Each of the agencies you mentioned is like a trying to transfer between companies. The VA is a different animal and once there - that's it! In fact the worst managers got sent to our hospital from other VA hospitals as a last chance and most leave the VA within a year or so.

Anyone can apply for positions in other VA hospitals that are posted and those that have been with the VA have priority (supposedly). I worked with a woman that has a master's degree in social work and she was passed over for that position in the same hospital because the management didn't like the fact that she had gone to the union to complain about harassment. The position was filled from outside the VA. She's still a receptionist after 10 years and works as a social worker on weekends outside the VA.

True, veteran's preference (part of the point system) does favor vets over civilian applicants for most government positions, but that is no guarantee of a job.

Well run companies that are nationwide have the same transfer options for employees. Humana, a hospital corporation that buys up hospitals, allows transfers from state to state within their system of hospitals. In all cases, a personal file is already available to help other managers in the review of candidates and a phone call between managers can determine employment outcomes. No guessing how one did at other jobs (most times).

Again, VA problems may be due in part because of underfunding, but what I've seen is blatant mismanagement and government waste to the tune of millions. Cosmetic changes don't cut it. There is no excuse for incompetence, apathy or both at higher levels were big annual bonus reward both. Many policies that should be changed aren't and only good management that address problems can make a difference.