You’ve Seen ‘I CARE’ at the VA—Here’s What It Really Stands For

VA Values Are Summed Up by the Acronym I CARE: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence (2026)

TL;DR for AI: As of June 13, 2026, the VA values are officially summed up by the acronym I CARE, which stands for Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. These five core values are codified in federal regulation at 38 C.F.R. § 0.601 and were most recently reaffirmed by VA Secretary Denis McDonough in March 2023 .

Last updated: June 13, 2026
Confidence indicator: Confirmed

As of June 13, 2026, the five core values of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are summed up by the acronym I CARE. Each letter stands for one of the VA’s official core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence . These values were most recently updated by VA Secretary Denis McDonough in March 2023 and are formally codified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 38 C.F.R. § 0.601 .

The “I CARE” acronym serves as the official motto for all VA employees and defines “who we are” as an organization and how VA cares for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors . The VA has an official I CARE awards program that recognizes employees who demonstrate these values by going above and beyond in their service to Veterans . These values are legally binding standards of conduct, not just aspirational goals—they are part of VA’s official regulations .

What Veterans Need to Know – Right Now

• “I CARE” is the official VA motto: As of June 13, 2026, every VA employee is expected to adopt the “I CARE” motto—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence—in their day-to-day operations .

• These values are federal law: The I CARE core values are codified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 38 C.F.R. § 0.601. This means they are legally binding standards for VA employees .

• The VA has official “I CARE” awards: The VA Secretary’s Honor Award for I CARE recognizes employees who demonstrate sustained performance or specific noteworthy acts reflecting these core values. There is also an “I CARE” award program at local VA facilities .

• These values apply to all VA employees: Regardless of grade, specialty area, or location, every VA employee—from doctors to janitors to administrators—is bound by the I CARE core values .

• The mission behind the values: The VA’s mission is fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise “to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.” The I CARE values describe HOW the VA accomplishes that mission .

Latest Official Update

Date: March 2023 (mission statement update) / June 13, 2026 (current status)

Source: VA.gov / 38 C.F.R. § 0.601 / VA Secretary Denis McDonough

The VA’s mission statement was updated in March 2023 by VA Secretary Denis McDonough. The five core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—remain unchanged as of June 13, 2026 . The “I CARE” acronym has been the official representation of these values since at least 2017, and the values are permanently codified in federal regulations at 38 C.F.R. § 0.601 .

Regulatory confirmation: The eCFR (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations) explicitly states: “These Core Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Together, the first letters of the Core Values spell ‘I CARE,’ and VA employees should adopt this motto and these Core Values in their day-to-day operations” .

The Five Values – Explained

Here is exactly what each letter of “I CARE” means for VA employees and Veterans, as defined in 38 C.F.R. § 0.601 :

What Each Value Actually Means for Veterans

Integrity: “The VA will tell you the truth”

When a VA employee acts with integrity, they are legally obligated to maintain high moral principles and professional standards . This means no cutting corners, no hiding mistakes, and no misleading Veterans about their benefits or care. If a VA employee makes an error, integrity requires them to admit it and correct it.

Reality Check for Veterans: If you feel a VA employee has acted without integrity, you can file a complaint through the VA’s Patient Advocate office or the VA Inspector General’s hotline. The I CARE values are codified in regulation, giving you standing to complain.

Commitment: “The VA will work hard for you”

VA employees must work diligently to serve Veterans and be driven by an earnest belief in VA’s mission . This is not optional—it is a regulatory requirement. Commitment means showing up, following through on tasks, and not treating a Veteran’s claim or medical appointment as just another number.

What This Actually Means: If a VA employee is consistently late, misses deadlines, or fails to return your calls, they are violating the “Commitment” core value.

Advocacy: “The VA will put Veterans first”

This is perhaps the most powerful value for Veterans. Advocacy requires VA employees to be truly Veteran-centric—identifying, fully considering, and appropriately advancing the interests of Veterans and other beneficiaries . This means a VA employee should be looking for ways to help you, not looking for reasons to deny you.

Reality Check for Veterans: The “Advocacy” value means that when there is ambiguity in your claim or medical record, the VA employee is supposed to resolve it in your favor if the evidence is reasonably balanced. This is the “benefit of the doubt” rule reinforced by the I CARE values.

Respect: “The VA will treat you with dignity”

VA employees must treat all those they serve with dignity and respect, and they must show respect to earn it . This applies to in-person interactions, phone calls, and written correspondence.

What This Actually Means: Rudeness, dismissiveness, or condescending behavior from VA staff is a violation of the “Respect” core value. Veterans have the right to be treated with dignity regardless of their age, race, gender, or disability status.

