 The long-term "actuarial accrued liability" (total estimated future payments for veterans and their family members) is $2.491 trillion for compensation benefits; $59.6 billion for education benefits; and $4.6 billion for burial benefits.The agency is led by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, who, being a cabinet member, is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.In May 2014, it was revealed that veterans experienced extended delays in getting care at the Veterans Health Administration.