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MARCH 2010
VAOIG: SOME MILWAUKEE
VA PROBLEMS GO UNCORRECTED SINCE LAST IG VISIT
(03-19-10)
Milwaukee VA has a number of
problems, including issues in three areas not corrected since
the last VAOIG review.
VA ADDS NEW PRESUMPTIVE
DISEASES FOR GULF WAR, IRAQ, AFGHAN VETERANS
(03-19-10)
The nine new presumptives are
specific infectious diseases including malaria and the West Nile
virus.
VETERANS' ORGS SUE VA
OVER TARDY AGENT ORANGE RULE
(03-19-10)
It would be unconscionable for
disabled veterans to miss out on months of benefits because the
government could not get its act together to issue a regulation
on time.
NRC FINES VA FOR
BOTCHED PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENTS AT PHILLY
(03-18-10)
Nuclear Regulatory Commission says
VA must pay $227,500 for incorrect radiation dosing. It is the
second largest fine the agency has ever levied.
VAOIG: VA'S EFFORTS TO
PROVIDE TIMELY C&P EXAMS IN SHAMBLES
(03-18-10)
IG found lack of resources, lack of
planning and more, all of which can delay the delivery of
disability benefits.
VAOIG: VA'S PACIFIC
ISLAND SYSTEM PAYING SOME OUTPATIENT FEES TWICE
(03-18-10)
The system was found to double pay
13% of the time, lower than the VA average, but still
troublesome and time consuming.
VAOIG IDENTIFIES SEVEN
MORE VA CLINICS WITH SERIOUS PROBLEMS
(03-18-10)
Inspector General finds problems in
17 key areas including not securing veterans' personally
identifiable information.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON
VETERANS' AFFAIRS TO HOLD "CLAIMS SUMMIT 2010"
(03-18-10)
Leaders
 of
the major Veterans' and Military Service Organizations to offer
their ideas on how to end the VA's claims backlog.
VAOIG: VA'S PUERTO RICO
FACILITIES NOT DISINFECTING REUSABLE EQUIPMENT
(03-17-10)
Just one of many problems: Endovaginal transducers were not submitted to disinfection as
required after each patient procedure for approximately 2 years.
Management knew and did nothing.
VAOIG: VHA BOTCHES 70%
OF STIMULUS FUNDS MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS
(03-16-10)
During VHA's initial implementation
of the Recovery Act, contracting officers did not properly
publicize and prepare non-recurring maintenance contract
solicitations and awards in accordance with Recovery Act
requirements.
VA GIVES BLACK VETERANS
FEWER HEART-PROTECTING DRUGS, HEART SURGERIES
(03-16-10)
The published findings are based on
VA records for 117,071 African-American and 357,494 white
patients, mostly men.
IS THERE A FUTURE FOR
ATTORNEYS WHO PRACTICE VETERANS' LAW?
(03-16-10)
"For what possible reason in 2010 is
it necessary for the federal government ... to protect veterans
FROM attorneys??? My God man, how can these people face
themselves ... ?"
GETTING IT RIGHT THE
FIRST TIME by VETERANS' ADVOCATE JIM STRICKLAND
(03-15-10)
"The DAV has finally come around to
my point of view. It's taken years for me to shout out this
information but if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,
the love that DAV has for my message is overwhelming."
VA PUBLISHES
DETERMINATIONS ON DEPLETED URANIUM PRESUMPTIVES
(03-13-10)
Based on the 2008 Institute of
Medicine report, VA says there are no presumptive conditions
related to DU exposure.
NEWSPAPER OBTAINS VA
DOCUMENT CONFIRMING DATA BREACH AT ATLANTA
(03-13-10)
The VA document said there are
reportedly two sets of patient information involved, one that
includes more
than 18 years of data, and another that includes up to three
years of data.
VA ISSUES GULF WAR VETS
ILLNESS TASK FORCE BACKGROUND BRIEF
(03-13-10)
The Task Force developed action
plans to deliver new and improved tools for VA personnel based
on seven core themes.
FISHER HOUSE GETS
LARGEST SHARE OF OBAMA'S NOBEL PEACE PRIZE MONEY
(03-12-10)
The biggest donation, $250,000, will
go to Fisher House, a non-profit group that provides housing for
families of veterans getting care at VA medical centers.
SHINSEKI SEEKS NEW
LAYER OF BUREAUCRACY AT VA'S CENTRAL OFFICE
(03-12-10)
The VA Secretary wants one new
Assistant Secretary and eight new Deputy Assistant Secretaries.