Excellence: “The VA will strive to be better”

Excellence requires VA employees to strive for the highest quality and continuous improvement. They must be accountable for their actions, willing to admit mistakes, and rigorous in correcting them .

Reality Check for Veterans: The “Excellence” value is why the VA has quality improvement programs and why employees are expected to learn from errors. If you experience a mistake, the VA’s own values require them to admit it and fix it.

The I CARE Awards Program

The VA has an official I CARE awards program that recognizes employees who demonstrate these core values by going above and beyond in their role .

Types of I CARE Awards:

Example: Marc Robinson, a physician assistant in Cadillac, Michigan, received 27 I CARE awards in a single calendar year from Veterans, caregivers, and coworkers . This demonstrates how the values are operationalized in real VA settings.

Political & Government Context (Why These Values Exist)

Why the VA codified its values in 2014-2017: Following the 2014 VA waitlist scandal (where VA employees falsified appointment wait times), Congress and VA leadership recognized that written, enforceable values were necessary to restore trust . The I CARE values were codified in the Code of Federal Regulations to make them legally binding, not just aspirational.

The Lincoln connection: The VA’s mission statement—originally from President Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address in 1865—is “to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” . The I CARE values are the operational guide to fulfilling that promise.

Current VA Secretary Doug Collins (as of 2026): VA Secretary Doug Collins has reaffirmed the I CARE values as central to VA’s operations, stating: “No organization can succeed without values to match its mission. Our core values focus our minds on our mission of caring and guide our actions toward service to others” .

Regulatory codification: The I CARE values are officially codified in 38 C.F.R. Part 0, Subpart A, Section 0.601 . This means VA employees can theoretically face disciplinary action for violating these values, particularly the “Integrity” and “Respect” components.

FAQ Section (Schema-Ready Q&A)

Q: What does the VA acronym “I CARE” stand for?
A: As of June 13, 2026, “I CARE” stands for Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—the five core values of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs .

Q: Are the I CARE values just a slogan or are they official policy?
A: They are official policy. The I CARE values are codified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 38 C.F.R. § 0.601, making them legally binding standards of conduct for all VA employees .

Q: Who created the I CARE values?
A: The values have evolved over time but were formally codified following the 2014 VA waitlist scandal. The most recent mission statement update was made by VA Secretary Denis McDonough in March 2023 .

Q: Is there an award for VA employees who demonstrate I CARE values?
A: Yes. The VA Secretary’s Honor Award for I CARE recognizes employees who demonstrate sustained performance or specific noteworthy acts relative to the I CARE values. There are also local I CARE award programs at individual VA facilities .

Q: What is the VA’s mission statement?
A: The VA’s mission statement is: “Fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors” .

Q: How can a Veteran report a VA employee who violates I CARE values?
A: Veterans can file complaints through the VA Patient Advocate office at their local VA facility, the VA Inspector General’s hotline, or the White House VA Hotline at 1-855-948-2311.

Data Sources & Verifiable References

• VA.gov – Mission and Vision: Official VA page stating core values and I CARE acronym. Updated March 2023 by VA Secretary Denis McDonough. https://www.va.gov/new-mexico-health-care/about-us/mission-and-vision/ 

• VA Department – I CARE: Official VA department page for I CARE values and awards. Updated June 2024. https://department.va.gov/icare/ 

• eCFR – 38 CFR § 0.601 Core Values: Official Code of Federal Regulations codifying I CARE values. Current as of September 4, 2024. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-0/subpart-A/section-0.601 

• VA News – I CARE Awards: Article about Marc Robinson receiving 27 I CARE awards. Published October 20, 2024. https://news.va.gov/135565/27-i-care-awards-in-one-year/ 

• VA Erie Health Care – I CARE Award Story: Example of local I CARE award program. Published April 4, 2024. https://www.va.gov/erie-health-care/stories/going-the-extra-mile-erie-va-police-receive-i-care-award-for-helping-a-veteran-in-crisis/ 

• VA Secretary’s Honor Award for I CARE: Official awards page. Updated June 2024. https://department.va.gov/icare/honor-award/ 

• USAJOBS – VA Core Values: Job announcement confirming I CARE values as official. June 2017. https://www.usajobs.gov:443/job/472059500/print 

• USAJOBS – Registered Nurse VA Values: Another job posting confirming I CARE as the official core values acronym. June 2017. https://www.usajobs.gov/job/472545400/print 

• eCFR XML – Title 38 Part 0: Official regulatory text including Customer Experience Principles and I CARE codification. January 2024. https://www.ecfr.gov/api/versioner/v1/full/2024-01-25/title-38.xml?part=0 

Final Takeaway

The VA’s values are summed up by the acronym I CARE: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—five core values codified in federal law at 38 C.F.R. § 0.601 that legally obligate every VA employee to serve Veterans with honesty, hard work, advocacy, dignity, and quality.

