While VA concentrates on Iraq and Afghanistan vets -- only 3 percent of the veteran population -- older vets bring up the rear.

by Larry Scott, VA Watchdog dot Org

The Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) has just announced a new website and blog exclusively for the use of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

When first entering the site, the Flash video shows a young man and young woman with their child between them walking up the steps of the VA facility in Coatesville, PA.

The building is festooned with red, white and blue bunting ... and a large sign reads, "WELCOME HOME AMERICAN HERO."

I wonder how many Vietnam veterans think that sign applies to them as they walk up the steps for their appointment?

The VA has worked hard to create a two-tiered system of health care and benefits.  Vets from Iraq and Afghanistan are given preference at VA medical facilities and are put first in line for having disability claims processed.

But, to what end?  Why would the VA take up so much time and spend so much money serving the needs of just 3% of the veteran population ... while the other 97% waits ... and waits ... and waits?

It's one of perception because, as they say, perception is reality.

The perception the VA is trying to create is that they are taking care of veterans ... all veterans.  And, by hyping this new website and many outreach programs for the "new vets," the average American thinks ALL vets are receiving equal attention.  It's not so.  It's a cruel game.

I have tracked this for VA Watchdog dot Org readers:

OLD AND IN THE WAY

VA IGNORES NEEDS OF OLDER VETERANS WITH "NEW VET" JOB OUTREACH

VA MEMO MAKES OLDER VETS "SECOND-CLASS VETS"

Even one of the major veterans' service organizations (VSOs), the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), has chimed in:

DAV CALLS VA'S "NEW VETS" OUTREACH PROGRAM "A GRIEVOUS DISSERVICE TO ALL VETERANS"

The DAV said:

Dear Secretary Peake:

     I read with great interest the recent news release that the Department of Veterans Affairs has mounted a concerted effort to inform combat veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan about the VA's medical services and other benefits.  Just when does the VA plan to do the same for combat veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the first Gulf War, Somalia, Bosnia and every other conflict?

     This latest announcement serves to reinforce the perception that the VA is evolving into a two-tiered system:  one that pulls out all the stops when it comes to outreach and service to this newest generation of veterans, but also one that pays relatively scant attention to veterans from previous generations who have served and sacrificed for our nation as well.

     Mister Secretary, the VA must not favor one generation of veterans over another.  To do so, no matter how well intentioned, does a grievous disservice to all veterans.

As you can tell, the above letter to then VA Secretary James Peake from David W. Gorman, the DAV's Executive Director, was ignored.

Where are the other VSOs?  The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) are silent.  Even though most of their members are older vets, they need to recruit the "new vets" to stay alive ... so, silence.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)?  They think it's just fine.

But it's not!

The two-tiered VA just pits one group of veterans against another.

The 3% just put the 97% at a disadvantage.

While no one will argue that our "new vets" have earned their health care and, if warranted, disability benefits ... how about returning the VA to a single-tier?

Health care should be triaged ... simply put, based on medical need.  Is a young veteran's health more highly-prized than the health of a World War II or Vietnam veteran?

Disability claims should be, simply, first-come-first-serve.  Financial need due to disability hits all ages groups equally, so there is just no reason to make older vets wait.

I hope our "new vets" enjoy their special website and blog.

You can be sure the VA won't do this for older veterans.  Just imagine the blog entries ... from Gulf War vets who are still dealing with illnesses the VA won't recognize ... or Vietnam vets and their stories of Agent Orange illnesses ... or Atomic vets who have watched their bodies waste away ... or .................... 

VA's announcement below:

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VA Welcoming Vets Home with New Web Site, Blog

April 20, 2009

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched its new “Returning Veterans” Web site --  www.oefoif.va.gov  -- to welcome home Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts with a social, Veteran-centric Web site focusing on their needs and questions.

“VA is entering the world of Web 2.0, because that’s where this generation of Veterans is already communicating,” said Dr. Gerald M. Cross, VA’s Principal Deputy Undersecretary for Health. “We’re opening our doors to them virtually to let them know what they can expect when they step through our doors in reality.”

The Web site will feature videos, Veteran stories, and a blog where Veterans are encouraged to post feedback. The site also will restructure the traditional index-of-benefits format found on other VA pages into question-based, categorized, and easily navigated links by topic. This will allow Veterans to find benefits of interest easily and discover related benefits as they explore.

“We hope our returning Veterans find this site easy and helpful, but also engaging,” Dr. Cross said. “As the site grows, we will be linking to Veterans’ blogs and highlighting more of their own stories from their own views. We are their VA, so we are eager to provide a forum for Veterans to discuss their lives.”