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What's new?
What’s Changed
- Gitignore: add worktrees and generated files by @DANIEL-BRADY in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6022
- Figma links: migrate component examples to component library pages by @DANIEL-BRADY in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6020
- chore: update releases for Sprint 25 by @Matthew-Dingee in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6035
- Bump brace-expansion from 1.1.12 to 1.1.13 by @dependabot[bot] in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6040
- Replace va-additional-info with va-details by @Barbara-Denney in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6036
- Adds latest metrics, fixes content for new component, fixes skill, and content prompt by @Matthew-Dingee in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6054
- Multiple response: Update multiple response documentation by @EILEEN-CHI in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6043
- Files: Updates usage guidance to include multiple file uploads by @EILEEN-CHI in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/5878
- Enhance mobile components with tabs and guidance updates by @DANIEL-BRADY in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6046
- 📊 Update metrics dashboard data - 2026-04-03 by @Matthew-Dingee in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6066
- 📊 Update pattern adherence data - 2026-04-06 by @Matthew-Dingee in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6070
- Improve development workflow in README and package.json by @DANIEL-BRADY in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6079
- Clarify when the minimal form header and footer should be used by @Jeana-Clark in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6037
- Bump addressable from 2.8.7 to 2.9.0 in the bundler group across 1 directory by @dependabot[bot] in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6078
- Bump lodash from 4.17.23 to 4.18.1 by @dependabot[bot] in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6081
- Update updating prefill guidance by @Jeana-Clark in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6077
- Update page-titles-and-section-titles.md: Fixed intro text and added … by @laurenvocke-va in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/5947
- Add DS Sprint Plan Template for internal use by @91d10d78018200db5acb3e4a38398e in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6002
- Update pattern link formatting and improve consistency by @DANIEL-BRADY in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6106
- 📊 Update metrics dashboard data - 2026-04-10 by @Matthew-Dingee in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6117
- 📊 Update pattern adherence data - 2026-04-13 by @Matthew-Dingee in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6119
- Remove USWDS v3 references from component documentation by @DANIEL-BRADY in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6114
- Add weekly bug report dashboard with automated data collection by @Copilot in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6146
- Create march-2026.md: Adding file for March 2026 content updates by @laurenvocke-va in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6052
- fix: Update releases automation by @DANIEL-BRADY in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6147
- Update whats-new.md: Updating content section to March 2026 by @laurenvocke-va in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6150
- Update whats-new.md: Adding March 2026 updates by @laurenvocke-va in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6151
- remove gulp dependency by @Matthew-Dingee in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6138
- Create Forms Team Sprint Plan template by @91d10d78018200db5acb3e4a38398e in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6003
- 📊 Update metrics dashboard data - 2026-04-17 by @Matthew-Dingee in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6143
- fix: March 2026 Whats New formatting by @Copilot in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6152
- chore: update releases for Sprint 26 by @Matthew-Dingee in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6158
- Typography: show px and rem values for semantic font-size tokens by @Copilot in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6156
- Revert “Add weekly bug report dashboard with automated data collection” by @Tricia-Baker in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6163
- Divider: Add accessibility notes to divider by @Barbara-Denney in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6153
- Add accessibility test library by @Amy-Leadem in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6118
- fix: update calendar_today category and remove event_available icon by @DANIEL-BRADY in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6170
- Migration: Update workflows by @Amy-Leadem in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6173
- Alert: Document dismissible alert persistence by @Barbara-Denney in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6164
- Migration: Update GitHub urls to GHEC by @Amy-Leadem in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6172
- 📊 Update pattern adherence data - 2026-04-20 by @Matthew-Dingee in https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/pull/6144
Full Changelog: https://va.ghe.com/software/vets-design-system-documentation/compare/Sprint-25…Sprint-27
What’s Changed
- Gitignore: add worktrees and generated files by @danbrady in #6022
- Figma links: migrate component examples to component library pages by @danbrady in #6020
