The Department of Veterans Affairs is facing "severe" staffing shortages at its hospitals, with many struggling to fill jobs for doctors, nurses and psychologists, according to a new report from the agency's independent watchdog.

The report from the VA's Office of Inspector General , released on Tuesday, said Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities reported 4,434 "severe occupational staffing shortages" in the 2025 fiscal year — a 50 percent increase from the 2024 fiscal year.

The report is based on surveys taken at 139 VHA facilities from late March to early April.

Why It Matters

The VHA is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing care to millions of veterans each year.

The surveys that the report was based on were taken after it was reported

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