The Salina VA clinic will remain open despite the federal government shutdown.

According to the agency office in Wichita, it’s important to know that the Veterans Health Administration, the branch of VA that operates our VA medical centers, including the Robert J. Dole VAMC in Wichita, KS and the Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Fort Dodge, Salina, Hays, Parsons, Liberal and Hutchinson have advance appropriations for fiscal year 2014. This means that VA hospitals, clinics and other health services will remain open.

Regarding benefits payments administered by the Veterans Benefits Administration: Claims processing and payments in the compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation programs are anticipated to continue through late October. However, in the event of a prolonged shutdown, claims processing and payments in these programs would be suspended as available funding is exhausted.

And regarding the National Cemetery Administration: Interments will continue, but may be on a reduced schedule.

In the event of a prolonged shutdown, VA will continue to review and update its plan in conjunction with the applicable legal requirements and circumstances.