Claims this will "streamline" the VA.
VA CLAIMS HOMELESS
VETERAN POPULATION DOWN 18 PERCENT
(03-11-10)
But, with the VA dealing with a
shortage of mental health and substance abuse counselors, can we
believe the numbers they provide?
GAO REPORT: VA HAS
PROBLEMS WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER SERVICES
(03-11-10)
VA lacks trained staff and beds for
veterans seeking treatment, and does not effectively track
treatment outcomes.
IMAGING IDENTIFIES
THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GULF WAR ILLNESS
(03-11-10)
From the imaging, "we can tell the
ill veterans from the well veterans. And we can distinguish
syndromes one, two and three from each other."
VA INVESTIGATING BREACH
OF VETERANS' MEDICAL DATA
(03-10-10)
The VA's Inspector General has
launched a criminal investigation into a physician assistant's
alleged downloading of veterans' clinical data at its Atlanta
medical center.
KAISER SPOKESPERSON
SETTLES DEBATE OVER WHO HAS ACCESS TO RECORDS
(03-10-10)
 "The comments made by Drs. Mattison
and Liederman are both accurate, depending on the area of
patient health information being
accessed."
VA'S "FAST TRACK"
PROGRAM FOR NEW AGENT ORANGE CLAIMS COULD TAKE A YEAR
(03-10-10)
"To Vietnam veterans, whose Agent
Orange illnesses are becoming more debilitating, developing a
computer program that could take a year is not the 'fast track'
... It is a death sentence!"
VA SAYS IT WILL
AUTOMATE NEW AGENT ORANGE CLAIMS PROCESS
(03-09-10)
But, is VA Secretary Shinseki
howling at the moon? VA's attempts to automate the claims
process in the past have proved disastrous.
VA, DoD GO FORWARD WITH
MEDICAL RECORDS EXCHANGE WITH PRIVATE SECTOR
(03-09-10)
Even though there are many questions
regarding the security of medical records in the private sector,
especially at Kaiser Permanente.
SENATE DEMOCRATS WANT
MORE MONEY FOR VA IN 2011, TOO, BUT .....
(03-09-10)
Democrats on the Senate Committee on
Veterans' Affairs are seeking just 1/7 the amount proposed by
House Republicans.
KAISER OFFICIALS DIFFER
ON WHO HAS ACCESS TO COMPUTER MEDICAL RECORDS
(03-08-10)
One official says everyone has
access to everything, including veterans' files shared with VA.
Another official says access is based on roles.
REPUBLICANS WANT MORE
MONEY IN THE 2011 VA BUDGET
(03-08-10)
Republican Members of the House
Committee on Veterans' Affairs want to add $2.66 billion
including more money and staff for VAOIG oversight of VA
operations.
VA DIRECTOR WITH
TROUBLED PAST RETURNS TO WEST HAVEN FACILITY
(03-06-10)
Vincent Ng is returning as acting
director, accompanied by a VAOIG report that he misused funds
and abused power
the last time he headed the facility.
SENATE SAYS NO TO
ONE-TIME CHECK FOR DISABLED VETS, SENIORS
(03-05-10)
The one-time payment of $250 was to
help those affected by a zero COLA for the year of 2010.
VAOIG: VA NOT ASSESSING
COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING OF ELDERLY VETERANS
(03-05-10)
VA should develop and implement a
plan to ensure that vulnerable elderly veterans admitted to VA
hospitals have a documented assessment of cognitive functioning.
VAOIG: VA'S PHILLY
REGIONAL OFFICE LACKS MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT
(03-05-10)
The VARO did not meet the
requirements for several operational areas reviewed. The VARO
management team acknowledged this was due to a lack of
management oversight.
VA CENTRAL OFFICE
OFFICIALS FACE DISCIPLINE FOR TRAVEL, PORNOGRAPHY
(03-04-10)
Attorney for one official: "The
suggestion that he acted inappropriately is flat out wrong, and
as the facts come to light, we are confident he will be
vindicated."
VA FIDUCIARY SENTENCED
FOR STEALING $1MIL FROM 33 AT-RISK VETERANS
(03-04-10)
U.S. Attorney who showed fiduciary
gambled the money away: "The defendant's offense was egregious
... There is simply no excuse or justification."
VA ISSUES TRAINING
LETTER ON REEVALUATING GULF WAR CLAIMS
(03-03-10)
"C&P Service is providing the
following ... guidelines in order to promote ... awareness,
consistency, and fairness in the handling of disability claims
from Veterans with service in Southwest Asia."
