Letter to Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Veterans Affairs - Regarding Medical Care for Veterans

Letter

I write regarding the recent developments concerning the conduct of Veteran Administration (VA) medical facilities throughout the country. Allegations surfaced over a month ago that nearly 40 veterans died while waiting for medical care at the Phoenix, Arizona VA facility. Since then, it has become apparent that there are systemic problems within the VA and the department's ability to deliver timely access to medical care. This country's veterans deserve unfettered access to quality medical care. Every effort must be made by the Department of Veterans' Affairs to remedy these problems and provide relief to all our veterans who have been denied access to medical care.

A December 2012 report from the Government Accountability Office found that schedulers at several VA medical facilities concealed the wait times for our veterans while backdating appointments to meet department timeliness goals and policy. I find the recent discoveries made by the GAO study along with the recent developments at particular VA health care facilities regarding off-the-book waiting lists disturbing.

During the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs hearing, Chairman Sanders stated that,"in a system as large and bureaucratic as the VA, it is imperative that we uncover the problems that exist in the system and address them boldly." I would like a full explanation of your department's plan to address this situation. I expect the plan you develop to set forth reforms within the Department of Veterans Affairs that will ensure our veterans always have timely access to quality health care.

The Department of Veterans Affairs headquarters in Washington D.C. bears the VA's motto, "to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and orphan." These words, made famous by President Lincoln, should serve as a reminder that we should always strive to care for those that have sacrificed so much in the service to this country. Today, our veterans deserve unsurpassed access to quality health care and the Veterans Administration must be diligent and dedicated in delivering these services.

Our nation's veterans have made remarkable sacrifices and deserve nothing less than our continued commitment as they seek medical care and benefits bestowed upon them from a grateful nation. Thank you for your attention in this matter. I look forward to your response.

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