VA backlog forcing Iraq, Afghanistan vets to wait for treatment

[seemslikeadream]

November 8, 2004, 6:57 AM


DETROIT (AP) -- Thousands of veterans in Michigan are on waiting lists for medical services and disability claims provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Some reservists returning from Iraq say that, despite being promised two years of VA-paid medical service upon their discharge, they are not receiving it or have been told their cases have been deferred for months.

The VA averages 160 days to process claims, longer than its goal of 100 days and far beyond the 60 to 90 days veterans are promised. The agency says the average wait in the Detroit area has been cut by 50 days over the past year to 111 days. But veterans dispute that assessment and say they sometimes wait six months for necessary treatment and services.

"I'm very frustrated I can't get the treatment I need," said Nathaniel Ganzeveld, 22, of Dearborn, a discharged lance corporal in the Marine Reserves who fought in Iraq. Ganzeveld, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, said he has waited nearly six months just to hear what the VA will do to help him with anything beyond weekly psychiatric counseling.

more
http://www.freep.com/news/statewire/sw106869_20041108.htm

[leetrisck]

1. Has gotten worse & worse and it's always

been bad.

[leQ]

3. i wonder if the marines going into fallujah heard about this yet

n/t

[jpak]

2. In new Holy Rolling Bush Empire - no one gets health care

Except for the fundies "laying hands" on christian TV.

Heal!!!!

[saigon68]

4. I do this work in civilian life

It is disgusting to see how the Iraq Veterans are treated, when the Bush Criminals are out to make even MORE "Disabled Veterans".

My advice to kids about to join up---don't believe what your recruiter tells you. You will die like a dog for no good reason other than profits for rich people.

The corporate criminals will spit on you when the war is lost, if you were lucky enough to survive with one leg. An injured dog on the street, will get better treatment than your government will give you and your other leg, the one that is only hanging by a shred.

Hell ask Max Cleland, he can tell you as head of the VA how stingy Congress was.