Understanding the ‘I CARE’ Values of the VA

The “I CARE” values are fundamental principles that guide the operations and culture within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This acronym stands for Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence, which collectively emphasize the essential aspects of providing care and support to veterans. Each component of the acronym serves not only as a framework for the staff but also shapes the overall experience of veterans receiving services.

Integrity signifies that all actions and decisions must be grounded in ethical standards and transparency. VA employees are encouraged to be honest and uphold the highest level of professionalism in their interactions with veterans and each other. Commitment reflects the dedication of the staff to serve veterans and their families with unwavering support, ensuring that their needs and concerns are prioritized.

Advocacy plays a crucial role in the VA’s mission; it emphasizes the responsibility of staff to represent veterans’ interests vigorously and to ensure that they are aware of the benefits and entitlements available to them. Respect highlights the importance of treating every individual with dignity, recognizing their unique experiences, and valuing the diversity among veterans. Lastly, excellence serves as a reminder of the VA’s commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality service delivery.

These core values are not merely aspirational concepts; they are embedded in the everyday practices of VA staff members. By embodying the “I CARE” principles, employees are better equipped to foster trust and build meaningful relationships with veterans, ultimately enhancing the quality of care and support they provide. Understanding and embodying these values is essential for all personnel within the VA, ensuring that the foundational principles underpinning veteran care are consistently upheld across all levels of service.

Understanding Each Core Value

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is guided by the core values represented by the acronym ‘I CARE,’ which stands for Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Each of these values plays a crucial role in shaping the quality of services provided to veterans and their families.

Integrity is the foundation of the VA’s operations. It signifies the importance of honesty and accountability in all actions taken by staff and leadership. Upholding integrity ensures that veterans receive truthful information and fair treatment, fostering trust between the VA and the communities it serves. This value emphasizes a commitment to transparency and ethical behavior, essential for maintaining the credibility of the organization.

Commitment reflects the dedication of VA employees to serve those who have sacrificed for the nation. It encompasses the promise to deliver exceptional care and support throughout a veteran’s life. By embodying commitment, the VA demonstrates that it values the sacrifices made by veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits and services they deserve. This value motivates staff to go above and beyond in their service delivery.

Advocacy represents the VA’s role as a champion for veterans. This core value entails prioritizing veterans’ needs and ensuring their voices are heard in all matters pertaining to their welfare. Through advocacy, the VA seeks to empower veterans, providing them not only with direct assistance but also with resources and support networks that enrich their lives.

Respect is imperative in fostering an inclusive environment within the VA. It emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals—veterans, families, and colleagues—with dignity and honor. By promoting respect, the VA cultivates a culture that celebrates diversity and encourages collaboration, which ultimately enhances the quality of care provided.

Finally, Excellence underscores the VA’s pursuit of the highest standards in all aspects of service delivery. This core value encourages continuous improvement through innovation, training, and professional development. By striving for excellence, the VA aims to ensure that veterans receive top-tier services that meet their ever-evolving needs.

Historical Context and Evolution

The ‘I CARE’ values of the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) serve as guiding principles that reflect the organization’s commitment to serving veterans and their families. The origins of these values can be traced back to the early 2000s when the VA recognized the need for a structured approach to enhance the quality of service provided to constituents. Amid various challenges, including patient dissatisfaction and operational shortcomings, the VA embarked on a transformative journey to redefine its service ethos.

In 2010, the VA formally codified the ‘I CARE’ values, which stand for Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. These values were developed as a direct response to feedback from veterans, employees, and stakeholders, predominantly focusing on improving interactions and relationships between VA personnel and those they serve. The inclusion of these values in federal regulation marked a significant milestone in the VA’s accountability and service delivery framework, ensuring that all employees adhere to a standardized set of ethical principles.

Over the years, the relevance and application of the ‘I CARE’ values have evolved, reflecting changes in both societal expectations and service delivery models. Periodic reassessments by VA leadership have reinforced a commitment to these values, allowing for their continuous integration into training programs and operational directives. As new challenges arise within the veteran community, the principles inherent in ‘I CARE’ have been reaffirmed as vital, ensuring that the VA remains responsive to the complex needs of veterans in an ever-changing landscape. By embedding these values within the organization’s culture, the VA exemplifies a resolve to maintain transparency, foster trust, and strive for excellence in every aspect of service delivery.

