The VA's Office of Inspector General found facilities reported 4,434 staffing shortages this fiscal year, which is a 50% increase from fiscal year 2024.

Health care staffing shortages at the Department of Veterans Affairs are on the rise, according to a new watchdog report.

In the report, out Tuesday, the VA’s Office of Inspector General, or OIG, found Veterans Health Administration facilities reported 4,434 staffing shortages this fiscal year, which is a 50% increase from fiscal year 2024.

Almost all — 94% — of facilities reported severe shortages for medical officers, while 79% of facilities reported severe shortages for nurses, according to the report.