Remember that if you joined the military in Texas you can access certain benifits directed specifically for TEXAS VETERANS
Access by going to:
http://www.tvc.state.tx.us/Home.aspx
Be sure and read the section on the Hazlewood Act
Friday, January 4, 2013
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Problems with the VA Medical System
The man charged with figuring out how to better serve the nation’s 23 Million veterans said he is concerned about problems in the North Texas system.
Asked about eight-hour emergency room delays, months waiting for physician visits and veterans turning to any healthcare option besides the VA, W. Scott Gould said it is the VA’s responsibility to get veterans the services they need.
And when presented with a list of problems relative to the VA center in North Texas he was quoted as saying, "I’m obviously very concerned that that is happening,” Gould said, in an interview during the Veteran’s Day weekend.
Gould was nominated by President Obama in 2009 to be the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has spearheaded a three-year overhaul focusing on ending veteran homelessness, speeding up benefits claims and improving access to care. The VA budget has climbed more than 40 per cent in that time, to $140 Billion for 2013.
Gould has focused billions on employee training, IT and management infrastructure. He defended that choice for spending comparing it to a helicopter not being able to take off without a crew. “We want to make sure that as we’re adding to our rolls. That we’re training the new people who come in to staff that system.”
Gould said the VA has added 800,000 veterans to its healthcare rolls in the last four years and that generally, the 90 Million patient visits it handles each year are of the highest quality. He encouraged North Texas veterans though to continue to open up when the department falls short.
“If you’re not getting the care you deserve, speak up,” he said. “I know out veterans are not shy. These are the folks that we’ve fought and won all our wars with. Be persistent. Make your concerns known.”
Welcome from the Author
Welcome to "Speaking Out For Veterans". The author of this blog is a "Vietnam Era" veteran who served honorably in the US Navy during the Vietnam War, and notice I said war and not conflict, because to all that served we know what it was.
I am putting together this blog in an effort to hear the voice of all veterans and to see that they are heard. Recently (Refer to the next post) there has been a flurry of news reports, both on TV and through the Radio Heads commenting on the treatment and conditions of our VA Hospital system around the world. I personally have been utilizing the VA Medical System for the last ten or so years for my basic and specialized care, so I feel I have the experience and the knowledge to assist other vets in the perils with the system. As a service connected disabled veteran, I see up close and personal the problems that I myself and others have with the system each time they visit, and recently I am becoming more and more appalled at how our new incoming veterans are being treated.
You are probably asking yourself just what gives this guy the insight and knowledge to review and make judgments regarding treatment as well as look at and rate the facilities proper? That is an easy question, I am a Certified Safety Executive with well over thirty years examining and solving problems related to all facets of industry as well as the health care system in general. I do this by carrying the title of Certified Safety Executive, Certified Haz-Mat Technician, and as a Certified Health Care Safety Professional. With these credentials I keep a vigilant eye on what’s happening and what can be done to fix the problem. I am currently undergoing treatment for my back, having already gone through surgery several times, and as I undergo the treatments it will give me more of an insight regarding how I am being treated against other veterans in the system. Hopefully this will give me the insight and view to get directly in Washington’s face should it become necessary. That’s where all of you come into the picture. It is your chance to let me know how you feel, and your experiences with the system so I can be that voice we so sorely need with the VA System. Please, take the time to share your experience with the system as well as you horror stories. Only by collecting the information will I be able to reach out and make a difference.
I am putting together this blog in an effort to hear the voice of all veterans and to see that they are heard. Recently (Refer to the next post) there has been a flurry of news reports, both on TV and through the Radio Heads commenting on the treatment and conditions of our VA Hospital system around the world. I personally have been utilizing the VA Medical System for the last ten or so years for my basic and specialized care, so I feel I have the experience and the knowledge to assist other vets in the perils with the system. As a service connected disabled veteran, I see up close and personal the problems that I myself and others have with the system each time they visit, and recently I am becoming more and more appalled at how our new incoming veterans are being treated.
You are probably asking yourself just what gives this guy the insight and knowledge to review and make judgments regarding treatment as well as look at and rate the facilities proper? That is an easy question, I am a Certified Safety Executive with well over thirty years examining and solving problems related to all facets of industry as well as the health care system in general. I do this by carrying the title of Certified Safety Executive, Certified Haz-Mat Technician, and as a Certified Health Care Safety Professional. With these credentials I keep a vigilant eye on what’s happening and what can be done to fix the problem. I am currently undergoing treatment for my back, having already gone through surgery several times, and as I undergo the treatments it will give me more of an insight regarding how I am being treated against other veterans in the system. Hopefully this will give me the insight and view to get directly in Washington’s face should it become necessary. That’s where all of you come into the picture. It is your chance to let me know how you feel, and your experiences with the system so I can be that voice we so sorely need with the VA System. Please, take the time to share your experience with the system as well as you horror stories. Only by collecting the information will I be able to reach out and make a difference.
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