What Veterans and Active Duty Military Should Expect From the Government Shutdown

If the shutdown stretches, smaller VA support offices thin out as more staff exhaust carryover funding and face furloughs, which can slow claims processing and call centers. VA medical care is funded in advance, and major benefits like disability compensation, pensions, and education payments are mandatory spending. Veterans Affairs keeps core services going thanks to advance appropriations, but some support functions slow or pause. If the shutdown stretches, smaller VA support offices thin out as more staff exhaust carryover funding and face furloughs, which can slow claims processing and call centers. Active duty: work continues, pay can slipUniformed personnel report for duty.