety issues encountered during
transition to the new EHR system, as highlighted by the Government Accountability Office transition to the new EHR system, as highlighted by the Government Accountability Office
(GAO), VA OIG, and medical center staff, on March 19, 2021, Secretary Denis McDonough (GAO), VA OIG, and medical center staff, on March 19, 2021, Secretary Denis McDonough
announced a strategic review of the EHRM program.announced a strategic review of the EHRM program.~~101~~106 The results of this review were released The results of this review were released
in July 2021.in July 2021.~~102 Based on~~107 Considering the results of the strategic review, VA altered the deployment schedule the results of the strategic review, VA altered the deployment schedule
for Cerner Millennium EHR, based on assessing and ensuring readiness at each deployment for Cerner Millennium EHR, based on assessing and ensuring readiness at each deployment
site.site.~~103~~108 Previously, the deployment schedule was Previously, the deployment schedule was ~~based on~~tied to a synchronized DOD and VA regional a synchronized DOD and VA regional
schedule. schedule.
The President The President~~’s request~~ requested $2.66 billion for the EHR account for FY2022 for the EHR account for FY2022 ~~is $2.66 billion (see~~(see Table 2). The . The
request request iswas further separated into three subaccounts: approximately $1.43 billion allocated for the further separated into three subaccounts: approximately $1.43 billion allocated for the
Cerner EHR Millennium solution, approximately $951.8 million allocated for infrastructure Cerner EHR Millennium solution, approximately $951.8 million allocated for infrastructure
readiness, and approximately $285.7 million allocated for program support.readiness, and approximately $285.7 million allocated for program support.~~104~~109
The House-passed measure (Division F of H.R. 4502) The House-passed measure (Division F of H.R. 4502) ~~provides~~provided approximately $2.64 billion for approximately $2.64 billion for
the EHR account, which the EHR account, which iswas $26 million less than the Administration’s request (see $26 million less than the Administration’s request (see Table 2)..
Furthermore, the bill Furthermore, the bill ~~stipulates~~stipulated that 25% of funding would not be available until July 1, 2022, and that 25% of funding would not be available until July 1, 2022, and
that the release of funds would be based on the certification by the Secretary regarding any that the release of funds would be based on the certification by the Secretary regarding any
changes to the EHRM deployment schedule. The House Committee report (H.Rept. 117-81) changes to the EHRM deployment schedule. The House Committee report (H.Rept. 117-81)
further further ~~delineates~~delineated EHR funding at the subaccount level, including approximately $1.42 billion EHR funding at the subaccount level, including approximately $1.42 billion
allocated for the electronic health record contract, approximately $276.71 million allocated for allocated for the electronic health record contract, approximately $276.71 million allocated for
program management, and approximately $943.79 allocated for infrastructure support.program management, and approximately $943.79 allocated for infrastructure support.~~105~~110 In In
addition, “due to the uncertainty of the timing of obligations,” funds in this account would addition, “due to the uncertainty of the timing of obligations,” funds in this account would be
have been available for three fiscal years.available for three fiscal years.~~106~~
~~The Senate Appropriations Committee-reported version of the FY2022 MILCON-VA~~
~~appropriations bill (S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35) recommends $2.5 billion for the EHR account,~~
~~which is $163 million below the Administration’s request (see Table 2). The committee expresses~~
~~its displeasure with VA’s EHR deployment: “while the Committee remains supportive of~~
~~replacing VA’s current EHR with the same system being acquired by DoD, frustrations continue~~

~~101~~111 activities by the Department of Veterans Affairs to procure or implement an electronic health or medical record system to replace any or all of the Veterans Information Systems and Technology Architecture, the Computerized Patient Record System, the Joint Legacy Viewer, or the Enterprise Health Management Platform; and any contracts or agreements entered into by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out, support, or analyze the activities under the [Electronic Health Record Modernization Program].” 106 Department of Veterans Affairs, “VA announces strategic review of Electronic Health Record Modernization Department of Veterans Affairs, “VA announces strategic review of Electronic Health Record Modernization
program,” press release, March 19, 2021, https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5647. program,” press release, March 19, 2021, https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5647.
~~102~~107 Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, Electronic Health Record Modernization: Comprehensive Lessons Learned Report, ,
July 2021. July 2021.
~~103~~108 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, VA Electronic Health Records: Modernization and the Path
Ahead, Statement of the Honorable Denis McDonough, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 14, 2021, Statement of the Honorable Denis McDonough, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 14, 2021,
https://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings/va-electronic-health-records-modernization-and-the-path-ahead-07-14-21 https://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings/va-electronic-health-records-modernization-and-the-path-ahead-07-14-21
~~104~~109 Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology
Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, , vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, ppp. EHRM – 609-EHRM – 610. . EHRM – 609-EHRM – 610.
~~105~~110 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 78. , report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 78.
~~106~~111 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
~~Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompanyH.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81 H.Rept.~~
~~117-81, p. 78.~~
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Congressional Research Service 27 link to page 36 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations The Senate Appropriations Committee-reported version of the FY2022 MILCON-VA appropriations bill (S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35) recommended $2.5 billion for the EHR account, which was $163 million below the Administration’s request (see Table 2). The committee expressed its displeasure with VA’s EHR deployment: “while the Committee remains supportive of replacing VA’s current EHR with the same system being acquired by DoD, frustrations continue with the delays in execution, as well as with the Department’s poor communication.”with the delays in execution, as well as with the Department’s poor communication.”~~107~~112
Furthermore, similar to the House-passed measure, the bill stipulates that 25% of funding would Furthermore, similar to the House-passed measure, the bill stipulates that 25% of funding would
not be available until July 1, 2022, and that the release of funds would be based on the Secretary not be available until July 1, 2022, and that the release of funds would be based on the Secretary
providing a plan to the committees regarding “benchmarks and measureable metrics for providing a plan to the committees regarding “benchmarks and measureable metrics for
deployment, and a plan for addressing all required infrastructure upgrades.”deployment, and a plan for addressing all required infrastructure upgrades.”~~108~~113 Moreover, VA Moreover, VA iswas
advised to consult with the Indian Health Service, as the IHS modernizes the Indian Health advised to consult with the Indian Health Service, as the IHS modernizes the Indian Health
Service Electronic Health Record system, in order to ensure interoperability between VA and the Service Electronic Health Record system, in order to ensure interoperability between VA and the
IHS EHR systems.IHS EHR systems.~~109~~114 Division J of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103), provides $2.3 billion for EHRM activities related to the development and rollout of the EHR system. Furthermore, the act stipulates that 25% of these funds will not be available until July 1, 2022, and are contingent upon VA providing a plan to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations “with benchmarks and measurable metrics for deployment, and a plan for addressing all required infrastructure upgrades” no later than 30 days prior July 1, 2022. According to the joint explanatory statement accompanying this act, “the Secretary is not provided transfer authority and is directed to continue using this account as the sole source of funding within the Department for EHRM.”115
Construction
Construction accounts include major construction, minor construction, and construction and Construction accounts include major construction, minor construction, and construction and
renovation grants for state extended care facilities, as well as grants for state veterans cemeteries. renovation grants for state extended care facilities, as well as grants for state veterans cemeteries.
The major construction account provides funds for capital projects costing $20 million or more The major construction account provides funds for capital projects costing $20 million or more
that are intended to design, build, alter, extend, or improve a VHA facility. Projects identified that are intended to design, build, alter, extend, or improve a VHA facility. Projects identified
through the Strategic Capital Investment Planning (SCIP) process are submitted for congressional through the Strategic Capital Investment Planning (SCIP) process are submitted for congressional
authorization. Congress reviews, approves, and funds major construction on a project-by-project authorization. Congress reviews, approves, and funds major construction on a project-by-project
basis. Typical major construction projects are replacements of hospital buildings, the addition of basis. Typical major construction projects are replacements of hospital buildings, the addition of
large ambulatory care centers, and new hospitals or nursing homes. large ambulatory care centers, and new hospitals or nursing homes.
The minor construction account provides funds for capital projects costing less than $20 million The minor construction account provides funds for capital projects costing less than $20 million
that are intended to design, build, alter, extend, or improve a VHA facility. The total cost of a that are intended to design, build, alter, extend, or improve a VHA facility. The total cost of a
minor construction project cannot be greater than this statutory threshold. Minor construction minor construction project cannot be greater than this statutory threshold. Minor construction
projects are approved by the Office of Capital Asset Management and Support at the VA Central projects are approved by the Office of Capital Asset Management and Support at the VA Central
Office through the SCIP process. The grants to the state extended care facilities account provide Office through the SCIP process. The grants to the state extended care facilities account provide
grants to states for construction or acquisition of state home facilities, including funds to remodel, grants to states for construction or acquisition of state home facilities, including funds to remodel,
~~modify, or alter existing buildings used for furnishing domiciliary, nursing home, or hospital care~~
~~to veterans. A grant may not exceed 65% of the total cost of the project. Lastly, the grants for~~
~~construction of the veterans cemeteries account provide grants to states, territories, and federally~~
~~recognized tribal governments for the establishment, expansion, or improvement of state and~~
~~tribal veterans cemeteries.~~
~~The President’s FY2022 budget request for construction and construction grants is approximately~~
~~$2.21 billion. This amount includes $1.61 billion for the major construction account, $553 million~~
~~for the minor construction account, and $45 million for grants for construction of veterans~~
~~cemeteries (see Table 2). In addition, the budget request proposes $150 million from the~~
~~Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund to supplement the minor construction account in~~
~~FY2022.110 The Administration does not request any funding for grants for state extended care~~

~~107~~ Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 78. 112 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, And Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 72. , report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 72.
~~108~~113 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, And Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompanyS. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 72. , report to accompanyS. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 72.
~~109~~114 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, And Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p., report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 73. 115 “Explanatory Statement Submitted By Ms. Delauro, Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, Regarding the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2471, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022” Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 168, no. 42—Book IV (March 9, 2022), p. H2948. Congressional Research Service 28 link to page 36 link to page 36 link to page 36 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations modify, or alter existing buildings used for furnishing domiciliary, nursing home, or hospital care to veterans. A grant may not exceed 65% of the total cost of the project. Lastly, the grants for construction of the veterans cemeteries account provide grants to states, territories, and federally recognized tribal governments for the establishment, expansion, or improvement of state and tribal veterans cemeteries. The President’s FY2022 budget request for construction and construction grants is approximately $2.21 billion. This amount included $1.61 billion for the major construction account, $553 million for the minor construction account, and $45 million for grants for construction of veterans cemeteries (see Table 2). In addition, the budget request proposed $150 million from the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund to supplement the minor construction account in FY2022.116 The Administration did not request any funding for grants for state extended care facilities. The department estimated~~73.~~
~~110 The Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund was established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016~~
~~(P.L. 114-113, Division J, Title II, Section 243). The law allows unobligated balances of expired discretionary~~
~~appropriations, in FY2016 or any succeeding fiscal year, to be transferred from the General Fund of the Treasury to VA~~
~~and deposited in the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund at the end of the fifth fiscal year after the last fiscal~~
~~year for which such funds were available. The law stipulates that amounts deposited in the fund may be available for~~
~~facility infrastructure improvements, including nonrecurring maintenance, at existing VA hospitals and clinics, and~~
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~~facilities. The department is estimating~~ that it would carry over $596 million into FY2022 from that it would carry over $596 million into FY2022 from
prior year appropriations and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act (P.L. 117-2) funding.prior year appropriations and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act (P.L. 117-2) funding.~~111~~117
The House-passed bill (Division F of H.R. 4502) The House-passed bill (Division F of H.R. 4502) ~~provides~~provided approximately $2.30 billion for approximately $2.30 billion for
construction and construction grants accounts for FY2022, approximately $92.1 million above the construction and construction grants accounts for FY2022, approximately $92.1 million above the
request. This request. This ~~includes~~included the requested amounts for the construction major and minor accounts, and the requested amounts for the construction major and minor accounts, and
$90 million for funding for grants for state extended care facilities ($90 million for funding for grants for state extended care facilities (seesee Table 2). According to . According to
House Committee report (H.Rept. 117-81): “House Committee report (H.Rept. 117-81): “~~[s]upporting~~supporting grants for construction of state extended grants for construction of state extended
care facilities has been and will continue to be a priority of the Committee. As such, in order to care facilities has been and will continue to be a priority of the Committee. As such, in order to
ensure that VA has the resources required to address priority project applications submitted in ensure that VA has the resources required to address priority project applications submitted in
April 2021, the bill maintains level funding of $90 million for fiscal year 2022.”April 2021, the bill maintains level funding of $90 million for fiscal year 2022.”~~112~~118 Lastly, the Lastly, the
House-passed MILCON-VA appropriations bill House-passed MILCON-VA appropriations bill ~~provides~~provided $47.1 million for grants for construction $47.1 million for grants for construction
of veterans cemeteries. of veterans cemeteries.
The Senate Appropriations Committee-reported version of the FY2022 MILCON-VA The Senate Appropriations Committee-reported version of the FY2022 MILCON-VA
appropriations bill (S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35) appropriations bill (S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35) ~~recommends~~recommended approximately $2.26 billion for approximately $2.26 billion for
construction and construction grants, approximately $55 million above the President’s FY2022 construction and construction grants, approximately $55 million above the President’s FY2022
request (request (seesee Table 2). This . This ~~includes~~included the requested amounts for the construction major and minor the requested amounts for the construction major and minor
accounts. S. 2604 also accounts. S. 2604 also ~~includes~~included a provision to include $150 million from the Recurring Expenses a provision to include $150 million from the Recurring Expenses
Transformational Fund to supplement minor construction account. The committee Transformational Fund to supplement minor construction account. The committee
recommendation recommendation ~~includes~~included $50 million for grants for state extended care facilities, and $50 million for grants for state extended care facilities, and ~~notes~~noted “that “that
additional projects are needed around the country to support the needs of our Nation’s veterans, additional projects are needed around the country to support the needs of our Nation’s veterans,
and VA receives new applications each year. Therefore, the Committee recommends funding in and VA receives new applications each year. Therefore, the Committee recommends funding in
fiscal year 2022 to address applications for additional Priority 1 projects.”fiscal year 2022 to address applications for additional Priority 1 projects.”~~113~~119 S. 2604 also S. 2604 also
~~recommends~~recommended $50 million for grants for construction of state veterans cemeteries, which is $5 $50 million for grants for construction of state veterans cemeteries, which is $5
million above the request. million above the request.
~~Asset and Infrastructure Review~~
~~Title II of the VA MISSION Act (P.L. 115-182) included the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review~~
~~(AIR) Act of 2018. The AIR Act establishes a process for realigning and modernizing VHA~~
~~facilities. Under this process, VA is to develop criteria for selecting VHA facilities to dispose of,~~
~~modernize, or acquire, so as to better meet the health care needs of veterans.114 VA must then~~
~~create a list of recommendations based on those criteria and submit it to a newly created Asset~~
~~and Infrastructure Review Commission (the Commission). This nine-member commission~~
~~reviews the VA’s recommendations but may not alter them, unless it determines that one or more~~
~~recommendations are inconsistent with the criteria. The Commission submits the list of~~
~~recommendations to the President, who either approves the list in its entirety or sends it back to~~
~~the Commission with the reasons for disapproval. The Commission shall take into account the~~

