Biden Taps Obama Aide to Lead VA Reforms, Expand Benefits Amid Criticism
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Denis McDonough, Obama's former chief of staff, was appointed by Biden to lead the VA and restore trust in the agency.
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McDonough is tackling continued backlogs of benefits claims and improving access to mental health care.
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The recent PACT Act massively expanded benefits eligibility, posing opportunities and challenges for the VA.
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The VA faces criticism from Republicans over new policies expanding reproductive and transgender healthcare.
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Advocates say McDonough's experience makes him well-suited to lead improvements, though he lacks military experience.