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There is a sacred tradition in the military: leave no one behind on the battlefield. But many veterans are beginning to believe their country has left them behind at home, once they're out of uniform and in need of help. That help is supposed to come from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the financial compensation it gives to veterans disabled by their military service.
It was Abraham Lincoln who said the purpose of the VA was to "care for him who shall have borne the battle." But the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have pushed the VA further behind in that mission, and today there are a million veterans waiting for the VA to handle their disability claims.
That has led some to latch onto another motto making the rounds for how the VA operates: "Delay, Deny and Hope That I Die."
"When I hear that, I will tell you that it really troubles me. As somebody who has devoted 35 years of my life to this organization, and to serving veterans, it's extremely troubling that there are veterans who feel that way," the VA's Deputy Undersecretary for Benefits Michael Walcoff, told Byron Pitts.
Last year, $30 billion dollars - one third of the VA's total budget - was paid in disability compensation to nearly three million veterans.
It was Abraham Lincoln who said the purpose of the VA was to "care for him who shall have borne the battle." But the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have pushed the VA further behind in that mission, and today there are a million veterans waiting for the VA to handle their disability claims.
That has led some to latch onto another motto making the rounds for how the VA operates: "Delay, Deny and Hope That I Die."
"When I hear that, I will tell you that it really troubles me. As somebody who has devoted 35 years of my life to this organization, and to serving veterans, it's extremely troubling that there are veterans who feel that way," the VA's Deputy Undersecretary for Benefits Michael Walcoff, told Byron Pitts.
Last year, $30 billion dollars - one third of the VA's total budget - was paid in disability compensation to nearly three million veterans.
Why the VA frustrates veterans
Posted from cbsnews.comPosted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Disabled Veterans
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Disabled Veterans
Posted 9 y ago
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I think the VBA is the part that actually frustrates veterans SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL. The treatment centers of the VA actually benefit many of us. I am thankful for the VAMCs and tolerate the VBA - sometime my toleration turns to frustration.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
LTC Stephen F. I agree, what frustrates me is the lack of some of the PACT, unless your dying just to get an appointment.
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SSgt (Join to see)
LTC Stephen F. Some of the cops suck. I was harassed by a cop, who threatened me. I turned him in his supervisor. The doctors said I could stay there, I needed to, I was homelss.. Barney Fife, disageed. SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
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It's the run around trying to get to the treatment. The mis-information, not complete information the VA puts out is the biggest factor. Once I got to the treatment part, I've done ok, but I use the FMP, so it's private doctors in Germany for me.
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I fought the VA for many years I won my fight in 2012 they start me off at 10% in 2004 and I cry many tears over the years I fought them and got IU and Social Security also and PT in 2012 I did all the foot work myself
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SFC Derrick Harris thanks for sharing, I fought them two and am awaiting my second service connection claim. They said 90% of my initial claims never existed, even with military records. Crazy or what!
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