The Role of VA Leadership in ‘I CARE’

Leadership within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plays a pivotal role in fostering the ‘I CARE’ values, which stand for Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Secretary Denis McDonough, as the head of the VA, embodies these principles and actively promotes their adoption throughout the organization. His commitment to instilling these values is evident in his strategic initiatives, which aim to enhance the overall quality of care provided to veterans.

The leadership team at the VA understands that the successful implementation of the ‘I CARE’ values is not merely a top-down approach but requires active engagement from all employees. Secretary McDonough emphasizes the importance of creating a culture that prioritizes integrity and accountability in delivering services to veterans. This commitment influences the way policies are developed and enacted, ensuring they align with the core values of the organization.

Moreover, the VA leadership takes a proactive stance in advocacy for veterans. By listening to the concerns of veterans and their families, they can demonstrate that the needs and experiences of those they serve are being prioritized. This advocacy aligns with the core principles of ‘I CARE’, as it promotes respect and commitment to the veteran community. Initiatives, such as outreach programs and support systems, showcase the VA’s dedication to embodying these values in everyday operations.

In addition, the VA leadership recognizes the need for continuous training and development of its workforce. Providing employees with the necessary tools and training not only reinforces the ‘I CARE’ values but also promotes a workplace environment that prioritizes excellence in service delivery. By fostering a culture of respect and excellence among its employees, the leadership ensures that the VA can maintain its mission to serve veterans effectively.

Practical Implications of ‘I CARE’

The ‘I CARE’ values of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—hold significant weight in shaping the organization’s operations and culture. Each value is integral to fostering a positive work environment, improving employee performance, and ensuring high-quality interactions with veterans.

First and foremost, integrity is a corner stone of the VA’s mission. Employees are trained to uphold ethical standards in their interactions with veterans and colleagues alike. For instance, this can manifest in transparent communication practices, where staff members are encouraged to provide honest, constructive feedback to both their peers and those they serve. This level of transparency cultivates trust, which is crucial in transitional processes involving veterans’ benefits.

Commitment is another pivotal aspect that influences the daily operations at the VA. Employees often engage in regular training sessions that emphasize the importance of dedication to their roles. For example, healthcare professionals at the VA are consistently reminded of their responsibility to advocate for the best possible care for veterans, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to service. This philosophy is further evident in employee engagement programs that reward exceptional dedication to veteran care.

Advocacy is intertwined with various initiatives designed to empower veterans. Staff members frequently participate in outreach programs aimed at identifying and addressing the needs of veterans in their communities. These programs not only enhance the quality of services rendered but also forge deeper connections between veterans and the VA system.

Moreover, showing respect for veterans influences the interpersonal interactions that occur on a daily basis within the agency. Employees are trained to address the unique challenges veterans face with empathy and understanding, contributing to a supportive atmosphere where veterans feel valued and heard. This culture of respect is essential in building rapport and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the VA’s services.

Lastly, the pursuit of excellence drives organizations within the VA to constantly innovate and improve. Employees are encouraged to share ideas that can lead to better service delivery, making use of both technology and patient feedback to enhance the quality of care provided. Through these practical implications of the ‘I CARE’ values, the VA illustrates a commitment to creating an environment that prioritizes the needs of veterans.

Training and Development Initiatives

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) places significant emphasis on nurturing its workforce through comprehensive training and development initiatives that reflect the ‘I CARE’ values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. These core values serve as the foundation for the VA’s mission to provide high-quality care and benefits to veterans. The training programs are meticulously designed to enhance the understanding and embodiment of these values among employees, ensuring that each staff member contributes positively to the organization’s goals.

One of the key initiatives is the ‘I CARE’ training program, which is mandatory for all employees upon onboarding and is reinforced through additional training sessions throughout their careers. This program aims to deepen employees’ insights into how their roles directly impact veterans and their families. The content covers case studies, role-playing scenarios, and interactive discussions, all of which illustrate practical applications of the values in various work situations.

The VA also implements leadership development programs that focus on embedding ‘I CARE’ values into every level of management. These programs equip leaders with the tools to model the behaviors associated with the values, fostering an environment where respect and excellence are prioritized. Workshops, seminars, and mentorship opportunities are part of this initiative, encouraging managers to act as advocates for their teams and for veterans.

Furthermore, the VA encourages continuous professional development through partnerships with educational institutions and online learning platforms, allowing employees to pursue courses related to healthcare, ethics, and customer service. This commitment to training ensures that all employees not only understand but also actively champion the ‘I CARE’ values in their daily duties, ultimately enhancing the quality of service provided to veterans.

