Veterans' benefits since 2000?

[Phredicles]

I got into an argument with some right-wingers (on a, umm, sports board :blush:. But they totally started it by bringing up the Kerry thing).

I said Bush had cut Veterans' benefits (I could've sworn that's what I heard Randi Rhodes say). The said they'd been in the miltary - In Iraq, in fact - and that this wasn't so.

I figured I needed to do some homework on the subject. But I don't have time and, frankly, don't feel like it. But I'm sure some of y'all know more about this than I do. So what IS the story? How have veterans' benefits fared under The Decider?

[unhappycamper]

1. The VA has gone downhill substantially under *

VA Watchdog.org tracks the issues affecting vets.

The Veterans forum also has VA info.

[FogerRox]

2. Disabled American veterans, great site

[cynatnite]

3. Hubby's personal experience supports your statement...

Certain medicines now have to be gotten outside of the VA. They won't cover it unless approval is gotten by the VA. Much of the care he's had to get for past health problems he was sent outside the VA because of budget cuts.

Oh, and here's a tragic example. It was posted some time ago here on DU. A man died outside a VA hospital because they had to close down their facilities at 5pm. The VA hospital had to call an ambulance. They didn't have the proper equipment to save his life.

[Rainscents]

4. Here is something you can really use!!!

List of all the Dem's and reps, how they support the vets!!! Print this out and shove it up their face!

http://capwiz.com/dav/scorecard.xc