VA to Cut 30,000 Jobs by September, But There’s a Surprising Catch

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that it will reduce its workforce by approximately 30,000 employees by the end of the 2025 fiscal year, which ends on September 30, 2025. The department emphasized that the reductions will not involve mass layoffs. Instead, the cuts will come from natural attrition, early retirements, and a hiring freeze for non-essential positions.

This move aligns with a larger federal initiative known as the DOGE program, which aims to streamline government operations by reducing staff sizes across multiple agencies.

Staff Numbers Are Already Going Down

As of January 1, 2025, the VA employed around 484,000 people. By June 1, that number had dropped to 467,000 — a reduction of 17,000 employees in just five months. The VA projects that another 12,000 workers will leave voluntarily or through retirement before the end of September 2025.

Here’s a snapshot of the staffing change:

Date	Staff Count	Change
January 1, 2025	484,000	—
June 1, 2025	467,000	-17,000
September 30, 2025*	455,000 (projected)	-12,000
Total Reduction	—	-29,000

These changes place the VA well within its target of cutting around 30,000 jobs for the fiscal year.

No Mass Firings or Reduction in Force (RIF)

VA officials have reassured the public and employees that the job cuts will not be implemented through layoffs or a formal Reduction in Force (RIF). Instead, the department is pursuing a gradual, low-disruption approach through several strategies:

• Natural Attrition: Vacant positions left by resigning or retiring employees will not be refilled.
• Voluntary Early Retirements: Eligible employees are being offered early retirement options.
• Hiring Freeze: The VA has paused hiring for most roles unless deemed critical to core operations.
• Planned Departures: In some cases, employees have agreed to resign later in the year, smoothing the transition process.

This non-invasive strategy allows the VA to reduce workforce numbers without forcing anyone out, minimizing negative impacts on morale and public perception.

Services Still Running Strong

Despite the ongoing staff reductions, the VA reports no drop in performance across its core services. In fact, the agency has already processed over 2 million disability claims in fiscal year 2025.

Additionally, the department continues to advance its electronic health record modernization project, one of the largest healthcare technology overhauls in federal history. The system aims to improve coordination and efficiency in delivering care to millions of veterans.

VA Secretary Doug Collins noted that the department’s productivity has remained solid and may have even improved in some areas, thanks to strategic management upgrades and smarter use of technology.

Pressure Led to a Softer Workforce Reduction Plan

Earlier in 2025, there were reports that the initial goal was to cut as many as 80,000 jobs at the VA. This announcement triggered concern among veterans’ groups, lawmakers from both parties, and VA staff.

Critics argued that such a massive reduction could threaten the quality and accessibility of veteran services, especially as the number of veterans needing care continues to rise.

In response to this pressure, the VA revised its target downward to a more manageable figure of 30,000 jobs, focusing on gradual reductions rather than rapid downsizing. This softer approach is now seen as a middle ground that addresses budget constraints without endangering service delivery.

What You Should Know About the 2025 VA Job Cuts

Here are several important takeaways for employees, veterans, and policymakers:

• No layoffs: The reduction will occur without forced terminations.
• No disruption to services: Core VA programs, including healthcare, disability processing, and veterans’ benefits, will continue without delays.
• Focus on efficiency: The workforce cuts are tied to broader efforts to make government operations more cost-effective.
• Federal alignment: Other government agencies are also reducing staff under the DOGE cost-saving initiative.
• Future evaluations: The VA will continue monitoring its workforce needs and may adjust strategies in upcoming fiscal years.

What Is the DOGE Initiative?

The Departmental Operational Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative is a federal program aimed at reducing government expenditures by shrinking the size of the civil service across multiple departments.

Launched in late 2024, the DOGE initiative targets administrative redundancy, overlapping responsibilities, and outdated job functions that can now be handled by automation or digital tools.

The VA is one of the largest federal employers, and its participation in the DOGE program is seen as a key component in meeting the government’s broader fiscal targets.

How the Cuts Will Affect VA Employees

For current employees, the downsizing plan means greater workload redistribution, particularly in departments where open roles are not being filled.

However, the agency has promised:

• No surprise job terminations
• Clear communication about retirement and attrition policies
• Support for employees choosing early retirement
• Continued training and reskilling opportunities in evolving roles

For those remaining, the focus will be on maintaining service levels through smarter scheduling, tech-enabled support, and streamlined case management systems.

Impact on Veterans and the Public

The VA has been clear and consistent in its message: Veterans will not see a drop in services.

From claims processing to medical care, the agency has pledged to keep all public-facing functions running smoothly, even as internal headcount is reduced. With technology upgrades and a refined workforce strategy, officials are confident the department will remain fully functional through the transition.

Still, veterans’ organizations are watching the process closely and are expected to raise concerns if service delivery is impacted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will any VA employees be laid off?
No. The VA has confirmed that there will be no formal layoffs or RIFs. All workforce reductions are being handled through voluntary exits, retirements, and attrition.

2. Will veterans experience delays in services due to the staff cuts?
No. The VA has stated that its core services — including healthcare, benefits, and claims processing — will remain uninterrupted and fully staffed.

3. Why is the VA cutting jobs in 2025?
The cuts are part of a federal cost-saving initiative (DOGE) aimed at reducing the size of the government workforce and improving operational efficiency.

4. What was the original staff reduction target?
Initial reports suggested a plan to cut up to 80,000 jobs, but following backlash, the VA revised that number to around 30,000 jobs by the end of FY2025.

5. Are other government agencies also cutting staff?
Yes. The VA is one of several federal departments participating in the DOGE program, with similar staff reductions happening across various agencies to meet national budget targets.