It is an understatement to say that people are less than thrilled with Veterans Affairs (VA). Long wait times and a limited quantity of doctors have some returning soldiers waiting six months or longer to receive treatment. A recent report from the desk of Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma reveals that the situation is a lot worse than previously thought.
In a Washington Times article, Coburn said, “The problems at the VA are worse than anyone imagined. Over the past decade, more than 1,000 veterans may have died as a result of VA’s misconduct, and the VA has paid out nearly $1 billion to veterans and their families for its medical malpractice.” He believes that the VA is more interested in tracking down and punishing whistleblowers than actually bothering to evaluate and solve its problems.
The VA was found to have secret wait lists at multiple facilities. Coburn argues wait lists are just the tip of the iceberg. One example he cites is of a veteran who went to the VA for routine tooth surgery. Doctors, Coburn reports, ignored the man’s dangerously low blood pressure levels and continued the procedure, which left the man with a stroke and paralyzation. On another occasion, an investigation discovered a former security chief at a New York Veterans Affairs medical center who was later arrested on charges of planning to kidnap, rape and murder several women and children.
According to the Washington Times, Coburn reported several other troubling issues, including women receiving pelvic and breast examines from a sex offender employed by the VA. The VA is also behind schedule for constructing new facilities and processing disability claims. There are even some health care providers who have lost their licenses, but the VA keeps this information from its patients.
Since 2001, the VA has paid out nearly $1 billion in settlement claims, money that could have been better spent on treating veterans. Coburn urges lawmakers to solve the VA’s problems to ensure that these men and women who put their life on the line for their country receive the treatment they deserve.
Photo: Courtesy Photo /Dept of Veteran Affairs
