I have done VA work for almost 10 years, this is just routine procedure, background check, fingerprinting, reference checks....no big deal. They are leaning towards electronic fingerprinting now instead of having them done at the cop shop. I don't see why everyone makes a big deal about it - you need a background check for regular jobs many times, this is just an extra step. Unless you have something to hide, just deal with it or don't apply.