WASHINGTON — As the government shutdown reached its record-breaking 36th day on Wednesday, most employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs have kept working. But VA policy limits their communication with Congress, making it harder for House and Senate offices to solve problems for former servicemembers.

An important role of congressional staffers, who are working without pay until their bosses restore federal funding, is helping constituents with “casework” such as sorting out medication problems, getting referrals approved for care outside the VA or dealing with other parts of the federal government. As Veterans Day approaches, Northwest lawmakers from both parties say their offices are struggling to help veterans without being able to coordinate with the department.

“Veterans regu

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