Linda Hersey, Stars and Stripes Journalist Profile

Articles

House adopts 7 bills for improving veterans care and services

1 week ago | stripes.com | Linda Hersey

The U.S. Capitol seen through a window of the Cannon House Office Building. (Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON — Seven bills to improve the delivery of benefits at the Department of Veterans Affairs and address service-connected illnesses in veterans will move to the Senate after being adopted in the House.
Mortgage industry group urges VA to pause shutdown of home loan rescue program

1 week ago | stripes.com | Linda Hersey

The Department of Veterans Affairs building in Washington. (Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON — A mortgage industry group representing small and mid-sized lenders urged Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins to delay ending a home loan rescue program run by the VA that lets veterans facing foreclosure refinance their mortgages at a lower interest rate.
Republican-led legislation bans VA executives from taking bonuses meant for rank-and-file employees

1 week ago | stripes.com | Linda Hersey

Department of Veterans Affairs building in Washington. (Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON — Senior executives at the Department of Veterans Affairs would be banned from ever again taking bonuses that Congress established for rank-and-file workers — including police, housekeepers and claims processors — under legislation adopted by the Senate. Sponsored by Sen.
Repeated orders for medical exams and other common mistakes slow down claims for veterans’ disability

2 weeks ago | stripes.com | Linda Hersey

The Department of Veterans Affairs building in Washington. (Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON — Veterans groups urged the Department of Veterans Affairs to take steps to end common mistakes in claims reviews for disability that include redundant requests for veterans to undergo more medical exams when the clinical diagnoses already are in their records.
Toxic-exposed veterans push for more VA coverage at Democratic-led event

2 weeks ago | stripes.com | Linda Hersey

A discussion with veterans and nonprofit groups about toxic exposures at U.S. military bases was orchestrated by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
VA to end controversial home loan bailout program for veterans

2 weeks ago | pilotonline.com | Linda Hersey

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs will end a controversial mortgage bailout program that provides “last resort” assistance to veterans facing foreclosure and holding VA-backed loans, the agency announced. The Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase Program, known as VASP, will close permanently on May 1, after purchasing more than 17,000 delinquent loans valued at nearly $5.5 billion to keep veterans in their homes, the VA said.
VA to end controversial home loan bailout program for veterans

2 weeks ago | dailypress.com | Linda Hersey

The Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase Program, known as VASP, will close permanently on May 1, after purchasing more than 17,000 delinquent loans valued at nearly $5.5 billion to keep veterans in their homes, the VA said. Originally Published: April 7, 2025 at 8:54 AM EDT
VA employees offered a second chance for ‘deferred resignation’

2 weeks ago | stripes.com | Linda Hersey

The Department of Veterans Affairs building in Washington. (Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs has renewed its offer of deferred resignations, telling employees that they must respond by April 30 to qualify.
Fired workers speak out at unofficial 'shadow hearing' held by Senate Democrats

2 weeks ago | unionleader.com | Linda Hersey

WASHINGTON — A fired federal worker who was the information security lead for VA.gov — the online platform that enables veterans to manage their benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs — warned users' health information and other sensitive data is at risk because of workforce reductions across the federal government.
VA to shutter home loan bailout program for veterans

2 weeks ago | stripes.com | Linda Hersey

Department of Veterans Affairs headquarters has seen Dec. 23, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs will end a controversial mortgage bailout program that provides “last resort” assistance to veterans facing foreclosure and holding VA-backed loans, the agency announced.