EDITORIAL: PARTY TIME
AT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
(03-03-10)
The scariest aspect of this story is
how little coverage it has received. In official Washington,
misconduct of this sort among so-called public servants is
considered business as usual.
VETS' GROUPS TO SUE VA
IF AGENT ORANGE REGS AREN'T PUBLISHED BY MARCH 12
(03-03-10)
NVLSP, the Legion and MOPH say delay
will harm the Vietnam veterans who suffer from VA's new
presumptive diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure.
VAOIG FINDS HOST OF
PROBLEMS AT FORT WAYNE & MARION VA FACILITIES
(03-03-10)
Including the finding that staff
could not identify surgical instruments so they could not
properly assemble operating room sets.
VA ISSUES DIRECTIVE ON
STANDARDS FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE
(03-02-10)
VA directive sets
 standards
for mental health coverage in emergency departments and urgent
care clinics in VHA facilities.
WILL
KAISER'S DARING APPROACH TO SECURITY PUT VETS' RECORDS AT RISK?
(03-02-10)
As the VA and Kaiser Permanente
begin to share veterans' medical records, Kaiser adopts a "give
everyone access to everything" policy.
VA REGS DON'T FAVOR
WOMEN VETS WHO FILE COMBAT-RELATED PTSD CLAIMS
(03-01-10)
Jennifer Schingle, BVA attorney, on
combat-related PTSD claims: "VA regulations ... have a disparate
impact on female veterans who have a higher burden of proof ...
"
FEBRUARY 2010
FOLLOW-UP: VA'S
SHINSEKI SAYS GULF WAR TASK FORCE REPORT IS NEARLY COMPLETE
(02-27-10)
However, given history, many
veterans and their advocates are wary of more government
promises.
CREW SUES VA ALLEGING
NUMBER OF PTSD CASES UNDERREPORTED
(02-27-10)
"It is incredible that with all of
the public outrage and concern over this issue, the VA took no
steps to preserve important records. This smacks of a cover-up
to avoid liability ... "
VA TO REOPEN CLAIMS
FILES OF GULF WAR VETERANS
(02-26-10)
The VA says it plans to review how
regulations were written to ensure the veterans received the
compensation they were entitled to under the law. The VA would
then give veterans the opportunity to have a rejected claim
reconsidered.
DoD STANDS BY
QUESTIONABLE IRAQ BURN PIT STUDY AT IOM CONCLAVE
(02-26-10)
"People that come forward claiming
causation are all over the map ... this makes it very difficult
to determine if there's an association."
FOLLOW-UP: VA'S BILOXI
WHISTLEBLOWER GIVES MORE INFORMATION TO USOSC
(02-26-10)
Statements tell of government credit
card misuse, working short shifts and taking full pay, sleeping
on the job, and much more.
VAOIG UNEARTHS
CORRUPTION AT VA'S CENTRAL OFFICE
(02-25-10)
IG report substantiates abuse of
authority, misuse of position, interference with OIG
investigation, destruction of evidence, and more.
FOLLOW-UP: VETS'
ATTORNEYS RESPOND TO CHIEF JUSTICE'S "STARTLED" COMMENT
(02-25-10)
"Mr. Chief Justice, I'll bring the
beer if you will sit down with Chief Judge Greene and Chairman
Terry and run down the list of cases for, say, 2008, and work
this all out."
CHIEF JUSTICE
"STARTLED" BY GOVERNMENT ERRORS IN VETERANS' CASES
(02-24-10)
In litigating with veterans, the
government more often than not takes a position that is
substantially
 unjustified.
VA ISSUES ALERT: COMPUTER SYSTEM CAN MISIDENTIFY PATIENTS
(02-24-10)
"Patient identification procedures
should be reviewed to verify that there is consistent use of
minimally two complete identifiers throughout the continuum of
care."
DUCKWORTH WON'T RUN FOR
ILLINOIS LT. GOV., TO STAY AT VA
(02-24-10)
Tammy Duckworth to remain the VA's
Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.
WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT?
SHINSEKI PLANS TO FIX
BROKEN VA BENEFITS SYSTEM BY 2015
(02-23-10)
In the meantime, "We're going to
fine-tune each of the pieces and then put that engine back
together again and look for better processing by the end of the
year."
IOM TO HOLD FIRST
MEETING ON BURN PITS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN
(02-22-10)
The Institute of Medicine will meet
in Washington, DC on February 23 and 24.
