Around the Nation

VA’s 2009 “Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents” Edition: The new booklet that provides all the information that Veterans and their dependents need to know about federal benefits is available online by clicking here.

 VA Recognized for Leadership in Federal Accountability - The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) 2008 Performance and Accountability Report ranked second amongst the largest federal agencies according to a report issued by the Mercatus Center of George Mason University.  This independent research organization evaluates and ranks federal agency reports on how transparently they report their successes and failures, how well they document the tangible public benefits they produce, and whether they demonstrate that their leadership uses performance information to devise strategies for making program improvements.  The Government Accountability Project at the Mercatus Center in Arlington, Va., examined the federal agencies for its 10th Annual Performance Report Scorecard, ranking VA second highest behind the Labor Department for quality of disclosure in its annual performance and accountability reports.  VA’s report was also recognized as the government’s best in the leadership category.  VA's Fiscal Year 2008 Performance and Accountability Report is available at http://www.va.gov/budget/report/2008/index.htm.  The Mercatus Center's full report analyzing the 24 federal agencies' reporting can be viewed at http://www.mercatus.org

Shinseki Stresses Connection between Universal Access and Electronic System - President Obama's ambitious plan to establish a lifetime electronic record for service members and veterans will improve delivery of benefits, speed processing of claims and, over time, open VA health care to any veteran, regardless of their medical condition or income level.  VA Secretary Eric Shinseki first raised the idea of a more sophisticated electronic record system and linked it to automatic enrollment by all veterans in the VA health system.  Read more.

Stimulus Bill Includes Money For VA.   In continuing coverage, Government Executive (1/26, Gruber, Lunney) reported, "The Senate appears to be following in the House's footsteps by allotting billions of dollars to federal agencies," including the Department of Veterans Affairs, "in its version of the economic stimulus bill," which the "Senate Appropriations Committee plans to mark up...on Tuesday." The bill includes "$3.4 billion for construction and improvements of the department's hospitals and medical centers, long-term care facilities and upgrades at VA cemeteries." 

Around VISN 23

Central Iowa Health Care System

The Des Moines campus of the Central Iowa Health Care System is undergoing major construction projects intended to improve the delivery of care to veterans.  This current phase of construction required changing some of the patient parking areas.  For the safety and convenience of our veterans and visitors, we recommend using the shuttle service to and from the Des Moines campus parking lots.  When leaving the hospital, the shuttle will pick you up at the main hospital door and deliver you to your vehicle.  When arriving for your next appointment at the Des Moines campus, the best option is to use the patient drop off area at the main hospital entrance, if you are traveling with a companion.  Once the patient has been dropped off or if you are traveling alone, please follow the signs for parking and use the shuttle service to gain access to the main entrance.  Signs and maps will be available throughout the hospital and we will continue to keep you updated. For further information, please contact Public Affairs at 515-699-5850. Log on at http://www.centraliowa.va.gov/ to see construction map.

2009 EVENTS