116 The Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund was established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (P.L. 114-113, Division J, Title II, Section 243). The law allows unobligated balances of expired discretionary appropriations, in FY2016 or any succeeding fiscal year, to be transferred from the General Fund of the Treasury to VA and deposited in the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund at the end of the fifth fiscal year after the last fiscal year for which such funds were available. The law stipulates that amounts deposited in the fund may be available for facility infrastructure improvements, including nonrecurring maintenance, at existing VA hospitals and clinics, and information technology systems improvements and sustainment, subject to approval by the Office of Management and information technology systems improvements and sustainment, subject to approval by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) and House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Budget (OMB) and House and Senate Appropriations Committees.
~~111~~117 Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Medical Programs and Information Technology
Programs, vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA – 505. , vol. 2 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. VHA – 505.
~~112~~118 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 83. , report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81, p. 83.
~~113~~119 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, And Related Agencies
~~Appropriations~~Appropriation Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 76. , report to accompany S. 2604, 117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35, p. 76.
~~114 Department of Veterans Affairs, “Draft Criteria for Section 203 of the MISSION Act,” 86 Federal Register 7921,~~
~~February 2, 2021; and final selection criteria published in Department of Veterans Affairs, “Asset and Infrastructure~~
~~Review Commission Foreword and Criteria,” 86 Federal Register 28932-28935, May 28, 2021.~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

27

~~link to page 32~~ ~~Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations~~

Congressional Research Service 29 link to page 36 link to page 35 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Division J of P.L. 117-103), provides $2.27 billion for construction and construction grant accounts for FY2022, and $53.50 million above the President’s request (see Table 2). The act provides $50 million for grants for state extended care facilities and recommended $48.5 million for grants for construction of state veterans cemeteries. The act does not include $150 million from the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund to supplement minor construction account, but rather includes a provision to allocate $150 million from the Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund to supplement for facilities infrastructure improvements, including nonrecurring maintenance (NRM), at existing VHA hospitals and clinics under the medical facilities account. Asset and Infrastructure Review Title II of the VA MISSION Act (P.L. 115-182) included the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act of 2018. The AIR Act establishes a process for realigning and modernizing VHA facilities. Under this process, VA is to develop criteria for selecting VHA facilities to dispose of, modernize, or acquire, so as to better meet the health care needs of veterans.120 VA must then create a list of recommendations based on those criteria and submit it to a newly created Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission (the Commission). This nine-member commission reviews the VA’s recommendations but may not alter them, unless it determines that one or more recommendations are inconsistent with the criteria. The Commission submits the list of recommendations to the President, who either approves the list in its entirety or sends it back to the Commission with the reasons for disapproval. The Commission shall take into account the reasons for disapproval and submit a second report to the President with recommendations for reasons for disapproval and submit a second report to the President with recommendations for
realignment and modernization of VHA facilities. The President may approve or disapprove the realignment and modernization of VHA facilities. The President may approve or disapprove the
revised list. If the President approves the original or revised list, then VA must begin revised list. If the President approves the original or revised list, then VA must begin
implementation of the recommendations within three years, unless Congress passes a joint implementation of the recommendations within three years, unless Congress passes a joint
resolution of disapproval, in which case the process terminates.resolution of disapproval, in which case the process terminates.~~115~~121
As required by the AIR Act, VA As required by the AIR Act, VA ~~is conducting~~conducted its market assessments and publicly released the department’s recommendations on March 14, 2022.122 On March 10 and 21, 2022, President Biden submitted nominees to the AIR Commission to the Senate.123 The AIR Commission is to submit its recommendations to the President for review and approval, prior to sending to Congress for review and approval in 2023.124 Figure 5 provides a summary of the process as prepared by VA. 120 Department of Veterans Affairs, “Draft Criteria for Section 203 of the MISSION Act,” 86 Federal Register 7921, February 2, 2021; and final selection criteria published in Department of Veterans Affairs, “Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission Foreword and Criteria,” 86 Federal Register 28932-28935, May 28, 2021. 121 For a section-by-section summary of AIR Act provisions, see CRS Report R45390, VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (VA MISSION Act; P.L.115-182). 122 Department of Veterans Affairs, “Recommendations for Modernization or Realignment of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Facilities,” 87 Federal Register 14328-14329, March 14, 2022. The full recommendations are available at https://www.va.gov/aircommissionreport/. Department of Veterans Affairs, “VA releases Asset and Infrastructure Review report,” press release, March 14, 2022, https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5774. 123 The White House, “Nominations Sent to the Senate,” press release, March 10, 2022, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/10/press-release-nominations-sent-to-the-senate-9/, and The White House, “Nominations Sent to the Senate,” press release, March 21, 2022, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/21/press-release-nominations-sent-to-the-senate-11/. 124 For a timeline of the review process, see CRS Report R46992, Veterans Affairs Asset and Infrastructure Review Act: Timeline and Funding. Congressional Research Service 30 link to page 36 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations Figure 5. Summary of AIR Act Process Source: Department of Veterans Affairs. Adopted from VA briefing documents titled “VA’s Recommendations to the AIR Commission: Summary of Process and Outcomes,” March 2022. For the first time, the Administration’s request for FY2022 included ~~market assessments to develop high-performing~~
~~networks to improve access to care. The market assessment uses information regarding market~~
~~geography and demographics, current and future market demand, access to care, quality of care,~~
~~facility conditions, and health care resources that exist in the broader health care market (e.g.,~~
~~DOD, Federally Qualified Health Centers, academic partners, and private community~~
~~providers).116 The market assessments would receive input from local VA medical facilities staff.~~
~~Recommendations from the market assessments are to be finalized and submitted by the VA~~
~~Secretary to the presidentially appointed AIR Commission for consideration. The AIR~~
~~Commission’s authorized start date is January 1, 2022. The AIR Commission is to submit its~~
~~recommendations to the President for review and approval, prior to sending to Congress for~~
~~review and approval in 2023.~~
~~For the first time, the Administration’s request for FY2022 is requesting~~ $5 million in funding for $5 million in funding for
a a new Asset and Infrastructure Review account (new Asset and Infrastructure Review account (seesee Table 2). This funding would provide for . This funding would provide for
support staff and necessary day-to-day operational expenses related to the AIR Commission support staff and necessary day-to-day operational expenses related to the AIR Commission
activities, which would be conducted in calendar years 2022 and 2023.activities, which would be conducted in calendar years 2022 and 2023.~~117~~125 The versions of the The versions of the
FY2022 MILCON-VA appropriations bill passed by the House and reported by the Senate FY2022 MILCON-VA appropriations bill passed by the House and reported by the Senate
Appropriations Committee Appropriations Committee ~~provide $5 million as requested.~~
provided $5 million as requested. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Division J of P.L. 117-103), provides $5 million as requested for FY2022, which will remain available until September 30, 2023. On June 27, 2022, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester and several other Senators issued a statement stating that the AIR Commission process would not move forward. According to the press release, “Without the Senate’s approval of the nominees, no Commission will be established and the process as outlined by the VA MISSION Act will not move forward.”126 125 Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Construction, Long Range Capital Plan and Appendix, vol. 4 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. 6.3-2. 126 Senator Jon Tester, “Tester, Manchin, Rounds, Colleagues Statement on Bipartisan Opposition to the Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission Process,” press release, June 27, 2022, https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=9185, and https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2022/6/tester-manchin-rounds-colleagues-statement-on-bipartisan-opposition-to-the-asset-and-infrastructure-review-commission-process. Also see House Committee on Veterans Affairs, “Ranking Members Bost, Moran Statement on Senators’ Refusal to Move Forward with VA Asset and Infrastructure Review,” press release, June 27, 2022, https://republicans-veterans.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6026. Congressional Research Service 31 Table 2. FY2021-FY2022 Appropriations and FY2023 Advance Appropriations ($ in Thousands) Consolidated Appropriations Consolidated Act, 2022 Appropriations ~~Table 2. FY2021-FY2022 Appropriations and FY2023 Advance Appropriations~~
~~($ in Thousands)~~
~~Consolidated~~
~~Appropriations~~ Act, 2021
House
Senate Committee
(H.R. 2471, (Div. J; P.L. 116-260)
President’s Request
(Division F; H.R. 4502)
(S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35)
P.L. 117-103) Program
FY2021
FY2022
FY2022
FY2023
FY2022
FY2023
FY2022
FY2023
FY2022 Compensation and PensionsCompensation and Pensions $118,246,975 $118,246,975
— —
$130,227,650 $130,227,650
— —
$130,227,650 $130,227,650
— —
$130,227,650 $130,227,650
— —
$130,227,650 Over FY2021 Enacted Over FY2021 Enacted
Advance 6,110,252 6,110,252
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~Advance~~ — Appropriations Appropriations
Over FY2022 Enacted Over FY2022 Enacted
Advance — —
— —
7,347,837 7,347,837
— —
7,347,837 7,347,837
— —
7,347,837 7,347,837
— —
~~Advance~~ 8,955,364 Appropriations Appropriations
Subtotal Compensation and
Pensions 124,357,227
— —
137,575,487
— —
137,575,487
— —
137,575,487
— —
~~Pensions~~
139,183,014 Readjustment Benefits Readjustment Benefits
12,578,965 12,578,965
— —
14,946,618 14,946,618
— —
14,946,618 14,946,618
— —
14,946,618 14,946,618
— — 14,946,618
Insurance and Indemnities Insurance and Indemnities
129,224 129,224
— —
136,950 136,950
— —
136,950 136,950
— —
136,950 136,950
— — 136,950
Over FY2021 Enacted Over FY2021 Enacted
Advance 2,148 — — — — — — — — Appropriations Subtotal Insurance and Indemnities ~~2,148~~
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
~~Advance Appropriations~~

~~115 For a section-by-section summary of AIR Act provisions, see CRS Report R45390,~~ ~~VA Maintaining Internal~~
~~Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (VA MISSION Act; P.L.115-182)~~.
~~116 Department of Veterans Affairs, “Draft Criteria for Section 203 of the MISSION Act,” 86 Federal Register 7921,~~
~~February 2, 2021.~~
~~117 Department of Veterans Affairs, FY2022 Budget Submission, Construction, Long Range Capital Plan and Appendix,~~
~~vol. 4 of 4, May 28, 2021, p. 6.3-2.~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

