To serve Virginia’s veterans, members of the Virginia National Guard, Virginia residents in the Armed Forces Reserves, and their family members, by ensuring they receive timely transition, employment and education assistance, benefits, health care and long-term care and recognition they have earned through service to our country and Commonwealth.

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services will maximize services to make Virginia the best state in the Nation for veterans and their families to live, work, and raise a family.

Excellence: Provide exemplary service to Virginia’s veterans and their families.

Commitment: An enduring commitment to helping Virginia’s veterans and their families receive all earned federal and state benefits; and create an economic environment that promotes veteran-owned businesses and Virginia companies hiring veterans.

Innovation: Continually find new methods to reach and serve Virginia’s veterans and their families.

Transparency: Communicate with all stakeholders in a direct and sincere manner.

Stewardship: Support a climate of ownership at the lowest possible level.

The Department of Veterans Services (DVS) serves Virginia’s nearly 700,000 veterans and their eligible beneficiaries by ensuring they receive the benefits, support, quality care, and recognition they have earned through service and sacrifice.

DVS is organized into six service lines: Benefits Services; Education, Transition, and Employment Services; Veterans Care Center Services; Veterans Cemetery Services, the Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) program; and the Virginia War Memorial.

Two boards work closely with the agency to support the effective delivery of services to Virginia’s veterans: the Board of Veterans Services (BVS) and the Joint Leadership Council (JLC) of Veterans Service Organizations.

The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (VVFS), a separate agency reporting to the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, accepts donations and raises funds to provide supplemental funding to support DVS programs and services that are not covered by other federal or state sources.

Title 2.2, Chapter 20 provides for the establishment of a Department of Veterans Services and the appointment of a Commissioner of Veterans Services. It sets forth the responsibilities of the department and the powers and duties of the Commissioner.

Compact with Virginia's Veterans: Making Virginia America's most veteran friendly state.

The Code of Virginia (§2.2-2004.17) requires the Commissioner of Veterans Services to: "Establish and implement a compact with Virginia's veterans, which shall have a goal of making Virginia America's most veteran friendly state. The compact shall be established in conjunction with the Board of Veterans Services and supported by the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations and shall: (i) include specific provisions for technology advances, workforce development, outreach, quality of life enhancement, and other services for veterans and (ii) provide service standards and goals to be attained for each specific provision in clause (i). The provisions of the compact shall be reviewed and updated annually. The Commissioner shall include in the annual report required by this section the progress of veterans services established in the compact."

In support of the Compact, the Department of Veterans Services (DVS), in conjunction with the Board of Veterans Services (BVS) and the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations (the JLC) established the following overarching goals:

1. Ensure Virginia veterans and eligible family members receive timely assistance in filing for federal and state disability benefits.


2. Deliver long-term skilled nursing care, assisted living (domiciliary) care, Alzheimer’s/ memory care, and short-term rehabilitation services to Virginia veterans at Virginia’s Veterans Care Centers.


3. Connect veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and their family members to a network of services designed to help them overcome the challenges of stress-related and traumatic brain injuries and rehabilitative needs that result from military service.


4. Provide Virginia’s veterans, their spouses, and other eligible family members an honored final resting place at state veterans cemeteries that meet national shrine standards.


5. Ensure veterans and their dependents have approved educational programs through which they may receive their educational benefits.


6. Ensure that veteran homelessness is a rare, brief, and nonrecurring experience.


7. In conjunction with other state agencies, create employment opportunities for Virginia veterans in state government and the private sector.


8. Honor Virginians who served and sacrificed in the cause of freedom and liberty for the Commonwealth and the nation in time of war, and honor all of Virginia’s veterans by preserving their history, educating our youth, and inspiring patriotism in all Virginians.


9. Coordinate with federal and other state agencies to afford Virginia’s veterans business, employment, transportation, and other appropriate opportunities through technology advances, workforce development, outreach, quality of life enhancement, and other services for veterans and their families.

Overview of the current state of IT in the agency:

DVS provides direct service to Veterans through six service delivery business lines: Benefits; Virginia Veteran and Family Support; Veterans Education, Transition, and Employment; Veterans Care Centers; Veterans Cemeteries; and the Virginia War Memorial. DVS IT maintains a variety of technology solutions and services that are collectively used to deliver services. Apart from supporting IT Applications, DVS IT provides IT Security, Infrastructure and day-to-day IT Operations to 44 field offices, four Veterans Care Centers, three Veterans Cemeteries, the Virginia War Memorial and 1,000+ staff members spread across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

DVS IT strives to provide timely and effective IT services and excellent customer service to our agency employees and customers. We have employed Keystone edge ticketing system to track incidents, and IT requests, measure response times and quality of service. Several projects were initiated across the agency to convert paper documentation to digital format using SharePoint platform.

DVS IT Security program continues to protect the agency by ensuring compliance with COV security policies. The security awareness program is provided by KnowB4 platform. Security team ensures the yearly security awareness training and new employee training are completed as per VITA Sec 527 Policy. A variety of additional methods such as security tips, newsletters and oral presentations are used to deliver security awareness training to DVS staff regularly throughout the year to reinforce how to apply security best practices and appropriately report security incidents.

DVS IT Security have engaged VITA Centralized ISO Security Services (CISS) to facilitate and document Business Impact Analysis (BIAs), Business Processes, Risk Assessments, and System Security Plans for sensitive systems.

DVS service lines use sensitive and mission critical IT applications such VMSDEP Portal, DMS (Zoho), Point Click Care, Kronos, TylerVB (claims development), onShift, Cardinal, and DVS websites. DVS IT provides IT support, reviews ECOS reports and web applications scan reports and ensures the vulnerabilities are resolved in a timely manner.

Other operational initiatives that the DVS IT must manage are VITA program requests and projects, DVS information security and data integrity, and DVS systems and applications support; all of which are critical to the agency being able to meet its mission and objectives.

Factors impacting agency IT:

DVS has over 1,000 staff and contractors supporting operations that are spread across the Commonwealth of Virginia, with 44 field offices,  four Veterans Care Centers, three Veterans Cemeteries, the Virginia War Memorial. IT infrastructure at the field offices and the cemeteries needs continued investment in terms of IT security and VITA Compliance. These geographically separated offices now have a standard network configuration or monitoring tools, making them much less vulnerable to cybersecurity threats such as ransomware attacks. DVS had made investments to improve resilience to address high availability, risk management and disaster recovery needs, but IT Security is an ever-changing environment requiring continued vigilance and investment.

