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The VA: scrutiny amongst veterans

Presidential election looming, veterans affairs a hot topic

“I don’t trust Trump,” said Rachel Locker, a government employee whose father served in the Air Force in the 1950s.

Evaluating who to vote for in a Presidential election can be a difficult task. A candidate that appeases every voter may never exist but, some topics are scrutinized more than others and veterans affairs is often that topic.

Health care, benefits and burials/memorials of those who served all fall under the purview of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. According to CBSnews.com, although the VA declined interview requests, investigations have uncovered mismanagement of veterans claims for benefits.

In the same cbsnews.com article, it was reported that in 2015 alone, more than 800,000 appointments at VA medical facilities, ‘did not meet the health system’s timeliness goal.’

“The VA is very misleading, and not veteran friendly” said, Dr. Burnough, the Financial Secretary for the 100 Black Men South Metro in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Burnough is a Marine Corp veteran who served in Vietnam.

Barbara Bavera was a personnel officer in the Air Force during the Cold War. Although, generally healthy, Bavera said, “anytime I had anything wrong, it was a hassle,” when dealing with military doctors.

All veterans and their families do not need benefits but, that does not stop opinions from forming.

Although Rachel Locker’s father did not need to receive benefits, she said, “I believe the government should be aggressive in it’s dealings with veterans benefits.”

Veteran Army Officer, Tom McGee does not receive benefits himself but, said folks he knows who do “are pleased,” with the type of care they get.

As the Presidential election rapidly approaches, voters are considering the track record of the candidates and their parties in respect to which side would positively improve veterans benefits.

“Republicans do a better job [in that area],” said Rick Pinkston, whose father was a marine in the 1950s.

In contrast, Dr. Burnough said, “I am a Democrat and I will be voting for Hillary, she is more stable and a fair person to benefit all veterans.”
“[They] talk a lot but, don’t do a lot,” said McGee of the politics surrounding the issue of veterans and veterans benefits.

As the election approaches, discussions will continue and it remains to be seen what, if any, progress will be made when it comes to veterans and their feelings toward the VA.