28

~~Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations~~

~~Consolidated~~
~~Appropriations Act, 2021~~
~~House~~
~~Senate Committee~~
~~(Div. J; P.L. 116-260)~~
~~President’s Request~~
~~(Division F; H.R. 4502)~~
~~(S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35)~~
~~Program~~
~~FY2021~~
~~FY2022~~
~~FY2022~~
~~FY2023~~
~~FY2022~~
~~FY2023~~
~~FY2022~~
~~FY2023~~
~~Subtotal Insurance and~~
131,372
—
~~136,950~~
—
~~136,950~~
—
~~136,950~~
—
~~Indemnities~~
131,372 — 136,950 — 136,950 — 136,950 — 136,950 Housing Benefit ProgramHousing Benefit Program Fund Credit
1,663,000 1,663,000
— —
2,781,000 2,781,000
— —
2,781,000 2,781,000
— —
2,781,000 2,781,000
— —
~~Fund Credit~~ 2,781,000 Subsidy Subsidy
Housing Benefit ProgramHousing Benefit Program Fund
204,400 204,400
— —
229,500 229,500
— —
229,500 229,500
— —
229,500 229,500
— —
~~Fund~~ 229,500 Administrative Administrative
Expenses Expenses
Vocational RehabilitationVocational Rehabilitation Loan Program
34 34
— —
3 3
— —
3 3
— —
3 3
— —
~~Loan Program~~
3 Vocational RehabilitationVocational Rehabilitation Loan Program
424 424
— —
429 429
— —
429 429
— —
429 429
— —
~~Loan Program~~
429 Administrative Expenses Administrative Expenses
Native American HousingNative American Housing Loan
1,186 1,186
— —
1,186 1,186
— —
1,400 1,400
— —
1,300 1,300
— —
~~Loan~~ 1,400 Program Program
General Operating General Operating
Expenses (VBA) 3,180,000 3,180,000
— —
3,423,000 3,423,000
— —
3,417,400 3,417,400
— —
3,486,000 3,486,000
— —
~~Expenses (VBA)~~
3,453,813 P.L. 116-260 rescission P.L. 116-260 rescission
(§254) -16,000 -16,000
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~(§254)~~—
Total, Veterans Benefits 142,100,608
— —
159,094,173
— —
159,090,787
— —
159,157,287
— —
160,732,727 Administration (VBA)
Medical Services Medical Services
56,158,015 56,158,015
— —
58,897,219 58,897,219
— —
58,897,219 58,897,219
— —
58,897,219 58,897,219
— —
58,897,219 CRS-32 Consolidated Appropriations Consolidated Act, 2022 Appropriations Act, 2021 House Senate Committee (H.R. 2471, (Div. J; P.L. 116-260) President’s Request (Division F; H.R. 4502) (S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35) P.L. 117-103) Program FY2021 FY2022 FY2022 FY2023 FY2022 FY2023 FY2022 FY2023 FY2022 Over FY2021 Enacted Advance ~~Over FY2021 Enacted~~
497,468 497,468
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~Advance~~ 58,897,219 Appropriations Appropriations
Over FY2022 Enacted Over FY2022 Enacted
Advance — —
— —
— —
— —
106,000 106,000
— —
— —
— —
~~Advance~~ — Appropriations Appropriations
P.L. 116-260 rescission P.L. 116-260 rescission
(§254) -100,000 -100,000
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— P.L. 117-103 rescission (§255) — — — — — — — -200,000 ~~(§254)~~
Subtotal Medical Services
56,555,483483
— —
58,897,219
— —
59,003,219
— —
58,897,219
— —
58,697,219 Medical Community Care Medical Community Care
17,131,179 17,131,179
— —
20,148,244 20,148,244
— —
20,148,244 20,148,244
— —
20,148,244 20,148,244
— —
20,148,244 Over FY2021 Enacted Over FY2021 Enacted
Advance 1,380,800 1,380,800
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~Advance~~ — Appropriations Appropriations
Over FY2022 Enacted Over FY2022 Enacted
Advance — —
— —
3,269,000 3,269,000
— —
3,264,000 3,264,000
— —
3,269,000 3,269,000
— —
~~Advance Appropriations~~
3,269,000 Appropriations -200,000 Subtotal Medical Community
Care 18,511,979
— —
23,417,244
— —
23,412,244
— —
23,417,244
— —
~~Care~~
23,217,244 Medical Support and Medical Support and
Compliance 7,914,191 7,914,191
— —
8,403,117 8,403,117
— —
8,403,117 8,403,117
— —
8,403,117 8,403,117
— —
~~Compliance~~
8,403,117 Over FY2021 Enacted Over FY2021 Enacted
Advance 300,000 300,000
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~Advance~~ — Appropriations Appropriations
P.L. 116-260 rescission P.L. 116-260 rescission
(§254) -15,000 -15,000
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~(§254)~~—
Subtotal Medical Support and
Compliance 8,199,191
— —
8,403,117
— —
8,403,117
— —
8,403,117
— —
~~Compliance~~
8,403,117 Medical Facilities Medical Facilities
6,433,265 6,433,265
— —
6,734,680 6,734,680
— —
6,734,680 6,734,680
— —
6,734,680 6,734,680
— —
~~Congressional Research Service~~

29

~~Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations~~

~~Consolidated~~
~~Appropriations Act, 2021~~
~~House~~
~~Senate Committee~~
~~(Div. J; P.L. 116-260)~~
~~President’s Request~~
~~(Division F; H.R. 4502)~~
~~(S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35)~~
~~Program~~
~~FY2021~~
~~FY2022~~
~~FY2022~~
~~FY2023~~
~~FY2022~~
~~FY2023~~
~~FY2022~~
~~FY2023~~6,734,680
Over FY2021 Enacted Over FY2021 Enacted
Advance 150,000 150,000
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —

— —
~~Advance~~ — Appropriations Appropriations
Subtotal Medical Facilities
6,583,265
— —
6,734,680
— —
6,734,680
— —
6,734,680
— —
6,734,680 Medical and Prosthetic Medical and Prosthetic
Research 815,000 815,000
— —
882,000 882,000
— —
904,000 904,000
— —
882,000 882,000
— —
~~Research~~
882,000 P.L. 116-260 rescission P.L. 116-260 rescission
(§254) -20,000 -20,000
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~(§254)~~—
Subtotal Medical and
Prosthetic Research 795,000
— —
882,000
— —
904,000
— —
882,000
— —
~~Prosthetic Research~~
882,000 Medical Care Col ection Medical Care Col ection
Fund (MCCF)

—
~~Fund (MCCF)~~ CRS-33 Consolidated Appropriations Consolidated Act, 2022 Appropriations Act, 2021 House Senate Committee (H.R. 2471, (Div. J; P.L. 116-260) President’s Request (Division F; H.R. 4502) (S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35) P.L. 117-103) Program FY2021 FY2022 FY2022 FY2023 FY2022 FY2023 FY2022 FY2023 FY2022
(Offsetting Receipts) (Offsetting Receipts)
4,403, 4,403,000
— —
3,386,000 3,386,000
— —
3,386,000 3,386,000
— —
3,386,000 3,386,000
— —
3,386,000 (Appropriations – (Appropriations –
indefinite) -4,403,000 -4,403,000
— —
-3,386,000 -3,386,000
— —
-3,386,000 -3,386,000
— —
-3,386,000 -3,386,000
— —
~~indefinite)~~-3,386,000
Total, Veterans Health
90,644,918
— —
98,334,260
— —
98,457,260
— —
98,334,260
— —
97,934,260 Administration (VHA)
Total VHA with MCCF
95,047,918
— —
101,720,260
— —
101,843,260
— —
101,720,260
— —
~~NCA~~
101,320,260 National Cemetery Administration 352,000 352,000
— —
394,000 394,000
— —
392,000 392,000
— —
394,000 394,000
— —
394,000 (NCA) Total, NCA
352,000
— —
394,000
— —
392,000
— —
394,000
— —
~~General Administration~~394,000 General Administration (including P.L.
353,911 353,911
— —
401,200 401,200
— —
396,911 396,911
— —
401,200 401,200
— —
~~(including P.L.~~ 401,200 116-260 116-260
rescission [§254])rescission [§254])
Board of Veterans Appeals Board of Veterans Appeals
196,000 196,000
— —
228,000 228,000
— —
228,000 228,000
— —
228,000 228,000
— —
~~Information Technology~~228,000 Information Technology (including P.L.
4,874,500 4,874,500
— —
4,842,800 4,842,800
— —
4,841,800 4,841,800
— —
4,842,800 4,842,800
— —
~~(including P.L.~~ 4,842,800 116-260 116-260
rescission [§254]) rescission [§254])
Electronic Health Record Electronic Health Record
2,607,000 2,607,000
— —
2,663,000 2,663,000
— —
2,637,000 2,637,000
— —
2,500,000 2,500,000
— —
2,300,000 Modernization (EHRM) Modernization (EHRM)
(including P.L. (including P.L. 116-260 116-260
rescission [§254]) rescission [§254])
Inspector General Inspector General
228,000 228,000
— —
239,000 239,000
— —
239,000 239,000
— —
239,000 239,000
— —
239,000 Construction, major Construction, major
projects 1,316,000 1,316,000
— —
1,611,000 1,611,000
— —
1,611,000 1,611,000
— —
1,611,000 1,611,000
— —
~~projects~~
1,611,000 Construction, minor Construction, minor
projects (including 354,300 354,300
— —
553,000 553,000
— —
553,000 553,000
— —
553,000 553,000
— —
~~projects (including~~ 553,000 P.L. 116-P.L. 116-
260 rescission [§254]) 260 rescission [§254])
Grants for State Extended Grants for State Extended
Care 90,000 90,000
— —
— —
— —
90,000 90,000
— —
50,000 50,000
— —
~~Care~~ 50,000 Facilities Facilities
Grants for State Veterans Grants for State Veterans
Cemeteries 45,000 45,000
— —
45,000 45,000
— —
47,097 47,097
— —
50,000 50,000
— —
~~Cemeteries~~
48,500 Total Construction Total Construction
1,805,300 1,805,300
— —
2,209,000 2,209,000
— —
2,301,097 2,301,097
— —
2,453,000 2,453,000
— —
~~Asset and Infrastructure~~2,262,500 Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR)
— —
— —
5,000 5,000
— —
5,000 5,000
— —
5,000 5,000
— —
~~Review (AIR)~~ 5,000 Commission Commission
Total, Departmental
10,064,711
— —
10,588,000
— —
10,648,808
— —
10,480,000
— —
~~Administration~~
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30

~~Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations~~

~~Consolidated~~
10,278,500 Administration CRS-34 Consolidated Appropriations Consolidated Act, 2022 Appropriations Act, 2021
House
Senate Committee
(H.R. 2471, (Div. J; P.L. 116-260)
President’s Request
(Division F; H.R. 4502)
(S. 2604; S.Rept. 117-35)
P.L. 117-103) Program
FY2021
FY2022
FY2022
FY2023
FY2022
FY2023
FY2022
FY2023
FY2022 P.L. 117-103 rescission (§256) — — — — — — — — -76,105 Total, Department of Veterans ~~Total, Department of~~
$243,162,237
— —
$268,410,433
— —
$268,586,855
— —
$268,365,547
— —
~~Veterans~~ $269,263,382 Affairs
(without MCCF)
Total Mandatory Total Mandatory
$138,730,564 $138,730,564
— —
$155,440,055 $155,440,055
— —
$155,440,055 $155,440,055
— —
$155,440,055 $155,440,055
— —
$157,047,582 Total Discretionary Total Discretionary
$104,431,673 $104,431,673
— —
$112,970,378 $112,970,378
— —
$113,146,800 $113,146,800
— —
$112,925,492 $112,925,492
— —
$112,215,800 Memorandum: Advance Appropriations
Compensation and Pensions Compensation and Pensions
— —
$130,227,650 $130,227,650
— —
$147,569,474 $147,569,474
— —
$147,569,474 $147,569,474
— —
$147,569,474 $147,569,474 $152,016,542
Readjustment Benefits Readjustment Benefits
— —
14,946,618 14,946,618
— —
8,906,851 8,906,851
— —
8,906,851 8,906,851
— —
8,906 8,906,851 8,906,851 ,851
Veterans Insurance and Veterans Insurance and
Indemnities — —
136,950 136,950
— —
109,865 109,865
— —
109,865 109,865
— —
109,865 109,865
~~Indemnities~~
109,865 Subtotal
— —
145,311,218
— —
156,586,190
— —
156,586,190
— —
156,586,190
161,033,258 Medical Services Medical Services
— —
58,897,219 58,897,219
— —
70,323,116 70,323,116
— —
70,323,116 70,323,116
— —
70 70,323,116 70,323,116 ,323,116
Medical Community Care Medical Community Care
— —
20,148,244 20,148,244
— —
24,156,659 24,156,659
— —
24,156,659 24,156,659
— —
24,156 24,156,659 24,156,659 ,659
Medical Support and Medical Support and
Compliance — —
8,403,117 8,403,117
— —
9,673,409 9,673,409
— —
9,673,409 9,673,409
— —
9,673,409 9,673,409
~~Compliance~~
9,673,409 Medical facilities Medical facilities
— —
6,734,680 6,734,680
— —
7,133,816 7,133,816
— —
7,133,816 7,133,816
— —
7,133,816 7,133,816
7,133,816 Subtotal
— —
94,183,260

111,287,000

111,287,000

111,287,000
111,287,000 Total Advance
Appropriations — —
$239,494,478
— —
$267,873,190
— —
$267,873,190
— —
$267,873,190
~~Appropriations~~$272,320,258
Source: Table prepared by CRS based on U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Table prepared by CRS based on U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2021, committee print, prepared by House Committee on Appropriations, H.R. 133/P.L. 116-, committee print, prepared by House Committee on Appropriations, H.R. 133/P.L. 116-
260 [Legislative Text and Explanatory Statement] Book 2 of 2 Divisions G–L, 116th Cong., 2nd sess., March 2021 260 [Legislative Text and Explanatory Statement] Book 2 of 2 Divisions G–L, 116th Cong., 2nd sess., March 2021
(Washington: GPO, 2021), pp. 1885-1903; U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, (Washington: GPO, 2021), pp. 1885-1903; U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Military
Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2022, report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th , report to accompany H.R. 4355, 117th
Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81. Division F of H.R. 4502—Labor, Health and Human Services, Cong., 1st sess., July 2, 2021, H.Rept. 117-81. Division F of H.R. 4502—Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General
Government, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Government, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and
Urban Development Urban Development ~~Appropriations~~G-655Appropriations Act, 2022 Act, 2022~~, and~~; U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations,
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, And Related Agencies ~~Appropriations~~Appropriation Bill, 2022, report to accompany S. 2604, , report to accompany S. 2604,
117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35117th Cong., 1st sess., August 4, 2021, S.Rept. 117-35; and U.S. Congress, committee print, prepared by House Committee on Appropriations Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471; P.L. 117-103) [Legislative Text and Explanatory Statement Book 2 of 2 Divisions G–L,],117th Cong., 2nd sess., April 2022 (Washington: GPO, 2022), pp. 2209-2221. .
Notes: FY2021-enacted amounts exclude American Rescue Plan Supplemental Appropriations (P.L. 117-2). FY2021-enacted amounts exclude American Rescue Plan Supplemental Appropriations (P.L. 117-2).

