VA Renews Joint Health Research Merit Review Board
Published Date: 3/19/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs is renewing its Joint Brain, Behavioral, and Mental Health and Medical Health Scientific Merit Review Board for two more years. This board helps pick the best research projects to fund, making sure they’re safe, smart, and useful for veterans. The renewal keeps $1.6 million flowing to support this important work and the experts who review the research.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Continues Expert Review Of ~1,000 Proposals
The renewed Board will continue expert merit review of about 1,000 biomedical research proposals each year, helping VA Office of Research Development choose projects to fund. VA ORD funds approximately 20% of the proposals it receives, and the Board advises on scientific quality, budget, safety, and mission relevance to guide those funding decisions.
Keeps $1.6M Funding for Reviewers
The VA is keeping $1,600,000 in annual operating funds to support the Joint Brain, Behavioral, and Mental Health and Medical Health Scientific Merit Review Board. The budget breaks down to $1,060,000 for federal personnel (4.9 FTE) and $540,000 in payments to non‑federal members, who may be paid up to $300 per day plus travel and per diem under the Federal Travel Regulation.
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Previous: 2026-05361 — Health Systems Research Scientific Merit Review Board
The Department of Veterans Affairs is renewing its Health Systems Research Scientific Merit Review Board for two more years to keep picking the best research projects that help veterans. This board, made up of experts, advises on research priorities and ensures VA funds are used wisely, with a budget of about $1.45 million. Veterans, researchers, and taxpayers benefit from this smart, fair review process continuing through 2028.
Next: 2026-05363 — Cooperative Studies Scientific Evaluation Committee
The Department of Veterans Affairs is renewing its Cooperative Studies Scientific Evaluation Committee for two more years to keep reviewing important VA research projects. This committee helps make sure studies are well-planned, useful, and safe, especially those involving veterans. The renewal costs about $35,000 a year and keeps the committee active through 2028, benefiting researchers and veterans alike.