Officials said the staff changes are not part of larger efforts to eliminate diversity and inclusion programs from the department. White House officials said VA financial assistance programs do not violate rules banning diversity and inclusion efforts. The top watchdogs for the Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs were among the individuals dismissed by Trump. The moves come after a White House executive order mandating an end to federal equity and inclusion efforts. About two-thirds of Veterans Affairs jobs will be excluded from a White House order blocking new hiring. VA hires about 40,000 new workers every year to maintain operations at VA medical sites. It's unclear if that can continue under Trump's hiring halt. Nominee Doug Collins said he wants to expand VA's community care program while still strengthening the existing department health care system. Punishing underperforming VA workers was a priority during Trump's first term. Congressional leaders want to zero in on the problem again. Department leaders have used high-profile partnerships and ad campaigns to reach out to veterans perviously leery of VA programs. The Office of Special Counsel said VA owes about $110 million to nearly 1 million veterans for voided medical co-pays. Load More