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It is time to shut down the VA?
RP Members what do you think? There are some points that the author makes that really hit home with me. Just looking for your feedback on this one!
LET ME CLARIFY THAT I'M NOT PERSONALLY RECOMMENDING THIS COURSE OF ACTION - THIS IS AN ARTICLE ONLY TO CREATE DISCUSSION, IDEAS, AND RESPONSES.
http://nypost.com/2015/09/24/a-permanent-solution-to-the-va-problem/
There is only one guaranteed way to get fired from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Falsifying records won’t do it. Prescribing obsolete drugs won’t do it. Cutting all manner of corners on health and safety is, at worst, going to get you a reprimand. No, the only sure-fire way to get canned at the VA is to report any of these matters to authorities who might do something about it.
That, at least, is what the US Office of Special Counsel recently reported to the president of the United States. The Special Counsel’s Office is the agency to which government whistleblowers go to report wrongdoing.
“Our concern is really about the pattern that we’re seeing, where whistleblowers who disclose wrongdoing are facing trumped-up punishment, but the employees who put veterans’ health at risk are going unpunished,” Special Counsel Carolyn Lerner recently told National Public Radio.
Now, obviously, this shouldn’t happen. Everyone, except perhaps the managers at the VA, probably agrees with that. So by all means, let’s have some reforms and further protections for whistleblowers.
But that’s not a real solution. The real fix is to get rid of the VA entirely.
RP Members what do you think? There are some points that the author makes that really hit home with me. Just looking for your feedback on this one!
LET ME CLARIFY THAT I'M NOT PERSONALLY RECOMMENDING THIS COURSE OF ACTION - THIS IS AN ARTICLE ONLY TO CREATE DISCUSSION, IDEAS, AND RESPONSES.
http://nypost.com/2015/09/24/a-permanent-solution-to-the-va-problem/
There is only one guaranteed way to get fired from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Falsifying records won’t do it. Prescribing obsolete drugs won’t do it. Cutting all manner of corners on health and safety is, at worst, going to get you a reprimand. No, the only sure-fire way to get canned at the VA is to report any of these matters to authorities who might do something about it.
That, at least, is what the US Office of Special Counsel recently reported to the president of the United States. The Special Counsel’s Office is the agency to which government whistleblowers go to report wrongdoing.
“Our concern is really about the pattern that we’re seeing, where whistleblowers who disclose wrongdoing are facing trumped-up punishment, but the employees who put veterans’ health at risk are going unpunished,” Special Counsel Carolyn Lerner recently told National Public Radio.
Now, obviously, this shouldn’t happen. Everyone, except perhaps the managers at the VA, probably agrees with that. So by all means, let’s have some reforms and further protections for whistleblowers.
But that’s not a real solution. The real fix is to get rid of the VA entirely.
Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
What Would You Do
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) What Would You Do
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 51
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What kind of stupid question is this? It's bad enough that we don't get the respect that's due. Now u wanna take one of the most beneficial institutions from us?!
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Please just pay all disabled vets 100% compensation and disband VA healthcare system
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Granted, some of the whistle blowers might be trying to get a fast promotion, but the rest are trying to be responsible adults who care. Each incident should be looked into, dealt with appropriately and moved on.
But, until we get a veteran (who gives a damn about his brothers and sisters) in charge of the va nothing is gonna change.
But, until we get a veteran (who gives a damn about his brothers and sisters) in charge of the va nothing is gonna change.
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If you shut down the VA, you will replace it with another system that will do the same because it is human nature to be selfish and lazy. Best thing is to imposes punishment of pay and prison at all levels and do away with bonuses that only feeds the selfish nature in us.
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Suspended Profile
Well, what would the alternative be? I think the primary issue is with the Health Administration, not the other sections/benefits we receive through the Department itself... On the other hand, I am not familiar with some of the facts, but as in with any other large entity, off course there will be corruption and wasting funds, old systems that need to be replaced or phased out, etc...
SMSgt Bob W.
The big issue is facilities. They are old and most have not been maintained to the standards they should have been. A recent study stated a large percent [I forget the exact numbers] of the facilities need to be rebuilt. In some states have 4 VA medical facilities [and 5 clinics]. That can result in traveling 2-3 hours one way for care. Some VA hospitals offer exceptional care; while others offer mediocre care. I don't believe corruption is an issue, the issues are maintaining equipment and the facilities, personnel, and dedicating time for the patient.
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I agree with the closing of the VA as it is being managed so far. These problems are nothing new and have been gong on before my time and probably since the early days. Most veterans use the facilities to treat normal age related illnesses and injuries which could be managed by local health clinics. Create one large facility located in the central US and ship war veterans with combat related injuries that would be difficult to find in their local civilian hospital. Issue a Choice Card for them to use local medical services and cost paid through VA funding. Keep the best of the best doctors and staff from around the country to staff the new facility. The facility could also be used for combat medical training and how to programs to face the new problems vets are coming home with.
Remember, Doctors and Nurses know they can make much more working in the private sector than they do in the VA. The VA has trouble trying to find quality, trained and professional employed due to the pay scales. So the VA gets the doctors and staff who are not able find suitable work or have issues in their bacgrounds keeping them from finding work in the field.
Remember, Doctors and Nurses know they can make much more working in the private sector than they do in the VA. The VA has trouble trying to find quality, trained and professional employed due to the pay scales. So the VA gets the doctors and staff who are not able find suitable work or have issues in their bacgrounds keeping them from finding work in the field.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
SPC Nathan Freeman We think that is part of the fix as well, but not the total solution! Good call
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only fool that don't consider shut down the VA is an option. Catch my word? "Consider" Why? just think that disbanding the VA and distribute the funding like an allotment to the Vet and they seek out services or insurance will actually do more good to the Vet. As of right now, many die just on the waiting line. There are many more option to consider, by not consider new option, you are putting yourselves in a limited field of solution.
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