WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — The Forever GI Bill, passed by Congress in 2017, offered enhanced education support for veterans and required called for the Veterans Benefits Administration to modernize its information technology systems to improve delivery of services.
But the VA's effort to develop a streamlined platform for vets to access education benefits has encountered serious setbacks and cost overruns, according to the Department's Office of Inspector General.
The OIG found that completion of the Digital GI Bill platform upgrade is now delayed until at least July, 2026 and will be about $479 million over budget.
"The Digital GI Bill platform effort was impacted by poor planning, missteps in implementation and cost overruns," said Nicholas Dahl, VA Deputy Assistant Inspector General.
Members of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity made their displeasure clear.
"And year after year after year after year, every single IT project has been a galactic failure from the VA. And that's not acceptable. And people need to start losing their jobs or they need to resign," said Rep Derrick Van Orden (R-Wisconsin).
"Our veterans are being treated as Guinea pigs in the process and it's deeply disturbing to me, because you're getting your profit, and you're getting your salary. And our veterans and their families are suffering," said Rep Matt Rosendale (R-Montana).