VA's 40 New Health Centers Face Up to 40% Staff Vacancy Rates

NewsData.io · United States · Oct 1, 2026

The Department of Veterans Affairs has built or updated roughly 40 health care facilities following expanded benefits legislation, but is struggling to fill positions — with 97% of VA facilities reporting severe shortages of doctor candidates and 86% facing severe nursing candidate shortfalls, according to the VA's inspector general. The flagship Fredericksburg, Virginia clinic carries a nearly 40% vacancy rate 18 months after opening, and roughly half of the new facilities had double-digit vacancy rates as of July. The VA cites competition with the private sector and a national rural healthcare workforce crisis as primary drivers. Recruiters specializing in physician, nursing, and allied health placements may find expanded opportunity in VA-adjacent markets as the agency struggles to compete on compensation and retention.