VA grants researchers 90-day reprieve from layoffs, but their futures remain uncertain

A department spokesperson said the temporary extensions “will ensure continuity of all research efforts while VA conducts a comprehensive assessment of ongoing research initiatives to evaluate their impact on Veteran health care.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs is providing term-limited researchers a temporary extension of their appointments if they are set to expire in the next 90 days, according to an email sent to VA personnel on Friday.

In the memo, acting Chief Research and Development Officer Grant Huang said those with ‘Not to Exceed’ — or NTE — term limits, as well as those who are ‘Without Compensation’ — or WOC — employees would be eligible for a 90-day extension of their appointments if they are set to end in the following 90 days. 

The New York Times first reported news of the email. 

The temporary reprieve comes after VA laid off roughly 2,400 total probationary employees across the department since February ...