The latest news affecting veterans and their families. http://www.vawatchdog.org "How do we help a guy make sense of all that and heal from that when the Marine Corps is saying to get treatment means you're weak." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf112109-4.htm Local hospital loses contract to Valor Healthcare whose executives have close ties to the VA. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf112109-3.htm Even the 100 top non-VA hospitals that are the most wired are not seeing any cost savings nor do their electronic medical record systems make the administration of health care more efficient. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf112109-2.htm The GI sat inside a trailer, his gaze fixed on a computer that flashed a rhythmic pulse of contrasting images. Electrode wires dangled from his left eye and right pinky finger. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf112109-1.htm VA announces Dunne's departure early next year as "resignation," but insiders say exit was "requested." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf112009-8.htm Faces eight felony charges, including four counts of conflict of interest, one count of fraudulent schemes and practices, two counts of misuse of public monies, and one count of violation of procurement code. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf112009-7.htm Comprehensive study of women Veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War will explore the effects of their military service on their mental and physical health. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf112009-6.htm Poor communication causes most mistakes in and out of operating room. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf112009-5.htm The Senate unanimously passed legislation that would provide benefits to family members who stay home to care for severely injured veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf112009-4.htm Companies fraudulently collected at least 100 million dollars in federal contracts designated for disabled military veterans who run small businesses. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf112009-3.htm In an absurd quirk of federal laws on death benefits, military widows and widowers are losing death benefits unless they take another walk down the aisle after age 57. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf112009-2.htm Baltimore VARO fails in 14 of 15 operational areas because of untrained, unsupervised staff. Management acknowledges workload not under control. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf112009-1.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111909-6.htm "There is a stigma attached to the invisible wounds, and it's largely borne out of ignorance. There's a fear that somebody will go off the deep end." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111909-5.htm Will lift his hold on the bill in exchange for the opportunity to offer an amendment that will address his concerns with the legislation. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111909-4.htm The Nuclear Regulatory Commission found that VA staff failed to evaluate radiation doses or know when to report a mistake. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111909-3.htm A program that has inmates training service dogs for veterans and children is meeting with acclaim and continues to grow. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111909-2.htm Petzel has had a long career with the VA. He is currently Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111909-1.htm Army's Vice COS - "This is horrible, and I do not want to downplay the significance of these numbers in any way." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111809-5.htm "I really want a period of observation. I don't want to rush off with solutions and make the problems worse." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111809-4.htm The unanimous vote reflected the unique political standing of the veterans budget, which has received hefty increases. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111809-3.htm Judge at sentencing - "Whatever danger he poses to the community will be hopefully diminished by then." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111809-2.htm Proposal would have required lawmakers to make cuts to military construction projects and other veterans programs to make room in the budget for aid to disabled vets' caregivers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111809-1.htm Continuing serious deficiencies in financial reporting leave VA at risk of processing errors and misstatements in its financial statements. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111709-8.htm Veteran is filing a complaint against Iowa City VA and is considering legal action. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111709-7.htm "When we're experiencing stress we speak differently than when we're relaxed." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111709-6.htm VA Secretary Shinseki - "Streamlining our disability claims system and working closely with DoD to care for today's generation of heroes are among VA's top priorities." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111709-5.htm The VA psychiatrist noted how poorly the veteran was functioning, noted the plethora of risk factors that he faced, and released him. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111709-4.htm The New York Times - "Sheer embarrassment should drive the senator into retreat as he trifles with veterans' needs and burnishes his petty role as Dr. No." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111709-3.htm A thyroid cancer patient received an unusually large dose of radiation after radioactive iodine became stuck in his feeding tube for nearly four days. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111709-2.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111709-1.htm Department has formally requested an investigation into the Palo Alto VA, where 23 glaucoma patients experienced significant vision loss while receiving treatment. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111609-7.htm Coburn will offer two ways of paying for veterans' care - eliminating military construction projects in their home states or cutting the United States' contribution to the United Nations. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111609-6.htm "The research is aiming to understand the reasons why veterans with PTSD smoke and ultimately we have the goal of helping these veterans quit smoking." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111609-5.htm Despite poor care in the VA's Philadelphia prostate cancer treatment program, the agency has only slapped a few hands. