 Wilkie testified to Congress that the agency was still using a 50-year-old computer to process benefits.The VA's primary function is to support veterans in their time after service by providing benefits and support.Providing care for non-veteran civilian or military patients in case hospitals overflow in a crisis was added as role by Congress in 1982, and became known as the VA's "fourth mission" (besides the three missions of serving veterans through care, research and training).