CONGRESSMAN WANTS
GOVERNMENT MONEY TO RENOVATE LEGION, VFW HALLS
(02-22-10)
Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland:
"Why keep open an aging building that serves little purpose for
those of us who don't drink, don't smoke and don't have any
interest in bingo games?"
VA ANNOUNCES BEST
EMPLOYEE IDEAS TO IMPROVE CLAIMS PROCESSING
(02-20-10)
VA Secretary Shinseki: "The men and
women of VA and the veterans service organizations who
understand the challenges in our claims processing systems have
stepped up to deliver tangible results for our Nation's
Veterans."
VAOIG EXPECTS VA'S
CLAIMS BACKLOG WILL CONTINUE TO GROW IN 2010 AND 2011
(02-20-10)
"As a result of not tracking local
performance standards or overtime usage, VBA cannot accurately
determine its workforce capacity and its future workforce
needs."
VA'S OFFICE OF NEW
MEDIA: ENGINE FOR CHANGE OR PROPAGANDA MACHINE?
(02-19-10)
VA official on agency's web site:
It's "all about telling the customer how great we are and how
much we 'care'
but not solving their problems as our constituents."
MARINES, CONTRACTOR HID
CAMP LEJEUNE WATER CONTAMINATION FOR 26 YEARS
(02-18-10)
"It is a shame that an institution
founded on honor and integrity would resort to open deceit in
order to protect their reputation at the cost of the health,
safety and welfare of its service men, women and their
families."
RICHMOND VA HOSPITAL
SETTLES CLASS-ACTION DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT
(02-18-10)
The VA will pay $5 million to black
workers who alleged that the Richmond hospital showed favoritism
to white workers.
FOLLOW-UP: IN ALASKA,
VETS COMPLAIN, VA PROMISES FIX
(02-18-10)
Veteran says, "I am told I have one
more appointment, one more appointment, one more appointment."
PLAGUED BY SCANDALS,
PHILLY VA DIRECTOR RICHARD CITRON TO RETIRE
(02-17-10)
VA network director Michael Moreland
says, "He is absolutely not retiring under any pressure."
REPORT: BILOXI VA
FAILED TO PROPERLY INSPECT AND MAINTAIN MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
(02-17-10)
VA Secretary Shinseki: "The evidence
substantiates employees violated VA policy concerning the
inspection and maintenance of medical equipment."
VAOIG FINDS PROBLEMS IN
15 HEALTH CARE AREAS AT ANN ARBOR VA
(02-17-10)
Problems include patient's personal
information not secured, no follow-up on patients taking
atypical antipsychotic drugs, and more.
FOLLOW-UP: MORE
DOCUMENTS ADD FOCUS TO VA'S SHREDDER SCANDAL
(02-16-10)
VA documents released under FOIA
detail problems at Regional Offices in St. Petersburg,
Winston-Salem, Detroit, Albuquerque and others.
VA ASKS NRC TO RETRACT
80 NEGATIVE MEDICAL EVENTS
(02-16-10)
VA now says only 17 of 97 events at
the Philadelphia prostate cancer treatment program qualify as
violations.
 STUDY: TALKING ABOUT
KILLING MAY BE HELPFUL TO VETERANS
(02-15-10)
"We need as a culture to find ways
to not blame soldiers who are ashamed of killing."
U.S. GIs TRAINED AT
GAGETOWN COULD HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO AGENT ORANGE
(02-15-10)
"I was enraged they would send us
over there and not tell us about the spray, and keep it a
secret. I felt like we were betrayed, and we were."
VA'S ANCHORAGE REGIONAL
OFFICE FOCUS OF SENATE FIELD HEARINGS
(02-14-10)
Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK) to hold two
Senate Vets' Committee field hearings to explore major problems
facing Alaska veterans.
LAW PROFESSOR CALLS FOR
REFORM OF VA DISABILITY COMPENSATION SYSTEM
(02-12-10)
Thomas J. Reed, Director Widener
University School of Law Veterans Law Clinic, says the system
must change.
EXCLUSIVE: NEW
DOCUMENTS REVEAL DEPTH OF VA'S SHREDDER SCANDAL
(02-11-10)
VAOIG documents released under FOIA
shed more light on VA's file shredding and mishandling, and date
changing. VA employee says they were told to shred files a few
at a time so as not to draw attention.
OBLIGEE, OBLIGOR &
APPORTIONMENT: A CAUTIONARY TALE FOR ALL VETERANS
(02-11-10)
Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland:
"Your status as a disabled veteran holds no special immunity or
promise of preferential treatment in most legal and financial
arenas."
