White House Seeks $125 Billion for Veterans in 2011

To expand health care to a record number of Veterans, reduce the number of homeless Veterans and process a dramatically increased number of new disability compensation claims, the White House has announced a proposed $125 billion budget next year for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"Our budget proposal provides the resources necessary to continue our aggressive pursuit of President Obama's two over-arching goals for Veterans," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "First, the requested budget will help transform VA into a 21st century organization. And second, it will ensure that we approach Veterans' care as a lifetime initiative, from the day they take their oaths until the day they are laid to rest."

The $125 billion budget request, which has to be approved by Congress, includes $60.3 billion for discretionary spending (mostly health care) and $64.7 billion in mandatory funding (mostly for disability compensation and pensions).

"VA's 2011 budget request covers many areas but focuses on three central issues that are of critical importance to our Veterans -- easier access to benefits and services, faster disability claims decisions, and ending the downward spiral that results in Veterans' homelessness," Shinseki said.  (more)

Protect Yourself From the Flu
Enrolled veterans may receive their seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine at the San Francisco VAMC or any of its community-based outpatient clinics. Vaccines can be received during any scheduled appointment or at the free Flu Clinic, which is located in Medical Practice (1st Floor, Building 200). The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 4 p.m.  For more information, call Telephone Linked Care at 800-733-0502.