A nationwide analysis of more than 10 million specialty referrals in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and community care systems revealed persistent racial disparities in wait times. Black veterans had the longest average waits—40 days within the VHA and nearly 53 days in community settings—surpassing the VHA’s 28-day access standard. Differences in referring facility explained most disparities, while specialty type and comorbidity played smaller roles. Researchers suggested improving healthcare quality and supply in under-resourced regions to close equity gaps. The study, led by Daniel A. Asfaw, PhD, was published in Health Services Research.