GAO: DOL VETS USERRA Investigations Could Improve with Enhanced Training as Complaints Rise

GAO found DOL’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service closed 5,433 USERRA complaints from FY2021–FY2025, with complaints rising each year and peaking at 1,380 in FY2025. GAO notes this increase coincided with a 23% reduction in VETS complaint-investigation staffing, and suggests enhanced education and additional training could improve investigations and outcomes for service members seeking reemployment rights.