DVS has grown significantly over the last few years. Many existing applications had not kept pace with this growth.  DVS and the Commonwealth have made significant investments to overhaul or replace these systems.

Anticipated or desired changes to agency IT:

DVS is committed to leveraging technology to efficiently deliver services and increase communication and outreach. These major initiatives are underway:

• The Virginia Veterans Network is a virtual network which connects veterans and veteran families to organizations whose missions include providing services and support to veterans and create opportunities to share referral and service information.


• Veterans Integrated Management System (VIMS) is the Department of Veterans Services’ enterprise case management and referral system. VIMS will connect service lines, streamline referral processes, and automate workflows across the agency. VIMS will improve efficiency and quality of work while allowing DVS staff to focus their efforts on connecting veterans and their families to benefits, provide support and services.  VIMS will connect to VVN.


• Identity and Access Management System (IAMS) has brought DVS into compliance with VITA Sec 501 Access Management Controls. Additionally, IAMS enables DVS IT staff to monitor and audit application logins and act when an atypical system behavior is noticed.


• Infrastructure improvements to eight benefit offices to bring the network configuration under COV Security Compliance and improve network capability at these facilities.


• The new Puller Veterans Care Centers will come online in early 2025 with  nearly 250 staff. DVS IT will provide wired and wireless networks, telecommunications, personal computers for the personal and nursing stations, tablets, printers, med carts, IT systems for facility management, IT applications for patient management and other equipment.

As noted in the "Key Risk Factors" section, the Department of Veterans Services faces several challenges in workforce development, including:

• Veterans Care Center section: staffing and funding: industry-wide shortage of health care workers (particularly RNs, LPNs, and Certified Nursing Assistants - CNAs) and competition from other nursing facilities and hospitals;


• Benefit Services section: funding and staffing (hiring/training/retention) to compete with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) and the private sector;


• Cemetery Services staffing (must keep pace with increased number of burials and workload); and


• Virginia Veteran and Family Support funding and staffing (increased service demands/service delivery), plus competition from the USDVA for talent.

The DVS Physical Plant (agency owned/operated) consists of three veterans care centers (with a fourth under construction) and three veterans cemeteries. The Virginia War Memorial is operated by DVS in conjunction with the Virginia Department of General Services (DGS), which is responsible for all executive branch buildings in the vicinity of the state capitol.

The Benefit Services section; Education, Training, and Employment Services section; Virginia Veteran and Family Support program; and Administrative Services section operate from state-owned or leased offices, or from space provided by community partners.

The veterans of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and, indeed, all its citizens, hold DVS facilities to the highest standard. The Virginia War Memorial is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s monument to honor the memory of Virginia’s men and women who demonstrated a willingness to serve and fight to defend our way of life from World War II to the present.

Virginia state veterans cemeteries are held to the highest standards of appearance and standards.  The Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin was recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (USDVA/NCA) with an “Operational Excellence Award” for achieving superior results on the 2024 compliance review inspection, which judges state veterans cemeteries on 94 standards, including appearance.

Virginia's veterans care centers are held as model facilities for the delivery of skilled nursing, Alzheimer's/memory, and short-term rehabilitative care.

For the most part, the Department's physical plant is excellent, due to the exceptional work and dedication of all DVS employees and to the continued support of the Governor, General Assembly, and Department of General Services. Operating, maintaining, and improving the DVS physical plant will continue to be a top priority of the Department. However, continued growth will require additional office space.  One area of concern are the roads at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia, which date to the cemetery’s construction in 1996.  The roads are crumbling and cracking in several places and need to be repaired and resurfaced.  DVS will submit a capital budget request for state funding to repair/repave the roads in FY26.

The cemeteries are developed in phases to add additional burial capacity. Phase expansion projects are funded through federal grants from the USDVA/NCA Veterans Cemetery Grants Programs (VCGP). DVS recently completed expansion projects at the Amelia and Dublin cemeteries that added additional columbaria for the above-ground interment of cremated remains. A VCGP-funded expansion project is underway at the Suffolk cemetery that will add additional columbaria, a second committal shelter for funeral services, and a funeral procession staging lane...  DVS has submitted a VCGP grant request for the next phase expansion at the Suffolk cemetery for additional in-ground casketed burial sites and columbaria, as well as phase expansion for the Amelia and Dublin cemeteries for in-ground cremation burial sites.

At present, the USDVA/NCA/VCGP does not provide funding for maintenance or renovation projects - only for phase expansion and new construction. Funding for maintenance reserve projects comes from state General Fund or Maintenance Reserve funding.

Virginia Public Building Authority (VPBA) bond funding and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grant funding has been approved for four renovation projects: two at the Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center (Richmond) and two at the Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center (Roanoke). VBPA bond funding has been approved or requested for future renovation projects at all four veterans care centers. DVS has submitted or will submit requests for federal grant funding through the USDVA's State Home Construction Grants Program (SHCGP).

Key Risk Factors

Hiring and Retention: Human services fields experience significant turnover in direct services due to fatigue and burn out from client services and higher compensation in private and Federal jobs. This is a significant risk across the agency and especially for the Veterans Care Centers. The COVID-19 global pandemic highlighted what was already and industry-wide shortage of healthcare workers, particularly Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants - CNAs). Competition from other nursing facilities and hospitals, coupled with the overall shortage, continues to put pressure on recruitment and retention. In line with other facilities, DVS has raised salaries and offered recruitment and retention bonuses to attract and keep staff. DVS continues to pursue other solutions, such as in-house training and increased partnerships with local training facilities.

Competition for talent also affects the Benefit Services and Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) programs.  DVS invests significant time and resources in recruiting and training Benefits and VVFS team members, making them in high demand from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) for disability claims adjudication and for work as resource specialists, peer specialists, and justice-involved veterans specialists.

While state human resource (HR) policies provide agencies with HR tools to help agencies recruit and retain qualified staff, the ability to use these tools is limited by available funding. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the mental health workforce staffing concerns across the Commonwealth. Post pandemic, human services providers often seek jobs with higher salaries (in private and Federal agencies) and/or telework opportunities. Hiring quality personnel and retaining critical talent is essential to agency operations.

