Veteran dies after setting himself on fire outside New Jersey VA clinic

Sadly I am not surprised. The VA, despite minor improvements, continually fails to meet even its own low standards. I believe one of the primary reasons is, as I was told by one of the few VA providers that is competent, professional and caring, is that only 30% of the staffing at the VA is comprised of Veterans. The VA hospital in my area is also a teaching hospital where there are larger than in my opinion numbers of students versus certified and fully trained providers. Even so, that vetrran was at a clinic, where only the smallest of issues can be addressed, even if anyone were there. Another concern, big in my eyes, is that after reading the websites of the House and Senate VA oversight committees, NO mention of this tragedy has been mentioned yet. Our elected officials that sit on these committees are supposed to be our advocates, and in a matter such as this an investigation should already be underway, and statements such as the one offered by the VA that"22 Veterans commit suicide each day" should outrage not only those committe members, but all of our elected officials, as the comment was insulting, disrespectful and indicative of the overall VA attitude toward Veteran services. When will an official investigation by the Senate and House committees be held? Which VA officials will be held accountable? Most importantly, what measures will take place to correct the problem and prevent the ongoing problem of Veteran suicides? Actions, not more excuses, are in order.

"A VA official told the paper that 22 veterans commit suicide each day in the country"......NO SHIT HUH?

Holy effing sh!t! That is horrible...