Do you really think this has ended? VA ends probe into Phila. benefits office

2015-07-07T09:15:13-04:00

The VA's Philadelphia Regional Office on Wissahickon Avenue. ANDREW THAYER / Staff Photographer

The report is expected to identify misconduct at the root of problems that have long plagued the Germantown facility. Critics have faulted the agency for being slow to hold employees accountable.

The office, which oversees benefits for 825,000 veterans in eastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware, has been cited as the most troubled in the VA system.

An April report from the VA's Office of Inspector General detailed widespread issues including manipulated claims, ignored veteran inquiries, and a toxic relationship between staff and management.

Following that report, VA officials declined to comment on potential disciplinary actions, citing the ongoing review by a VA investigative board.

http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/va-ends-probe-into-phila-benefits-office-1.356715

VA ends probe into Philadelphia benefits office

Investigators have finished a probe expected to identify the employees responsible for pervasive problems at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs benefits office, but say they aren't releasing the findings while the agency is considering disciplinary action.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 7 at 2015 9:33 AM

2015-07-07T09:33:12-04:00

Let the fun begin! VA really needs to clean up their act and soon!

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 7 at 2015 12:20 PM

2015-07-07T12:20:34-04:00

Nothing about the VA is surprising. That being said, when I lived in Philly (for almost 10 years) I never had any problems in that office. The folks that worked with me were always great. But, that was a while ago...

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 7 at 2015 12:44 PM

2015-07-07T12:44:32-04:00

I understand the need for due process. But at the same time they can at least release a redacted report that lists all findings.

Response by MSgt Mike Brown; MBTI-CP; MA, Ph.D. made Jul 7 at 2015 7:03 PM

2015-07-07T19:03:42-04:00

I cannot speak to the VA in Philadelphia; however, I have received premium eye-care for 5-service connected disabilities -- that are now indicating --- manifesting to other diseases (MS and/or Myasthenia Gravis). The cards o have been dealt, the deck I have, and the glass will be half full not half empty -- there are so-many things to truly be thankful for, when one considers what really matters in this life!!!! What I am concerned about is two-fold -- medically and administratively. Medically, the cancellation of a program that had positive benefits. Administratively, (educational benefits for veterans who have given their lives in the line of duty, or are rated at 100%, and can-no-longer work (there is no joy or pride in stating this -- you cannot buy your health)!: However, I volunteer to the best of my ability to any veteran, veterans' dependents, or any: Marine, Sailor, Soldier, Airman, or Coast Guard scholar...Thesis and dissertations. I have come up with a new title for myself, "adjunct editor and advisor without portfolio." It puts a smile on my face...

TO THE POINT:
1. A program cancellation at the VA Clinic in Oceanside CA -- Wonderful Nurse Practitioner lead program of, "Visual Guided Imagery." Was informed that, "there are not enough hours in the day, and therefore, the program was cancelled." He told me that he had fought to keep the program, but was not his decision... This program worked for many of us, especially we who have terrible side effects from prescriptions. I could see the male-Nurse-Practitioner's sadness, as he told me of the program cancellation... He did ask me to contact my representative both state and federally to somehow re-instate the program. I will do-so; however, please, anyone who is reading this post, if you know of other/better contacts I should make, I ask (please), to contact me via the message service provided by Rally Point, and provide them to me. I would greatly appreciate your assistance with this -- and your help with veterans who benefitted greatly from this treatment that is no-longer available.

2. Administrative phone assistance at the VA Regional offices; such as Muskogee OK. I called this morning seeking guidance with chapter-35 and if I needed to supply any other documents for this benefit. I was told, "to fill it out to the best of your ability and submit electronically." It takes all my ability just to type this, let-alone fill-in intricate details pertaining to VA Educational Benefits. In summary, the VA Educational Representative couldn't get me off the phone fast-enough...and, the information provided was not accurate. Section II, page , item3 in less-than 6 font type (magnifying glass helped to "discover" what was not accurately relayed by administrator states to submit DD-214, birth certificate, and etc... I would like to know what the "etc." refers to... It seems to me, if these documents were not included with the three-page form, it possibly could be reviewed as "incomplete," returned to the veteran, and the process, therefore re-starts... I'm thankful for the benefits our daughter will receive -- BUT YOU CANNOT BUY YOUR HEALTH, and I truly state this with all my heart!.... In summary of aforementioned: if one's position (occupation) at the VA Regional Education Office is to provide much-needed/accurate advice, and ensure the veteran has a complete understanding of what is required for submission of documents via alternative means that are not electronic -- then please do-so. Further, please do not do everything possible to get the veteran off the phone -- act indignant that questions will be asked, and assistance is genuinely being sought. If you cannot provide accurate-required information, then what in the hell are they doing there in the first place -- I cannot only help but wonder how many of we fellow veterans with severe eye conditions, or other limitations who have extremely limited ability to use a computer have also experienced this phenomena, and further, submit educational benefit documents, only to have them returned for incompleteness, and thus experiencing/suffering extreme unexpected hardships, and then turning to the same office (via phone) seeking help from the same institution that provided inaccurate information in the first place...

Very Respectfully Submitted,
Mike

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Nov 20 at 2023 10:29 AM

2023-11-20T10:29:03-05:00

If I haven't stated to you before or no one on RP has heard em say it here goes...I HATE THE VA AND EVERTYHING IT DOES...WORTHLESS BEAUROCRATIC ORGANIZATION IN THE US GOVERNMENT SECOND ONLY TO THE IRS!!!