PHOENIX — The nation’s largest veterans nonprofit held a town hall Monday evening in Phoenix to address both progress and lingering problems since the Veterans Affairs healthcare scandal broke 10 years ago.
The American Legion works hand-in-hand with V.A. staff on healthcare issues.
Veterans had a chance to meet with legion leaders and V.A. officials at a public meeting held at the legion’s Post 1 near 7th Avenue and Van Buren Street.
“We are troubled by what happened a decade ago,” said Autrey James, American Legion Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Commission Chair, in a written statement. “But what happened then was not – and still is not – typical of V.A. care.”
Navy veteran Jennifer Kritzer, in attendance Monday, said she has seen signs of improvement.
“When I moved here three years ago, a lot of people told me, ‘Don’t go to the Phoenix VA.’ But it’s been an overall positive experience. Some problems, but overall positive,” Kritzer said.
Daryl, an Army veteran who served in the 1980s, said Monday he has benefited from consistent service in recent years, including mental health counseling.
“I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for the V.A.,” Daryl said.
In 2014, whistleblowers in Phoenix exposed how the agency’s medical centers manipulated wait time statistics while at least 40 veterans died while waiting for appointments. Subsequent investigations revealed other systemic problems regarding scheduling, record-keeping and quality of care.
Congress passed reforms involving stricter accountability measures, more healthcare options, and added funding. But some problems persist. Last year the Government Accountability Office revealed less than 10% of VA medical centers scheduled 75% of their appointments within the current standard.
Earlier this month, whistleblowers who exposed the scandal gathered at the Phoenix V.A. to demand further reforms. They say Congress does not have the wherewithal to uphold the law. A spokesperson for the V.A. said they have worked “tirelessly” to improve access to quality of care over the past decade.
Employees of the V.A. who want to report suspected misconduct can call the VA Office of Inspector General hotline at 800-488-8244 or the independent U.S. Office of Special Counsel at 800-872-9855.
Veterans unable to attend the town hall who have questions about claims or benefits can call 202-263-5759.
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