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Appendix A. Veteran Population, VA Enrollees, and
VA Patients, FY2000-FY2022
Table A-1. Veteran Population, VA Enrollees, and VA Patients, FY2000-FY2022
Patients Using VA Health Care During the Year
Total Veteran
VA-Enrolled
Year
Population
Veterans
Veterans
Nonveterans
Total Patients
FY2000 FY2000
26,745,368 26,745,368
4,936,259 4,936,259
3,462,082 3,462,082
355,191 355,191
3,817,273 3,817,273
FY2001 FY2001
26,092,046 26,092,046
6,073,264 6,073,264
3,890,871 3,890,871
356,333 356,333
4,247,204 4,247,204
FY2002 FY2002
25,627,596 25,627,596
6,882,488 6,882,488
4,246,084 4,246,084
380,320 380,320
4,671,037 4,671,037
FY2003 FY2003
25,217,342 25,217,342
7,186,643 7,186,643
4,504,508 4,504,508
417,023 417,023
4,961,453 4,961,453
FY2004 FY2004
24,862,857 24,862,857
7,419,851 7,419,851
4,713,583 4,713,583
453,250 453,250
5,166,833 5,166,833
FY2005 FY2005
24,521,247 24,521,247
7,746,201 7,746,201
4,862,992 4,862,992
445,322 445,322
5,308,314 5,308,314
FY2006 FY2006
24,179,183 24,179,183
7,872,438 7,872,438
5,030,582 5,030,582
435,488 435,488
5,466,070 5,466,070
FY2007 FY2007
23,816,018 23,816,018
7,833,445 7,833,445
5,015,689 5,015,689
463,240 463,240
5,478,929 5,478,929
FY2008 FY2008
23,442,489 23,442,489
7,834,763 7,834,763
5,078,269 5,078,269
498,420 498,420
5,576,689 5,576,689
FY2009 FY2009
23,066,965 23,066,965
8,048,560 8,048,560
5,221,583 5,221,583
523,110 523,110
5,744,693 5,744,693
FY2010 FY2010
23,031,892 23,031,892
8,343,117 8,343,117
5,441,059 5,441,059
559,051 559,051
6,000,110 6,000,110
FY2011 FY2011
22,676,149 22,676,149
8,574,198 8,574,198
5,582,171 5,582,171
584,020 584,020
6,166,191 6,166,191
FY2012 FY2012
22,328,279 22,328,279
8,762,548 8,762,548
5,680,374 5,680,374
652,717 652,717
6,333,091 6,333,091
FY2013 FY2013
21,972,964 21,972,964
8,926,546 8,926,546
5,803,890 5,803,890
680,774 680,774
6,484,664 6,484,664
FY2014 FY2014
21,999,108 21,999,108
9,078,615 9,078,615
5,955,725 5,955,725
677,010 677,010
6,632,735 6,632,735
FY2015 FY2015
21,680,534 21,680,534
8,965,923 8,965,923
6,047,750 6,047,750
694,120 694,120
6,741,870 6,741,870
FY2016 FY2016
21,368,156 21,368,156
9,124,712 9,124,712
6,168,606 6,168,606
705,743 705,743
6,874,349 6,874,349
FY2017 FY2017
21,065,561 21,065,561
9,247,803 9,247,803
6,277,360 6,277,360
715,928 715,928
6,993,288 6,993,288
FY2018 FY2018
20,333,894 20,333,894
9,178,149 9,178,149
6,170,756 6,170,756
744,740 744,740
6,915,496 6,915,496
FY2019 FY2019
19,928,795 19,928,795
9,237,638 9,237,638
6,271,019 6,271,019
764,777 764,777
7,035,796 7,035,796
FY2020 FY2020
19,541,961 19,541,961
9,190,143 9,190,143
6,211,825 6,211,825
764,006 764,006
6,975,831 6,975,831
FY2021 FY2021
19,162,515 19,162,515
9,210,599 9,210,599
6,265,880 6,265,880
771,698 771,698
7,037,578 7,037,578
FY2022 FY2022
18,792,191 18,792,191
9,216,025 9,216,025
6,317,059 6,317,059
812,674 812,674
7,129,733 7,129,733
Source: Total Veteran Population numbers are from VetPop2018 (FY2018-FY2022), available at Total Veteran Population numbers are from VetPop2018 (FY2018-FY2022), available at
https://www.va.gov/vetdata/docs/Demographics/New_Vetpop_Model/1L_VetPop2018_National.xlsx., and an https://www.va.gov/vetdata/docs/Demographics/New_Vetpop_Model/1L_VetPop2018_National.xlsx., and an
archived copy of an earlier version no longer available on the website (FY2000-FY2017). “VA-Enrol ed Veterans” archived copy of an earlier version no longer available on the website (FY2000-FY2017). “VA-Enrol ed Veterans”
numbers and “Patients Using VA Health Care During the Year” numbers were obtained from the Department of numbers and “Patients Using VA Health Care During the Year” numbers were obtained from the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) and/or the VA budget submissions to Congress for FY2002-FY2021; the number for each Veterans Affairs (VA) and/or the VA budget submissions to Congress for FY2002-FY2021; the number for each
fiscal year is taken from the budget submission two years later (e.g., the FY2000 number is from the FY2002 fiscal year is taken from the budget submission two years later (e.g., the FY2000 number is from the FY2002
budget submission). budget submission).
Note: FY2022 total veteran population projected as of September 30, 2020. FY2021 and FY2022 veteran FY2022 total veteran population projected as of September 30, 2020. FY2021 and FY2022 veteran
enrol ee and patient data are estimates. enrol ee and patient data are estimates.

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Appendix B. VA Appropriations FY1995-FY2021
Table B-1. VA Appropriations FY1995-FY1999
($ in Thousands) FY1995
FY1996
FY1997
FY1998
FY1999

Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Compensation and Pensions Compensation and Pensions
$17,626,892 $17,626,892
$18,331,561 $18,331,561
$18,671,259 $18,671,259
$19,932,997 $19,932,997
$21,857,058 $21,857,058
Supplemental Supplemental
— —
$100,000 $100,000
$928,000 $928,000
$550,000 $550,000
— —
Readjustment Benefits Readjustment Benefits
$1,286,600 $1,286,600
$1,345,300 $1,345,300
$1,377,000 $1,377,000
$1,366,000 $1,366,000
$1,175,000 $1,175,000
Veterans Insurance and Veterans Insurance and
$24,760 $24,760
$24,890 $24,890
$38,970 $38,970
$51,360 $51,360
$46,450 $46,450
Indemnities Indemnities
Education Loan Program Education Loan Program
$196 $196
$196 $196
$196 $196
$201 $201
$207 $207
Account Account
Loan Guaranty Program Loan Guaranty Program
$78,035 $78,035
$75,088 $75,088
$47,901 $47,901
—
— — —
Account Account
Guaranty & Indemnity Program Guaranty & Indemnity Program
$428,120 $428,120
$569,348 $569,348
$263,869 $263,869
—
— — —
Account Account
Direct Loan Program Direct Loan Program
$1,042 $1,042
$487 $487
$110 $110
—
— — —
Veterans Housing Benefit Veterans Housing Benefit
— —
— —
— —
$192,447 $192,447
$263,587 $263,587
Program Fund Program Fund
Veterans Housing Benefit Veterans Housing Benefit
— —
— —
— —
$160,437 $160,437
$159,121 $159,121
Program Fund Administrative Program Fund Administrative
Expenses Expenses
Vocational Rehabilitation Loan Vocational Rehabilitation Loan
$54 $54
$54 $54
$49 $49
$44 $44
$55 $55
Program Program
Vocational Rehabilitation Loan Vocational Rehabilitation Loan
$767 $767
$377 $377
$377 $377
$388 $388
$400 $400
Program Administrative Program Administrative
Expenses Expenses
Native American Veterans Native American Veterans
$218 $218
$205 $205
$205 $205
$515 $515
$515 $515
Housing Loan Program Housing Loan Program
Administrative Expenses Administrative Expenses
Subtotal VBA
$19,446,684
$20,447,506
$21,327,936
$22,254,389
$23,502,393
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Medical Care Medical Care
$16,232,756 $16,232,756
$16,564,000 $16,564,000
$17,013,447 $17,013,447
$17,057,396 $17,057,396
$17,306,000 $17,306,000
Rescission Rescission
-$84,762 -$84,762
-$21,250 -$21,250
— —
— —
-$35,373 -$35,373
Medical Administration and Medical Administration and
$69,808 $69,808
$63,602 $63,602
$61,207 $61,207
$59,860 $59,860
$63,000 $63,000
Miscellaneous Operating Miscellaneous Operating
Expenses (MAMOE) Expenses (MAMOE)
Rescission Rescission
-$44 -$44
-$86 -$86
—
— — —
-$67 -$67
Health Professional Scholarships Health Professional Scholarships
$10,386 $10,386
— —
— —
— —
— —
Medical and Prosthetic Research Medical and Prosthetic Research
$252,000 $252,000
$257,000 $257,000
$262,000 $262,000
$272,000 $272,000
$316,000 $316,000
Rescission Rescission
-$574 -$574
-$322 -$322
— —
— —
-$348 -$348
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FY1995
FY1996
FY1997
FY1998
FY1999

Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Medical Care Col ections Fund Medical Care Col ections Fund
— —
— —
— —
$666,579 $666,579
$587,000 $587,000
(MCCF) (MCCF)
Subtotal VHA
$16,479,570
$16,862,944
$17,336,654
$18,055,835
$18,236,212
National Cemetery
$72,663 $72,663
$72,604 $72,604
$76,864 $76,864
$84,183 $84,183
$92,006 $92,006
Administration (NCA)
Rescission Rescission
-$128 -$128
-$97 -$97
— —
— —
-$122 -$122
Subtotal NCA
$72,535
$72,507
$76,864
$84,183
$91,884
Departmental Administration
General Operating Expenses General Operating Expenses
$890,600 $890,600
$848,143 $848,143
$827,584 $827,584
$786,135 $786,135
$855,661 $855,661
Rescission Rescission
-$879 -$879
-$1,127 -$1,127
— —
— —
-$1,558 -$1,558
Office of Inspector General Office of Inspector General
$31,819 $31,819
$30,900 $30,900
$30,900 $30,900
$31,013 $31,013
$36,000 $36,000
Rescission Rescission
-$32 -$32
-$42 -$42
— —
— —
-$43 -$43
Construction, Major Projects Construction, Major Projects
$355,612 $355,612
$136,155 $136,155
$250,858 $250,858
$175,000 $175,000
$142,300 $142,300
Rescission Rescission
-$32,337 -$32,337
-$186 -$186
-$32,100 -$32,100
— —
-$13 -$13
Construction, Minor Projects Construction, Minor Projects
$153,540 $153,540
$190,000 $190,000
$175,000 $175,000
$177,900 $177,900
$175,000 $175,000
Rescission Rescission
-$634 -$634
-$260 -$260
— —
— —
-$16 -$16
Supplemental Supplemental
— —
— —
— —
$32,100 $32,100
— —
Parking Fund Parking Fund
$16,300 $16,300
— —
$12,300 $12,300
— —
— —
Rescission Rescission
— —
— —
— —
— —
-$23 -$23
Grants to Republic of the Grants to Republic of the
$500 $500
— —
— —
—
— — —
Philippines Philippines
Grants for State Extended Care Grants for State Extended Care
$47,397 $47,397
$47,397 $47,397
$47,397 $47,397
$80,000 $80,000
$90,000 $90,000
Facilities Facilities
Grants for State Veterans Grants for State Veterans
$5,378 $5,378
$1,000 $1,000
$1,000 $1,000
$10,000 $10,000
$10,000 $10,000
Cemeteries Cemeteries
Subtotal Departmental
$1,467,264
$1,251,980
$1,312,939
$1,292,148
$1,307,308
Administration
Total Department of
$37,466,053
$38,634,937
$40,054,393
$41,686,555
$43,137,797
Veterans Affairs with MCCF
Total Department of
$37,466,053
$38,634,937
$40,054,393
$41,019,976
$42,550,797
Veterans Affairs without
MCCF
Total Mandatory
$19,445,449
$20,446,674
$21,327,109
$22,092,804
$23,342,095
Total Discretionary with
$18,020,604
$18,188,263
$18,727,284
$19,593,751
$19,795,702
MCCF
Total Discretionary without
$18,020,604
$18,188,263
$18,727,284
$18,927,172
$19,208,702
MCCF
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Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations

Table B-2. VA Appropriations FY2000-FY2004
($ in Thousands) FY2000
FY2001
FY2002
FY2003
FY2004

Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Compensation and Pensions Compensation and Pensions
$21,568,364 $21,568,364
$22,766,276 $22,766,276
$24,944,288 $24,944,288
$28,949,000 $28,949,000
$29,845,127 $29,845,127
Supplemental Supplemental
— —
$589,413 $589,413
$1,100,000 $1,100,000
— —
— —
Readjustment Benefits Readjustment Benefits
$1,469,000 $1,469,000
$1,634,000 $1,634,000
$2,135,000 $2,135,000
$2,264,808 $2,264,808
$2,529,734 $2,529,734
Supplemental Supplemental
— —
$347,000 $347,000
—
—
— — — —
Veterans Insurance and Veterans Insurance and
$28,670 $28,670
$19,850 $19,850
$26,200 $26,200
$27,530 $27,530
$29,017 $29,017
Indemnities Indemnities
Education Loan Program Education Loan Program
$215 $215
$221 $221
$65 $65
$71 $71
$71 $71
Account Account
Guaranteed Transitional Guaranteed Transitional
$48,250 $48,250
—
—
—
— — — — —
Housing for Homeless Housing for Homeless
Veterans Veterans
Veterans Housing Benefit Veterans Housing Benefit
$282,342 $282,342
$165,740 $165,740
$203,278 $203,278
$437,522 $437,522
$305,834 $305,834
Program Fund Program Fund
Veterans Housing Benefit Veterans Housing Benefit
$156,958 $156,958
$162,000 $162,000
$164,497 $164,497
$168,207 $168,207
$154,850 $154,850
Program Fund Administrative Program Fund Administrative
Expenses Expenses
Rescission Rescission
— —
-$356 -$356
-$123 -$123
-$1,093 -$1,093
-$914 -$914
Vocational Rehabilitation Loan Vocational Rehabilitation Loan
$57 $57
$52 $52
$72 $72
$54 $54
$52 $52
Program Program
Vocational Rehabilitation Loan Vocational Rehabilitation Loan
$415 $415
$432 $432
$274 $274
$289 $289
$300 $300
Program Administrative Program Administrative
Expenses Expenses
Rescission Rescission
— —
-$1 -$1
— —
-$2 -$2
-$2 -$2
Native American Veterans Native American Veterans
$520 $520
$532 $532
$544 $544
$558 $558
$571 $571
Housing Loan Program Housing Loan Program
Administrative Expenses Administrative Expenses
Rescission Rescission
— —
-$1 -$1
— —
-$4 -$4
-$3 -$3
Subtotal VBA
$23,554,791
$25,685,156
$28,574,095
$31,846,939
$32,864,636
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Medical Care Medical Care
$19,006,000 $19,006,000
$20,281,587 $20,281,587
$21,331,164 $21,331,164
$23,889,304 $23,889,304
— —
Supplemental Supplemental
— —
— —
$142,000 $142,000
— —
— —
Rescission Rescission
-$79,519 -$79,519
-$46,234 -$46,234
-$16,084 -$16,084
— —
— —
Medical Administration and Medical Administration and
$59,703 $59,703
$62,000 $62,000
$66,731 $66,731
$74,716 $74,716
— —
Miscellaneous Operating Miscellaneous Operating
Expenses (MAMOE) Expenses (MAMOE)
Rescission Rescission
— —
-$136 -$136
-$50 -$50
-$486 -$486
— —
Medical Services Medical Services
— —
— —
— —
— —
$17,867,220 $17,867,220
Rescission Rescission
—
—
—
—
~~-$103,823~~
~~Medical Administration~~
— — —
— —
— —
—
~~$5,000,000~~-$103,823
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Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations

FY2000
FY2001
FY2002
FY2003
FY2004

Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Medical Administration — — — — $5,000,000 Rescission Rescission
— —
— —
— —
— —
-$29,500 -$29,500
Medical Facilities Medical Facilities
— —
— —
— —
— —
$4,000,000 $4,000,000
Rescission Rescission
— —
—
— — —
— —
-$23,600 -$23,600
Medical and Prosthetic Medical and Prosthetic
$321,000 $321,000
$351,000 $351,000
$371,000 $371,000
$400,000 $400,000
$408,000 $408,000
Research Research
Rescission Rescission
— —
-$772 -$772
-$278 -$278
-$2,600 -$2,600
-$2,407 -$2,407
Medical Care Col ections Fund Medical Care Col ections Fund
$563,755 $563,755
$767,687 $767,687
$1,133,214 $1,133,214
$1,474,716 $1,474,716
$1,708,026 $1,708,026
(MCCF) (MCCF)
Subtotal VHA
$19,870,939
$21,415,132
$23,027,697
$25,835,650
$28,823,916
National Cemetery
$97,256 $97,256
$109,889 $109,889
$121,169 $121,169
$133,149 $133,149
$144,203 $144,203
Administration (NCA)
Rescission Rescission
— —
-$241 -$241
-$91 -$91
-$865 -$865
— —
Supplemental Supplemental
— —
$217 $217
—
— — —
-$851 -$851
Subtotal NCA
$97,256
$109,865
$121,078
$132,284
$143,352
Departmental Administration
General Operating Expenses General Operating Expenses
$912,594 $912,594
$1,050,000 $1,050,000
$1,195,728 $1,195,728
$1,254,000 $1,254,000
$1,283,272 $1,283,272
Rescission Rescission
— —
-$2,382 -$2,382
-$900 -$900
-$8,151 -$8,151
-$7,571 -$7,571
Supplemental Supplemental
—
— — —
$2,000 $2,000
$100,000 $100,000
— —
Office of Inspector General Office of Inspector General
$43,200 $43,200
$46,464 $46,464
$52,308 $52,308
$58,000 $58,000
$62,000 $62,000
Rescission Rescission
— —
-$102 -$102
-$39 -$39
-$377 -$377
-$366 -$366
Construction, Major Projects Construction, Major Projects
$65,140 $65,140
$66,040 $66,040
$183,180 $183,180
$99,777 $99,777
$273,190 $273,190
Rescission Rescission
— —
-$145 -$145
— —
-$649 -$649
-$1,612 -$1,612
Construction, Minor Projects Construction, Minor Projects
$160,000 $160,000
$162,000 $162,000
$210,900 $210,900
$226,000 $226,000
$252,144 $252,144
Rescission Rescission
— —
-$366 -$366
— —
-$1,469 -$1,469
-$1,488 -$1,488
Supplemental Supplemental
— —
$8,840 $8,840
—
—
— — — —
Parking Fund Parking Fund
—
— — —
$4,000 $4,000
—
— — —
Rescission Rescission
— —
-$14 -$14
—
—
— — — —
Grants for State Extended Grants for State Extended
$90,000 $90,000
$100,000 $100,000
$100,000 $100,000
$100,000 $100,000
$102,100 $102,100
Care Facilities Care Facilities
Rescission Rescission
— —
-$220 -$220
$25,000 $25,000
-$650 -$650
-$602 -$602
Grants for State Veterans Grants for State Veterans
$25,000 $25,000
$25,000 $25,000
— —
$32,000 $32,000
$32,000 $32,000
Cemeteries Cemeteries
Rescission Rescission
— —
-$55 -$55
— —
-$208 -$208
-$189 -$189
Subtotal Departmental
$1,295,934
$1,455,060
$1,772,177
$1,858,273
$1,992,878
Administration
Total Department of
$44,818,920
$48,665,214
$53,495,047
$59,673,147
$63,824,783
Veterans Affairs with
MCCF
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

3640

Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations

FY2000
FY2001
FY2002
FY2003
FY2004

Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Total Department of
$44,255,165
$47,897,527
52,361,833
$58,198,431
$62,116,757
Veterans Affairs without
MCCF
Total Mandatory
$23,348,376
$25,522,279
$28,408,766
$31,678,860
$32,709,712
Total Discretionary with
$21,470,544
$23,142,935
$25,086,281
$27,994,287
$31,115,071
MCCF
Total Discretionary
$20,906,789
$22,375,248
$23,953,067
$26,519,571
$29,407,045
without MCCF

Table B-3. VA Appropriations FY2005-~~FY2010~~FY2009 ($ in Thousands)
FY2005
FY2006
FY2007
FY2008
FY2009
~~FY2010~~

Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
~~Enacted~~
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Compensation and Compensation and
Pensions $32,607,688 $32,607,688
$33,897,787 $33,897,787
$38,172,360 $38,172,360
$41,236,322 $41,236,322
$43,111,681 $43,111,681
~~$47,396,106~~
~~Pensions~~
Supplemental Supplemental
— —
— —
— —
— —
$700,000 $700,000
—
~~Readjustment~~Readjustment Benefits
$2,556,232 $2,556,232
$3,309,234 $3,309,234
$3,262,006 $3,262,006
$3,300,289 $3,300,289
$3,832,944 $3,832,944
~~$9,232,369~~
~~Benefits~~
Veterans Insurance Veterans Insurance
and $44,380 $44,380
$45,907 $45,907
$49,850 $49,850
$41,250 $41,250
$42,300 $42,300
~~$49,288~~
~~and~~ Indemnities Indemnities
Veterans HousingVeterans Housing Benefit
$43,784 $43,784
$64,586 $64,586
$66,234 $66,234
$17,389 $17,389
$2,000 $2,000
~~$23,553~~
~~Benefit~~ Program Program
Fund Fund
Credit Subsidy Credit Subsidy
— —
— —
— —
-$108,000 -$108,000
— —
—
Veterans HousingVeterans Housing Benefit
$154,075 $154,075 $153,575 $153,575
$154,284 $154,284
$154,562 $154,562
$157,210 $157,210
~~$165,082~~
~~Benefit~~ Program Program
Fund Administrative Fund Administrative
Expenses Expenses
Rescission Rescission
-$1,233 -$1,233
— —
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Vocational~~Vocational Rehabilitation Loan
$47 $47
$53 $53
$53 $53
$71 $71
$61 $61
~~$29~~
~~Rehabilitation Loan~~
Program Program
VocationalVocational Rehabilitation Loan
$311 $311
$305 $305
$306 $306
$311 $311
$320 $320
~~$328~~
~~Rehabilitation Loan~~
Program Program
Administrative Administrative
Expenses Expenses
Rescission Rescission
-$2.865 -$2.865
— —
— —
— —
— —
—
Native American Native American
Veterans $571 $571
$580 $580
$584 $584
$628 $628
$646 $646
~~$664~~
~~Veterans~~ Housing Housing
Loan Program Loan Program
Administrative Administrative
Expenses Expenses
Rescission Rescission
-$4.569 -$4.569
— —
— —
— —
— —
—
Subtotal VBA
$35,405,848 $37,472,027
$41,705,677 $44,642,822 $47,847,162 ~~$44,642,822~~
~~$47,847,162~~
~~$56,867,419~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

37

~~Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations~~

~~FY2005~~
~~FY2006~~
~~FY2007~~
~~FY2008~~
~~FY2009~~
~~FY2010~~

~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Veterans Health Administration (VHA)~~
Medical Services Medical Services
$19,472,777 $19,472,777
$21,322,141 $21,322,141
$25,518,254 $25,518,254
$29,104,220 $29,104,220
$30,969,903 $30,969,903
~~$34,707,500~~
~~Budget~~
Budget Supplemental $1,500,000 $1,500,000
$1,225,000 $1,225,000
$466,800 $466,800
— —
— —
—
~~Supplemental~~
~~Hurricane~~Hurricane Supplemental
$38,783 $38,783
$198,265 $198,265
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Supplemental~~
~~Pandemic~~Pandemic Influenza
— —
$27,000 $27,000
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Influenza~~
~~Supplemental~~
Supplemental Congressional Research Service 41 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations FY2005 FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Rescission Rescission
-$155,782 -$155,782
— —
— —
— —
— —
—
Total Medical Total Medical
Services $20,855,778 $20,855,778
$22,772,406 $22,772,406
$25,985,054 $25,985,054
$29,104,220 $29,104,220
$30,969,903 $30,969,903
~~$34,707,500~~
~~Services~~
~~Medical~~Medical Administration
$4,705,000 $4,705,000
$2,858,442 $2,858,442
$3,177,968 $3,177,968
$3,517,000 $3,517,000
$4,450,000 $4,450,000
~~$4,930,000~~
~~Administration~~
Supplemental Supplemental
$1,940 $1,940
— —
$250,000 $250,000
— —
— —
—
Rescission Rescission
-$37,640 -$37,640
— —
— —
— —
— —
—
Medical Facilities Medical Facilities
$3,745,000 $3,745,000
$3,297,669 $3,297,669
$3,569,533 $3,569,533
$4,100,000 $4,100,000
$5,029,000 $5,029,000
~~$4,859,000~~
Supplemental Supplemental
$46,909 $46,909
—- —-
$595,000 $595,000
— —
$1,000,000 $1,000,000
—
Rescission Rescission
-$29,960 -$29,960
— —
— —
— —
— —
—
Medical and Medical and
Prosthetic $405,593 $405,593
$412,000 $412,000
$413,980 $413,980
$480,000 $480,000
$510,000 $510,000
~~$581,000~~
~~Prosthetic~~ Research Research
Supplemental Supplemental
— —
— —
$32,500 $32,500
— —
— —
—
Rescission Rescission
-$3,245 -$3,245
— —
— —
— —
— —
—
Medical Care Medical Care
Col ections Fund $1,953,020 $1,953,020
$2,170,000 $2,170,000
$2,198,154 $2,198,154
$2,414,000 $2,414,000
$2,544,000 $2,544,000
~~$2,847,565~~
~~Col ections Fund~~
(MCCF) (MCCF)
Subtotal VHA
$31,642,395 $31,510,517
$36,222,190 $39,615,220
$44,502,903
~~$47,925,065~~
~~National~~National Cemetery
$148,925 $148,925
$156,447 $156,447
$160,747 $160,747
$195,000 $195,000
$230,000 $230,000
~~$250,000~~
~~Cemetery~~
Administration
(NCA)
Rescission Rescission
-$1,191 -$1,191
— —
— —
— —
$50,000 $50,000
—

