(LEX 18) — The Department of Veterans Affairs continues to provide essential services during the ongoing government shutdown, though some programs have been temporarily suspended.

Scott Hope, National Service Director with Disabled American Veterans, says 97% of all VA employees are still working thanks to the "Human Capital Contingency Plan" — an advanced appropriation that pre-funds many VA services.

"The frustrating parts of the shutdown, we completely understand," Hope said.

All essential compensation and pension benefits remain unaffected by the shutdown. Medical centers, benefits processing, burials and essential programs through the VA continue operating normally, along with call centers.

"The DAV is really trying to minimize and bear the brunt of this shutdown itself, and we're

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