As we enter Memorial Day weekend and we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom, it is our opportunity to stop and give thanks for those who died protecting that freedom. As the grandchild and child of Armed Services veterans - both of my parents served - I am appalled at the current VA scandal and it's ripple like effect that is continuously uncovering more atrocities. If even half of the new stories are true, this is certainly not the way a first world country treats the people that defended it.
The Washington Post reports: "...there have been claims of false record-keeping and long waiting lists for care at VA facilities across the country. In some places, veterans have died while waiting for care, though there is no known link between the deaths and delays. Other allegations include an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at a VA hospital and a mismanaged gastroenterology program that delayed treatment to veterans."
Until recently my mom was part of the VA Healthcare system. I pulled her from the system after several issues, including that her doctor couldn't see her for more than 5 minutes. He was a frustrated doctor whose hands were tied by the system. We also experienced the long waits, as well as having to appeal and appeal for medications that she had been taking for years. I've personally seen what happens with my veteran clients when we've tried to get their benefits and the VA system plays the, "I didn't receive your appeal letter. Please send it again" game. Thousands upon thousands of veterans need those services which they are entitled to receive.
False record-keeping, deaths while waiting for care - if this happened at YOUR local hospital, the community would be outraged. We suggest our elected officials be outraged and demand answers to what is going on. The President, two days ago, asked for an immediate 30 day investigation. Does 30 days give everyone enough time to shred their records? And where do our legislators stand on this issue? While a number of them have taken a stand, there are too many others holding back. Of the 435 members of Congress, 89 of them are veterans. Of our 100 senators, 20 are veterans. Do you think they are coping with some of the difficulties that are being uncovered?
I'm asking our elected officials to stop signing letters about the names of sports teams and start working on what I believe is a priority for our veterans.
Comment if you agree, and I will forward this to the right elected officials.
Call me angry and disappointed.
Debbie Carroll, Founder
The Senior Sage
The Washington Post reports: "...there have been claims of false record-keeping and long waiting lists for care at VA facilities across the country. In some places, veterans have died while waiting for care, though there is no known link between the deaths and delays. Other allegations include an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at a VA hospital and a mismanaged gastroenterology program that delayed treatment to veterans."
Until recently my mom was part of the VA Healthcare system. I pulled her from the system after several issues, including that her doctor couldn't see her for more than 5 minutes. He was a frustrated doctor whose hands were tied by the system. We also experienced the long waits, as well as having to appeal and appeal for medications that she had been taking for years. I've personally seen what happens with my veteran clients when we've tried to get their benefits and the VA system plays the, "I didn't receive your appeal letter. Please send it again" game. Thousands upon thousands of veterans need those services which they are entitled to receive.
False record-keeping, deaths while waiting for care - if this happened at YOUR local hospital, the community would be outraged. We suggest our elected officials be outraged and demand answers to what is going on. The President, two days ago, asked for an immediate 30 day investigation. Does 30 days give everyone enough time to shred their records? And where do our legislators stand on this issue? While a number of them have taken a stand, there are too many others holding back. Of the 435 members of Congress, 89 of them are veterans. Of our 100 senators, 20 are veterans. Do you think they are coping with some of the difficulties that are being uncovered?
I'm asking our elected officials to stop signing letters about the names of sports teams and start working on what I believe is a priority for our veterans.
Comment if you agree, and I will forward this to the right elected officials.
Call me angry and disappointed.
Debbie Carroll, Founder
The Senior Sage
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