DVS operates 44 state veterans offices (Benefits and/or VVFS).  Staff turnover impacts the section’s ability to keep all offices fully staffed and operational. This is especially significant because it takes approximately one to two years for a new Veterans Service Representative (claims agent) to become fully trained and proficient.  The Strategic Planning Workgroup (HB1759, 2023 General Assembly) highlighted the need for additional budget resources to retain talent at DVS, especially after the Commonwealth has invested significant time and resources in recruitment and training.  There is a similar investment of time and resources to hire and train new peer specialists, resource specialists, and justice-involved veteran specialist.

Overwhelmingly, employees identify the agency mission and the ability to support our veterans as the reasons they remain with the agency. Greater use of social media platforms, such as Linkedin, will increase prospective candidates’ awareness of our mission and interest in employment.

Infrastructure and Equipment: DVS operates three state veterans cemeteries. The Agency must ensure it has sufficient operating funds for a phased equipment replacement plan to maintain the cemetery grounds to national shrine standards. DVS must also continue to plan at least 3-5 years in the future to ensure federal grant funding is available to support phase expansion of in-ground and above-ground burial capacity at each cemetery.

DVS operates three veterans care centers with a fourth opening in FY25. DVS has submitted grants for federal funds to renovate the veterans care centers in Richmond and Roanoke, as well as to purchase additional equipment for the new centers in Virginia Beach and Fauquier County. State matching funds have already been committed to most of these projects, with additional state matching funds requested.

Information Technology: DVS is working to leverage technology to efficiently deliver services and increase communication and outreach.  DVS has over 1,000 staff and contractors supporting operations that are spread across the Commonwealth of Virginia, with 44 field offices,  four Veterans Care Centers, three Veterans Cemeteries, the Virginia War Memorial. IT infrastructure at the field offices and the cemeteries needs continued investment in terms of IT security and VITA Compliance. These geographically separated offices now have a standard network configuration or monitoring tools, making them much less vulnerable to cybersecurity threats such as ransomware attacks. DVS has made investments to improve resilience to address high availability, risk management and disaster recovery needs, but IT Security is an ever-changing environment requiring continued vigilance and investment.

The department’s funding comes from a variety of general and nongeneral fund sources.

General Fund:

• All operations for the Benefit Services section, the Virginia War Memorial, the Military Medics and Corpsmen (MMAC) program, the Military Spouse Liaison, and the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) and;


• The majority of operations for the Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) program, the Veterans Cemetery Services section, the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, the Virginia Women Veterans Program, and the Administrative Services section.

Nongeneral Fund (Federal Trust):

• G.I. Bill program certification and audit operations of the VETE section;


• A portion of the operating budgets for the Veterans Care Center Services section (in the form of a USDVA per diem paid per patient day and from USDVA payment for care of veterans with a 70-100% service-connected disability rating); and


• A portion of the operating budget for the Veterans Cemetery Service section (in the form of a plot allowance).

Nongeneral Fund (Special Revenue):

• Medicaid and Medicare (Part A and B) reimbursement cover a portion of the operating costs of the Veterans Care Center Services section and the administrative services section; and


• A portion of the Veterans Care Center Services comes from private funds (fee for service).

Nongeneral Fund (Dedicated Special Revenue):

• The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (Virginia), a separate agency, accepts donated funds and allocates funds to DVS to support DVS programs and services. These supplemental funds primarily support the Virginia Veteran and Family Support program and the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program. VVSF also allocates funding to support the Veterans Care Centers, the Veterans Cemeteries, and the Virginia Women Veterans Program. Donors can earmark their donations to VVSF for specific DVS programs.

Department of Veterans Services (DVS) special fund revenues are received as reimbursement for direct resident care provided at the veterans care centers. This revenue comes from Medicaid, Medicare, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) per diem, USDVA payments for care of veterans with a 70-100% service-connected disability rating, and private pay.

Almost 700,000 veterans reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia. One in every 12 Virginians is a veteran. Virginia ranks #5 in the nation in overall veterans population. In FY24, the Department of Veterans Services:

• Filed 21,861 disability compensation claims on behalf of Virginia veterans and families (110,727 total submissions). Served 15,992 new veteran clients contributing to $6.38 Billion in federal compensation and disability payments to Virginia veterans.


• Increased outreach and briefings to educate transitioning service members (TSM) on military installations in Virginia, which resulted in 2,269 Benefits Delivered at Discharge (BDD) Claims  in FY24.


• The Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) program delivered 2,832 individual supportive services to veterans and their families. VVFS and Benefits screened 10,863 veterans for suicide risk.


• Provided higher education access through over 900 programs approved for GI Bill use. Virginia veterans received more than $785 million in G.I. Bill benefits.


• Performed 2,131 burials at Virginia’s three state veterans cemeteries.


• Hosted 61,275 visitors at the Virginia War Memorial.


• Had approximately 24,955 contacts with transitioning service members and spouses through outreach conducted by Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Transition Program. Contact methods include:
  
  
  
  • Transition Assistance Program Briefing and Resource Table outreach: 2,883
  
  
  • Veteran and Transitioning Service Member Registration to attend Hire Vets Now Networking events: 1,453
  
  
  • Transitioning Service Members that received the DVS Welcome Home Letter: 13,521
  
  
  • Transitioning Service Members that requested Boots to Suits assistance: 2,344
  
  
  • Clients that received services with V3 Transition Resource Coordinators: 4,754
  
  
  
  


• Helped 124 medically trained Veterans and military spouses find healthcare related employment in Virginia.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) Veterans Population Forecasting Model 2020 (VetPop2020) show that veteran population Virginia’s veteran population is estimated at about 677,000 and is declining, but at a slower rate than nationwide.

• Virginia ranks #5 in Veteran total population.


• Virginia ranks #1 for Women veterans as a percentage of the total state veteran population – 16.1%.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Virginia.

• Virginia ranks #1 Veteran Full-Time Employed Rate: 58.6%


• Virginia ranks #1 in Labor Force Participation Rate; 60.8%


• Virginia ranks #3 in % of Veteran of total state population – 9.2%

With the opening of the 128-bed Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center in Virginia Beach in November 2023, DVS is now able to provide high-quality skilled nursing care, memory care, and short-term rehabilitative care services to veterans in Hampton Roads. The opening of the 128-bed Puller Veterans Care Center (VCC) in Fauquier County in FY25 will allow DVS to provide the same services to veterans in Northern Virginia.

Several years ago, it appeared that Culpeper National Cemetery would run out of available space for new burials and would close to new interments, meaning that Virginia would need to work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) to construct a fourth state veterans cemetery in the Amherst County area to meet the burial needs of Virginia veterans. However, the USDVA purchased additional land for Culpeper National Cemetery, which now has burial capacity for several more decades. DVS will continue to monitor the burial depletion rate at Culpeper National Cemetery, but it does not appear that USDVA will consider funding the construction of a fourth state veterans cemetery in Virginia for some time.

