President Trump signs executive order to speed up veterans' benefits

WASHINGTON D.C. – President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order on September 8, 2026, aimed at modernizing data management and sharing between the Departments of War and Veterans Affairs. The order seeks to expedite veterans' access to earned benefits and employment opportunities.

The directive mandates that the Secretaries of War and Veterans Affairs update information technology systems to ensure the seamless sharing of Official Military Personnel Files and Service Treatment Records from the moment an individual enters military service through their receipt of Veterans Affairs benefits. This aims to eliminate the current delays, which average 90 to 180 days, in transferring records.

Furthermore, the order directs the creation and deployment of new digital tools, incorporating secure artificial intelligence and emerging capabilities, to streamline veterans' applications for benefits. These tools will consolidate information into a single, comprehensive source, while adhering to applicable privacy protections.

Coordination with the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Health and Human Services is also required to ensure future information technology contracts facilitate electronic sharing of personnel and medical files. This is particularly crucial for National Guard and Reserve component personnel who frequently transition between active duty and VA-eligible status.

In addition to benefits access, the order calls for an overhaul of the Transition Assistance Program. The Secretaries of War, Labor, and Veterans Affairs will work to improve career guidance, job opportunities, and training for service members leaving active duty. The program will also proactively connect transitioning service members with federal, state, or local government veterans specialists to assist with benefit applications.

The administration stated that these changes are designed to remove antiquated system barriers and deliver results for service members and veterans who have served with courage and sacrifice. The current Transition Assistance Program framework has often left service members confused about applying for benefits or accessing employment programs.

This initiative builds on previous efforts, including an Executive Order signed in the President's first term that provided veterans access to mental healthcare and suicide prevention resources during their transition. Revised policies in April 2025 also facilitated responsible AI adoption to improve public services.