why does the VA hire or promote within to non-veterans instead of giving veterans top priority?

good one!!!!

Thanks you for your service, SP5 Gould, I agree with your assessment. Unfortunately, we still haven't FIXED the V.A. after all these years. I went when I got out in 73, but quickly realized, the reality. Many young Vets I speak to today, Iraq and Afghanistan, tell me they just want to keep you drugged up. Sad, I know they spent MILLIONS on building a new facility, right down the road from me in Lake Nona, near Orlando, FL. I have a friend in there, it's a great facility, but like anything Government run, they typically pick the Lowest bidder for the Maintenance, and the first thing they cut is the Operating/Maintenance budget, so within 5 years, it will be in need of repairs. I wish they would have taken the Millions, that they spent on this New Facility, and just put it into Medical Care for the many Veterans in need. I never saw the wisdom in re-inventing the wheel, especially when you have the Hospital resources, available publicly. Give the $$$ to the Vets, to spend at the local Hospitals ! Helps the Vets, Helps the Hospitals, and the Economy. Win X 3 As we've seen the V.A. seems to be suffering from Poor management and cronieism !

Lake City VA in Florida. The PTA Job opening never went public they hired with in. I only heard about the job through a professor at the college and when I spoke to the director of therapy he told me It was only going to be offered within. I am 30% connected so next time I'll dispute it. Thanks CSM ZaGara

I hope it works out for you. Are you sure the person within that landed the job was not also rated? In the future, depending on the grade of the position they can direct hire if you are otherwise qualified. SPC Zecharis Strohl