VERA appointment indicated staff on furlough starting tomorrow 10/3/25

So I’m sure we’ve all been following the news regarding the Federal shutdown and everything I’ve seen has indicated that claims are continuing to be processed, exams scheduled, claims adjudicated. Not sure after my VERA meeting this afternoon. The meeting was to get an update on an HLR and Supplemental Claim and then the rep casually mentioned, “I’m not sure about the next step on the HLR, because as you may know, we are all on furlough beginning tomorrow….”

WHAT??? Anyone with firsthand knowledge of better intel? Maybe it’s just the VERA reps?

Would be great if any raters or VA employees could chime in. This is in the Atlanta RO.