American
Legion National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger pointed to data just
released today by the Department of Veterans Affairs as confirmation
that the problems plaguing VA are widespread but fixable with proper
leadership and appropriate resources.
“The
VA should be commended for conducting this audit and for additional
action announced by Acting Secretary Sloan Gibson,” Dellinger said. “The
fact that more than 57,000 patients – a population equal to that of
Ocala, Florida – have waited more than 90 days for initial appointments
is disgraceful. Even worse, is that an additional 64,000 enrolled over
the past 10 years have been unable to get appointments. This is not just
‘gaming the system.’ It’s Russian Roulette and veterans are dying
because of the bureaucracy.”
Dellinger
said that Gibson’s order to establish a new patient satisfaction
measurement program, hold senior leaders accountable, increase
transparency and remove 14-day scheduling goals from employee
performance contracts are positive steps.
“The
President and Congress must also provide VA the resources it needs to
succeed,” Dellinger said. “We have said from the beginning that Phoenix
was not an isolated case. The VA problems are widespread. The American
Legion is listening and the American people are watching. This is not
political. Making VA accessible and accountable to our nation’s veterans
is a moral imperative. The American Legion stands by ready to assist VA
in living up to our obligation to those who have worn the uniform.”
veterans
