Oklahoma veterans could soon benefit from new policy introduced during an interim study held at the state Capitol last Tuesday.
Led by Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, the study, “Serving Veterans in the 21st Century,” focused on modernizing technology at the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.
Mann’s study allowed lawmakers and veterans service organizations to review how outdated systems at ODVA slow access to benefits such as health care, education, and job placement. The study also explored paths to bring the department into the digital age.
“The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs is working with outdated technology, and the end result is an unnecessarily complicated and problematic system for veterans to navigate,” Mann said. “This study will help legislators learn how we can upgrade the department’s systems to better support our state’s veterans and their families.”
Oklahoma is home to more than 261,000 veterans, many living in rural areas far from benefits offices orVA health centers. Upgrading ODVA’s digital infrastructure would allow the agency to offer streamlined online portals, integrated claims processing, and digital record access, reducing delays and minimizing travel barriers for veterans and families across the state.
The initiative aligns with Oklahoma’s IT Strategic Plan for 2023–2025, which emphasizes building cloud-based, customer- focused platforms that integrate data securely across state agencies. The plan, developed by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, has already modernized 34 statewide contact centers and secured 2.6 million gigabytes of data, increasing the efficiency and resilience of government IT systems.
Mann said the ODVA could leverage this momentum to integrate with the state’s existing network, allowing veterans to log in through a single statewide access point, track claims, or communicate with caseworkers through secure portals. “When veterans can reach the state through one reliable digital gateway instead of multiple disconnected systems, accountability and access both improve,” Mann said.
The study reflects a growing national effort to modernize veterans’ services. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently expanded its cloudbased contact centers and the VA Health and Benefits mobile app, now serving more than 2 million users nationwide, significantly improving convenience and reducing wait times.
The modernization study coincides with over $800 million in federal nonrecurring maintenance funding to upgrade facilities and technology at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, ensuring safe and effective veteran care.
Additionally, U.S. Sen. James Lankford’s press release regarding the fiscal year 2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act allocates more than $230 million for Oklahoma’s military and veterans’ infrastructure, supporting facilities at Tinker Air Force Base and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant.
“This is another example of how state and federal partners can work together,” Mann said. “These investments go hand-in-hand, modern technology, modern facilities, and modern service for those who have served us.”
According to the study, modernization would provide: • Faster claims processing. Modernized databases and digital platforms reduce backlogs and cut processing time for benefits and appeals.
• Easier access for rural veterans. Cloud-based services allow veterans to file claims, schedule telehealth appointments, and access records remotely.
• Enhanced security. Cloud encryption and cybersecurity protocols protect veterans’ private information.
• Cost savings. Streamlined internal processes free agency resources to focus on direct veteran support.
• Economic impact. Oklahoma- based IT firms may gain contracting opportunities, stimulating the local tech job market.
Study results will inform 2026 legislation targeting ODVA system upgrades, funding models, and public-private partnerships. Lawmakers plan alignment with federal VA modernization to ensure seamless data integration and benefits access statewide.
“Oklahoma veterans deserve the best possible service experience, whether renewing benefits or accessing mental health support,” Mann said. “Modern technology allows us to deliver that service faster, safer, and with the respect they have earned.”