Authority

The Illinois Veterans' Accountability Unit (VAU) was formally created by Illinois Statute, 20 ILCS 2805/39, Public Act 102-695 effective June 1, 2022, and is established to receive complaints and recommendations from: veterans and other Illinois residents who seek services from the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA); residents of Illinois Veterans' Homes, their families, and visitors; vendors and contractors of the IDVA; and staff of the IDVA.

In accordance with Illinois Statute 20 ILCS 2805/39, the Veterans' Accountability Unit functions independently of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. The Director and staff of the Veterans' Accountability Unit have the authority to access all offices and facilities of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Veterans' Homes and shall have access to all information, documents, and personnel of the Department as needed to perform the duties of the Veterans' Accountability Unit.

In accordance with Illinois Statute 20 ILCS 2805/39, The Director of the Veterans' Accountability Unit may recommend changes to the Director of Veterans' Affairs concerning Department policies or practices based upon information learned or observations made by the Veterans' Accountability Unit staff during the course of their duties.