Supplemental Supplemental
$50 $50
$200 $200
— —
— —
—
Subtotal NCA
$147,784
$156,647
$160,747
$195,000
$280,000
~~$250,000~~
~~Departmental Administration~~
General Operating General Operating
Expenses $1,324,753 $1,324,753
$1,410,520 $1,410,520
$1,481,472 $1,481,472
$1,605,000 $1,605,000
$1,801,867 $1,801,867
~~$2,086,707~~
~~Expenses~~
Rescission Rescission
-$10,598 -$10,598
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~-$6,100~~
Supplemental Supplemental
$545 $545
$24,871 $24,871
$83,200 $83,200
$100,000 $100,000
$157,100 $157,100
—
Filipino Veterans Filipino Veterans
Equity — —
— —
— —
— —
$198,000 $198,000
—
~~Equity~~
Compensation Fund Compensation Fund
Office of InspectorOffice of Inspector General
$69,711 $69,711
$70,174 $70,174
$70,641 $70,641
$80,500 $80,500
$87,818 $87,818
~~$109,000~~
~~General~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

38

~~Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations~~

~~FY2005~~
~~FY2006~~
~~FY2007~~
~~FY2008~~
~~FY2009~~
~~FY2010~~

~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
Rescission Rescission
-$558 -$558
— —
— —
— —
$1,000 $1,000
—
~~Information~~Information Technology
— —
$1,213,820 $1,213,820
$1,213,820 $1,213,820
$1,966,465 $1,966,465
$2,489,391 $2,489,391
~~$3,307,000~~
~~Technology~~
Supplemental Supplemental
— —
— —
$35,100 $35,100
$20,000 $20,000
$50,100 $50,100
—
~~Construction,~~Construction, Major Projects
$458,800 $458,800
$607,100 $607,100
$399,000 $399,000
$1,069,100 $1,069,100
$923,382 $923,382
~~$1,194,000~~
~~Major Projects~~
Rescission Rescission
-$3,670 -$3,670
— —
— —
— —
— —
—
Supplemental Supplemental
— —
$953,419 $953,419
— —
$396,377 $396,377
— —
—
~~Construction,~~Construction, Minor Projects
$230,779 $230,779
$198,937 $198,937
$198,937 $198,937
$630,535 $630,535
$741,534 $741,534
~~$703,000~~
~~Minor Projects~~
Rescission Rescission
-$1,846 -$1,846
— —
— —
— —
— —
—
Supplemental Supplemental
$36,343 $36,343
$1,800 $1,800
$326,000 $326,000
— —
— —
—
Grants for State Grants for State
Extended $105,163 $105,163
$85,000 $85,000
$85,000 $85,000
$165,000 $165,000
$175,000 $175,000
~~$100,000~~
~~Extended~~ Care Care
Facilities Facilities
Rescission Rescission
-$841 -$841
— —
— —
— —
$150,000 $150,000
—
Grants for State Grants for State
Veterans $32,000 $32,000
$32,000 $32,000
$32,000 $32,000
$39,500 $39,500
$42,000 $42,000
~~$46,000~~
~~Veterans~~
Cemeteries Cemeteries
Rescission Rescission
-$256 -$256
— —
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Subtotal~~
Congressional Research Service 42 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations FY2005 FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Subtotal Departmental $2,240,324
$4,597,641
$3,925,171
$6,072,477
$6,817,192
~~$7,539,607~~
~~Departmental~~
Administration
Total
Department of $69,436,351 $73,736,832
$82,013,784 $90,525,519
$99,670,165 ~~$112,582,091~~
~~Department of~~
Veterans Affairs
with MCCF
Total
Department of $67,483,331 $71,566,832
$79,815,630 $88,111,519
$96,903,257 ~~$109,734,526~~
~~Department of~~
Veterans Affairs
without MCCF
Total Mandatory
$35,252,084 $37,317,514
$41,550,450 $44,487,250
$46,988,925
~~$56,701,316~~
~~Total~~Total Discretionary with
$34,184,267 $36,419,318
$40,463,334 $46,038,269
$51,981,240
~~$55,880,775~~
~~Discretionary~~
~~with MCCF~~
~~Total~~
MCCF Total Discretionary $32,231,247 $34,249,318
$38,265,180 $43,624,269 $49,214,332 without MCCF Table B-4. VA Appropriations FY2010-FY2014 ($ in Thousands) FY2010 ~~$43,624,269~~
~~$49,214,332~~
~~$53,033,210~~
~~Discretionary~~
~~without MCCF~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

39

~~Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations~~

~~Table B-4. VA Appropriations FY2011-FY2015~~
FY2011
FY2012
FY2013
FY2014
~~FY2015~~Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
~~Enacted~~

Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Compensation and Compensation and
Pensions $47,396,106 $53,978,000 $53,978,000
$51,237,567 $51,237,567
$60,599,855 $60,599,855
$71,476,104 $71,476,104
~~$79,071,000~~
~~Pensions~~
~~Readjustment Benefits~~Readjustment Benefits $9,232,369
$10,396,245 $10,396,245
$12,108,488 $12,108,488
$12,023,458 $12,023,458
$13,135,898 $13,135,898
~~$14,997,136~~
~~Veterans Insurance~~Veterans Insurance and $49,288
$77,589 $77,589
$100,252 $100,252
$104,600 $104,600
$77,567 $77,567
~~$63,257~~
~~and Indemnities~~
~~Veterans Housing~~Indemnities Veterans Housing Benefit $23,553
$19,078 $19,078
$318,612 $318,612
$184,859 $184,859
— —
—
~~Benefit~~ Program Fund Program Fund
Veterans Housing Veterans Housing
Benefit — $165,082 $165,082
$154,698 $154,698
$157,605 $157,605
$158,430 $158,430
~~$160,881~~
~~Benefit~~ Program Fund Program Fund
Administrative Administrative
Expenses Expenses
Rescission Rescission $165,082
-$330 -$330
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Vocational~~Vocational Rehabilitation Loan —
$29 $29
$19 $19
$19 $19
$5 $5
~~$10~~
~~Rehabilitation Loan~~
~~Program~~
~~Rescission~~Program Rescission $29
-$1 -$1
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Vocational~~Vocational Rehabilitation Loan $328
$337 $337
$343 $343
$346 $346
$354 $354
~~$361~~
~~Rehabilitation Loan~~
Program Program
Administrative Administrative
Expenses Expenses
Rescission Rescission
~~-$10~~
—— -$10
— —
— —
— —
Native American Native American
Veterans $664 $707 $1,116 $1,087 $1,109 ~~$707~~
~~$1,116~~
~~$1,087~~
~~$1,109~~
~~$1,130~~
~~Veterans~~ Housing Housing
Program Program
Administrative Administrative
Expenses Expenses
Rescission Rescission
~~-$44~~
—— -$44
— —
— —
— —
Subtotal VBA
$56,867,419 $64,636,683
$63,921,095
$73,071,830
$86,886,074
~~$94,753,582~~
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Medical Services Medical Services
$ $34,707,500 $37,136,000 37,136,000
$39,649,985 $39,649,985
$41,509,000 $41,509,000
$43,557,000 $43,557,000
~~$45,015,527~~
~~Budget~~
—
—
—

~~209,189~~
~~Supplemental~~
~~$40,000~~
~~Hurricane~~
—
—
~~$21,000~~
—
—
~~Supplemental~~
~~Rescission~~
~~-$74,272~~
—
~~-$14,937~~
~~-$179,000~~
~~-28,829.839~~
~~Total Medical~~Congressional Research Service 43 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Budget Supplemental — — — — $40,000 Hurricane Supplemental — — — $21,000 — Rescission — -$74,272 — -$14,937 -$179,000 Total Medical Services $34,707,500 $37,061,728 $39,649,985 $41,515,063 $43,418,000 Medical Administration $4,930,000
~~$37,061,728~~
~~$39,649,985~~
~~$41,515,063~~
~~$43,418,000 $45,195,886.161~~
~~Services~~
~~Medical~~
$5,307,000 $5,307,000
$5,535,000 $5,535,000
$5,746,000 $5,746,000
$6,033,000 $6,033,000
~~$5,879,700~~
~~Administration~~
~~Rescission~~Rescission — -$44,546 — -$2,039 -$50,000 Medical Facilities $4,859,000
~~-$44,546~~
—
~~-$2,039~~
~~-$50,000~~
~~-5,609.461~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

40

~~Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations~~

~~FY2011~~
~~FY2012~~
~~FY2013~~
~~FY2014~~
~~FY2015~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~

~~Medical Facilities~~
$5,740,000 $5,740,000
$5,426,000 $5,426,000
$5,441,000 $5,441,000
$4,872,000 $4,872,000
~~$4,739,000~~
~~Supplemental~~Supplemental —
— —
— —
$6,000 $6,000
$85,000 $85,000
—
~~Rescission~~Rescission —
-$26,450 -$26,450
— —
-$1,991 -$1,991
— —
~~-1,999.835~~
Medical and Prosthetic Medical and Prosthetic
Research $581 ~~$590~~,000 ,000
$ $~~581~~590,000 ,000
$581, $581,~~905~~
~~$585,664~~
~~$588,922~~
~~Research~~
~~Rescission~~000 $581,905 $585,664 Rescission —
-$10,162 -$10,162
— —
— —
— —
~~-409.359~~
~~Medical Care~~Medical Care Col ections Fund $2,847,565
$2,775,214 $2,775,214
$2,830,302 $2,830,302
$2,903,092 $2,903,092
— —
—
~~Col ections Fund~~
(MCCF) (MCCF)
Subtotal VHA
$47,925,065 $51,392,784
$54,022,287
$56,189,031
$58,031,656
~~$59,619,422~~
National Cemetery
$250,000 $250,000
$250, $250,~~934~~
~~$258,284~~
~~$250,000~~
~~$256,800~~000 $250,934 $258,284 $250,000
Administration
(NCA)
Rescission Rescission
— -$500 -$500
— —
-$341 -$341
-$1,000 -$1,000
~~-169.500~~
~~Supplemental~~Supplemental —
— —
— —
$2,100 $2,100
— —
—
Subtotal NCA
$250,000 $249,500
$250,934
$260,043
$249,000
~~$256,631~~
Departmental Administration
VBA—General VBA—General
Operating — $2,622,110 $2,622,110
$2,018,764 $2,018,764
$2,164,074 $2,164,074
$2,465,490 $2,465,490
~~$2,534,254~~
~~Operating Expenses~~
~~Rescission~~Expenses Rescission $250,000
-$87,834 -$87,834
— —
-$2,856 -$2,856
— —
~~-2,355.482~~
~~General~~General Administration —
— —
$416,737 $416,737
$424,737 $424,737
$415,885 $415,885
~~$321,591~~
~~Administration~~
~~Rescission~~Rescission —
— —
— —
-$561 -$561
-$2,000 -$2,000
~~-446.436~~
~~Office of Inspector~~Office of Inspector General $109,000
$109,367 $109,367
$112,391 $112,391
$114,848 $114,848
121,411 121,411
~~$126,411~~
~~General~~
~~Rescission~~Rescission —
-$585 -$585
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Information~~Information Technology
$3,307,000 $3,307,000
$3, $3,~~111,376~~
~~$3,323,053~~
~~$3,703,344~~
~~$3,903,344~~
~~Technology~~
~~Rescission~~

—
~~-1,066~~
~~Supplemental~~307,000 $3,111,376 $3,323,053 $3,703,344 Rescission — — Supplemental $1,194,000
-$166,396 -$166,396
— —
— —
— —
—
Construction, MajorConstruction, Major Projects —
$1,151,036 $1,151,036
$589,604 $589,604
$531,767 $531,767
$342,130 $342,130
~~$561,800~~
~~Projects~~
~~Rescission~~Rescission —
-$2,302 -$2,302
— —
— —
— —
—
Construction, MinorConstruction, Minor Projects $703,000
$467,700 $467,700
$482,386 $482,386
$606,728 $606,728
$714,870 $714,870
~~$495,200~~
~~Projects~~
~~Rescission~~Rescission —
-$935 -$935
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Supplemental~~Supplemental —

511,200 511,200

Grants for State Grants for State
Extended Care $100 ~~$85~~,000 ,000
$85,000 $85,000
$ $~~84,888~~
~~$85,000~~
~~$90,000~~
~~Extended Care~~
~~Facilities~~
~~Rescission~~
~~-$170~~
—
—
—
—85,000 $84,888 $85,000 Facilities
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

4144

Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations

FY2010 FY2011
FY2012
FY2013
FY2014
~~FY2015~~Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
~~Enacted~~

