Monterey, CA Veterans Administration Still Working Its Way Through Myriad Problems

View From A Nonprofit Serving Carmel, Carmel Valley, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Seaside And Soledad California

The Veterans Administration continues to struggle with a backlog of disability claims, and the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs has resisted calls by the American Legion for him to step down.  Eric Shineski has told a reporter that his department continues to strive to improve its communication and collaboration with veterans-advocacy groups.  He's a retired Army General who knows the system well, having taken over the agency back in 2009.  "I serve at the pleasure of the president.  I signed on to make some changes, I have work to do," he said.  He's got more than his work cut out for him.  In addition to the paperwork backlog, whistleblowers have told the House Committee on Veterans Affairs that the the Phoenix VA Health Care System had a secret waiting list for patient appointments to make it appear as if there were short wait times to see a primary care physician.  The Director has been put on administrative leave and hopefully this will turn out to be an isolated incident.  Our veterans have risked their lives for very low pay and deserve the best care once they return home.

Please note that this blog reflects my personal opinion and may or may not reflect the opinion of Hands to Help Seniors and the individual members comprising the Board of Governors.