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Department of Veterans Affairs

Mission Statement

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), established as an independent agency under the President by Executive Order 5398 of July 21, 1930, was elevated to Cabinet level on March 15, 1989 (Public Law 100-527).

The Department's mission is to serve America's veterans and their families with dignity and compassion and to be their principal advocate in ensuring that they receive the care, support, and recognition earned in service to this Nation. The 26.8 million living veterans and the estimated 43.5 million dependents and survivors of veterans total 70.3 million potential beneficiaries of VA benefits and services.

VA is the second largest Federal Department and has over 266,000 employees. About 1 of every 10 Federal employees works for VA. Among the many different professions represented in the vast VA workforce are physicians, nurses, counselors, statisticians, architects, computer specialists, and attorneys. As advocates for veterans and their families, the VA community is committed to "Putting Veterans First" in providing the very best services with an attitude of caring and courtesy.

The Department FY 1994 appropriation level, as approved by the House, of $35.7 billion will enable VA to continue its vital mission of providing quality service to those who have served this country in the Armed Forces.

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