VA TIGHTENS RULES FOR
VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BIZ CONTRACTING PROGRAM
(02-10-10)
Entrepreneurs will be allowed only
one company at a time in the contracting program and must work
full time in the business.
FOLLOW-UP: VETS'
COMMITTEES CANCEL HEARINGS DUE TO WEATHER
(02-10-10)
At this time, no new dates for
hearings on the VA's 2011 budget have been announced.
REMEMBERING CONGRESSMAN
JOHN MURTHA
(02-09-10)
John Murtha was a decorated Vietnam
War
veteran and it surprised many people that he was such a vocal
opponent of the war in Iraq.
NEW VA BUDGET FOCUS OF
HEARINGS BY BOTH VETERANS' COMMITTEES
(02-09-10)
On February 10, the House and Senate
Veterans' Committees will take a look at the VA's fiscal year
2011 budget.
IOM TO STUDY LONG-TERM
HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF BURN PIT EXPOSURE
(02-08-10)
The Institute of Medicine will look
at what was in burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan and the
by-products of burning.
VA, SENATOR, VETS PAY
TRIBUTE TO CIVIL WAR MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
(02-06-10)
Nearly 145 years after his death, a
ceremony honored Civil War hero Lorenzo Deming, who had been
awarded the military's highest honor.
VAOIG: VA CLINIC
CHARGED CO-PAYS FOR MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA CARE
(02-05-10)
Inspector General is concerned that
this incorrect practice may be happening at other VA facilities
and for other conditions.
VETS' GROUPS THINK
BUDGET IS NOT "JUST RIGHT" AS VA DECLARED, WANT MORE
(02-04-10)
The Independent Budget wants more
money for care and says the projected collections figure is off
by over $3 billion.
VAOIG REVEALS MANY
PROBLEMS WITH VA'S OUTSOURCED HEALTH CARE
(02-04-10)
Congressional testimony: VA lacked
reasonable assurance it received the services it paid for, paid
many contractors twice, and more.
OBAMA SIGNS VETERANS'
EMERGENCY CARE FAIRNESS ACT
(02-03-10)
"With this new law, VA will be
positioned to help veterans who are enrolled in VA care whose
insurance does not cover the full cost of emergency treatment."
VAOIG FAULTS AUGUSTA VA
IN ALL EIGHT OPERATIONAL AREAS REVIEWED
(02-03-10)
Problems include unsecured computers
displaying vets' personal information and dangling cords in
mental health
 unit.
WATCHDOG GROUP SAYS VA
DESTROYED "NORMA PEREZ" PTSD DOCUMENTS
(02-02-10)
Norma Perez urged her VA employees
to misdiagnose PTSD. Now, VA says backup tapes were destroyed,
including the one containing the Perez email.
VA REQUESTS $125
BILLION BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011
(02-02-10)
VA official says budget request is
not too big, not too small, but "just right."
VA'S 2011 BUDGET JUMPS
20 PERCENT FROM 2009
(02-01-10)
Would be one of the largest
increases in 2011 federal budget. Article includes VA budget
documents.
REPORT: VA'S BUDGET
EXEMPT FROM SPENDING FREEZE
(02-01-10)
But, will VA ask for enough? Plus, a
look at how the federal budget process works.
JANUARY 2010
VA TO UNVEIL 2011
BUDGET REQUEST AT FEB. 1st MEDIA EVENT
(01-30-10)
Priorities will include health care
for more vets, reducing number of homeless vets and handling
more claims.
GAO ISSUES LUKEWARM
REPORT ON VA'S DISABILITY CLAIMS HANDLING
(01-30-10)
"VA's disability claims and appeals
processing has improved in some aspects and worsened in others."
REP. STEVE BUYER
ANNOUNCES HE WILL NOT SEEK ANOTHER TERM
(01-30-10)
Ranking Member on House Vets' panel,
in midst of scholarship foundation scandal, cites wife's health.
GAO: VA / DoD HEALTH
RECORDS PROGRAM STILL IN SHAMBLES
(01-29-10)
May not be positioned to deliver
future interoperable capabilities, including the development of
the virtual lifetime electronic record.
OBAMA'S STATE OF UNION
ADDRESS LEAVES VETERANS IN LIMBO
(01-28-10)
Veterans' spending not included in
list of those exempt from proposed budget freeze.
VAOIG FINDS CARE ISSUES
AT LAS VEGAS VA FACILITY
(01-28-10)
None of the physicians hired in 2009
had gone through the review process to ensure competence.