Veterans Education, Transition, and Employment Services: The Veterans Education, Transition, and Employment directorate ensures that every Veteran or eligible person has a full and fair opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential through assisting and training them in successful strategies for transitioning and gaining a civilian career.  This is accomplished by providing access to GI Bill-approved post-secondary education, training, licensure/certification, entrepreneurial opportunities and V3 certified employers through the V3 Program, V3 Transition Program, Military Medics and Corpsmen Program, Women Veterans Program, State Approving Agency, Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, Military Education and Workforce Initiative, and the Military Spouse Liaison.    

Veterans Benefits: Provides free assistance to Virginia veterans and eligible dependents in accessing federal and state veterans’ benefits related to Disability Compensation, Pension and Appeals. DVS operates 38 benefit services offices.

Virginia Veteran and Family Support: In cooperation with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), VVFS works to help Virginia's most vulnerable veterans and family members by providing timely assessment, treatment, and support through an extensive network of federal, state, and local partnerships, to promote recovery and resilience. VVFS serves veterans of any era who are Virginia residents, members of the Virginia National Guard and Armed Forces Reserves not in active federal service, and family members of those veterans and service members. VVFS serves our most vulnerable veterans, including justice-involved veterans, incarcerated veterans, and those at risk for, or experiencing homelessness. VVFS specializes in closing service gaps and enhancing response systems for all veterans in the Commonwealth and their families, by referring them to mental health, physical rehabilitation, and other services as needed.

Veterans Care Centers: Delivers skilled nursing care, dementia/memory care, and short-term rehabilitative care to Virginia's veterans, predominantly those 65 and older, at veteran’s care centers in Richmond (Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center, 200 beds), Roanoke (Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center, 204 beds), and Virginia Beach (Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center, 128 beds). The 128-bed Puller Veterans Care Center in Fauquier County will open in FY25.

Veterans Cemeteries: Serves the memorial needs of Virginia veterans and eligible dependents at state veterans’ cemeteries in Amelia (Virginia Veterans Cemetery), Dublin (Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery), and Suffolk (Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery).

Virginia War Memorial: The Virginia War Memorial is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s monument to honor the memory of Virginia’s men and women who demonstrated a willingness to serve and fight to defend our way of life from World War II to the present. Through its Education Center, the Memorial serves as the Center of Excellence for the Commonwealth in education of Virginian’s experience of war from the birth of our nation to the present.

Research and Program Evaluation. Supports the Commissioner and agency leaders in carrying out all aspects of the agency's mission in the areas of research, data analysis, new program development, partnership building, process improvement, business process transformation, and program evaluation. This directorate helps shape key agency-wide improvement and strategy initiatives and helps ensure the agency is future-focused. This is achieved through the conduct of extensive research, analysis and interpretation of data to inform the agency leadership in fundamental decisions that impact the future of veteran support.

In FY24, the Department of Veterans Services (DVS)

• Filed 21,861 disability compensation claims on behalf of Virginia veterans and families (110,727 total submissions), contributing to $6.38 Billion in federal compensation and disability payments to Virginia veterans.


• Increased outreach and briefings to educate transitioning service members (TSM) on military installations in Virginia, which resulted in 2,269 Benefits Delivered at Discharge (BDD) Claims for FY24.  Completion of a servicemember’s BDD claim while still on active duty helps ensure disability payments start at separation. Additionally, it also ensures eligibility to transition assistance programs immediately upon separation. This includes USDVA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment services is already established at separation.


• Developed and implemented online appointment software successfully used over 50,000 times since March 2023.


• Virginia Veterans & Family Services (VVFS) delivered 2,832 individual supportive services to veterans and their families. VVFS and Benefits screened 10,863 veterans for suicide risk


• Provided higher education access through over 900 programs approved for GI Bill use. Virginia veterans received more than $785 million in G.I. Bill benefits.


• Performed 2,131 burials at Virginia’s three state veteran cemeteries.


• Hosted 61,275 visitors at the Virginia War Memorial.


• Had 24,955 contacts with transitioning service members and spouses through outreach conducted by the V3 Transition Program.


• Helped 124 medically trained Veterans and military spouses find healthcare related employment in Virginia.


• The Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) received 4,789 applications, and 4,680 applications were approved.


• The Military Education & Workforce Initiative (MEWI) partnered with the Veterans Services Foundation and Altria to start the Virginia Veterans Laptop Project (VVLP) and during FY24- disbursed 470 laptops equitably across every community college in Virginia and to Virginia Commonwealth University for distribution to service members, veterans, or their spouses who were actively enrolled in classes.
  
  
  
  • MEWI distributed 92 laptops through the Virginia VMSDEP program.
  
  
  • MEWI partnered with Altria and the Veterans Services Foundation to provide 65 certifications at no cost to active duty, veterans, and military spouses via the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA). 
  
  
  • MEWI has approved 54 Hire Vets Now Fellowship SkillBridge Program providers. 
  
  
  • MEWI processed, trained, and hosted 67 Transitioning Service Members in the Virginia SkillBridge Program. 
  
  
  • MEWI reviewed and processed 83 Transitioning Service member Hire
  
  
  
  


• The Virginia State Approving Agency helped to provide higher education access through over 900 facilities approved for GI Bill use.


• 46,150 Virginia veterans and family members used their GI Bill benefits in FFY23


• 87 Virginia Post 9/11 beneficiaries used OJT/APP Programs in FFY23


• $785 Million in GI Bill payments were received by Virginia’s beneficiaries.


• 929 Virginia facilities are currently approved for GI Bill use, including colleges, universities, vocational schools, licensure and certifications exam providers, and OJT and apprenticeship programs.  Of these 929, there are 394 active GI Bill approved facilities (at least one GI Bill student), including 157 Institutions of Higher Learning, 126 non-college degree programs, 68 Apprenticeship programs, 38 on-the-job training (OJT) programs, and 5 Flight schools

Grow Virginia Economy and make Virginia the best state in which to Live, Work, and Raise a Family

Provide pathway for veterans to gain education and experience in public policy, preparing them to lead in state government.

• General Assembly appropriates funding to support the establishment of a Military and Veterans Legislative Fellowship Program.

