As of today, the government shutdown has begun to impact the Veterans Administration in a real and tangible manner.  Over 7,000 VA employees are being furloughed from Veterans Benefit Administration regional offices.  For more information, go here.

The VA has also updated the effects of the furlough on their operations.  The VA’s Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs has released updated information sheets regarding the impact of the shutdown on various VA programs.  Click here to see their position on the shutdown, and also to read the most recent statements.

Hopefully the shutdown will not reverse the positive inertia that the VA was beginning to make in terms of the reduction in veteran benefit claims.  We’ll see…