VAOIG FINDS PROBLEMS AT
BRONX VA HOSPITAL
(01-28-10)
Facility delayed implementation of
VA's "copy and paste" regulation for three years.
VA HIDES CANCER
TREATMENT ERRORS AT NEW JERSEY FACILITY
(01-28-10)
Cancer patients were overradiated by
a medical team that lacked experience in using a machine that
generated high-powered beams of radiation.
VAOIG REPORT FAULTS
CARE AT TOPEKA VA FACILITY
(01-28-10)
Problems include not cleansing and
disinfecting glucometers shared between patients and much more.
VA TO HOLD MENTAL HEALTH FORUM JANUARY 28 & 29
(01-27-10)
"Improving VA's Disability
 Evaluation
Criteria" to look at level and fairness of payments to Veterans
who are service-connected for mental health disorders, including
PTSD.
(with VA documents)
FOLLOW-UP: VA
RESEARCHER'S PTSD BRAIN SCANNER LABELED "HYPE"
(01-27-10)
The scan didn't pick out cases of
PTSD, it just found a difference between people with PTSD and
healthy people. This is not a diagnosis.
WATCHDOG GROUP FILES
COMPLAINTS AGAINST REP. STEVE BUYER
(01-26-10)
Ranking Member on the House
Committee on Veterans' Affairs faces questions about his
scholarship foundation.
THOUSANDS OF OEF/OIF
VETERANS COULD GET BENEFITS UPGRADE
(01-26-10)
DoD has agreed to expedite a review
of the records of thousands of OEF/OIF vets discharged with PTSD
to determine whether they were improperly denied benefits.
OPM PROMOTES WEB
SITE TO HELP VETERANS GET GOVERNMENT JOBS
(01-25-10)
Feds Hire Vets dot Gov will
help veterans, transitioning service members and family members
connect with government jobs.
CONSERVATIVE CIVIL
LIBERTIES GROUP CHALLENGES VALIDITY OF STOLEN VALOR ACT
(01-23-10)
John Whitehead, president of the
Rutherford Institute: "You have to redraft the law to prove a
particularized damage."
FOLLOW-UP: VA'S PLAN TO
STREAMLINE BENEFITS SYSTEM CALLED "DOA"
(01-23-10)
Paul Sullivan of Veterans for Common
Sense says planned system is "Dead on Arrival."
VA UNVEILS PLANS TO
STREAMLINE DISABILITY BENEFITS SYSTEM
(01-23-10)
VA claims new Veterans Benefit
Management System (VBMS) will be faster, more efficient, more
transparent and
paperless.
JUDGE RULES VETERANS'
CLAIMS OVER CIA EXPERIMENTATION SURVIVE
(01-22-10)
Vets say the CIA prevented roughly
7,000 human subjects from getting medical care after they were
subjected to experiments on mind control, implantation of
electronics and the effects of exotic drugs.
VA ISSUES LIST OF SHIPS
THAT QUALIFY FOR PRESUMPTIVE AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE
(01-22-10)
"If a Veteran's service aboard one
of these ships can be confirmed ... then exposure to herbicide
agents can be presumed without further development."
VAOIG FINDS TELEMETRY
MONITORING ISSUES AT DENVER VA
(01-22-10)
"We substantiated the allegation
that there were competency and training issues with medical
support assistants and registered nurses assigned to telemetry
prior to the death of the first patient."
VA BEGINS SPRING
SEMESTER OUTREACH TO VETS ON NEW G.I. BILL
(01-21-10)
Mike Walcoff: "We are making a
concerted effort to reach out to everyone to provide the timely
benefits that those who served our nation deserve."
VA RESEARCH FINDS WAY
TO OBJECTIVELY IDENTIFY PTSD
(01-21-10)
By measuring magnetic fields in the
brain, VA researchers have identified biomarkers in those
exhibiting PTSD.
VA FILES AT ROANOKE
REGIONAL OFFICE COULD COLLAPSE BUILDING
(01-20-10)
The backlog of VA claims files is so
great that it is compromising the structural integrity of the
building.
VA WINS AWARD FOR SAFE
MEDICATION PRACTICES BUT CAN'T FIND ITS DRUG INVENTORY
(01-20-10)
Independent organization gives VA
award for preventing medication errors as VAOIG slams pharmacies
for lack of inventory control.
LOST HARD DRIVE COULD
CONTAIN VETERANS' PERSONAL INFORMATION
(01-20-10)
Healthcare corporation Health Net
kept quiet for six months about a lost disk drive, exposing 1.5
million of its members to identity theft.