• DVS to prepare a budget estimate and submit to the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than July 15, 2025 for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly Session.

Strong investment in encouraging employers to hire and successfully retain veterans and military spouses.

• General Assembly amends the budget language in Item 456.A. of the Appropriation Act (Chapter 2, 2024 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I) to increase annual funding for the V3 grant program from $100,000 to $1,000,000 and the per grant amount from $1,000 to $5,000.

• DVS to prepare draft language and submit to the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than July 15, 2025 for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly Session.

• DVS to prepare analysis for the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus on V3 grant usage in last five years.

Enhance experience for job-seeking veterans and hiring employers – current processes lack the functionality to efficiently connect these two groups.

• DVS and DWDA will form a working group to develop a pilot job matching and resource navigation program. This program will be a key component of the Virginia Veterans Network, Phase IV. Launch the new program within one year of it being funded.

• DVS to identify resource requirements for the Virginia Veterans Network, Phase IV and submit for consideration by the Governor no later than October 15, 2024 for inclusion in the Governor’s Introduced Budget for the 2025 General Assembly Session.

• DVS and DWDA to report to the Governor the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than October 15, 2025 if legislation or additional budget resources are required, in advance of the 2026 General Assembly Session.

Address military spouse underemployment and root military families in Virginia following active-duty service while alleviating worker shortages in critical sectors in the Commonwealth.

• General Assembly amends the budget language in Item 456.A. of the Appropriation Act (Chapter 2, 2024 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I) to expand eligibility for V3 grants.

• DVS to prepare draft language and submit to the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than July 15, 2025 for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly Session.

Grow Virginia economy and make Virginia the best state in which to Live, Work, and Raise a Family

Assist veterans in navigating the best path to upskill and reskill. Recognize the significant investment that the military has made in training military service members and the experience they have gained through military service.

• General Assembly passes legislation to authorize the workgroup.

• DVS and the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement (DWDA) to identify workgroup members, which should include the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and representatives from Virginia’s public and private institutions of higher education; prepare draft legislation and submit to the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than July 15, 2025 for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly Session.

• Workgroup to deliver a report to the Governor and General Assembly no later than the first day of the 2027 Regular Session.

Waiving residency requirement allows more affordable access to higher education in Virginia, likely informing decisions to move or stay at the end of their service by creating an incentive to anchor military families in Virginia following active-duty service and to bring military families to Virginia following active-duty service.

• General Assembly amends the Virginia code.

• Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to prepare draft legislation and submit it to the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than July 15, 2025 for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly Session.

Supports current efforts to simplify the process for members of the Virginia National Guard to access and utilize the tuition assistance program. This will help improve Virginia National Guard recruiting and retention and sustain high morale and support Guard members and their families.

• General Assembly amends the Virginia code.

• Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) to prepare draft legislation and submit it to the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than October 15, 2024 for consideration during the 2025 General Assembly Session.

Enables transferability of professional credentials to more easily participate in labor force, making Virginia a leader in supporting military spouses in transition.

• DVS will compile a list of the legislation that passed in the 2024 and 2025 General Assembly sessions authorizing Virginia to join compacts and compare it to the list of “Military Spouse Employment and Economic Opportunities” priorities identified by the Department of Defense.

• DVS will identify opportunities for additional compacts and the state agency best placed to prepare draft legislation. In coordination with the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, DVS will work with these agencies to draft proposed legislation for consideration during the 2026 regular session.

• Department of Veterans Services (DVS) will submit draft legislation to the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than July 15, 2025 for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly Session.

Grow Virginia economy and make Virginia the best state in which to Live, Work, and Raise a Family.

Incentivize transitioning service members to remain in or move to Virginia at the end of their active-duty service. Recognize the significant investment that the military has made in training military service members and the experience they have gained through military service. Alleviate worker shortfall in critical sectors in the Commonwealth and prepare veterans for the jobs of the future.

• General Assembly amends the Virginia code.

• Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and the Department of Taxation (TAX) to prepare draft legislation and submit it to the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than July 15, 2025 for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly Session.

Encourage veteran business ownership and support sustainability of veteran-owned businesses.

• General Assembly amends the Virginia code.

• Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (DSBSD) to prepare draft legislation and submit it to the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than July 15, 2025 for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly Session.

Encourage veteran business ownership and support sustainability of veteran-owned businesses.

• General Assembly amends the Virginia code.

• Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (DSBSD) to prepare draft legislation and submit it to the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than July 15, 2025 for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly Session.

Make Virginia the best state in which to Live, Work, and Raise a Family

The Virginia Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display onsite.

• DVS will work with DOE to provide additional support to faculty and staff providing services as well as the children and families they support and report to the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus by July 15, 2025.

Supports retention of VSRs – a serious concern for DVS as compensation does not match the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) or the private sector. DVS is losing well-trained individuals.

• DVS will develop a Career Development Plan (CDP) to support the training and retention of well-qualified and highly trained VSRs.

• DVS will identify the resources needed to implement the CDP and submit it to the Governor and the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than July 15, 2025 for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly Session.

Increase veteran access to behavioral health services across the Commonwealth.

• DVS will sustain coordination (began in 2018) of the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among SMVF with DBHDS to increase veteran access to behavioral health services.

• DVS and DBHDS will deliver a report to the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, and the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than October 15, 2025. The report will identify any requirements for legislation and/or budget resources for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly Session.

• Meet quarterly with DBHDS and Community Services Board (CSB) SMVF Navigator positions (five as of August 2024) to provide military/veteran resource training and collaborate on cross referrals.

• Collaborate with DBHDS to monitor utilization and set targets for CSB-level tracking of referrals to DVS.

Allow for comprehensive assistance for veterans as they navigate complex systems to receive necessary care.

• DVS will plan for the healthcare navigation function in a future iteration (Phase 5) of the digital resource and navigation system (the Virginia Veterans Network - VVN). DVS will identify necessary resources by July 15, 2025.

Increases data sharing among state agencies and enhances data-informed outreach plans for veterans.

• DVS will partner with the Office of Data Governances and Analysis (ODGA) to create and execute a multi-agency data sharing agreement to share veteran-specific data with DVS.

Provides additional funding to effectively reach those currently eligible for services and transitioning out of service and considering staying in Virginia.

• DVS will develop and submit annual budget requests for marketing resources for veteran outreach.

• DVS will launch new marketing and outreach targeted towards transitioning service members (TSMs), designed to retain TSMs in Virginia upon leaving active duty and to attract more TSMs to move to Virginia.

