It's no small feat to deploy an army. Or to strategize and plan a battle, for that matter. The United States has a solid 237 year military history. We have one of the most powerful military forces in the world. So why can't we figure out how to take care of our veterans properly? Because it hasn't been a priority, that's why.
And this needs to change.
The photo at the top of the page shows a room containing VA claims. Notice all the paper. Despite the fact that we can drop into a country and have fully functional, effective computer networks setup within 48 hours, 97% of VA claims are paper-based and an estimated 900,000 vets are waiting to start their lives anew and take advantage of the benefits they were promised to do so.
We made a contract with these veterans. As a country. They have fulfilled their part, but with an average claim currently taking 273 days to process, it can hardly be said that we have fulfilled our end of the deal. Re-assimilation back into society involves these benefits. Getting a loan, receiving an education, healthcare and mental health care are all essential.
Funding the VA has to be a priority, even if it means cutting our defense budget to accommodate these needs.
Use your democracy. Make your voice heard:
Let them know that we Americans support our vets.
Let them know that the current situation is unacceptable.
Let them know that may not be re-elected
if they don't take immediate action.
Let them know that the current situation is unacceptable.
Let them know that may not be re-elected
if they don't take immediate action.
For information, see Newshour's report:
Returning Veterans Face Huge Backlog, Disorganization in Fight for Benefits
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