Department of Veterans Affairs

The VA serves approximately 9 million veterans through the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, operating 171 medical centers and over 1,100 outpatient clinics. Beyond healthcare, the VA provides disability compensation, education benefits through the GI Bill (which has helped millions of veterans attend college), home loan guarantees that enable veterans to buy homes with no down payment, and burial benefits. VA spending has grown significantly in recent years due to expanded eligibility under the PACT Act for veterans exposed to toxic substances.