VA Undersecretary of Health Shereef Elnahal said Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, that the VA will hold national events in November to rush new hires into their workforce and fill vacant jobs faster as the agency works to hire 50,000 workers yearly to keep up with the demands and trends affecting veterans’ health care. Elnahal took over the VA’s top health executive post in July after the job remained vacant for five years. (Department of Veterans Affairs)

The second report, released Friday, focuses on the reassessment of the registry. It assessed how the VA and the Defense Department collect and maintain the registry's data regarding a veteran's health effects due to toxic exposure and whether the registry has fulfilled or can carry out the purpose.

McDonough announced VA will make all conditions outlined in the PACT Act presumptive from the date President Biden signed the bill into law on Aug. 10. The initial plan was to phase-in conditions over the next few years, but the secretary said those in need have waited too long.

On July 9, American Legion Riders Chapter 925 in Norfolk, N.Y., staged their 17th annual motorcycle charity ride. The beneficiary this year was Americans Supporting Armed Services (ASAS) in Potsdam, N.Y., in order to assist the nonprofit’s efforts in advocating for more resources and help for veterans affected by burn pit exposure.