What are some veteran issues you feel are being ignored that someone could write about?

Minor thought but something I ran across a few weeks back that made me have a hmmmmmm moment...

Disabled veterans (I'm retired also) get to camp for free at federal and state parks but have to pay to camp at military base outdoor recreation centers. Makes the appearance that the state and federal parks system thinks more of us than our own military.

Again just a minor item but put in that context was a moment to sit back and wonder the thought process of those in charge of our military bases.

Veterans Day Weekend 2016-2019 offers potential for 3 day weekends to expand the potential for helping. That was the reason Eisenhower changed Armistice Day in 1954. This year many parades will be Saturday 6 days before the holiday. How is this justified when help is the intended purpose and three days are available? The holiday may be limited to the usual and a 3 day vacation without realizing the potential to outreach and HELP THE DESERVING in new and novel ways. This is a battle between traditionalits and recently deployed, WHO DESERVES TO WIN?? Call at [login to see]

One of the biggest one I have seen currently is that as a way of clearing the claims backlog, the VA is just outright denying and trying to reduce percentages. I went in for a hearing about getting my disability increased because my condition is steadily deteriorating. I have evidence and reports from a few different doctors and physical therapists to back this up. I went in for the exam, and not only did they deny my claim for an increase, they said they found in their exam that my condition, that they themselves had said would only get worse until I needed full joint replacement, had improved so much that they were going to decrease my rating. I have since gone to a few lawyers in doing research to fight this, and EVERY SINGLE ONE has said that after this claims backlog crap started, the VA started outright denying claims and trying to reduce percentages as a way to save time and money. They do this in the hopes that, with so many veterans disillusioned with the system already, those who are tired and exasperated, and just don't have the will to fight, will let it go and not fight them.

Here's one: How about an investigation into companies that profess that they want to hire veterans, or are veteran friendly and a probe deeper into their hiring practices and retention rates. Many companies state veterans preferred because it "buys" them credibility/likeability/favoritism in the eyes of the "public". They get incentives to be a part of Veteran Recruiting/Rention stuff, parades...all of which increases their "brand" image....but when the onion is peeled back, you find that there are no veterans, no programs....So you actually have 2 potential stories: (1). Figuring out who's benefitting from the perception of being veteran friendly (2) Show what companies are doing it right, and what their hiring/training practices may be, how they take care of their veterans, what they do above and beyond what is called for as a company to honor the nations men and women that have served.

When I retired in 1996, the VA had the attitude that they were a Federal agency and their job was to protect their jobs. Customer service was non existent. This was the mindset throughout the entire agency. After 9/11, more attention was given the VA as to their lack of compassion and complete incompetence in caring for our veterans. Since that time, There have been several shakeups within the agency, but there has yet to be any significant change. What is being done within the agency to change their mindset from selfish, self centered motives to that of complete attention to the service member? Or instead of "what can we do to deny you benefits" to "what can we do to help you". This single mindset would completely change the way the VA functions.
I too have applied to multiple positions within the VA and VA support positions (County VA Representative). With 21 years of military experience, both as enlisted and officer, I was not even given an interview. I do not believe that civilians are going to fix this mindset, it is going to take vets like us.

Another thought, today I had to contact a social worker to advocate for me because the pharmacy is denying my PCM's orders to continue the same medications I had taken when I was active duty. Since when does a pharmacy dictate to a Doctor what is to be prescribed? So much for good continuity of care! It's not like my medications are frivolous! One Rx keeps my immune system from attacking the myelin attached to my neurons! Damn them for discounting the importance (to me) of my neurological activity!

22 a day! That is how many veterans are committing suicide per day! This problem can not be talked about enough and the VA is way to slow to react. Our bothers and sisters are in pain and we need to get the word out.

I am so glad that someone has asked this question. I have been around many veterans in the VA that have always asked these three questions.
1. Why are the VA's all different. Example one will approve dental treatments and then another one will not take care of dental even after a veteran has been getting treatment at other VA's. I know people including me that fly to other VA's just to get one or another treatment because the VA were they are located has a different opinion then other VA's
2. Why are all claims placed in the same claim process. For example an veteran wanting to add new dependents because of marriage or adoption to the VA claim has to go through the same long lengthy process of doing a new medical claim. This process right now is averaging two years.
3. What has happened to the VA modernization of being able to share records with the military service being a smooth transition when people leave the military? We still VA clinics and hospitals that cannot electronically share records within the VA system. how is that possible in the year of 2016.
Feel free to contact me if you want [login to see]

One specific situation that I have and unfortunately, may encounter yet again.. There seem to be more programs for homeless veterans, and none to not enough to assist those BEFORE they become homeless. I have a wife, 2 toddlers and a 5 month old and it's personally been one struggle after another for a decent, good paying job.. Let alone assistance during my/our times of need.

I've been told numerous times, that I would be better off homeless then the predicament I have been in, as far as receiving housing type assistance. So... Basically, my family including animals and children, all must be ON the streets prior to getting any help, rather then preventative assistance being found and/or given.

I'm sure I can think of more, although this is it as of now. Haha..

I am a disabled veteran 100% T&P. I have not gone to the VA for the past few years except for dental and optical because 1. I try to take care of minor medical things myself even to include sutures if needed for minor injuries, flu and rashes. 2. I am a single father of thee wonderful minor children and their issues come first. 3. The VA has eliminated most of my medications I used because they have become "over the counter" in the last few years and I was told to purchase them myself.
Now I Broke my hand in a fall a few months ago and it is still quite pain full and I decided to make an appointment to see a doctor at my local clinic. I was informed that because I had not made an appointment within a certain amount of time I would have to be seen as a new patient, undergo a new physical and be assigned a doctor. I was told I would have to make an application for benefits and a means test also. All the while waiting for an appointment that is scheduled for 41 days in the future.
I still have to wait till April 19 for my appointment to get my new patient physical so I can get an x-ray on my hand. Yes my hand has been less pain full during the wait but I don't think it will be healed by the time of my appointment.