The president issued an executive order directing the Department of War and the Department of Veterans Affairs to update information technology systems and share medical records to accelerate access to benefits. The executive order, signed Sept. 8, 2026, and released Sept. 11, 2026, aims to improve the transition of military personnel from active-duty service to civilian life.
Outdated data systems and records management procedures hinder the sharing of military personnel files and medical records between the two departments, the order states. These complications result in delays in healthcare coverage, benefits processing, payments, education opportunities, and job placement for veterans. The order directs agencies to rectify the problem so veterans promptly receive entitled services.
Within 30 days of the order, the Department of War must ensure all current service member personnel files, health records, and treatment records are shared immediately with the Department of Veterans Affairs when a member is discharged. Within 180 days, the secretaries of War and Veterans Affairs must establish updated systems and policy guidance. This will ensure permanent and ongoing sharing of all official records from the moment an individual enters military service until they no longer require benefits.
The order also requires the departments to deploy new digital tools using artificial intelligence and other emerging capabilities within 180 days. These tools will streamline applications for benefits in a comprehensive single source, which will include job training and opportunities offered by the Department of Labor. Additionally, within 120 days, the agencies must review and modify existing software and information technology contracts to require interoperability between the departments’ records systems.
The contract reviews will be conducted in consultation with the secretary of Health and Human Services and the director of the Office of Management and Budget. The directive specifically includes the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, the Federal Chief Information Officer, and the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy. All future contracts for medical and personnel information technology must also include the interoperability requirement.
To accelerate access to quality employment, the Department of War has 180 days to update the Transition Assistance Program and other workforce programs. Departing service members must be connected to specific open jobs related to their skills, interests, and goals outlined in America’s Talent Strategy or the Department of War’s Project Patriot Pipeline. Alternatively, separating members can choose to enroll in career and technical education, eligible Department of Labor training programs, or registered apprenticeships.
The updated workforce programs will also connect departing personnel with appropriate veterans’ representatives from federal, state, or local governments. These representatives will facilitate applications for healthcare, disability, home loans, job placement, and education benefits. The order notes it will be implemented subject to the availability of appropriations, with publication costs paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs.