Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs

The Health Services Research and Development Service Scientific Merit Review Board convened to discuss the scientific evaluation of research applications. Subcommittee chairs presented results and recommendations from their meetings, and the board voted to advance all scored applications to the agency for further consideration. The director of HSR&D expressed appreciation for the members' efforts and emphasized the ongoing support for meritorious research within HSR&D.

The meeting included discussions on VHA's journey to high reliability, focusing on leadership commitment, safety culture, and continuous improvement. Updates were provided on the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans and efforts to expand voting access for Veterans. CDCE communications were reviewed, emphasizing collaboration opportunities and emergency communication strategies. Subcommittee reports covered volunteer recruitment, membership engagement, and partnership initiatives. Additional reports included updates on the NAC SOP, VAVS Partners, Inc. finances, and the James H. Parke Memorial Scholarship Board. The committee also discussed revisions to the CDCE American Spirit Awards and explored partnership due diligence processes. Updates were given on the CDCE Portal, and a review of VAVS NAC organization data was conducted. The VHA update highlighted priorities such as hiring, high reliability, and Veteran care, while the CDCE leadership update focused on strategic goals and legislative links.

The Veterans' Family, Caregiver and Survivor Advisory Committee meeting covered a range of topics including updates on the Caregiver Support Program (CSP), Veteran Directed Care (VDC), and the establishment of the Survivors Assistance and Memorial Support (SAMS) Program. Discussions also included the implementation of the Veteran Family Resource Program (VFRP), Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS), and the Veterans Child Care Assistance Program (VCAP). The committee addressed concerns about program eligibility, access to services, and the need for improved support for Veterans, caregivers, and survivors.

The committee convened to discuss various issues affecting Native American veterans. Key topics included updates from the Office of Tribal Government Relations, the Tribal Representation Expansion Project, and the Office of Tribal Health. Discussions also covered behavioral health and suicide prevention efforts, the Native American Direct Loan program, and the Tribal HUD-VASH program. The committee engaged with leaders from the Indian Health Service, the VA Deputy Secretary, and national partner organizations to address policy and practice challenges. Updates were provided on the Veterans Experience Office and the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program.

The Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation met to discuss various topics related to veterans' benefits and services. Key discussion points included updates on character of discharge regulations, training programs for claims processors, examination processes, and the use of artificial intelligence in benefits delivery. The committee also addressed military sexual trauma (MST) claims processing, quality assurance, and coordination between different VA departments and external stakeholders to improve services for veterans.