VA's top health official resigns amid scandal over delays vets care

LTJG Robert M. — Mon, 19 May 2014 10:05:55 -0400

Question, did he resign because of fault or to be the fall-guy?
http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140516/NEWS05/305160047/VA-s-top-health-official-resigns-amid-scandal-over-delays-vets-care

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 19 at 2014 12:39 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 19 May 2014 12:39:48 -0400

Whether the intention was for him to be the fall guy or not, he will be now. I only hope they continue to investigate and charge everyone who has culpability.

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made May 19 at 2014 1:20 PM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Mon, 19 May 2014 13:20:26 -0400

Retiring one month early is BS. There needs to be more heads to roll

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made May 20 at 2014 12:15 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Tue, 20 May 2014 12:15:09 -0400

Dr. Petzel resigned probably due to broken vision between Mr. Shinseki, himself and each affected VA facility. He was not able to program redirection of current capacity toward change. The veterans requiring VA products and services had expired, died waiting, and was not able to reduce the veteran phenomena of "waiting in line" for both product and services.

Consequently, this situation leaves the appearance of a mission and capacity failure within the VA organization.

In America, the phenomena of "waiting in line" has historically been common and problematic with many for profit as well as NGO, non governmental organizations and service organizations toward customer/client base.

If I were to audit the organizational structure at each affected VA, I would look at mission,capacity,positions, tasks, obj's, priorities and overall...span of control strategy. The Span of Control piece is about the ratio of supervision; 1:3,5,7 etc...supervisor to subordinate ratio.

Shinseki did a bold move by removing Peztel. This would bring Shinseki closer to a possible doable span of control strategy, so he can actually see operational capacity from the top-down.

Response by CPO Ed Ball made May 20 at 2014 1:16 PM

CPO Ed Ball — Tue, 20 May 2014 13:16:21 -0400

We may never know, I suspect election for early retirement with full benefits. I predict the next bubble to burst will be related to Appeals for the VA.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 3:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 May 2014 15:56:56 -0400

When I am one month out from retirement, you can blame me for all the Army problems and I will gladly accept them

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2014 10:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 May 2014 22:49:32 -0400

He left at the right time. All the attention is focused on the Secretary and administration officials. Nobody cares about the guy who resigned. What can we do to him? Reprimand him? Please he's sitting pretty enjoying retirement.