Until this administration came in, the VA was improving steadily. My area is still doing well, but resources are stretched.
The most-demanded department in the VA right now, nation wide, is mental health, no surprise there.
Still, you can't complain about the VA. If you have a co-pay, it's far lower than what 80% of what the rest of the country pays. I get upset when I hear people grumble in the waiting rooms. I have been known to get up, go over to them, introduce myself, and explain to them that if they think they can get better health care, at a cheaper price, by more dedicated people, then I point in the direction of the exit and invite them to leave. I have gotten standing ovations from the nurses.
Many staffers at the VA are themselves veterans, so they understand a thing or two about the "unique" needs of vets. I am always in awe of the dedication of these folks. They have to listen to whiny, thoughtless, ungrateful people all the time, and wear a smile while they do that. If it weren't for these tireless, devoted clinicians on that side of the counter, folks on my side of the counter would be up the proverbial creek minus the paddle. These folks are underpaid and overworked, their departments are under-staffed (Nation-wide, there are 62,000 vacancies at the VA.), and their clinics are over-booked. Some VAs hold clinics on Saturdays to meet demand. So, if you're going to bitch about the VA --- 1) consider your alternatives, 2) don't dump on the staff and 3) don't ever do it within earshot of me.
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