Rescission — -$170 — — — Grants for State Grants for State
Veterans $46,000 $46,000
$46,000 $46,000
$ $~~45,939~~
~~$46,000~~46,000 $45,939
$46,000 $46,000
~~Veterans~~ Cemeteries Cemeteries
Rescission Rescission
— -$92 -$92
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Subtotal~~Subtotal Departmental $7,539,607
$7,529,899
$6,862,258
$6,871,298
$8,403,330
~~$8,173,912~~
~~Departmental~~
Administration
Total Department
of $112,582,091 $ $123,733,866
$125,056,574
$137,020,522
$168,570,058
~~$162,803,546~~
of Veterans Affairs
with MCCF
Total Department
of $109,734,526 $ $120,958,652
$122,226,272
$134,117,429
$165,482,068
~~$159,579,614~~
of Veterans Affairs
without MCCF
Total Mandatory
$56,701,316 $64,470,912
$63,764,919
$72,912,772
$101,726,176
~~$94,591,200~~
~~Total Discretionary~~Total Discretionary with $55,880,775
$59,262,954
$61,291,655
$64,107,750
$66,843,882
~~$68,212,346~~
~~with MCCF~~
~~Total Discretionary~~MCCF Total Discretionary without $53,033,210
$56,487,740
$58,461,353
$61,204,657
$63,755,892
~~$64,988,414~~
~~without~~ MCCF

Table B-5. VA Appropriations FY2016-FY2020
($ in Thousands) FY2015 FY2016
FY2017
FY2018
FY2019
~~FY2020~~Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
~~Enacted~~

Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Compensation and Compensation and
Pensions $79,071,000 $76,865,545 $76,865,545
$86,083,128 $86,083,128
$90,119,449 $90,119,449
$95,768,462 $95,768,462
~~$109,017,152~~
~~Pensions~~
~~Budget~~Budget Supplemental —
— —
— —
— —
$2,994,366 $2,994,366
~~$1,439,931~~
~~Supplemental~~
~~Readjustment Benefits~~Readjustment Benefits $14,997,136
$14,313,357 $14,313,357
$16,340,828 $16,340,828
$13,708,648 $13,708,648
$11,832,175 $11,832,175
~~$14,065,282~~
Veterans Insurance and Veterans Insurance and
$ $63,257 $77,160 77,160
$108,525 $108,525
$120,338 $120,338
$109,090 $109,090
~~$111,340~~
Indemnities Indemnities
Budget Budget
Supplemental — —
— —
— —
— —
~~$17,620~~
~~Supplemental~~
~~Veterans Housing~~— Veterans Housing Benefit —
$509,008 $509,008
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Benefit~~ Program Fund Program Fund
Veterans Housing Veterans Housing
Benefit $160,881 $164,558 $164,558
$198,856 $198,856
$178,626 $178,626
$200,612 $200,612
~~$200,377~~
~~Benefit~~ Program Fund Program Fund
Administrative Expenses Administrative Expenses
Rescission Rescission
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
Vocational Vocational Rehabilitation $10 $31 $36 $30 $39
~~$31~~
~~$36~~
~~$30~~
~~$39~~
~~$58~~
~~Rehabilitation~~ Loan Loan
Program Program
Rescission Rescission
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
Vocational Vocational Rehabilitation $361
$367 $367
$389 $389
$395 $395
$396 $396
~~$402~~
~~Rehabilitation Loan~~Loan Program Administrative Expenses Rescission — — — — —
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

4245

Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations

~~FY2016~~
~~FY2017~~
~~FY2018~~
~~FY2019~~
~~FY2020~~
~~Enacted~~
FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted

~~Program Administrative~~
~~Expenses~~
~~Rescission~~
—
—
—
—
—
Enacted Native American Native American
Veterans $1,130 ~~$1,114~~
$1, $1,~~163~~114
$1,163 $1,163
$1,163 $1,163
$1, $1,~~186~~
~~Veterans~~ 163 Housing Housing
Program Administrative Program Administrative
Expenses Expenses
Rescission Rescission
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
Subtotal VBA
$~~91,931,140~~
94,753,582 $91,931,140 $102,732,905
$104,128,649
$110,906,303
~~$124,853,348~~
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Medical Services Medical Services
$ $45,015,527 $47,603,202 47,603,202
$51,673,000 $51,673,000
$44,886,554 $44,886,554
$49,161,165 $49,161,165
~~$51,411,165~~
~~Budget~~Budget Supplemental 209,189
$2,369,158 $2,369,158
1,078,993 1,078,993
$1,962,984 $1,962,984
$750,000 $750,000
—
Hurricane Supplemental Supplemental
~~Hurricane~~ —
— —
— —
$11,075 $11,075
— —
—
~~Supplemental~~
P.L. 115-31, P.L. 115-31,
(Opioid — — —
$50,000 $50,000
— —
— —
—
~~(Opioid~~
Supplemental) Supplemental)
Families First Families First
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~$30,000~~—
Coronavirus Coronavirus
Response Act (P.L. Response Act (P.L.
116-127) 116-127)
CARES Act (P.L. CARES Act (P.L.
116- — —
— —
— —
— —
~~$14,432,000~~
~~116-~~— 136) 136)
Rescission Rescission
-28,829.839 — —
-$7,380,181 -$7,380,181
-$751,000 -$751,000
— —
~~-$350,000~~
~~Total Medical~~
Total Medical Services $45,195,886.1 $49,972,360
$45,421,812
$46,109,613
$49,911,165
$65,523,165
~~Services~~
61 Medical Community Medical Community
Care — —
— —
— $9,409,118 $9,409,118
$8,384,704 $8,384,704
~~$10,758,399~~
~~Care~~
~~Budget~~Budget Supplemental —
— —
7,246,181 7,246,181
$419,176 $419,176
$1,000,000 $1,000,000
~~$3,906,400~~
~~Supplemental~~
Families First Families First
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~$30,000~~—
Coronavirus Coronavirus
Response Act (P.L. Response Act (P.L.
116-127) 116-127)
CARES Act (P.L. CARES Act (P.L.
116-136) — —
— —
— —
— —
~~$2,100,000~~
~~116-136)~~
— Total Medical
Community —
— $7,246,181
$9,828,294
$9,384,704
~~$16,794,799~~
~~Community~~ Care
Medical Administration Medical Administration
$ $5,879,700 $6,144,000 6,144,000
$6,524,000 $6,524,000
$6,654,480 $6,654,480
$7,239,156 $7,239,156
~~$7,239,156~~
~~Budget~~Budget Supplemental —
— —
— —
$100,000 $100,000
— —
~~$98,800~~
Hurricane Supplemental Supplemental
~~Hurricane~~ —
— —
— —
$3,209 $3,209
— —
—
~~Supplemental~~
~~Rescission~~
Rescission -5,609.461 — -$26,000 — -$211,000 CARES Act (P.L. 116- — — — — — 136) Total Medical — —
~~-$26,000~~
—
~~-$211,000~~
~~-$10,000~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

43

~~Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations~~

~~FY2016~~
~~FY2017~~
~~FY2018~~
~~FY2019~~
~~FY2020~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~

~~CARES Act (P.L.~~
—
—
—
—
~~$100,000~~
~~116-136)~~
~~Total Medical~~
~~$6,144,000~~
~~$6,498,000~~
~~$6,757,689~~
~~$7,028,156~~
~~$7,427,956~~$6,144,000 $6,498,000 $6,757,689 $7,028,156
Administration Administration
Medical Facilities Medical Facilities
$4, $4,739,000 $4,915,000 915,000
$5,074,000 $5,074,000
$5,434,880 $5,434,880
$5,914,288 $5,914,288
~~$6,141,880~~
~~Supplemental~~Supplemental —
$105,312 $105,312
$247,668 $247,668
$1,707,000 $1,707,000
$890,180 $890,180
—
~~Hurricane~~Hurricane Supplemental —
— —
— —
$75,108 $75,108
$3,000 $3,000
—
~~Supplemental~~
~~Rescission~~Rescission -1,999.835
— —
-$9,000 -$9,000
— —
— —
—
CARES Act (P.L. CARES Act (P.L.
116- — —
— —
— —
— —
~~$606,000~~
~~116-~~— 136) 136)
Total Medical
Facilities — $5,020,312
$5,312,668
$7,216,988
$6,807,468
~~$6,747,880~~
~~Facilities~~
~~Medical and Prosthetic~~
$Congressional Research Service 46 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Medical and Prosthetic $588,922 $630,735 630,735
$675,366 $675,366
$722,262 $722,262
$779,000 $779,000
~~$800,000~~
~~Research~~
~~Rescission~~Research Rescission -409.359
— —
-$2,000 -$2,000
— —
— —
~~-$50,000~~
Total Medical and
— $630,735
$673,366
$722,262
$779,000
~~$750,000~~
Prosthetic Research
Medical Care Medical Care
Col ections — $3,503,146 $3,503,146
$3,561,642 $3,561,642
$3,515,635 $3,515,635
$3,915,045 $3,915,045
~~$3,429,116~~
~~Col ections~~ Fund Fund
(MCCF) (MCCF)
Subtotal VHA $59,619,422
$62,270,373
$ $68,713,669
$ $74,150,481
$ $77,825,538
~~$100,672,916~~
Veterans Choice Act Veterans Choice Act
— —
— $2,100,000 $2,100,000
$7,300,000 $7,300,000
— —
—
Mandatory Funds Mandatory Funds
National Cemetery
$ $256,800 $271,220 271,220
$286,193 $286,193
$306,193 $306,193
$315,836 $315,836
~~$329,000~~
Administration
(NCA)
Rescission Rescission
—-169.500
— —
— —
— —
~~-$1,000~~—
Supplemental Supplemental
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
Subtotal NCA
$256,631 $271,220
$286,193
$306,193
$ $315,836
$328,000
Departmental Administration
VBA—General VBA—General
Operating $2,534,254 $2,707,734 $2,707,734
$2,856,160 $2,856,160
$2,910,000 $2,910,000
$2,956,316 $2,956,316
~~$3,125,000~~
~~Operating Expenses~~
~~Rescission~~
—
~~-$12,000~~
—
—
~~-$258~~
~~CARES Act (P.L.~~
—
—
—
—
~~13,000~~
~~116-136)~~
~~General Administration~~Expenses Rescission -2,355.482 — -$12,000 — — General Administration $321,591
$336,659 $336,659
$345,391 $345,391
$335,891 $335,891
$355,897 $355,897
~~$355,911~~
~~Rescission~~
—Rescission -446.436 — — — — Board of Veterans Appeals —
—
—
—
—
~~CARES Act (P.L.~~
—
—
—
—
~~$6,000~~
~~116-136)~~
~~Board of Veterans~~
$109,884 $109,884
$156,096 $156,096
$161,048 $161,048
$174,748 $174,748
~~$182,000~~
~~Appeals~~
~~Rescission~~Rescission — — -$500 — — Office of Inspector General $126,411
—
~~-$500~~
—
—
~~-$8,000~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

44

~~Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations~~

~~FY2016~~
~~FY2017~~
~~FY2018~~
~~FY2019~~
~~FY2020~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~

~~Office of Inspector~~
$136,766 $136,766
$160,106 $160,106
$164,000 $164,000
$192,000 $192,000
~~$210,000~~
~~General~~
~~Rescission~~Rescission —
— —
-$500 -$500
— —
— —
—
~~CARES Act (P.L.~~
—
—
—
—
~~$12,500~~
~~116-136)~~
~~Information Technology~~Information Technology $3,903,344
$4,133,363 $4,133,363
$4,278,259 $4,278,259
$4,055,500 $4,055,500
$4,103,000 $4,103,000
~~$4,371,615~~
~~Rescission~~Rescission -1,066
— —
-$8,000 -$8,000
— —
— —
—
CARES Act (P.L. CARES Act (P.L.
116- — —
— —
— —
— —
~~$2,150,000~~
~~116-~~— 136) 136)
Electronic Health Electronic Health
Records — —
— —
~~$782,000~~
~~$1,107~~— $782,000 ,000
$1, $1,~~500~~107,000 ,000
~~Records~~ Modernization Modernization
~~(EHRM)~~
~~Rescission~~
—
—
—
—
~~-$70,000~~
~~Construction, Major~~(EHRM) Construction, Major Projects $561,800
$1,243,800 $1,243,800
$325,812 $325,812
$1,442,750 $1,442,750
$2,503,786 $2,503,786
~~$1,270,200~~
~~Projects~~
Rescission Rescission
— —
-$20,322 -$20,322
-$420,000 -$420,000

Construction, Minor Construction, Minor
Projects $495,200 $406,200 $406,200
$372,069 $372,069
$767,570 $767,570
$799,514 $799,514
~~$398,800~~
~~Projects~~
~~Rescission~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Supplemental~~
Supplemental — —
— —
$4,088 $4,088
— —
—
Grants for State Grants for State
Extended $90 ~~$120~~,000 ,000
$ $90120,000 ,000
$ $~~685~~90,000 ,000
$ $~~150~~685,000 ,000
$ $90150,000 ,000
~~Extended Care Facilities~~
~~Rescission~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~CARES Act (P.L.~~
—
—
—
—
~~$150,000~~
~~116-136)~~
~~Grants for State~~
~~$46,000~~
~~$45,000~~
~~$45,000~~
~~$45,000~~
~~$45,000~~
~~Veterans Cemeteries~~
~~Rescission~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Subtotal~~
~~$9,240,406~~
$8,587,571
$10,932,847
$12,387,261
$13,801,768
~~Departmental~~
~~Administration~~
~~Total Department of~~
~~$166,713,139~~
$182,420,358
$196,818,170
$201,434,938
$239,656,032
~~Veterans Affairs with~~
~~MCCF~~
~~Total Department of~~
~~$163,209,993~~
$178,858,716
$193,302,535
$197,519,893
$~~236,226,916~~Care Facilities Grants for State Veterans $46,000 $46,000 $45,000 $45,000 $45,000 Cemeteries Subtotal Departmental $8,173,912 $9,240,406 $8,587,571 $10,932,847 $12,387,261 Administration Congressional Research Service 47 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Total Department of $162,803,546 $166,713,139 $182,420,358 $196,818,170 $201,434,938 Veterans Affairs with MCCF Total Department of $159,579,614 $163,209,993 $178,858,716 $193,302,535 $197,519,893
Veterans Affairs
without MCCF
Total Mandatory
$94,591,200 $91,765,070
$$104,632,481
$$111,248,435
$$110,704,093
$124,651,325
~~Total Discretionary~~Total Discretionary with $68,212,346
$74,948,069
$ $77,787,876
$ $85,569,735
$ $90,730,845
$115,004,707
~~with MCCF~~
~~Total Discretionary~~MCCF Total Discretionary $64,988,414
$71,444,923
$ $74,226,235
$ $82,054,100
$ $86,815,800
$111,575,591
~~without MCCF~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