DOCTOR WITH TROUBLED
PAST TO BE FIRED BY PITTSBURGH VA
(01-19-10)
Dr. Anna Chacko, whose job was
reinstated after Congressional intervention, will now be
terminated by the VA.
VA NOW ADMITS TO
BOTCHED PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENTS
(01-16-10)
Nuclear Regulatory
 Commission
official: "If you look at the facts of the situation, they had
major problems at VA Philadelphia."
VETS' COURT RULES THE
LESS VA DOES, THE MORE CLAIMS IT CAN DENY
(01-16-10)
USCAVC decides that VA can deny a
claim for failure to appear at an exam, whether or not VA sent a
notice of exam to the veteran.
VAOIG: VA'S ROANOKE
REGIONAL OFFICE "FACES CHALLENGES"
(01-15-10)
Which is IG-speak that means the
Office is in shambles. Roanoke RO failed inspection in 6 of 14
operational areas.
VAOIG FINDS NUMEROUS
PROBLEMS AT RENO VA FACILITY
(01-15-10)
Inspector General faults the Reno VA
in seven key areas directly related to veterans' care.
BUSY DAYS AHEAD FOR
VETERANS' COMMITTEES
(01-15-10)
Nearly 20 hearings are scheduled in
the next few weeks including presentation of the VA's 2011
budget.
VAOIG: VET'S SUICIDE
PROMPTS INVESTIGATION AT MT. VERNON VA CLINIC
(01-14-10)
IG could not find evidence in the
medical record that the provider sufficiently explored the
patient's suicidal thoughts or inquired about the location of
his gun.
VAOIG FINDS MANAGEMENT
PROBLEMS AT IRON MOUNTAIN VA FACILITY
(01-14-10)
Poor management decisions impacted
patient care. Many veterans left without a Primary Care
Provider.
VA RESEARCH: EXERCISE
MAY REVERSE COGNITIVE DECLINE
(01-13-10)
Analysis of data revealed those who
performed high intensity exercise showed improved cognitive
function.
VA SAYS YOUNG VETERAN
SUICIDE RATE UP 26% FROM 2005 TO 2007
(01-12-10)
Secretary
Shinseki: "Why do we know so much about suicides but still know
so little about how to prevent them?"
VA CLAIMS IT IS EXEMPT
FROM FOIA IN CARTHAGE CLINIC FLAP
(01-11-10)
Congressman says he is "unsatisfied
with the level of transparency" used in the VA clinic dealings.
"I intend to find some answers."
NEW VA RULING WILL END
DELAYS IN PAYING PARTIAL GRANTS
(01-11-10)
VBA's Regional Offices had been
delaying payment of partial grants for 120 days.
VA RESEARCH: TOP COPD
DRUG MAY RAISE HEART RISK
(01-08-10)
Atrovent, used widely among patients
who have COPD, may raise the risk of heart attack and heart
failure.
VAOIG FINDS
DEFICIENCIES IN CARE AT CLARKSBURG, WV VA FACILITY
(01-08-10)
VA's Inspector General substantiated
charge of late dialysis and found improper documentation of
care.
VA QUIETLY SHUFFLES TOP
SPOTS AT VETERANS' BENEFITS ADMIN.
(01-08-10)
Michael Walcoff moves up to acting
head of VBA while Michael Cardarelli takes over as acting number
two.
GAO REPORT FAULTS VA'S
PHYSICIAN CREDENTIALING AND PRIVILEGING PROCESSES
(01-07-10)
GAO found physician files which
omitted malpractice information, lacked verification of medical
license, and more.
G.I. BILL BACKLOG MUCH
LOWER AS VA PLAYS CATCH-UP
(01-06-10)
Contrary to a report in The Army
Times, the VA's backlog of G.I. Bill claims is going
steadily down.
 VAOIG REVIEW GIVES
ROSEBURG VA A SO-SO EVALUATION
(01-06-10)
VA's Inspector General reports
problems that are found at many VA health care facilities.
VA DELAYS HIKE OF
PRESCRIPTION CO-PAY FOR SIX MONTHS
(01-05-10)
Increase from $8 to $9 dollars for a
30-day supply now suspended until July 1, 2010 while VA studies
impact on veterans.
VA'S RESPONSE TO 60
MINUTES SEGMENT ON CLAIMS, SORT OF
--
VA DOCUMENTS INCLUDED IN REPORT
--
(01-05-10)
"Secretary Shinseki believes no
Veteran should experience an adversarial relationship with VA."
VETERANS Q&A with JIM
STRICKLAND, #1 for 2010
(01-05-10)
Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland
answers questions from VA Watchdog dot Org readers.
