West Haven VA Medical Center to be Renamed for Medal of Honor Recipient Paul W. Bud Bucha

The Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in West Haven, Connecticut, is set for a formal name change. Under the Captain Paul W. Bud Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025, the facility will be officially designated as the ‘Captain Paul W. Bud Bucha VA Medical Center.’ This change applies to all federal laws, regulations, maps, and official documents, effectively updating the identity of the regional hub for veteran care to honor one of its own former patients and a distinguished military leader.

A Legacy in the Name

Paul W. Bud Bucha’s story is more than just a list of accolades; it reflects the specific experiences of the veterans the West Haven facility serves. A West Point graduate and 101st Airborne Division commander, Bucha was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam in 1968, where he led 89 men against a force of 1,500. Beyond the battlefield, Bucha was a vocal advocate for mental health, famously pushing to remove the word ‘disorder’ from ‘post-traumatic stress’ to reduce the stigma for those seeking help. For the 25-to-45-year-old veteran or active-duty member, this renaming represents a shift toward recognizing the long-term human element of service, including the transition back to civilian life and the reality of seeking care.

From Patient to Namesake

The bill highlights a deeply personal connection between the man and the building. Bucha was not just a decorated hero; he was a patient at the West Haven VA for 42 years, seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress and later receiving neurological and oncological care. He spent his final days in the facility before passing away in July 2024. By renaming the center, the legislation acknowledges the importance of the medical staff—specifically mentioning the compassionate care Bucha received from VA doctors—and cements the facility’s role as a place of both struggle and support for the veteran community.

Practical Shifts and Next Steps

For the average person, the immediate impact is largely administrative. If you are a veteran receiving care in West Haven, your appointment reminders, digital records, and the signage on the building will eventually reflect the new name. The bill ensures that any reference to the old West Haven VA in federal records is legally considered a reference to the Bucha VA Medical Center (Section 3). This avoids bureaucratic confusion during the transition. While the bill doesn’t change the medical services provided, it serves as a high-profile nod to the importance of specialized veteran healthcare and the ongoing effort to destigmatize mental health treatment within the military community.