A Sept. 1 assessment of the Department of Veterans Affairs, mandated by Congress last year, found that the VA is on an “unsustainable trajectory of capital costs” and will continue to face problems without a comprehensive overhaul.
The assessment — which was led by Mitre Corp. and included analysis from Rand Corp., McKinsey and Company, the Institute of Medicine and Grant Thorton, said, “In its current state, [Veterans Health Administration] is not well positioned to succeed in the transformation this analysis suggests,” reports Military Times.
The assessment found that the VA performed well at providing metrics against private healthcare systems, but failed at budgeting, accountability, management practices, and providing oversight of its private care programs.
However, the VA said it is aware of the problems cited in the report and is actively trying to make changes. The findings are “fully consistent with the lessons the department has learned and worked to improve upon since the arrival of Secretary Bob McDonald,” read a VA statement. “VA will work with Congress, veterans service organizations, veterans, and other stakeholders on the recommendations outlined in the independent assessment final report.”