Why are we as veterans so passive about the problems with the VA?

2015-09-23T01:36:50-04:00

As a group, we veterans complain about the VA and these complaints are at times adressed by the powers that be but let's face it. They plaecate us. How long has it been said that the VA needs fixing? How long has it been going on that they run understaffed, critically in some areas with no help in site. How often are mistakes made that cost vets benefits?
In order to fix this and all other issues we need to speak with one unified voice. We ALL swore an oath to our country. Our country made promises in return for that oath. It's time for our country to hold up its end of the bargain! I urge every Veteran to contact their congressional and senate representatives and tell them how you feel! Send letters, emails, phone calls any way you can but let it be known that you used your voice to help yourself and your fellow Veterans!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 1:44 AM

2015-09-23T01:44:48-04:00

The VA is not the problem...the problem is in Washington. Raise our voices about those problems and that is when change will happen!

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Sep 23 at 2015 7:32 AM

2015-09-23T07:32:00-04:00

Congress and Senate have stopped returning my phone calls..... NBC News will do a piece on the Nightly News soon, if it doesn't get bumped by some other story.

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Sep 23 at 2015 8:04 AM

2015-09-23T08:04:36-04:00

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/09/22/va-watchdog-shelves-36000-complaints-draws-ire-whistleblowers/72643182/

VA watchdog shelves 36,000 complaints, draws ire from whistleblowers

The Office of Inspector General says it doesn't have the resources. Complainants call the office "a joke."

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 23 at 2015 8:25 AM

2015-09-23T08:25:46-04:00

I think it really depends on the individual and their needs. I am less rabid about getting more benefits because I don't use the VA for much of anything as I do not need to. Someone who is dependent on the VA health care system as an example would be more fired up about it. It is a complex situation to say the least.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 8:28 AM

2015-09-23T08:28:47-04:00

SGT Stevens- A few years ago, my father (former NCO, 82nd) started the process for applying for registration with the VA. I can't begin to express my frustrations with trying to help him through this process. Watching him "give up" to the fact that despite the many promises made in his day...very little to no help is ever going to come, has truly been disheartening.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Sep 23 at 2015 11:33 AM

2015-09-23T11:33:37-04:00

Because the people required to fix the VA are politicians. We undstand that politicians care little for the lives of those that serve unless it gets them re-elected. We just watched a budget pass that gave 4.5 Billion dollars to the ISIS fighters masquerading as refugees in Europe while the VA was underfunded by 2.5 Billion because "the funds just weren't there." Until that situation changes, we won't see mission accomplishment in this area. To make it worse many at the VA see Veterans as nothing more than a paycheck in a job they took until they can find their next job.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 23 at 2015 11:56 AM

2015-09-23T11:56:25-04:00

Some are. Others are more vocal. I speak up for disadvantaged vets all the time and have lobbied for them many times