The Office of Budget supports the Department in service to Veterans by managing the strategic and policy decision making processes in the formulation, execution, analysis, justification and preparation of the Department’s budget. The office serves as the primary liaison with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Congressional appropriations committees to defend and promote the Department’s program plans and budget estimates. The office also coordinates closely with program officials to ensure budget requests are technically accurate, performance-based and focused on improving the Veteran experience.

President’s Budget Request – Fiscal Year 2025:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Submission CoverThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is requesting a total of $369.3 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2025, a 9.8 percent increase above FY 2024 estimated levels. The FY 2025 budget provides robust funding for the Secretary’s top priorities. This includes 134 billion in discretionary funding and resources for health care, benefits and national cemeteries. Additionally, there is $235.3 billion in mandatory funding, an increase of $41.8 billion or 21.6 percent, above 2024 for benefit programs, inclusive of Compensation and Pensions, Readjustment Benefits, Housing and Insurance, and continued funding for the Toxic Exposures Fund.

Current Budget Submission

Generic Annual Budget Time Frame

Budget Formulation

Internal Budget Review

  • May—The Department issues internal guidance
  • June—Offices submit preliminary budget requests and legislative proposals
  • July—Internal budget discussions and final agency decisions by Secretary
  • August—Prepare the budget submission to OMB

OMB and President’s Budget Review

  • September—Budget request submitted for OMB
  • October—OMB conducts hearings and reviews the budget request
  • November and December—OMB Passback and final decisions on appeals
  • December and January—Preparation of the President’s budget and Congressional Justifications

Congressional Budget Review

  • 1st Monday in February—Submission of budget to Congress
  • February and March—Congressional hearings on VA’s budget request
  • April and Beyond—Congress completes action on the budget resolution and enacts. The appropriation bills that will be signed by the President.

Budget Execution

First Quarter

  • October—Fiscal Year Begins; prepare apportionments; issue funding allocations. Submit budget and performance operating plans within 30 days after enactment.
  • November—Submit Performance and Accountability Report of previous fiscal year.
  • January—Submit quarterly budget status report to Congress.

Second Quarter

  • April—Submit quarterly budget status report to Congress.

Third Quarter

  • July—Submit quarterly budget status report to Congress.

Fourth Quarter

  • October and November—Issue instructions for preparation of annual budget and performance operating plans for next fiscal year.
  • Close out Fiscal Year.