Secretary promises VA will be more ‘welcoming’ to women veterans

Wouldn't it be better to make it possible for the other than male genders to be able to go to private medical facilities of their choice, rather than starting up new requirements for about 11% of the Veteran population? I use TFL and Medicare and never use the VA facility in my town. Realizing that the majority of vets do not have the same benefits, but access to the physician of your choice with the same financial benefit of the VA would seem to be a good choice, until there is a large enough number to add specialists at this time. This could alleviate the terrible job you see up to this point. Most specialists at the VA have long wait times and this would resolve that situation also.

MCPO Roger Collins Sorry but we 11% worked as long and hard as the other 89% of you. We deserve the same respect and treatment as you. As a matter of fact I worked in intelligence and always volunteered to work rotating shifts while most of you 89% worked only days when it was an option. I NEED the VA hospital to coordinate my healthcare because I was exposed to hazardous chemicals for 2 1/2 at my first duty station. One was a nerve agent that is destroying my central nervous system. The VA is the only place that can make the appropriate referrals, and pay for, specialists who MAY be able to help me.

I'm not African American and can tell you dealing with the VA is a nightmare for me too. They treat all women vets poorly. I've been called crazy and told I need to be medicated by a PATIENT ADVOCATE because I complained about the VA hospital not addressing my concerns. I believe they would NEVER tell a man that and have a psychologist call them to provide medication.

PO3 Patricia Miner I totally agree with your point as in The VA officials would NEVER insult a male veteran by NOT addressing their concerns and call them CRAZY and THE MALE veterans certainly aren't treated with such DISRESPECT.....I AM SO SICK OF THIS!