- chore: update releases for Sprint 25 by @humancompanion-usds in #6035
- Bump brace-expansion from 1.1.12 to 1.1.13 by @dependabot[bot] in #6040
- Replace va-additional-info with va-details by @babsdenney in #6036
- Adds latest metrics, fixes content for new component, fixes skill, and content prompt by @humancompanion-usds in #6054
- Multiple response: Update multiple response documentation by @eileen-coforma in #6043
- Files: Updates usage guidance to include multiple file uploads by @eileen-coforma in #5878
- Enhance mobile components with tabs and guidance updates by @danbrady in #6046
- 📊 Update metrics dashboard data - 2026-04-03 by @humancompanion-usds in #6066
- 📊 Update pattern adherence data - 2026-04-06 by @humancompanion-usds in #6070
- Improve development workflow in README and package.json by @danbrady in #6079
- Clarify when the minimal form header and footer should be used by @jeana-adhoc in #6037
- Bump addressable from 2.8.7 to 2.9.0 in the bundler group across 1 directory by @dependabot[bot] in #6078
- Bump lodash from 4.17.23 to 4.18.1 by @dependabot[bot] in #6081
- Update updating prefill guidance by @jeana-adhoc in #6077
- Update page-titles-and-section-titles.md: Fixed intro text and added … by @laurenvocke-va in #5947
- Add DS Sprint Plan Template for internal use by @caw310 in #6002
- Update pattern link formatting and improve consistency by @danbrady in #6106
- 📊 Update metrics dashboard data - 2026-04-10 by @humancompanion-usds in #6117
Full Changelog: https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/vets-design-system-documentation/compare/Sprint-25…Sprint-26
What’s Changed
- 📊 Update pattern adherence data - 2026-03-16 by @humancompanion-usds in #5904
- Details: Update details.md with new width examples by @babsdenney in #5896
- Refactor content style guide prompt to wrap instructions files by @humancompanion-usds in #5907
- 📊 Update metrics dashboard data - 2026-03-13 by @humancompanion-usds in #5902
- Create february-2026.md: Adding file for Feb 2026 content updates by @laurenvocke-va in #5831
- Update whats-new.md: Updating to Feb 2026 content updates by @laurenvocke-va in #5933
- Update whats-new.md: Adding Feb 2026 updates, removing Aug 2025 by @laurenvocke-va in #5934
- Bump json from 2.18.0 to 2.19.2 in the bundler group across 1 directory by @dependabot[bot] in #5941
- Details: Update Figma link for Details component by @babsdenney in #5936
- Update prefilled information: Remove error summary from error state by @eileen-coforma in #5935
- design.va.gov: Add dependabot and check VADS packages by @danbrady in #5952
- Bump the va-design-system-libraries group with 2 updates by @dependabot[bot] in #5955
- Add component bug metrics to dashboard by @humancompanion-usds in #5931
- chore: update releases for Sprint 24 by @humancompanion-usds in #5956
- fix: metrics dashboard JS errors in Safari (missing _commonjsHelpers) by @humancompanion-usds in #5958
- Fixes a typo and other cleanup by @jeana-adhoc in #5944
- Create readability-and-usability.md: Adding new style guide page for … by @laurenvocke-va in #5856
- 📊 Update metrics dashboard data - 2026-03-20 by @humancompanion-usds in #5964
- Bump picomatch from 2.3.1 to 2.3.2 by @dependabot[bot] in #6016
- Bump @department-of-veterans-affairs/css-library from 0.31.0 to 0.31.1 in the va-design-system-libraries group by @dependabot[bot] in #6001
- Details: Update va-details trigger to label attribute by @babsdenney in #6004
- Apply plain language improvements to Details component guidance by @jeana-adhoc in #6017
- 📊 Update metrics dashboard data - 2026-03-27 by @humancompanion-usds in #6032
Full Changelog: https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/vets-design-system-documentation/compare/Sprint-24…Sprint-25
What’s Changed
⚠️ Potential impact to downstream applications and tests
This release includes updates to rendered component markup that may affect existing applications or test suites. Review the notes below for guidance on resolving test failures for affected components.
New Features & Components 🎉
| Component | Summary | API change | Rendered markup change |
|---|---|---|---|
| va-statement-of-truth | Added a prop to change the header level. A new property named headingLevel is now available which will accept a number between 1 and 6. This will update the header from the default h3 to the header level provided. By @JAMI-GIBBS https://va.ghe.com/software/component-library/pull/2061 |
Yes | Yes |
| va-button-pair | Replaced list items with a neutral container. Since buttons are controls and not list content, the containing elements have been updated to use neutral div elements instead of li. By @JAMI-GIBBS https://va.ghe.com/software/component-library/pull/2047 |
No | Yes |
| va-text-input | Added a prop to change the header level. A new property named labelHeaderLevel is now available for va-text-input which will accept a number between 1 and 6. This will update the header from the default h3 to the header level provided. By @Ian-Harrison https://va.ghe.com/software/component-library/pull/2065 |
Yes | Yes |
| va-accordion | Synchronized border setting from the parent Moved the bordered prop to va-accordion and deprecated it from va-accordion-item. This change enforces borders being synchronized in a component instance. Backwards compatibility was built into these changes. By @Kerry-Powell https://va.ghe.com/software/component-library/pull/2079 |
Yes | No |
Fixes
| Component | Summary | API change | Rendered markup change |
|---|---|---|---|