45

~~Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations~~

~~Table B-6. VA Appropriations FY2021-FY2025~~without MCCF Table B-6. VA Appropriations FY2020-FY2024 ($ in Thousands) FY2020
FY2021
FY2022
FY2023
FY2024
~~FY2025~~Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
~~Enacted~~

Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Compensation and Compensation and
Pensions $109,017,152 $118,246,975 $118,246,975
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Pensions~~
~~Budget~~Budget Supplemental $1,439,931
$6,110,252 $6,110,252
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Supplemental~~
~~Readjustment Benefits~~Readjustment Benefits $14,065,282
$12,578,965 $12,578,965
— —
— —
— —
—
ARPA (P.L. 117-2) ARPA (P.L. 117-2)
— $386,000 $386,000
— —
— —
— —
—
Veterans Insurance and Veterans Insurance and
$ $~~129,224~~
—111,340 $129,224
— —
— —
— —
Indemnities Indemnities
Budget Budget
Supplemental $17,620 $2,148 ~~$2,148~~
—
— —
— —
— —
~~Supplemental~~
Veterans HousingVeterans Housing Benefit
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~Benefit~~ Program Fund Program Fund
Veterans Housing Veterans Housing Benefit 200,377
$204,400$204,400
—
— —
— —
— —
~~Benefit~~ Program Fund Program Fund
Administrative Administrative ~~Expenses~~
~~Rescission~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Vocational~~Expenses Vocational Rehabilitation $58
$34 $34
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Rehabilitation~~ Loan Loan
~~Program~~
~~Rescission~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Vocational~~Program Vocational Rehabilitation $402
$424 $424
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Rehabilitation~~ Loan Loan
Program Administrative Program Administrative
Expenses Expenses
~~Rescission~~
—
—
—
—
—
Native American Native American
Veterans $1,186 $1,186
—$1,186
— —
— —
— —
~~Veterans~~ Housing Housing
Program Administrative Program Administrative
~~Expenses~~
~~Rescission~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Subtotal VBA~~
~~$137,659,608~~
—Expenses Subtotal VBA $138,918,630 $150,238,573 — — —
—
—
—
~~Veterans Health Administration (VHA)~~
Medical Services Medical Services
$ $51,411,165 $56,158,015 56,158,015
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Budget~~Budget Supplemental —
$497,468 $497,468
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Supplemental~~
~~Hurricane~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Supplemental~~
~~P.L. 115-31,~~Hurricane Supplemental
— —
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~(Opioid~~
~~Supplemental)~~
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

4648

Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations

FY2020 FY2021
FY2022
FY2023
FY2024
~~FY2025~~Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
~~Enacted~~
P.L. 115-31, (Opioid — — — — — Supplemental)
Families First Families First
—$30,000
— —
— —
— —
— —
Coronavirus Coronavirus
Response Act (P.L. Response Act (P.L.
116-127) 116-127)
CARES Act (P.L. CARES Act (P.L.
—116- $14,432,000
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~116-~~136) 136)
ARPA (P.L. 117-2) ARPA (P.L. 117-2)
— $627,900 $627,900
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Rescission~~
Rescission -$350,000 -$100,000 — — — Total Medical Services $65,523,165 $57,183,383 Medical Community Care $10,758,399 $17,131,179 — — — Budget Supplemental $3,906,400 $1,380,800 Families First $30,000~~$100,000~~
—
—
—
—
~~Total Medical~~
~~$57,183,383~~
—
—
—
—
~~Services~~
~~Medical Community~~
~~$17,131,179~~
—
—
—
—
~~Care~~
~~Budget~~
~~$1,380,800~~
—
—
—
—
~~Supplemental~~
~~Families First~~
—
— —
— —
— —
— —
Coronavirus Coronavirus
Response Act (P.L. Response Act (P.L.
116-127) 116-127)
CARES Act (P.L. CARES Act (P.L.
—
—
—
—
—
~~116-~~116- $2,100,000 — 136) 136)
ARPA (P.L. 117-2) ARPA (P.L. 117-2)
— $322,100 $322,100
— —
— —
— —
—
Total Medical
Community $16,794,799 $ $18,834,079
—
— —
— —
— —
~~Community~~ Care
Medical Administration Medical Administration
$7, $7,~~914,191~~
—
—
—
—
~~Budget~~
~~$300,000~~
—
—
—
—
~~Supplemental~~
~~Hurricane~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Supplemental~~
~~Rescission~~
~~-$15,000~~
—
—
—
—239,156 $7,914,191 — — — Budget Supplemental $98,800 $300,000 — — — CARES Act (P.L. 116- $100,000
~~CARES Act (P.L.~~
—
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~116-136)~~
~~Total Medical~~
~~$8,199,191~~
—
—
—
—
~~Administration~~
~~Medical Facilities~~
~~$6,433,265~~
—
—
—
—
~~Supplemental~~
~~$150,000~~
—
—
—
—
~~P.L. 115-141,~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Section 255~~
~~Hurricane~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Supplemental~~
~~Rescission~~
—
—136) Rescission -$10,000 -$15,000 — — — Total Medical $7,427,956 $8,199,191 — — — Administration Medical Facilities $6,141,880 $6,433,265 — — — Budget Supplemental — $150,000 — — — CARES Act (P.L. 116- $606,000
—
—
—
~~CARES Act (P.L.~~
—
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~116-~~136) 136)
Total Medical
Facilities $6,747,880 $6,583,265 ~~$6,583,265~~
—
—
—
—
~~Facilities~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

47

~~Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations~~

~~FY2021~~
~~FY2022~~
~~FY2023~~
~~FY2024~~
~~FY2025~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~

~~Medical and Prosthetic~~
~~$815,000~~
— — — — Medical and Prosthetic $3,429,116 $815,000
— —
— —
— —
Research Research
Rescission Rescission
-$ -$2050,000 ,000
—-$20,000
— —
— —
— —
Total Medical and
$~~795~~750,000
—$795,000
— —
— —
— —
Prosthetic Research
Medical Care Medical Care
Col ections $3,429,116 $2,965,445 $2,965,445
—
— —
— —
— —
~~Col ections~~ Fund Fund
(MCCF) (MCCF)
ARPA (P.L. 117-2) ARPA (P.L. 117-2)
— $300,000 $300,000
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Veterans Medical Care~~
—
—ARPA (P.L. 117-2) — $14,482,000 — — — Congressional Research Service 49 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted ARPA (P.L. 117-2) — $80,000 — — — Subtotal VHA $100,672,916 $109,422,363 — — — National Cemetery $329,000 $352,000
—
—
—
~~and Health Fund~~
~~ARPA (P.L. 117-2)~~
~~$14,482,000~~
—
—
—
—
~~Emergency Employee~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Leave Fund~~
~~ARPA (P.L. 117-2)~~
~~$80,000~~
—
—
—
—
~~Subtotal VHA~~
~~$109,422,363~~
—
—
—
—
~~Veterans Choice Act~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Mandatory Funds~~
~~National Cemetery~~
~~$352,000~~
—
— —
— —
— —
Administration
(NCA)
Rescission Rescission
—-$1,000
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~Supplemental~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Subtotal NCA~~Subtotal NCA $328,000
$352,000
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Departmental Administration~~
~~VBA—General~~VBA—General Operating $3,125,000
$3,180,000 $3,180,000
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Operating Expenses~~
~~Rescission~~Expenses Rescission -$258
-$16,000 -$16,000
— —
— —
— —
—
CARES Act (P.L. CARES Act (P.L.
—116- 13,000
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~116-~~136) 136)
ARPA (P.L. 117-2) ARPA (P.L. 117-2)
— $262,000 $262,000
— —
— —
— —
—
General Administration General Administration
$ $~~365~~355,911 ,911
—$365,911
— —
— —
— —
Rescission Rescission
~~-$12~~$6,000 ,000
—-$12,000
— —
— —
— —
CARES Act (P.L. CARES Act (P.L.
—116- $182,000
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~116-~~136) 136)
Board of Veterans Board of Veterans
Appeals $182 ~~$196~~,000 ,000
—$196,000
— —
— —
— —
~~Appeals~~
~~Rescission~~
—Rescission -$8,000
— —
— —
— —
— —
ARPA (P.L. 117-2) ARPA (P.L. 117-2)
— $10,000 $10,000
— —
— —
— —
—
Office of InspectorOffice of Inspector General $210
~~$228~~,000 ,000
—$228,000 — — — CARES Act (P.L. 116- $12,500 — — — — 136) ARPA (P.L. 117-2) — $10,000 — — — Information Technology $4,371,615 $4,912,000 — — — Rescission — -$37,500 — — — CARES Act (P.L. 116- $2,150,000 — — — — 136) ARPA (P.L. 117-2) — $100,000 — — — Electronic Health Records $1,500,000 $2,627,000 — — —
—
—
—
~~General~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

48

~~Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations~~

~~FY2021~~
~~FY2022~~
~~FY2023~~
~~FY2024~~
~~FY2025~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~
~~Enacted~~

~~ARPA (P.L. 117-2)~~
~~$10,000~~
—
—
—
—
~~Rescission~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~CARES Act (P.L.~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~116-136)~~
~~Information Technology~~
~~$4,912,000~~
—
—
—
—
~~Rescission~~
~~-$37,500~~
—
—
—
—
~~ARPA (P.L. 117-2)~~
~~$100,000~~
—
—
—
—
~~CARES Act (P.L.~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~116-136)~~
~~Electronic Health~~
~~$2,627,000~~
—
—
—
—
~~Records~~ Modernization Modernization
(EHRM) (EHRM)
Rescission Rescission
- -~~$20~~70,000 ,000
—-$20,000
— —
— —
— —
Construction, Major Construction, Major Projects $1,270,200 $1,316,000
~~$1,316,000~~
—
—
—
—
~~Projects~~
~~Rescission~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Construction, Minor~~ — — — Construction, Minor Projects $398,800
$390,000 $390,000
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Projects~~
~~Rescission~~Rescission —
-$35,700 -$35,700
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Supplemental~~
—
—
—
—
—
Grants for State Grants for State
Extended $90,000 $90,000
—$90,000
— —
— —
— —
~~Extended~~ Care Facilities Care Facilities
~~Rescission~~
—CARES Act (P.L. 116- $150,000
— —
— —
— —
— —
136) ARPA (P.L. 117-2) ARPA (P.L. 117-2)
— $500,000 $500,000
— —
— —
— —
—
~~CARES Act (P.L.~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~116-136)~~
~~Grants for State~~
~~$45,000~~
—
—
—
—
~~Veterans Cemeteries~~
~~Rescission~~
—
—
—
—
—
~~Subtotal~~
~~$14,110,711~~
—
—
—
—
~~Departmental~~
~~Administration~~
~~Total Department of~~
~~$261,544,682~~
—Congressional Research Service 50 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Grants for State Veterans $45,000 $45,000 — — — Cemeteries Subtotal Departmental $13,801,768 $14,110,711 — — — Administration Total Department of $239,656,032 $261,544,682
— —
— —
— —
Veterans Affairs with
MCCF
Total Department of
$236,226,916 $258,579,237
—
— —
— —
— —
Veterans Affairs
without MCCF
Total Mandatory
$124,651,325 $154,147,564
— —
— —
— —
—
~~Total Discretionary~~Total Discretionary with $115,004,707
$107,397,118
— —
— —
— —
—
~~with MCCF~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

49

~~Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations~~

~~Total Discretionary~~MCCF Total Discretionary $111,575,591
$104,431,673
— —
— —
— —
—
without MCCF

Author Information

Sidath Viranga Panangala Sidath Viranga Panangala
Heather M. Salazar Heather M. Salazar
Specialist in Veterans Policy Specialist in Veterans Policy
Analyst in Veterans Policy Analyst in Veterans Policy

Jared S. Sussman Jared S. Sussman

Analyst in Health Policy Analyst in Health Policy

Acknowledgments
Isaac A. Nicchitta Isaac A. Nicchitta and John H. Gorman, CRS Research , CRS Research ~~Assistant~~Assistants in the Domestic Social Policy Division, provided invaluable in the Domestic Social Policy Division, provided invaluable
assistance with this report. assistance with this report.
Congressional Research Service 51 Department of Veterans Affairs FY2022 Appropriations
Disclaimer
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