Provide decision-makers with the information they need to evaluate DVS requests for financial support and infrastructure improvements.

• DVS will develop and submit annual requests for federal and state funding to meet National Cemetery Administration goals that there be an active federal or state veterans cemetery within 75 miles of 95% of Virginia’s veterans. An active cemetery is one that has burial space for in-ground casketed burials, in-ground cremated burials, and above-ground cremated burials.

• DVS will develop and submit annual requests for federal and state funding to enable Virginia’s state veterans cemeteries to earn the National Cemetery Administration’s Operational Excellence Award.

• DVS will develop and submit annual requests for federal and state funding to enable Virginia’s veterans care centers to earn a 5-star quality rating from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

• DVS will develop and submit annual requests for federal and state funding to ensure that Virginia’s veterans care centers maintain best in class standards and services for residents.

Make Virginia the best state in which to Live, Work, and Raise a Family

Assist veterans who are experiencing housing problems—an area identified as needing improvement in the scorecard.

• DVS will partner with the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and Virginia Housing to develop a proposal (budget and legislation) for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly session.

• DVS will deliver a budget and legislative proposal to Governor and the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than July 15, 2025 for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly Session.

Encourage veterans to move to Virginia and increase veteran homeownership rate.

• DVS will partner with the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Virginia Housing, and the Virginia Department of Taxation (TAX) to develop a legislative proposal for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly session.

• DVS will deliver a legislative proposal to Governor and the Chairs of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus no later than July 15, 2025 for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly Session.

Make Virginia the best state in which to Live, Work, and Raise a Family

Help veterans obtain and retain permanent housing.

• DVS will assist Virginia Housing, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and homelessness service providers to apply for federal Grant and Per Diem Case Management Grants.

Help military families avoid home foreclosure and improve access to housing stability.

• DVS will assist Virginia Housing, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and homelessness service providers to apply for grant funds to support a Virginia Veterans Mortgage Relief program.

The Veterans Care Center Operations service area operates three long-term care facilities for veterans: the Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center (DMVCC), a 204-bed facility in Roanoke adjacent to the Salem Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center; the Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center (SBVCC), a 200-bed facility adjacent to the Richmond VA Medical Center; and the Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center (JCVCC), a 128-bed facility in Virginia Beach.

The 128-bed Puller Veterans Care Center (PVCC) in Vint Hill, Fauquier County is under construction.

This Service Area directly aligns with and supports the Department of Veterans Services mission of serving Virginia’s veterans by providing health care and comfort to veterans in a clean, safe, caring, and dignified setting appropriate for men and women who have served our country with honor.

To do this, DVS:

• Takes a whole person approach that focuses not just on providing physical health care to residents, but also providing recreational, therapeutic, spiritual, and social opportunities that contribute to overall physical and mental health;


• Operates the care centers as symbols of the Commonwealth’s commitment to her veterans; and


• Serves the greatest possible number of veterans by maintaining the highest practical facility census.

DVS Veterans Care Centers (VCCs) serve veterans of the armed forces of the United States who received an honorable discharge and who currently reside in or entered the armed forces from Virginia.

Admission to the VCCs is based on medical necessity – the potential resident must require the level of care the VCCs provide and the VCCs must be able to provide the level of care the potential resident needs.

All DVS VCCs offer skilled nursing, dementia/memory, and short-term rehabilitative care. In addition, assisted living (domiciliary) care is offered at the Roanoke facility.

• Nursing Care Services and Skilled Care Services: Administration of medication and treatments, monitoring behavior, changes in medical condition, and care for residents by licensed nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, or speech language therapists.


• Dementia/Memory Care Services: Secure units with administration of medication and treatments, monitoring behavior, changes in medical condition, and care for residents with dementia and memory care needs.


• Short-term Rehabilitation Services: In-house rehabilitation services for service members and veterans in need of short-term rehabilitation services.


• Assisted Living Services (DMVCC Only): Provides residents with a limited number of activities of daily living, medication administration, and/or monitoring of behavior patterns.


• Ancillary Services: dietary, physical therapy, activities, spiritual, recreation, family, and community involvement

Virginia's veterans care centers operations are funded by Nongeneral Fund (NGF) revenue sources, which include Medicaid, Medicare, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) payment for veterans who are rated 70-100% service-connected disabled, USDVA per diem for all other veterans, and private insurance.

One-time General Fund (GF) support of $19,100,000 was provided in FY25 to support start-up operations at JCVCC and PVCC and to provide critical operating funds until the new care centers reach full occupancy and have established consistent NGF operating revenue streams.

This service area assists Virginia veterans and family members in the development and submission of service-connected disability and pension claims, as well as death and survivor benefits, to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA). It represents veterans in the appeals process, assists with eligibility for state veterans benefits, and works in conjunction with partners to connect veterans to their federal and state veterans benefits.

This service area directly aligns with the department’s mission of ensuring that Virginia’s veterans and their families receive the federal and state veterans benefits they have earned through service and sacrifice.

Claims development and submission: Prepare and submit disability compensation, pension, and other claims to the USDVA at 38 offices around the Commonwealth. DVS also provides services at offsite locations (libraries, courthouses, veterans posts, etc.) on a regular basis. Finally, DVS offers virtual appointments. Gathering and developing evidence (medical records, unit histories, etc.) necessary to support the claims application package.

Legal representation of veterans: Represent veterans and family members in the appeals process, including hearings at the USDVA Regional Office in Roanoke, and before the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, D.C.

Service Disabled, Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program: In support of the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (DSBSD), Benefits staff certifies that an applicant for the SDVOSB Program meets the Code definition of a service-connected disabled veteran.  DSBSD then determines if the veteran’s business qualifies for the SDVSOB Program.

The operations of the Benefit Services section are supported entirely by the General Fund (GF). Though there is a Nongeneral Fund (NGF) appropriation (spending authority) in the Appropriation Act, the Benefits Services section does not have a NGF revenue source.

The Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) program is operated by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), in cooperation with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), and many other federal, state, local, and community partners.

VVFS was established in 2008 as the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program in response to the growing need to improve and expand services to Virginia veterans and their family members coping with the impact of deployment, military service, posttraumatic stress (PTSD), operational stress, and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI). VVFS monitors and coordinates the delivery of behavioral health, rehabilitative, and supportive services for Virginia veterans and their families.

