Two years ago, I asked about the changing of the guard at the VA. What, if any, improvement do you see with recent change?

Maj Kim Patterson — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 16:00:03 -0400

I was overwhelmed by the number and depth of the responses two years ago. The VA has undergone "revamp" after "revamp" and leadership and funding changes. With the latest signing of funding for veterans, what do you expect to change?

Kansas has amazing caregivers. The civilian hospital about killed me. Veterans Choice has been anything but choice and the right care for me. What do you see?
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Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 17 at 2017 4:10 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 16:10:17 -0400

According to sources I know here in Michigan, they say things are definitely improving.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2017 5:44 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 17:44:03 -0400

Maj Kim Patterson I have an outlier here in Columbia, MO. Our VA works directly with the University of Missouri hospital & Boone Hospital. We are spoiled here. I have noticed a bit of streamlining here, but, other than that, nothing of great significance. They're ALWAYS looking for more nurses & docs.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Aug 17 at 2017 6:53 PM

CPT Larry Hudson — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 18:53:05 -0400

Until the government breaks the strangle hold of unions over hired personnel, no one can be fired, only promoted, bonuses, transferred to new station. The entrenched will remain, at the displeasure of the veteran who is victimized by the system. VA will gradually rotate bad apples out of the system. I am encouraged by the professionalism of the new generation of VA ground level personnel serving veterans. They are dedicated, medical personnel.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Aug 18 at 2017 10:15 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 10:15:27 -0400

Hi Maj Kim Patterson. Not a direct answer to your question but I wanted to link the Q&A Bob McDonald did on RP since he presided over the VA during the time you referenced. He had some great insights into how and why things happened the way they did.
https://www.rallypoint.com/topics/q-a/answers/hi-everyone-bob-mcdonald-here-8th-secretary-of-veterans-affairs-i-ll-be-by-on-july-25th-for-a-live-q-a-what-questions-do-you-have-for-me

Hi everyone, Bob McDonald here, 8th Secretary of Veterans Affairs. I'll be by on July 25th for a...

*The RP Team will be monitoring this discussion* From RP Staff: We’re honored to host the 8th Secretary of Veterans Affairs, CPT Bob McDonald for a live Q&A on 7/25. Secretary McDonald graduated from West Point and served with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, pursued an ambitious business career ultimately leading Procter & Gamble (#36 on the Fortune 500), then was nominated by President Obama to take over the VA. Please take advantage of this...