WASHINGTON, D.C. — The order states that outdated records management and data systems hinder file sharing between the Department of War and the Department of Veterans Affairs. These hindrances result in delays in healthcare coverage, benefits processing, education opportunities, and job training for veterans.

Within 180 days, the Secretary of War, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, must update the Transition Assistance Program and other workforce programs. The updated programs must ensure service members leaving active duty are connected to specific open jobs related to their skills and interests prior to separation, to the maximum extent practicable. Alternatively, service members may enroll at their discretion in career and technical education, Department of Labor-funded employment or training programs, or registered apprenticeships for which they have priority.

Service members must be connected with appropriate veterans' representatives to facilitate applications for healthcare, disability, home loan, job placement, or education benefits. The costs for publication of the order shall be borne by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The order applies nationwide within the United States. Executive Order 14426 was filed with the Federal Register on September 10, 2026, under document number 2026-18738.

Why It Matters

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides healthcare services at 170 VA medical centers and outpatient clinics located throughout the country. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is a department of the United States government. The United States Department of Defense has used 'Department of War' as a secondary name since 2025. An Executive Order is an order of the executive branch to another government agency or to the population of a country.

Timeline

On August 21, 2026, the Labor Department published a rule titled "Modifications to the Regulations Implementing the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as Amended". On September 8, 2026, the President signed Executive Order 14426. It directs the Secretary of War and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to share Official Military Personnel Files and Service Treatment Records with the Department of Veterans Affairs immediately upon a service member's discharge or release from the Armed Forces.

The order requires the sharing of records to begin within 30 days of the order's date and continue thereafter. Within 120 days, the Secretary of War and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must review and modify existing information technology contracts to ensure interoperability with military personnel and health records systems. All future contracts for medical and personnel information technology systems must include requirements for interoperability with Department of War and Department of Veterans Affairs records systems. The order mandates the creation and deployment of new digital tools using artificial intelligence within 180 days to streamline veterans' applications for benefits.

What's New

The Labor Department published a rule titled Modifications to the Regulations Implementing the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as Amended on August 21, 2026. An Executive Order is defined as an order of the executive branch to another government agency or to the population of a country.