VVFS works to ensure Virginia veterans receive timely assessments and linkages to treatment and support through an extensive network of federal, state, and local partnerships to promote recovery and resilience. VVFS serves transitioning service members, veterans of any era who are Virginia residents, members of the Virginia National Guard and Armed Forces Reserves, and family members and caregivers of those veterans and service members.

VVFS direct service providers, including resource specialists, peer specialists, and veteran justice specialists, help veterans and families achieve identified goals and periodically monitor their progress toward achieving those goals. VVFS core services include peer and family support and hands-on assistance navigating resources. VVFS also provides outreach, care coordination, and peer support services to our most vulnerable veterans, including justice-involved veterans, incarcerated veterans, and those at risk for or experiencing homelessness.

In FY23, VVFS added the Suicide Prevention and Opioid Addiction Services (SOS) program. The SOS program enhances understanding of suicide prevention and opioid addiction among service members, veterans, and their families  to build and improve community capacity and services. The SOS team operates a community and research grant program and provide internal and external technical assistance and training on behavioral health topics.

The mission of VVFS aligns directly with the DVS mission of serving Virginia veterans and their families. VVFS helps military service members, veterans, and their families thrive by supporting their health and wellness goals and providing peer and family support and care coordination services.

The Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) program is supported primarily by the General Fund (GF).

Almost all the Nongeneral Fund (NGF) appropriation (spending authority) in the VVFS service area – $3,000,000 – is for a non-VVFS program:  the Office of Economic Adjustments (OEA) grant program managed by the Office of the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs (VADA).  DVS serves as VADA's fiscal agent for the OEA grant.

The remaining VVFS NGF appropriation ($282,054) reflects spending authority in case DVS should receive grant funds to support VVFS operations. VVFS has not been awarded any FY25 grants yet.

Donated funds also support VVFS operations – these are held in the Veterans Services Fund and are allocated to support VVFS programs and services (this spending is accounted for in Program 46704).

This service area is responsible for Education, Transition, and Employment Services for veterans, family members, active-duty service members leaving the military, and members of the guard and reserve forces.

Education Services

• The State Approving Agency (SAA) is responsible for approving education institutions and establishments operating in Virginia in order that eligible veterans and their dependents may enroll and receive financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) while pursuing an approved educational course or program through the G.I. Bill. Approved educational programs include state colleges/universities, private and for-profit colleges/universities, technical/trade schools, licensing/certification programs, and OJT/Apprenticeship programs.


• The SAA also conducts compliance surveys of approved educational facilities with at least one veteran/dependent enrolled to verify enrollment data, awards actions, and previous payments for accuracy and to ensure that payments made to eligible veterans and their dependents are within USDVA regulations.


• The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) provides education benefits to spouses and children of military service members killed in action, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who have been rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as totally and permanently disabled or at least 90 percent permanently disabled because of military service. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is certifying eligibility for the program and collaborates with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and Virginia’s public colleges and universities to assist spouses and children of qualified military service members and veterans in attaining their educational goals.


• The Military Education and Workforce Initiative (MEWI) enhances employment opportunities for Virginians who served in the United States military and their spouses by providing a pathway to education, training, certifications, and technology. MEWI partners with the Veterans Services Foundation and education institutions to provide free credentialing and free laptops to student veterans and spouses currently enrolled in higher education programs. MEWI administers the Virginia SkillBridge Program, a DoD SkillBridge approved 3rd Party Program Provider.

Transition & Employment Services

• Supporting the creation of employment opportunities for Virginia veterans through the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program.
  
  
  
  • Assisting veterans transitioning from military service to achieve success through employment, education, or entrepreneurship through the V3 Transition Program (V3T).
  
  
  • Providing transitioning military service members with specialized medical training an opportunity for employment at partner healthcare providers through the Military Medics and Corpsmen (MMAC) Program.
  
  
  
  


• Virginia’s Women Veterans Program (VWVP) provides access to community resources to educate, unify, and empower Virginia’s women veterans, who have served in the military in all eras; by ensuring they receive timely yet appropriate transition and benefits support and employment and education outreach; and health and community advocacy.


• The Military Spouse Liaison works with all DVS service lines to assist military spouses of active duty, reserve, national guard, and veterans of all military branches as well as surviving spouses and caregivers.

DVS recognizes the importance of providing educational, transition, and employment opportunities for veterans and their family members. The Veterans Education, Transition, and Employment section’s mission aligns with the departmental philosophy to support the education, transition, employment, and personal development of veterans and their families.

Nongeneral funds are for the State Approving Agency for Veterans Education and Training (GI Bill program approval) which operates through a contract with the USDVA.

All other Education, Transition, and Employment programs are funded through the General Fund. The number of veterans these programs can serve is dependent on funding levels. As the number of veterans served by the programs grows in future fiscal years, additional resources will be required to meet demand for services.

V3 utilizes non-general (donated) funds to enhance employer outreach and training programs.  These are captured in Service Area 46704.

This service area provides the appropriation (spending authority) for Nongeneral Funds (NGF) transferred to the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) by the Veterans Services Foundation (VSF) to support DVS programs and services.

The VSF is a separate agency of the Commonwealth, governed and administered by a board of trustees, through the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs. DVS and VSF maintain strong ties and work together to fund DVS programs and services for Virginia veterans. The VSF accepts and raises donated funds to support DVS programs and services.

Most funds coming into the VSF are earmarked by donors for specific programs and service lines within DVS. The Foundation also solicits and accepts non-restricted donations that can be allocated to support any DVS program or service. The FY25 and FY26 NGF appropriation reflects spending authority. The actual amount spent (up to $850,000 per FY) is contingent on the amounts approved by the VSF Board of Trustees. If the VSF approves the transfer of resources that exceeds the $850,000 spending authority, DVS would work with the Department of Planning and Budget (DPB) for a spending authority increase.

The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner lead agency operations. They are supported by the Chief of Staff, the Chief Financial Officer, and the Chief Technology Officer, the Directors of Human Resources, Communications, Research & Program Evaluation, and Agency Management Services, and by the Administrative Services team. The Administrative Services section provides fiscal, payroll, procurement, information technology, human resources, development, legislative, and budget support for agency operations. Legal services are provided by the Office of the Attorney General.

The Administrative Services section supports the department’s seven service delivery sections in serving Virginia veterans and family members. The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner lead the agency. The Chief of Staff, Chief Financial Officer, and the Chief Technology Officer, the Directors of Human Resources, Communications, Research & Program Evaluation, and Agency Management Services, and the Administrative Services team provides multiple services to the department's service-delivery sections.