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111609-4.htm The scheme, spelled out in court documents, claims banks are overcharging veterans on home refinancing loans. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111609-3.htm DARPA is looking for research projects that would create a "therapeutic hypothermia device" to prevent traumatic brain injuries from causing permanent molecular damage to the brain. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111609-2.htm MHAT-VI report finds biggest factors contributing to mental illness are repeated combat tours, shorter times between tours and the amount of combat a soldier sees. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111609-1.htm Illinois lawmakers got and gave assurances that positive changes have been made and more are on the way. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111509-3.htm About 600 mid-city homeowners are resisting the new VA hospital and don't want to sell their property. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111509-2.htm Analysis of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation levels for survivors of veterans and servicemembers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111509-1.htm Two very slick television ads from the Veterans Health Administration aim to lure doctors into the VA system. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111309-5.htm Gov. Rick Perry - "Texas can no longer sit on the sidelines, vainly hoping things get better." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111309-4.htm "The aim is to improve access to veterans' benefits and to offset the costs to the Medicaid program." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111309-3.htm The moral - Never go to a class reunion wearing a uniform and medals you didn't earn. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111309-2.htm The state is quietly shutting down a program, nearly 3 decades old, that aids veterans statewide, mostly in rural areas. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111309-1.htm Buyer's "deer in the headlights" performance does nothing to end questions as to whether his foundation is legitimate. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111209-7.htm House Vets' Chair - "People have died before they've gotten their benefits or they've lost their houses because they didn't have a check coming in." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111209-6.htm "These people flew into the sandbox. They were carrying all kinds of things. Probably a lot of the things they did were classified ... " http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111209-5.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111209-4.htm "To all our wounded warriors, and to the families who laid a loved one to rest. America will not let you down. We will take care of our own." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111209-3.htm "It's not like the old days ... How can you plan fund-raisers with an 85-year-old guy and a 93-year-old guy." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111209-2.htm Two high-profile articles paint a picture of a more progressive and benevolent VA. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111209-1.htm His family had accused the VA of failing to keep him in a hospital or commit him to a mental health facility. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111109-5.htm "They said, well, in 1975 I went to college and one of the courses I went to I did not complete so I owe all the tuition fees." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111109-4.htm " ... Rural hospitals need the resources to recruit and retain talented, high-performing administrators and doctors." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111109-3.htm "There's something different in your brain. Just putting a real physical marker there, saying that this is a real thing, encourages more people to seek care." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111109-2.htm VA Secretary Shinseki - "They devoted their working lives to care for our Veterans, and they died in uniform, preparing to safeguard our Nation's freedom." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111109-1.htm VA Watchdog's Larry Scott - "There's a certain element of the fox guarding the hen house when you have a VA quality management team coming in to investigate a VA facility." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111009-7.htm Goal is "to fill the ranks of federal employees with men and women who possess the skills, dedication, and sense of duty that Americans deserve from their public servants." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111009-6.htm "These young guys may look forward to the rest of their lives being taken care of, and a nursing home is not what they or their families are looking for." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111009-5.htm Four directors have left the North Carolina VA facility amid problems since 1996. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111009-4.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111009-3.htm Widow is suing the VA and says, "They didn't have any trouble finding the helicopter when it was time for him to go to Vietnam." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111009-2.htm While one veteran is broke and faces homelessness, the other veteran says, "My wife and I are going to lose our house." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf111009-1.htm Rep. Bob Filner - "Everybody is at a breaking point. You can't do a war like this without the proper mental health resources and we just don't have them." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110909-5.htm The repeated stories of battle and loss can leave the most professional therapist numb or angry. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110909-4.htm VA attorneys don't want veterans to have attorneys. But, Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland punches holes in their claim of a "New Paternalism" at the VA. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110909-3.htm "Moving from paper to structured data over the NHIN, Social Security can use decision support systems to make disability determinations ... " http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110909-2.htm Bill passes House by 220-215 vote without Rep. Steve Buyer's "pro veteran" amendments. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110909-1.htm Study suggests differences in patient preparation and doctor fatigue play a role. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110709-4.htm Steve Buyer objects "to the bill that was unveiled today because it would limit veterans' ability to choose a health care provider." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110709-3.htm A mentally ill Vietnam vet was sentenced to probation for making threats to kill his VA financial guardian and blow up the agency's office building. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110709-2.htm VA Secretary makes remarks during address at the University of South Florida. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110709-1.htm The bill's centerpiece is unprecedented support for family caregivers of severely wounded veterans, those injured since 9-11. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110609-5.htm Allowing the heart to keep beating during coronary bypass surgery is riskier than stopping the heart and using a heart-lung machine to keep the patient alive. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110609-4.htm Three VA officers, stripped of their police powers and deemed psychologically unfit for duty, are speaking out. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110609-3.htm DoD's official position - "only minor, temporary effects have been identified with the burn pit smoke." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110609-2.htm Resignation comes after newspaper reports low employee morale and veterans' dissatisfaction with care. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110609-1.htm "The results of our research should encourage psychiatric investigation into using cannabinoids." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110509-7.htm Craig Newmark - "I am very encouraged by the fact that VA is embracing new ways to look at old problems." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110509-6.htm Study finds a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy given before prostate removal is safe and may have the potential to reduce cancer recurrence and improve patient survival. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110509-5.htm The software will run alongside VA's VistA computerized patient record system and extract data on veterans' PTSD care. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110509-4.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110509-3.htm Police say 29-year-old Mark Harmon called a nurse and said he planned to "fill that place with lead." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110509-2.htm Sen. Roland Burris - "What I learned from Marion was there were a lot of people who knew what was going on and were just afraid to speak out." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110509-1.htm The Army's top generals worry that surging tens of thousands more troops into Afghanistan could increase the strain felt by many military personnel. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110409-6.htm VA looking for contractor to build database that will provide genomic information to VA researchers and "approved academic affiliates." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110409-5.htm "It is important for us to understand how individuals, families and units can build resilience and can be better prepared to adapt and even thrive in stressful environments." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110409-4.htm "President Obama and I are personally committed to ending homelessness among Veterans within the next five years." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110409-3.htm "At Harley-Davidson, we're all about freedom, but we can't forget that freedom comes at a price." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110409-2.htm Hospital director removed but will continue career with VA. Quality Management team arrives Thursday for further investigation. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110409-1.htm Report shows inconsistencies with reporting deaths and problems with patient safety, including surgeons performing procedures they weren't authorized to perform. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110309-3.htm Actor Tom Hanks and Newsman-Author Tom Brokaw to participate in grand opening ceremonies. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110309-2.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110309-1.htm Juror - "It was very real to me, that this PTSD was an actual thing. We could not disregard all the doctors." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110209-6.htm Clerk claims he was wounded and wore the Purple Heart, but prosecution says gunshot wound was self-inflicted. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110209-5.htm Edgewood Arsenal Medical Volunteer Handbook and 1994 GAO report reveal the dark side of human experiments. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110209-4.htm Sen. Gillibrand's S. 1939, identical to Rep. Filner's H.R. 2254, will resolve VA's discriminatory "boots on the ground" ruling. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110209-3.htm Repairs will go forward but are not considered a long-term fix for cracks in the monument. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110209-2.htm VA needs to more closely follow Recovery Act reporting requirements related to the awarding and use of funds. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfnov09/nf110209-1.htm The Illinois Lottery has given more than 7 million to veterans' organizations since 2006. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102909-6.htm "These folks have made sacrifices, and we owe for what they have done for us. So let's take the time to be more aware of these heroes in our midst." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102909-5.htm "When we deploy overseas, one of the biggest risks is infectious gastrointestinal disorders." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102909-4.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102909-3.htm Army veteran David Best - "They thwarted my claim before and downplayed the literature. They were out to screw me." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102909-2.htm VA's inability to process G.I. Bill payments on time forces agency to find private contractor to bail them out. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102909-1.htm Attorney - "It was something that was owed to him prior to his death, and whether it was payable to him individually or his estate, it was owed." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102809-3.htm Leaders of another 17 projects have been given 60 days to show results or get shut down. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102809-2.htm This, as reports indicate VA will be late with up to 14,000 G.I. Bill payments due November 1. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102809-1.htm "Work is very much associated with self-esteem and self-worth so it provides some of that. It is an important component of their recovery and treatment." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102709-5.htm Motivated by his wife's death from cancer, the doctor made a promise to one of his teenage sons to slay the demon disease that ravaged their beautiful mother. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102709-4.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102709-3.htm "I have 23 million veterans who need some help, and I'm 77-years-old with only one phone." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102709-2.htm Striking down the stigma associated with the mental health risks of service in a combat zone is among the priorities of the joint VA-DoD conclave. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102709-1.htm Veterans who suffered physical injuries or developed PTSD after combat may suffer recurrent headaches. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102609-5.htm North Valley Stand Down loses 26,000 dollars worth of merchandise to storage unit thief. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102609-4.htm David Budwah pays for making false statements and wearing unearned medals. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102609-3.htm "I'm kind of tired of it. Life's up and down. I'm in a down right now." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102609-2.htm Commonly-prescribed drugs for Type 2 diabetes offer no cardiac benefit and may put heart at greater risk. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102609-1.htm "My average patient is 78 years old and male. We have only very basic gynecologic services and no obstetric services whatsoever." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102309-5.htm "This was a real David-and-Goliath struggle, and Bill never gave up." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102309-4.htm VA spokesperson says employees have returned merchandise meant for distribution to homeless veterans. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102309-3.htm "As the VA plans care for the increasing numbers of female personnel a better understanding of the prevalence of pain ... is important ..." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102309-2.htm Obama - "It ensures that veterans' health care will no longer be held hostage to the annual budget battles in Washington." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102309-1.htm Combat vets with PTSD and their trauma-unexposed identical co-twins had greater brain activity that suggests a familial risk factor for developing PTSD. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102209-5.htm "Since January 2007, my staff has received 149 complaints about the Hampton VMC from patients or their spouses." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102209-4.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102209-3.htm Qualified servicemembers will receive 500 dollars for each month served past their contracted end-of-service, resignation or retirement date. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102209-2.htm VA Secretary Shinseki - "This expansion of BVA will enable Veterans to receive more expeditious decisions on their appeals." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102209-1.htm There have been questions about how scrupulous the military has been in making sure that the personality disorder discharges were proper. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102109-5.htm Michelle Obama - "So it's just important for you to know that the president and I are proud of you, just as proud as we are of the men and women who serve this country, the people that you serve." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102109-4.htm "VA has held 41 employees accountable for these events and has initiated disciplinary action, with additional investigations still underway." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102109-3.htm "We are tasked with producing substantive recommendations on ways to modernize a system that works very well but is written in software code that is outdated and difficult to maintain." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102109-2.htm Citation awarded for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry to 86 members of the Army's Troop A, First Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102109-1.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102009-6.htm A Marine sergeant charged with faking battle injuries to get freebies intended for wounded warriors will plead guilty at his court-martial. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102009-5.htm VA Secretary Shinseki - "We're reaching out to Veterans so they can get the money they need to stay in school." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102009-4.htm "The magnitude of the detrimental effect of PTSD diagnosis on postoperative mortality is unexpectedly large -- greater than that of diabetes." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102009-3.htm Some residents not sure expenditure is needed. "In Asheville. It just seems a little excessive to me." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102009-2.htm "No good deed goes unpunished ... you see the need ... you want to do good, you want to help people, but all of a sudden I'm getting smacked around for it." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf102009-1.htm Leaders "admitted they lack the fundamental skills to deal with behavioral health issues," and had no formal policies or procedures to guide them. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101909-5.htm The "Widows on a War Path" want Ottawa to apologize and provide monetary relief for the loss of their husbands. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101909-4.htm Thousands of disabled military veterans are being asked to prove their U.S. citizenship to qualify for a property-tax break in Salt Lake County. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101909-3.htm "The public should have had immediate access to all such reports ... so there can be a full accounting of any deficiencies in care." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101909-2.htm Internal email says employees took merchandise specifically donated to help homeless veterans at Stand Down held by Atlanta VA. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101909-1.htm The money isn't the biggest issue, some say. It's the message the government is sending about caring. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101709-3.htm Vet's propensity for threats and gun-wielding date to at least 2006 when he was accused of storming his ex-wife's house with an assault rifle and threatening to shoot her. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101709-2.htm "It will simplify and enhance the experience of many who visit our national cemeteries." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101709-1.htm Continuing problems in billing and collection processes at VA impaired its ability to maximize revenue from private insurance companies. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101609-5.htm Kurt Priessman concludes his series with, "What do We do with the Jobs, People and Property." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101609-4.htm VA's CIO is calling VistA "the best in the world" and seeking to offer it to the rest of the government and the private health care industry. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101609-3.htm Court said there is insufficient evidence that doctors at the VA should have known that vet had symptoms of the parasitic disease leishmaniasis after serving in the Gulf in 1991. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101609-2.htm President Obama supports a one-time 250 dollar payment, but not all politicians think that is appropriate. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101609-1.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101509-6.htm VA bureaucrat replaced after less than one-third of housing vouchers available in 2008 actually got to homeless vets. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101509-5.htm Figures coming out soon indicate no COLA for 2010, so one-time payment would help those hardest hit by recession. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101509-4.htm "Our mission is to serve veterans by increasing their access to VA benefits and services, to provide them the highest quality of health care available, and to control costs to the best of our ability." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101509-3.htm A portable, customized audio player, combined with counseling and monitoring by an audiologist, aims to retrain the brain to filter out the noxious stimulation of tinnitus. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101509-2.htm Legislation is now on the way to President Obama for his signature. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101509-1.htm A new study reports that off-label use of psychiatric medications is near 60 percent, prompting concerns about the appropriate use of medication and optimal provision of mental health services. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101409-5.htm A man who threatened employees of the VA in Marion, IL was arrested outside the hospital with a loaded gun. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101409-4.htm Kurt Priessman offers solutions with, "Restore Accountability and Rights to Due Process." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101409-3.htm Now, a VA official said they had lost his paperwork and he might have to start the appeal process all over again. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101409-2.htm Approval of ischemic heart disease expected to clog VA's already backlogged disability benefits system. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101409-1.htm VA will add Parkinson's, ischemic heart disease and hairy-cell leukemia to list of diseases presumed to be caused by Agent Orange exposure. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101309-5.htm If President Obama keeps his promise and repeals the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, will there be a noticeable impact. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101309-4.htm It is clear the city and state will not meet the November deadline to turn over land for a new VA Medical Center. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101309-3.htm Is trying to get the law changed that allows only spouses or children to be buried at VA cemeteries. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101309-2.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland "eavesdrops" on a VA physicians' bulletin board. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101309-1.htm The VA has restarted a number of IT projects that were temporarily halted in July after falling far behind schedule or over budget. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101209-5.htm Ranking Member on the House Vets' Committee doesn't comment on foundation that shares his offices and was headed by his daughter. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101209-4.htm Before offering solutions for a reborn VA, Kurt Priessman explains "The Final Straw." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101209-3.htm Report finds ER triage being performed by a desk clerk, nurses not being able to readily identify or contact on-call residents, and doctors' orders not being followed. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101209-2.htm While the VA doesn't provide true side-by-side hospital ratings, VAOIG offers valuable insights into the workings of your VA hospital. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf101209-1.htm Senate conferees concluded it would violate Senate budget rules to take even a first step in Obama's phase-in plan without proper funding. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100909-4.htm Veterans' Service Organizations praise legislation that will put an end to late VA budgets. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100909-3.htm Agent offers testimony at hearing for ex-VA nurse charged with killing veteran by injecting morphine. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100909-2.htm From Camp Lejeune to Atsugi, from burn pits to sodium dichromate, Senate Vets' Committee hears about "witch's brew of toxic chemicals." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100909-1.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100809-8.htm Veteran claims counselor encouraged him to use drugs and alcohol to "treat" his conditions and repeatedly encouraged him to move in with her. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100809-7.htm "This is statistically unheard of. We've got a cancer cluster that defies explanation." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100809-6.htm The justices got mired in a side dispute over whether Congress solved the constitutional problem by transferring the land under the cross to the VFW. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100809-5.htm Authorities are reviewing many medical records and appear to be looking at other deaths. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100809-4.htm VA has issued 36,161 emergency checks to veterans whose New G.I. Bill benefits were delayed. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100809-3.htm Volunteer John Wright lived a quite life, amassed 1.56 million, and left it to the VA. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100809-2.htm VA expects to administer 3 million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine to veterans and VA staff. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100809-1.htm "They will be, and they are, ahead of the civilian sector, and there's going to be a rapid transfer of knowledge." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100609-4.htm "This is the single largest release of personally identifiable information by the government ever. We leaked 70 million records, and no one has heard a word of it." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100609-3.htm The aim is to prevent cocaine's rewarding high in order to reduce cravings that trigger drug relapses. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100609-2.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100609-1.htm VA is asking all banks to honor the checks and has provided a toll-free number for verification. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100509-7.htm U.S. authorities have charged an admitted military faker exposed by Colorado veterans this spring for lying about being a Marine captain. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100509-6.htm Is the Mojave Cross just a WWI Memorial, or a religious symbol on government land. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100509-5.htm He was accused of rigging construction, maintenance and supply contracts for Escarino Construction and Fischer Supply. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100509-4.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland launches the most authoritative and easy-to-use guide to a successful VA claim. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100509-3.htm Gel containing active fentanyl drug may be released from the gel reservoir. Exposure to fentanyl gel may lead to possible overdose, which may be fatal. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100509-2.htm "We stand by our decision not to exercise the third-year option with University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100509-1.htm Pentagon's Inspector General will look at troop exposure to hexavalent chromium, also known as sodium dichromate. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100409-3.htm Since no COLA is expected for the first time since 1975, bill would help vets and Social Security recipients. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100409-2.htm Over 16,000 veterans signed up for VA emergency funds to help pay the bills until G.I. Bill payments arrive. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100409-1.htm Agency is now operating on a continuing resolution which will lead to rationing of care. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100209-4.htm VA shuffles "customer satisfaction" data to paint a picture that isn't so. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100209-3.htm Among the most surprising steps the VA has taken is to reach out to mental health professionals in the private sector. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100209-2.htm The latest commentary from Kurt Priessman is titled, "The Hub and Spokes." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100209-1.htm But, they should consider delays involved in issuing and mailing the checks. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100109-9.htm According to the AFGE, contract care requires that the VA give up a certain degree of control to for-profit outside entities. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100109-8.htm Nashville, TN and Wilmington, DE fall short of standards in many critical areas. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100109-7.htm OI and T management control deficiencies increased the risks that IT investments could experience cost and schedule overruns, which could ultimately lead to other costly, unproductive, or failed programs and projects. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100109-6.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100109-5.htm Community-Based Outpatient Clinics found lacking in 14 vital areas. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100109-4.htm Although report finds fault with Regional Office mailrooms, says controls are in place to prevent shredding of important claims documents. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100109-3.htm "It's increasingly frustrating for us - the VA - and other providers that it's difficult to find a workable interface. Our systems don't talk to each other." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100109-2.htm Reports like the one that found glaring problems at the VA's Philly nursing home will no longer be released to the public. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfoct09/nf100109-1.htm Cabinet sold online found to be full of drugs. Local investigation continues as VAOIG bows out. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf093009-5.htm Wounded Warriors Family Support, formerly known as Wounded Warriors Inc., must pay nearly 1.7 million dollars to Wounded Warrior Project Inc. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf093009-4.htm "...An electronic medical record that facilitates transmission and availability of critical imaging results ... does not eliminate the problem of missed test results..." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf093009-3.htm "We are developing a first-of-its-kind 'lab on a chip' as well as associated handheld instrumentation to revolutionize the way military and civilian medics diagnose and treat traumatic brain injury." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf093009-2.htm Kurt Priessman's latest commentary is titled, "When the Wheel is Broken." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf093009-1.htm "I find myself bewildered given their resources that they - the VA - would contact Operation Open Arms for any type of PTSD issue..." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092909-4.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092909-3.htm Servicemembers who suffer up to three mild traumatic brain injuries or concussions during a deployment could be pulled out of combat for the duration of their tour. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092909-2.htm VAOIG estimates that claims folders for 296,00 vets were misplaced and 141,000 folders were lost, a total of 10 percent of all folders. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092909-1.htm Vets often find that the skills they learned in the military don't always apply on the outside, and the years of civilian work experience missing from their resumes don't help either. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092809-4.htm The study also found that exercise was associated with less aggressive disease in men who did develop prostate cancer. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092809-3.htm With the medical examiner system, Dover will have operations that not only identify remains of fallen military personnel and account for their deaths, but use that information to protect the living. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092809-2.htm Commentary by Gordon P. Erspamer - "Does anyone really believe the VA when it says that veterans don't need lawyers because the system is 'nonadversarial.'" http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092809-1.htm A new study finds that group therapy can benefit homeless veterans who have admitted taking physical or emotional abuse against their partners. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092609-5.htm "Let's just say we gave him three options and he took number three. I would rather not say what the first two were." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092609-4.htm In an action he acknowledged was highly unusual, a Congressman personally intervened to restore the job of a top physician at the Pittsburgh VA. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092609-3.htm HIV-infected patients were 60 percent more likely to have anal, lung, Hodgkin's, melanoma or liver cancer than patients without HIV. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092609-2.htm Secretary Shinseki - "Students should be focusing on their studies, not worrying about financial difficulties." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092609-1.htm "Until there is change in the very ethos of this giant, dysfunctional machine, veterans will continue to fight them in every way possible." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092509-4.htm VA issues confusing numbers on G.I. Bill payments as veterans worry about how they will pay the rent. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092509-3.htm An Internet task force says they found child pornography on his VA computer. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092509-2.htm Kurt Priessman continues his commentary series with, "Looking for Solutions to the Delays and Denials." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092509-1.htm VA acknowledges problem as vets' orgs worry about veterans not being able to meet everyday expenses. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092409-8.htm At the core of the complaints is optometrists being allowed to treat glaucoma. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092409-7.htm Lawmakers questioned whether millions of dollars in bonuses were appropriately awarded to VA employees. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092409-6.htm A black surgeon says the VA fired him for complaining about a fellow surgeon's racist and demeaning behavior. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092409-5.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092409-4.htm "These delayed benefit payments have the potential to adversely affect the economic status and quality of life for veterans who are eligible for benefits." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092409-3.htm "Congress has explicitly concluded that if the taxpayers are financing a veteran's incarceration, it is contrary to the public good to also pay him full VA disability benefits." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092409-2.htm Report finds problems in 17 key areas at seven VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092409-1.htm Where are the VA's drugs. VAOIG says VA can't account for 8 percent of non-controlled drug inventory. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092309-7.htm Hearing will be webcast live at 10AM Eastern on Wednesday September 23, 2009. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092309-6.htm "There may be other people who voiced complaints and sought help and never got it, got swept under the table." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092309-5.htm House Vets' Committee Chair on incompatible electronic medical records - "They've talked about it for years and still haven't figured it out." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092309-4.htm IG evaluated 24 VA facilities and found they generally met program requirements. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092309-3.htm A groundbreaking plea agreement has been reached that will allow a war veteran to avoid prison and go straight to a mental health facility in the stabbing death of his wife. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092309-2.htm Kurt Priessman's latest commentary asks, "Why is Planning the Brick That's Missing." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092309-1.htm "If they're breaking the law, they're breaking the law. But if it's more of a cry for help, how do officers answer that cry." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092209-5.htm "The military is so structured and organized, and when you get on a college campus, it's chaos." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092209-4.htm VA's Shinseki cites progress in funds distribution, but there has been a glitch. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092209-3.htm The Corps says he was never in Afghanistan, wasn't wounded and didn't earn the combat medals he wore. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092209-2.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092209-1.htm A judge signed a 45,000 dollar settlement between Greg Davis and both the Department of Veterans Affairs and the officer involved. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092109-4.htm "I think that one of the concerns that people have said, as I take this job, is that returning veterans have been neglected." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092109-3.htm Randall Sears could get 40 years for the stomping death of Richard Jackson at vets' home. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092109-2.htm Open meeting to review VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities is in Washington, DC on September 21 and 22. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf092109-1.htm An inspection turned up conditions placing veterans at imminent risk of harm, including one patient whose leg had to be amputated after maggots were seen falling from his foot. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091909-3.htm Cabinets hold thousands of dollars worth of drugs, to treat everything from psychiatric, and cardiac problems to extreme pain. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091909-2.htm Unreported abnormal chest X-ray, technician suturing a patient, and failure to diagnose a stroke among problems. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091909-1.htm Among the 129 facilities inspected in August, all 129 were compliant with respect to SOPs. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091809-4.htm Kurt Priessman's latest commentary is titled, "Planning. Planning. We Don't Need No Stinking Planning." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091809-3.htm "I'll be ok until it starts arriving. If it takes until December, there might be issues." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091809-2.htm Researchers at Philly VA drew blood samples from veterans for a research project without their knowledge or consent, resulting in "serious noncompliance" with federal law and regulations. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091809-1.htm Also addresses problem of homeless veterans - "Shame on us if we don't figure that out this time around to make sure that doesn't happen." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091709-6.htm Court-ordered mediation has failed to settle a lawsuit over delayed and denied care for wounded veterans so the case now goes to a U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091709-5.htm VA's new FLITE software is mired in the same mistakes made by developers of CoreFLS, the infamous third of a billion dollar boondoggle. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091709-4.htm Social Security recipients and veterans who receive VA disability compensation can expect no increase in monthly benefits. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091709-3.htm Deaths among people treated for heart attack at VA hospitals have fallen since 2003, mirroring worldwide trends. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091709-2.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland examines a VA claim decision you just won't believe. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091709-1.htm The aim of the Veterans Court is getting nonviolent vets with otherwise clean records into treatment, sparing them a criminal conviction. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091609-4.htm Profanity-laced letter from VA's Montgomery Regional Office tells widow that VA employees deliberately removed medical records from her late husband's file. Now, VAOIG is investigating widow. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091609-3.htm Workers are just as likely to pick up Clostridium difficile spores from bed rails and other surfaces as from touching an infected patient. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091609-2.htm The latest article from Kurt Priessman asks, "How did the VA Stray so Far from Its Mission and Structure." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091609-1.htm The authors write, the VA system, which is already experiencing significant delays for PTSD treatment, urgently needs to ramp up its mental health resource capacity. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091509-6.htm In this "Under the Radar" report we look at what some VA employees want to do to clear up nearly 1 million claims. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091509-5.htm But, it won't start until 2011. It's expected to end in 2013. With results, when. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091509-4.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091509-3.htm Rain delays aside, Washington Crossing National Cemetery is expected to be open and burial-ready by mid-December. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091509-2.htm One of the goals is to discuss the VA's outdated and overwhelmed disability claims process and the resulting backlog of nearly 1 million claims. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091509-1.htm "Americans - we don't wait for the government to take care of things." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091409-7.htm A jury in an inquest has agreed with expert testimony that DU caused the death of a Gulf War veteran. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091409-6.htm House puts half-way measure in defense budget which would allow burn pits to continue operation. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091409-5.htm Email sent to VA's Central Texas users raises concerns about anti-gun message. Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland explains. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091409-4.htm "Family members and caregivers should also be alerted to the potential for changes in mood or behavior and contact the health care provider if they observe these changes..." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091409-3.htm Environmental scientists presented findings which document high levels of TCDD still contaminate soil at Da Nang as well as sediment from a lake that abuts it. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091409-2.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland looks at study by Dr. William Weeks of the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091409-1.htm Minister says U.S. is slacking on its pledge of funds to clean up the Da Nang airport area. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091109-6.htm Figures released for August 2009 show continuation of disturbing trend. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091109-5.htm "These employees who grapple with the claims process every day have the first hand knowledge and experience necessary to help us understand inefficiencies and improve the system." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091109-4.htm The second installment of Kurt Priessman's series asks the question - "Is it a Vision Gone Blind." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091109-3.htm Says veteran's colon cancer was "more likely than not" caused by ingestion and inhalation of DU during his service in the Gulf. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091109-2.htm Federal Court says VA's reviews of large dollar awards "is not in accordance with 'law, rule, or regulation,' and is invalid." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091109-1.htm "It's easy to fall through the cracks and nobody is helping you and you start to get these bills." http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091009-5.htm Upheld VA regulations allowing a state hospital to receive a portion of the benefits of a veteran whom the agency has classified as mentally incompetent. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091009-4.htm Unless veteran can prove VA expert is not qualified, then Court presumes competence under "presumption of regularity" doctrine. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091009-3.htm He had been found guilty of three counts of submitting false documents and three counts of submitting false claims to the VA. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091009-2.htm Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers. http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfsep09/nf091009-1.htm