Beyond the Uniform: Unpacking the VA's Post-Service Transition

The journey after serving our nation, whether in uniform or within the Department of Veterans Affairs, is often fraught with complex challenges that can profoundly impact individuals and their families. While much attention focuses on active service, the critical period of transition—the moment a veteran or VA employee steps away from their roles—can be an equally significant battleground.

ProPublica is launching a crucial, in-depth investigation to shed light on these often-unseen struggles, seeking to understand the realities faced by those who have dedicated their lives to service, and what happens when they leave.

Millions of Americans have passed through the ranks of the military and the halls of the VA, each with unique stories of transition.

Yet, for many, the path forward is anything but smooth. Are the promised benefits always delivered? Are employment opportunities truly accessible and fair? What about the critical support systems meant to ensure a seamless reintegration into civilian life or a new professional chapter? Our reporting aims to answer these vital questions, uncovering both the successes and the systemic failures that define this pivotal moment.

We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has left the VA, either as a service member transitioning out of the military or as a former civilian employee of the VA.

Your experiences, whether positive or negative, are invaluable. Did you encounter unexpected hurdles in accessing your earned benefits, such as healthcare, education, or disability compensation? Were you met with bureaucratic roadblocks that left you feeling unheard or unsupported? Or perhaps you found the transition surprisingly smooth, benefiting from robust programs and effective guidance.

For former VA employees, we want to understand your journey post-employment.

Did your departure lead to challenges in securing new work, or did you face issues with pensions, retirement, or continuing healthcare? The institutional knowledge and dedication of VA employees are indispensable, and their own transitions deserve scrutiny to ensure they are treated fairly and with the respect they’ve earned.

ProPublica’s mission is to hold power accountable, and your personal stories are the foundation of our investigative journalism.

By sharing your experiences, you help us identify patterns, expose deficiencies, and advocate for meaningful change that could impact countless others. We understand the sensitivity of these stories and assure you that all submissions will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. We will not publish any identifying information without your explicit permission, and you can choose to remain anonymous if you prefer.

This investigation is more than just a report; it's a collective effort to amplify the voices that too often go unheard.

Your courage to share can make a profound difference, contributing to a body of work that seeks to improve the lives of those who have sacrificed so much. Join ProPublica in this critical endeavor. Help us ensure that leaving the VA is not a step into uncertainty, but a transition supported by a system that truly honors its commitments.