An Examination of the External and Internal Forces that have Shaped the Department of Veterans Affairs

THE INTENT OF THIS WORK IS TO RESEARCH THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SHAPING FORCES THAT HAVE CHANGED THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (DVA) AT THE STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL LEVEL. THE HISTORY OF DVA, MAJOR LEGISLATIVE, EXECUTIVE, AND JUDICIAL SHAPING FORCES HAVE MOLDED THE DEPARTMENT. HOWEVER, THE SCANDALS OF CHARLES FORBES AND THE ARMY ACTIONS AGAINST THE BONUS ARMY MADE LASTING IMPRESSIONS ON THE DEPARTMENT. THE MODERN DVA WAS CREATED WHEN A PARTNERSHIP OF VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WORKED TOGETHER TO ADDRESS VETERANS SERVICE NEEDS. IMPROVING THE MODERN VERSION OF THAT PARTNERSHIP WILL REMEDIATE PAST ISSUES AND INCREASE PLANNING FOR EVOLUTIONARY CHANGES RATHER THAN REACTIONARY CHANGES.