5 things to know in veterans news: An AI-ready workforce, psychedelic medication, honoring atomic veterans

A new report by a federal watchdog emphasizes the need for the Department of Veterans Affairs and other government agencies to have a well-trained AI workforce.

The Government Accountability Office issued a report on Monday that looked at opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence poses at the VA for managing disability claims and benefits.

Sterling Thomas, chief scientist on the GAO’s science, technology assessment and analytics team, presented the findings at a hearing of the House Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee on technology modernization.

The hearing looked at how AI technology could be deployed to modernize the VA’s claims process.

“AI holds substantial promise for improving government operations, and VA is exploring multiple uses of AI for disability benefits, such as claims processing,” according to the report. “However, GAO has reported that generative AI can increase risk and hinder accountability, in part because even its designers may not fully understand how it works.”

The report underscored the importance of having an “AI-ready workforce” to manage the technology.

But the report identified gaps in the technical skillset of the VA workforce. “More specifically, there is a severe shortage of federal staff with AI expertise,” it said.

The VA and other federal agencies face challenges attracting, developing and retaining individuals with expertise in generative AI, according to the report.

“One option Congress has considered is to establish a new digital services academy — like the military academies — to train future workers,” the report said.

Marine Corps combat veteran Matt Metzger holds a plate of psilocybin mushrooms he grows for microdosing in Olympia, Wash., March 26, 2025. The Department of Veterans Affairs announced a partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services to advance the development of rapid-acting psychedelic drug products approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating mental health conditions in veterans. (Lindsey Wasson/AP)

VA forms partnership with HHS to develop fast-acting psychedelic treatments

The VA announced that it entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Health and Human Services to work together on research, clinical development and “responsible deployment” of rapid-acting psychedelic drug products approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The strategy is for the VA and HHS to collaborate on new medications derived from hallucinogens that show promise in easing the symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems diagnosed in veterans.

The agreement follows President Donald Trump’s executive order, titled “Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness,” which directed the VA and HHS to share data and collaborate in clinical trials that “lead to the timely evaluation and approval of these drugs.”

“Under the agreement, HHS and VA will coordinate workforce training, develop evidence-based clinical protocols, support research and real-world evidence generation, and prepare the VA health care system to responsibly implement future FDA-approved rapid-acting psychiatric drug products as they become available,” according to a joint statement by the two federal agencies.

Bill to help radiation-exposed veterans introduced on National Atomic Veterans Day

A bill to expand compensation for veterans, miners, downwinders and uranium workers exposed to radiation from the U.S. nuclear weapons program was introduced Thursday on National Atomic Veterans Day.

National Atomic Veterans Day is recognized annually on July 16, the anniversary of the 1945 “Trinity Test” when the Army detonated the world’s first nuclear weapon in the New Mexico desert as part of the top-secret Manhattan Project.

Lawmakers marked the day by introducing the Radiation Exposure Reauthorization Act of 2026, which would help cover health care costs of individuals with cancers and other diseases related to radiation exposure from nuclear weapons.

“Known by its code name, Trinity, the test took place in the Jornada del Muerto desert and marked the dawn of the atomic age — just weeks before atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, bringing World War II to its close,” said Keith Kiefer, national commander of the National Association of Atomic Veterans.

The Radiation Exposure Reauthorization Act of 2026 would expand eligibility to additional veterans and add more qualifying illnesses for compensation, according to the bill.

The bill would extend downwinder coverage areas and compensate individuals exposed to Manhattan Project waste across several states.

“Through events like the Trinity test (July 16, 1945), the Church Rock uranium mill spill (July 16, 1979), and other nuclear tests and incidents, workers and communities have suffered devastating health consequences,” according to the bill’s supporters.

VA vows to make it easier to apply for benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs has embarked on a plan to simplify the application process for benefits and reduce the time it takes to complete paperwork.

The VA published its plans in June for making it easier for veterans to apply for disability compensation and for their surviving spouses and family members to seek survivor pensions and dependency and indemnity benefits.

For example, the VA is proposing to reduce the 15-page application for disability assistance to five pages by making the instructions easier and eliminating redundant elements.

The new forms are expected to be available by December.

The public can comment on the proposals for streamlining forms for disability compensation and forms for dependency and indemnity compensation, survivor pensions and accrued benefits.

“No veteran or surviving family member should face unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles when seeking the benefits they’ve earned,” said Doug Collins, the VA secretary.

The remains of James Torka, 36, of Michigan have been positively identified by the POW/MIA Accounting Agency, more than 80 years after he was declared missing in action during World War II. (Bay County, Mich., Department of Veterans Affairs)

Remains of World War II soldier returned 80 years after his death

The remains of James Torka, an Army technician fifth grade, have been positively identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency at the Defense Department and will be returned to his Michigan home, according to the Bay County Department of Veterans Affairs, in Bay City, Mich.

The POW/MIA Accounting Agency used advances in forensic science to identify Torka’s remains, according to the county veterans office, which was notified of the discovery.

Torka, 36, was declared missing on Dec. 21, 1942, while serving with the 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division, according to the county veterans office.

His remains were located and recovered in Papua, New Guinea. He was killed in action.

“The Bay County native served during World War II but never came home, leaving his family without the chance to bury him,” the county veterans office said.

Torka entered the Army in April 1941. Prior to that, he worked in the auto industry in Flint, Mich., with Fisher Body Company.

His niece, Delores Kerr, will receive his remains, and a public funeral with military honors will be held in his honor. A date has not been scheduled.

Torka will be interred at a local cemetery, next to his parents, according to the county veterans office.

“It is a profound honor to welcome James Torka home,” said Bay County Executive Jim Barcia. “Although more than 80 years have passed since his sacrifice, our community has never forgotten those who gave everything in service to our nation. Today, we fulfill a promise that no service member is ever forgotten.”