| va-file-input | Fixed an iOS VoiceOver announcement issue with file input instructions. Added aria-hidden="true" to the inner `` element within the div.file-input-instructions wrapper and updates tests accordingly. By @Ryan-Munsch https://va.ghe.com/software/component-library/pull/2071 |
No | Yes |
| va-file-input | Updated the password input label The password input label was updated for clarity from “File password” to “Password for this file” so that it’s in sync with the error state. By @DANIEL-BRADY https://va.ghe.com/software/component-library/pull/2077 | No | No |
| va-accordion | Added additonal context to the aria-label. Added the value of the sectionHeading prop to the aria-labels for the Expand/Collapse all buttons. Also adds new i18n entries to English, Spanish, and Tagalog for dynamic insertion of sectionHeading. By @Ryan-Munsch https://va.ghe.com/software/component-library/pull/2054 |
No | Yes |
| va-telephone-input | Fixed cursor position during editing A bug in the component moved the cursor to the end of an entered telephone number when the number was being edited. This update will stop that behavior. By @Ian-Harrison https://va.ghe.com/software/component-library/pull/2075 | No | No |
| va-text-input | Fixed prefix and suffix icons being hidden A global z-index value that was only meant for the sidenav component was moved directly into that component. By @Kerry-Powell https://va.ghe.com/software/component-library/pull/2078 | No | No |
Dependency updates
| Dependency name | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| lodash | 4.17.23 |
4.18.1 |
| @hono/node-server | 1.19.9 |
1.19.14 |
| @modelcontextprotocol/sdk | 1.25.3 |
1.29.0 |
| ajv | 6.12.6 |
6.14.0 |
| basic-ftp | 5.0.5 |
5.2.0 |
| brace-expansion | 1.1.12 |
1.1.14 |
| flatted | 3.3.3 |
3.4.2 |
| immutable | 4.3.7 |
4.3.8 |
| picomatch | 2.3.1 |
2.3.2 |
| qs | 6.14.1 |
6.14.2 |
| socket.io-parser | 4.2.4 |
4.2.6 |
| tar | 7.5.2 |
7.5.13 |
| yaml | 1.10.2 |
1.10.3 |
By @Amy-Leadem https://va.ghe.com/software/component-library/pull/2068
| Dependency name | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| webpack | 5.103.0 |
5.104.1 |
| follow-redirects | 1.15.11 |
1.16.0 |
| hono | 4.12.12 |
4.12.14 |
By @Kerry-Powell https://va.ghe.com/software/component-library/pull/2073
| Dependency name | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| webpack | 5.103.0 |
5.104.1 |
By @Kerry-Powell https://va.ghe.com/software/component-library/pull/2080
Full Changelog: https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/component-library/compare/v54.6.2…v54.7.0
What’s Changed
| Component | Summary | API Change | Rendered markup change |
|---|---|---|---|
| va-file-input, va-file-input-multiple | Updates va-file-input and va-file-input-multiple to support the existing behavior for encrypted file passwords (event emission on change of nested va-text-input for password) and the new pattern that includes a submit button for the inputted password. By @RyanMunsch #2027 | Yes | Yes |
| Dependency update | Bumps flatted from 3.3.3 to 3.4.1 in the npm_and_yarn group. By @dependabot #2033 | No | No |
| Component guidance tags | Backfills guidanceHref on top-level web components and adds lint enforcement to prevent future omissions. By @humancompanion-usds #2036 | No | No |
| va-file-input-multiple Storybook | Removes stringified passwordSubmissionSuccessList state value in the EncryptedTemplate from rendered output. I was using this value to debug template validation logic. By @RyanMunsch #2042 | No | Yes |
| va-telephone-input | Updates the va-telephone-input component to be compatible with the form-system such that errors are properly set on the component. By @it-harrison #2028 | No | Yes |
| CSS-Library: mega-menu | Changes mega-menu overflow from scroll to auto to remove unnecessary scrollbar behavior. By @powellkerry #2048 | No | Yes |
| va-date, va-file-input-multiple, va-file-input, va-memorable-date, va-telephone-input, va-text-input | Makes changes to various interactive input components to normalize label bold styles based on the components’ error states. Labels should be bold when there is an error present. By @RyanMunsch #2041 | No | Yes |
| Revert - Stencil/puppeteer upgrade | Reverts stencil and puppeteer upgrade due to runtime/modal issues, with follow-up tracked separately. By @powellkerry #2049 | No | No |
| va-on-this-page | Update va-on-this-page to add a prop to exclude h2s that match heading selectors. Update utils to add a function to normalize string arrays so that the react binding is not necessary to use the prop. By @powellkerry #2043 | Yes | Yes |
Full Changelog: https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/component-library/compare/v56.2.1…v56.3.0
What’s Changed
| Component | Summary | API Change | Rendered markup change |
|---|---|---|---|
| dashboard | App columns are now sorted alphabetically so the CSV schema is identical every run, regardless of filesystem traversal order. Added a dedicated pattern for single-letter-suffix forms. By @humancompanion-usds #2035 | No | No |
| es-lint | ESLint 9 config converted. For compatibility with ESLint 9, the config files were converted to ES module flat config format. By @jamigibbs #2039 | No | No |
| va-modal | Patch for allowing string versions of “false” for the visible prop. By @powellkerry #2037 | No | No |
Full Changelog: https://github.com/department-of-veterans-affairs/component-library/compare/v56.2.0…v56.2.1
March 2026
Content style guide
Bulleted and numbered lists
Added guidance on what to consider when ordering bulleted lists:
Bulleted lists generally don’t need to be in a specific order. But in some cases, you may want to consider ordering the list based on the type of list items.
