Trump aims to streamline veterans' benefits with AI

Trump signed an executive order Tuesday aimed at speeding up veterans’ access to healthcare, benefits, and employment services with the help of artificial intelligence.

The order required the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to update their computer systems so military and medical records can be shared continuously from the time someone joins the military throughout the time they receive VA benefits.

When will the changes take place? Within 30 days of the order, the Department of Defense must immediately share military personnel and medical records with Veterans Affairs. It also required the agencies to develop new digital tools using artificial intelligence to help veterans apply for and access their benefits through a single online source. That system is supposed to be in place within 180 days of the order.

The White House said outdated record systems can delay the transfer of military records, slowing access to healthcare, benefits, education and job training for newly returned service members.

The order also called for changes to transition programs so service members leaving active duty can be connected with specific job openings or job-training programs before they separate.

The administration said the changes are intended to make the transition from military to civilian life faster and more efficient.

Has the VA responded? Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins in a statement characterized the reforms as important and said they were putting the department on a good path. He added that the order would make the VA the most accountable agency in the federal government, starting with its employees.