Cybersecurity
How the VA deals with data breaches
Created after the theft of a department-owned laptop computer in 2006, VA's Data Breach Core Team analyzes potential breaches every week.
People
VA touts progress on claims backlog; critics say it's not enough
Officials at the Veterans Affairs Department say the number of backlogged compensation claims has shrunk by 20 percent since its March peak, but critics are maintaining a full-court press on the White House to further reduce the VA's claims inventory.
Cybersecurity
Readers divided about VA theory on stolen laptops
Readers offer a mixture of criticism and praise for Acting Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology Stephen Warren's response to VA data breaches.
People
Paper records account for most VA data breaches
Top IT official says VA has good track record for protecting data considering the volume of information it handles.
Cybersecurity
Congress finds harmony on VA and DHS IT spending
Proposed budget levels reflect a predicted decline.
Modernization
VA still seeks cloud solutions after canceling contract
The Veterans Affairs Department killed a cloud-based email contract and does not plan to reissue it, but says it is still 'dedicated' to using cloud services.
Modernization
VA terminates $36 million cloud deal with HP
Agency cites changing requirements and "convenience of the government" as the reason for canceling the enterprise e-mail contract.
Digital Government
DOD, VA officials defend progress in rare joint hearing
Lawmakers remain skeptical of agencies' work on shared electronic health records.
People
House panel tries shame strategy on VA
Frustrated with unfulfilled requests for information, Veterans Affairs Committee creates a website to list them.
People
VA reports inroads on claims backlog
As processing speed improves, official expresses confidence of meeting the effort's 2015 target.
Digital Government
Where did the VA comments go?
A few readers wonder if there was some back-channel pressure that led to comments being removed on a controversial story.
Cybersecurity
Still seeking a CIO
The announcement that EPA CIO Malcolm Jackson is stepping down adds that agency to an already-long list.
Cybersecurity
Foreign hackers seek a soft target at VA
Testimony from officials and a forthcoming IG report paint a picture of inconsistent security measures that left veterans' personal data and medical records vulnerable, although some recent improvements have been made.
People
Turco leaving GSA for CFO post at Veterans Health Administration
GSA official expresses a desire to return to financial role and serve veterans.
People
Hagel pledges DOD assistance in reducing VA backlog
The secretary outlined several specific ways DOD is helping, including allowing VA personnel direct access to DOD's medical records system.
Digital Government
Parsing the VA debate
Executive Editor Troy K. Schneider discusses the reader comments to our story on IT troubles at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
People
Integrated health record effort adds to VA's troubles
The Integrated Electronic Health Record program is not the Department of Veterans Affairs' only lightning rod, but it is a major one.
People
What's wrong with IT at Veterans Affairs?
In an increasingly high-profile morass, the Veterans Affairs Department's tech troubles are only growing worse. Most recently, several key leaders have stepped down while the integrated health record effort stalls and a massive claims backlog remains unresolved.
People
VA backlog resolution hinges on IT
Officials pin their hopes for an easing of the claims logjam on new systems.
People