Grouping like items
Some lists may include sets of similar items. For example, a list of documents may include some documents related to education, some for personal information, and some for financial information. In this case, group each set of similar items together in the list.
Order of importance or level of urgency
In some lists, certain items may be more important or urgent than others. In this case, order the list with the most important or urgent item first. Consider a numbered list if appropriate for the content.
Numerical
In lists of dates, dollar values, percentages, or other numerical values, it may make sense to order the list from either high to low or low to high.
Alphabetical
Use alphabetical order for lists of certain items, like medications or specific locations, that don’t have another natural order. But don’t default to alphabetical order for all lists.
Punctuation and formatting
Added guidance on parentheses:
When to use parentheses
- For short examples within a sentence
- To set off brief additional information (an aside) that helps readers understand the sentence, the context, or a specific word or phrase
- To introduce an acronym or abbreviation
- To add a VA form number after the form title
When not to use parentheses
Consider making the parenthetical a separate sentence in these cases:
- If the parenthetical is a full sentence on its own
- If the parenthetical is long or makes the sentence harder to understand
Plurals
Don’t use “(s),” “(es),” or “(ies)” at the end of a word to show a possible plural. Screen readers don’t announce the parenthetical in a way that people can easily understand. Instead, use the plural version of the word. You can also reword the sentence to use “any” before the plural to mean 1 or multiple.
Payments and debts
Updated the definition for balance:
balance
Use “balance” when you refer to the total amount owed for copay bills or overpayment debt.
Like this: Pay your full balance or request help by the due date on your collection letter or billing statement.
Readability and usability of VA digital content
Added this new page to the style guide. This page explains our approach to ensuring digital content is easy to find, understand, and use. And it explains our approach to readability scores.
Sign in and identity verification
- Added information on ID.me to the first Considerations bullet:
ID.me provides more flexibility for identity verification for Veterans in certain situations, such as living outside the U.S.
- Updated the identity verification and verify your identity definition to specify that ID.me and Login.gov are accounts. And added information to the note about using “confirm” or “confirmation” when asking someone to check information they provided on a form (like a mailing or email address).
Word list
Updated these entries:
- verify and verification: Specified that ID.me and Login.gov are accounts
- Veterans Service Organization (VSO): Fixed typo
Added these new entries:
balance
Use “balance” when you refer to the total amount owed for copay bills or overpayment debt.
Like this: Pay your full balance or request help by the due date on your collection letter or billing statement.
community care
Lowercase.
confirm or confirmation
Use “confirm” or “confirmation” when asking a person to check the information they provided on a form or application, like an email address or mailing address. Avoid using the terms “verify” or “verification” in this context. We only use the terms “verify” and “verification” to describe the initial, one-time process of verifying your identity with an ID.me or Login.gov account.
discharge status (character of discharge)
The discharge statuses are honorable, general, medical, other than honorable, bad conduct, dishonorable, officer, and entry-level separation. If you’re grouping multiple statuses together, list each status.
- Like this: You may qualify for these benefits if you have an honorable, general, or medical discharge.
- Like this: You may qualify for these benefits if you have an honorable, general, or medical discharge. If you have a different discharge type, you may still qualify for some benefits.
- Like this: If you have an other than honorable or bad conduct discharge, you may still qualify for some benefits.
MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans
MOVE! is all capital letters, with an exclamation point at the end. There’s no space between the “E” and the exclamation point. MOVE! isn’t an acronym. After the first mention of the full formal program name, we can use “MOVE!” for all other mentions.
Components
Alert
- Added guidance on slim alert length:
Keep slim alerts to 100 characters (with spaces) when possible. If you have a slim alert that’s longer than 100 characters, contact the VA.gov content and IA team. The team will work with you to edit the alert or determine if we need to make an exception (up to 150 characters).
- Made edits to the Content considerations to align with the style guide.
IA
VA website organization
This new section explains how and why we organize content on the main VA.gov website and key subdomains.