How the VA Abandons Our Vets
Submitted by Steve on 1 September 2008 - 9:06pm.
Sgt. Juan Jimenez had one of the most dangerous jobs in Iraq, ushering top Administration officials through the war-torn streets of Baghdad. He returned home with two Purple Hearts and shrapnel lodged in his right arm. Today he is gravely ill.
What Jimenez didn't realize is that before he could receive benefits for his wounds, he'd have to prove that those wounds came from war. Three and a half years later, the sergeant is still making his case. The Department of Veterans Affairs isn't convinced. And it won't give him his benefits until it is.
Read more at http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080915/kors
VA Care for Service Connected Disabled Veterans
I have been a patient at the VA North Texas Health Care System in Dallas since returning home in 1972. I have never had anything but the best of care at this hospital. I have been hospitalized there eight times. I have been a continuous patient in the Pain Management Clinic for 36 years. I admit there were times that I got frustrated having to wait. But, I have never had to wait more than two hours from my appointment time. In the last five years I have never had to wait for more than one hour.
The care I receive at this VA Medical Center is better than any I have received at a private, state or county funded facility.
VA Care for Service Connected Disabled Veterans
I have been going to the VA Hospital in Tampa for several years and have always received top-notch care and have always had caring doctors and nurses.
However the point of the article is not about VA hospitals, but the VA determination of service connected disability. The kid in the article has obvious service connected wounds with military records and awards to back it up, but his case has been denied and has languished in the system for too long while he continues to suffer without any help for him or his family. We can do a lot better...
VA Care For Service Connected Veterans
I agree that this soldier should not have to wait this long for a determination. I was able to receive an award for 100% Service Connected Disability within two years of applying. I would be interested in finding out who is representing this soldier with the VA. He needs to have someone who is connected and knows the ropes to get his case presented and a determination in a timely manner.