The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding its online services to veterans as their regional benefits offices remain closed.
According to a statement released on March 31 by VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, the decision to close their offices is part of the “VA’s effort to limit exposure to vulnerable populations like our older veterans and those with underlying medical conditions, as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,”. He continued by saying that because of this, they are continuing to expand existing online technologies to remain accessible to veterans in need.
An article published by Radio.com stated that “As of March 31, at least 41 veterans had died of the virus, according to VA, and the department was tracking at least 1,347 cases of veterans testing positive for COVID-19. VA said it had administered “over 14,930 tests nationwide.” The number of deaths is a sharp one-day increase from Monday when VA reported 27 veteran deaths.”
Although the VA plans to close down 56 regional Veterans Benefits Administration offices, they have reassured veterans that they will continue to receive their benefits and services as the department transitions online.
Relevant Pages: Veterans Disability