Government Shutdown Significantly Impacts VA Hospitals and Support for Veterans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2025
Washington, D.C. — The ongoing federal government shutdown has led to significant disruptions across the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), leaving thousands of veterans without access to critical support programs, communication services, and essential assistance. The Association of VA Hematology/Oncology (AVAHO), on behalf of those who provide critical health care to veterans with cancer and hematological disorders, seeks an immediate and bipartisan resolution to the current shutdown.
“Our nation’s veterans have given so much in service to this country, and they deserve the highest care we can provide them. It’s unacceptable that they now face barriers to care and benefits they have earned. All services provided to veterans and their families are essential, yet the shutdown is delaying or halting critical services and increasing hardships for veterans and their families,” says Julie Lawson, AVAHO Executive Director.
Veterans and their families are impacted by loss of vital services and resources from within the VA and beyond. Families dependent upon food and housing resources are without. Veterans seeking employment cannot receive services through the Transition Program Assistance and Career Counseling program. Regional claims processing has been paused, causing delays in critical health care needs. Veteran communications and outreach has halted, cutting many veterans off from timely updates about benefits and resources. And cemetery operations and maintenance has halted, delaying honors for deceased veterans.
“AVAHO supports our members in providing the highest level of cancer care to veterans,” says Nick Burwick, MD, President of AVAHO. “Reach out to info@avaho.org if we can support you in any way or if you want to learn more about AVAHO's advocacy efforts.”
AVAHO is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the skills and abilities of veteran-centered cancer care professionals across all disciplines so they can provide the best care for our veterans. As an independent organization from the VA, it seeks to support the VA’s mission and employees so that veterans receive the best cancer care possible.