Fiscal Management and Financial Reporting: Budgeting, auditing, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, procurement, construction project tracking and cost reporting, and coordination of receipt and spending of donated funds to the Veterans Services Foundation.

Information Technology: IT systems operations, architecture and infrastructure planning, support, and project management; application development, information security and risk management and data integrity planning, support, and oversight; Continuity of Operations and application disaster recovery.

Continuity of Operations: Implement and maintain continuity capability of operations (COOP) and safety of personnel from an incident that disrupts operations.

Human Resources: Employee recruitment and selection, evaluations, position classification and compensation, grievance processing, and administration of benefits plans.

Communications: Marketing and outreach, agency brochures and information to media, veterans, other agencies, and the public.

Legislation and Policy: Coordination of budget and legislative strategy with key stakeholders, tracking and disseminating information on veteran-related legislation during Legislative Sessions. Development and promulgation of agency operating and management policies. Coordination and management of the Board of Veterans Services and the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations. Management of the agency’s strategic plan. Management of the policy and regulations for §§ 58.1-3219.5, 58.1-3219.9

Research & Program Evaluation: Research, data analysis, new program development, partnership building, process improvement, and business process transformation supported through key metric decision making and support for strategic initiatives.

Agency Management Services:  Leases or use agreements for 44 operating locations, fleet management for leased and agency-owned vehicles, security of DVS facilities, and records management.

Legal: Provided by the Office of the Attorney General

Most funding for the Administrative Services section comes from a General Fund appropriation, while a portion comes from funds transferred from the Department's service sections as a “management fee” for central agency charges.

Virginia’s three state-operated veterans cemeteries provide honorable burial and memorial services to Virginia’s veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and their eligible family members. The Virginia Veterans Cemetery is in Amelia; the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk; and the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin.

This service area directly aligns with the department’s mission of ensuring that Virginia’s veterans and their eligible dependents receive the perpetual care they have earned through service and sacrifice.

All three state veteran cemeteries must meet U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/National Cemetery Administration (USDVA/NCA) rules and requirements.

Interments: three types of interments are offered:

1. In-ground casketed remains,


2. In-ground cremated remains; and


3. Above ground columbarium for cremated remains.

Perpetual care of gravesites, cemetery grounds, and facilities.

Advanced planning for interment and inurnment services:

1. Explaining burial benefits and helping determine eligibility;


2. Conducting outreach to communities, veterans service organizations (VSOs) and our veterans boards; and


3. Assisting veterans and families to complete a pre-application to be buried at a Virginia state veterans cemetery. The pre-application does not commit the Veteran to be buried there, but it does help gather all the necessary documents (DD-214, etc.) in one place.

Coordination with funeral directors, local, state, and federal agencies: Upon the veteran’s death, collect all paperwork, verify eligibility, and enter forms in the Burial Operation Support System (BOSS) for space assignment and ordering the requested grave marker.

Coordination and Burial of unclaimed cremated remains: DVS partners with the government entities, funeral homes, and private organizations to identify the unclaimed remains of veterans. Remains stored at funeral homes, crematories, and medical examiners facilities are transferred to DVS, and we provide a dignified ceremony and final resting place at one of our state veterans cemeteries.

Funding for the Cemetery Services section comes from a mix of state and federal funds.

Federal funds are received in the form of a plot allowance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for each veteran buried, which was $948 in FFY24 and is adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The FY25 and FY26 NGF amounts in the table below represent spending authority, not actual cash revenue.  DVS forecasts that approximately $1.3M in NGF revenue will be received each year in FY25 and FY26 – operating budgets are planned around anticipated revenue ($1.3M), not spending authority ($2.4M).

The Virginia War Memorial is the Commonwealth’s memorial to honor its war dead from World War II to the present, and all patriotic Virginians who rendered faithful service and sacrifice in the cause of freedom and liberty for the Commonwealth and the nation in time of war. The Memorial honors these Virginians by passing their stories of sacrifice forward through various education programs, “Virginians at War” documentary films, lectures, seminars, teacher institutes, conferences, exhibits, and ceremonies. The Memorial includes the Shrine of Memory with the statue of Memory, reflecting pool, eternal flame, amphitheater, memorial plantings, the Galanti Education Center, and the C. Kenneth Wright Pavilion.

The mission of the Virginia War Memorial, as defined in the Code of Virginia, "shall be to honor patriotic Virginians who rendered faithful service and sacrifice in the cause of freedom and liberty for the Commonwealth and the nation in time of war, honor all of Virginia's veterans, preserve their history, educate the public, and inspire patriotism in all Virginians."

The mission of the Virginia War Memorial aligns with the Department of Veterans Services mission of serving Virginia's veterans and their eligible dependents.

Honoring Virginians who served through historic preservation: In addition to the Shrine, recording the names of Virginians who are Missing in Action, preserving the dignity of military medals, ribbons, certificates or other artifacts that come into our possession and making reasonable efforts to determine the rightful owner; Virginians at War documentary film series; Research library and artifact displays to preserve Virginia’s war history and stories.

Indoor and outdoor venue space for DVS, boards, legislators, VSOs and community groups: Paul & Phyllis Galanti Education Center, Heilman Amphitheater, Hargrove Plaza, and the Wright Pavilion are available to DVS and outside groups for educational, legislative or community events (non-political).

The Shrine of Memory-21st Century, dedicated February 29, 2020, honors those lost in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism and those who may be lost in future conflicts. The C. Kenneth Wright Pavilion was also dedicated on February 29, 2020, greatly enhancing the Virginia War Memorial’s ability to provide world-class preservation and education programs. It houses the Virginia Medal of Honor Gallery, a distance learning studio, the Veterans Art Gallery, a research library, and Veterans Hall (a 350-seat divisible lecture space). By relocating the Memorial's administrative space, a major exbibit hall was built in the Memorial's Galanti Center to house rotating exhibits such as 2023’s “50 Years Beyond: The Vietnam Veteran Experience” and 2024’s “D+80 – Virginians in the Normandy Invasion.”

Funding for Virginia War Memorial operations and maintenance comes entirely from General Funds. The number of visitors to the Memorial has steadily increased because of the many patriotic events and educational programs offered at the Memorial.

The Virginia War Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Virginia War Memorial's education programs and capital projects. Educational programs developed by the Memorial and funded through the Foundation, such as the Virginians at War film series, are now used in middle and high schools statewide.