The Veterans Affairs secretary will convene a commission to recommend a new director for the healthcare system that treats more than 6 million veterans.

Dr. Robert Petzel has served as VA undersecretary of health for the past four years. The VA said Friday that Petzel is retiring as planned in 2014.

The commission's work comes amid heightened scrutiny of the VA's healthcare. A congressional hearing last week highlighted problems at hospitals in Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Buffalo.

Lawmakers are also demanding the VA provide treatment records regarding Navy Yard shooter Aaron Alexis.

No lawmaker has expressed concerns that Alexis received inadequate care, but they are aggressively investigating his interactions with the VA.