Updates to VA's Staffing Handbook

In September and October 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) revised various sections of its Staffing Handbook (VA Doc. 5005) to conform to the administration's new mandates, as well as laws enacted since the last update to the policies. Updated policies include VA policies on: the Pathways program, VA's termination of unions, noncompetitive conversion to career or career-conditional appointments of certain students and recent graduates, appointment of current or former land management employees, sharing certificates of eligibility with other agencies, temporary and term appointments, Scientific and Professional (ST) appointments, and filling positions restricted to preference eligible candidates.