WASHINGTON, D.C. — All 176 Veterans Affairs health care programs reviewed in 2025 met national quality and safety standards, according to a new assessment by the Joint Commission, signaling broad compliance across the VA system.
What This Means for You
- Veterans can expect care that meets national safety and quality standards
- Expanded services and appointments may improve access to treatment
- Continued oversight could lead to further improvements in care delivery
The Joint Commission, an independent organization that evaluates and accredits health care providers based on safety and performance standards, conducted site visits to VA hospitals, behavioral health programs, home care services, and outpatient facilities during the year.
All programs assessed received accreditation, and reviewers issued fewer “requests for improvement” — recommendations to address gaps in care or operations — than the national average.
Improvements Across VA Facilities
The evaluation found that VA programs showed measurable progress compared to 2024, including advancements in treatment and facility operations.
Among the programs highlighted were a virtual reality-based system used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and research initiatives aimed at improving how medical centers serve veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors.
Jonathan B. Perlin, president and chief executive officer of the Joint Commission, said the results reflect sustained performance.
“VA’s health system has consistently upheld high standards for patient safety and healthcare quality in the industry,” Perlin said.
Access and Capacity Expanding
Federal officials also pointed to broader system changes tied to care access.
The VA said it has opened 34 new health care facilities nationwide and enrolled more than 100,000 additional veterans in care in 2026.
In fiscal year 2025, the department completed more than 82 million appointments, an increase of 4.1 percent from the previous year.
To improve scheduling flexibility, the VA offered more than 2.3 million appointments outside normal business hours.
Benefits and Infrastructure Updates
The department also reported progress in reducing the backlog of veterans awaiting benefits decisions, which it said has declined by 67 percent since January 20, 2025.
In addition, the VA plans to invest nearly $5 billion in fiscal year 2026 to repair and modernize health care facilities, described as the largest non-recurring maintenance investment in its history.
Housing and Support Services
Efforts to address homelessness among veterans also expanded.
The VA said it permanently housed 51,936 veterans in fiscal year 2025, the highest annual total in seven years.
Next Steps
VA Secretary Doug Collins said the department will continue focusing on access and service improvements.
“These results are yet another example of how VA is improving for Veterans,” Collins said.
The Joint Commission will continue periodic evaluations to ensure ongoing compliance with national standards.
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