Trump Proposes $488 Billion VA Budget for Fiscal 2027

The budget request represents a 10-fold increase for the VA since 2001.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:37pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of the entrance to a VA medical center, with a lone figure walking through the doorway. The building is bathed in warm, golden sunlight, creating deep shadows and a sense of quiet contemplation.The proposed $488 billion VA budget aims to modernize facilities and improve care for the growing population of aging veterans.Manchester Today

The Department of Veterans Affairs would see its budget increase by 7.7% in fiscal 2027 under the White House's proposed $2.2 trillion federal budget. The VA's $488 billion budget request includes $205.6 billion in discretionary funding and $282.6 billion for mandatory spending on benefits and services.

Why it matters

The proposed VA budget increase reflects the growing needs of older veterans and those who served in recent conflicts, as the VA's budget has ballooned significantly over the past 25 years. However, the request to shift some mandatory funds to discretionary spending could raise concerns among lawmakers.

The details

Highlights of the discretionary spending proposal include $500 million for homeless veteran facilities, $1.3 billion for a new medical center in Manchester, NH, nearly $2 billion to replace the Indianapolis VA medical center, and $30 million to buy land for a new facility in San Antonio. The budget also supports the VA's planned changes to community care contracts and the electronic medical record system.

  • The VA plans to restart its electronic medical record system program this month at four facilities, with an additional nine joining later this year.
  • The president's proposed budget represents his vision for the federal government in fiscal 2027.

The players

Doug Collins

VA Secretary, who said the proposal will enable the department to deliver timely care and benefits for all beneficiaries.

Donald Trump

The President, whose $2.2 trillion budget proposal for fiscal 2027 includes nearly $1.5 trillion in spending for the Defense Department and increases for the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“This budget request reflects VA's efforts to find more effective and efficient ways to serve our mission and maximize our resources.”

— Doug Collins, VA Secretary

What’s next

The president's proposed budget represents Trump's vision for the federal government and serves as a blueprint for Congress to consider as it starts its fiscal 2027 appropriations process.

The takeaway

The significant increase in the VA's budget over the past 25 years reflects the growing needs of older veterans and those who have served in recent conflicts, though the request to shift some mandatory funds could raise concerns among lawmakers.