Department leaders have used high-profile partnerships and ad campaigns to reach out to veterans perviously leery of VA programs.
House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said the service is not sized to meet increasing threats from China and Russia.
A provision in the must-pass defense measure would block certain military medical care options for transgender youth.
After lawmakers agreed to plans to boost pay for junior enlisted troops, they are now shifting focus to more senior enlisted members.