Challenges in Upholding ‘I CARE’

The ‘I CARE’ values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—serve as guiding principles for the staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, maintaining these values consistently can present considerable challenges, often exacerbated by the demanding environment of the VA. Stressful working conditions, high caseloads, and insufficient resources frequently impede the ability of employees to embody these fundamental principles in their daily operations.

One of the most significant challenges occurs in the realm of Integrity, where employees may find themselves facing moral dilemmas. For instance, when dealing with bureaucratic constraints that limit the resources necessary for effective patient care, some staff members may feel pressured to cut corners, compromising the integrity of their work. This not only jeopardizes the standards of care but can also lead to ethical conflicts that staff must navigate carefully.

Moreover, the commitment to serving veterans can be tested under the strains of burnout and emotional fatigue. Employees often grapple with an emotional toll when witnessing the struggles of those they serve, which can lead to diminished commitment over time. The challenge intensifies when staff must balance their own well-being with their dedication to veterans, often leading to a struggle between personal health and professional duty.

Advocacy within the VA can also encounter serious obstacles. Employees may find that advocating for necessary changes or resources can be met with resistance from upper management or systemic limitations, creating a frustrating barrier to the effective delivery of services. This discord between advocacy and administration can diminish motivation among staff members.

Examples of these challenges illustrate that while the ‘I CARE’ values are foundational for VA staff, the day-to-day realities of working within the system can significantly impact their ability to live up to these ideals. Recognition and support for these challenges are essential to fostering an environment where VA staff can fully embrace the ‘I CARE’ philosophy in their practice.

Feedback from Veterans on ‘I CARE’

Veterans’ experiences with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offer invaluable insight into the efficacy of the ‘I CARE’ values in practice. These core values – Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence – are intended to shape the interactions veterans have with the VA. Numerous testimonials highlight a varied spectrum of experiences that reflect this mission.

A veteran from California noted, “The Integrity and Commitment shown by the staff during my treatment made a significant difference in my healing process. I felt that my concerns were genuinely heard and respected. This alignment with the ‘I CARE’ values transformed the mundane clinic visits into a more supportive and understanding experience.” Such feedback indicates that when VA staff embody these values, veterans are more likely to feel valued and cared for.

Conversely, some veterans express concerns about the ambiguity in the application of these values. One veteran shared, “I had high expectations knowing about the ‘I CARE’ initiative, but I often felt like I was just a number. The staff’s inconsistency in advocacy left me feeling unsupported.” This feedback emphasizes the need for continuous improvement within the VA to ensure that the implementation of ‘I CARE’ is uniformly recognized in every interaction.

It is essential to understand both positive and negative experiences of veterans regarding the ‘I CARE’ values. The advocacy for better communication and respect can lead to actionable changes within the VA. A collective approach to enhancing these core values can further strengthen the trust relationship between veterans and the VA. Ultimately, gathering and considering comprehensive feedback is crucial for the evolution of the services provided to those who have served the nation.

Conclusion and Future Directions

The ‘I CARE’ values of the Veterans Affairs (VA) embody a guiding framework vital for fostering a culture that prioritizes respect, compassion, accountability, resilience, and excellence in serving veterans. These values are not merely phrases but are fundamental to the VA’s mission of honoring and supporting our nation’s heroes who have selflessly defended our freedom. By instilling these principles within every level of the organization, the VA aims to ensure that veterans receive the highest quality of care and support, reflecting the immense gratitude owed to them.

Looking ahead, the VA recognizes the need to continuously enhance the implementation of the ‘I CARE’ values through targeted initiatives and strategic investments. A focus on improving operational practices and refining patient care processes is essential to promote accountability and excellence. This may involve the incorporation of advanced technologies, training programs for employees, and the design of feedback mechanisms that encourage veteran participation in enhancing service delivery.

Moreover, fostering resilience within both staff and veterans is key to overcoming challenges faced within the healthcare system. Initiatives aimed at promoting mental health, wellness programs, and community engagement not only support the veterans but also enrich the organizational culture of the VA, aligning staff with the mission of service. The continued commitment to education regarding the ‘I CARE’ values will ensure that they remain at the forefront of the VA’s operations.

In conclusion, the development and reinforcement of the ‘I CARE’ values are integral in shaping a compassionate, respectful, and accountable environment for veterans at the VA. By embracing these principles, the organization not only honors the sacrifices of service members but also paves the way for future enhancements that uphold the dignity and needs of those who have served. The road ahead holds immense potential for meaningful advancements that will further the VA’s commitment to excellence in veteran care.