VIDEO: "DELAY, DENY AND HOPE THAT I DIE" - FROM 60
MINUTES
(01-04-10)
Video segment focuses on the problems getting claims through the
red tape at the Veterans' Benefits Administration.
60 MINUTES:
"DELAY, DENY AND HOPE THAT I DIE" (print version)
(01-04-10)
Segment from January 3, 2010,
focuses on the problems getting claims through the red tape at
the Veterans' Benefits Administration.
VA TRIES TO PREEMPT
FALLOUT FROM 60 MINUTES BROADCAST
(01-04-10)
VA email from Kevin Secor to
Veterans' Service Organizations tells them "there are always two
sides to the story."
CAN THE VA HANDLE NEW
AGENT ORANGE PRESUMPTIVE CLAIMS?
(01-02-10)
Up to 185,000 veterans could become
eligible for benefits and the projected cost to VA might reach
$50 billion.
DECEMBER 2009
VA BENEFITS CAUGHT IN
RED TAPE, SYSTEM OVERWHELMED
(12-31-09)
"It is routine for the majority of
people to have some sort of major glitch with filing their
claim."
VAOIG REPORT FAULTS
CARE AT CLEVELAND VA HOSPITAL
(12-31-09)
Report finds mental health patients
not getting follow-up care, problems with informed consent, and
more.
60 MINUTES
RELEASES PREVIEW OF PROGRAM ABOUT VA
(12-31-09)
Segment airing on Sunday,
 January
3, 2010 focuses on troubles at the Veterans' Benefits
Administration.
AFTERMATH OF USS COLE
ATTACK CLAIMS VETERAN'S LIFE
(12-30-09)
Navy veteran Johann Gokool died in
his bed, apparently during one of the violent panic attacks that
had plagued him since the incident.
VAOIG FINDS PROBLEMS
WITH CARE AT SALT LAKE VA
(12-29-09)
In one case, VAOIG wants Regional
Counsel to determine if VA care providers should be reported to
the National Practitioner Data Bank.
DoD TO STUDY BURN PIT
HEALTH HAZARDS
(12-29-09)
"We determined ... that there was no
long-term health effects ... due to inhalation of burn pit smoke
to the personnel assigned there."
TEEN GIVES HIS
CHRISTMAS TO HOMELESS VETERANS
(12-28-09)
Jake Shafer has no presents under
his tree. They are all at a shelter for homeless veterans. (2
videos)
THE 1st ANNUAL VA
WATCHDOG DOT ORG "GIVE THANKS" FORUM
(12-24-09)
A way to thank the VA employees, and
others, who made a difference in your life during 2009.
EDITORIAL: PASS A
VETERANS' CAREGIVER LAW, NOW
(12-24-09)
Congress needs to stop dallying and
pass a law. If haggling lawmakers still have any doubt, they
should watch Ivonne and RyAnne at work.
VAOIG: DEFICIENCIES IN
CARE OF VET WHO DIED AT NORTH CHICAGO VA
(12-23-09)
The patient's restlessness and
hypoxemia should have prompted an assessment of underlying
causes prior to administration of an IV sedative.
LOMA LINDA VA LEAVES
PTSD VETS WITHOUT TRUSTED THERAPIST
(12-22-09)
Veterans say the VA is trying to
break up their group therapy sessions and save money.
OPINION: AN OFFICER AND
A CREATIVE MAN
(12-20-09)
Many officers in Afghanistan are not
demonstrating the vital leadership attributes of creativity,
flexibility and initiative. This costs lives.
VA DEFENDS BOTCHED
PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENTS
(12-19-09)
At NRC hearing, VA mounted a
 vigorous
defense against charges that they had violated eight regulations
in the medical use of radioactive materials.
GAO: VA HAS NOT
IMPLEMENTED INFO TECH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
(12-19-09)
Three years after program was
created, VA has not moved forward with the Information Security
Education Assistance Program.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE
RAMPANT AMONG ACTIVE-DUTY GIs
(12-18-09)
About one in four Army troops say
they abuse prescription drugs, mainly pain killers.
SENATE VETS' COMMITTEE
CONFIRMS PETZEL AS VA HEALTH CHIEF
(12-17-09)
Sen. Akaka wants full Senate to
confirm Petzel before the end of the year.
VAOIG TESTIMONY FINDS
FAULT WITH VA'S ACQUISITION PRACTICES
(12-17-09)
VAOIG's criticisms are many,
including a savings of more than $1.5 billion if fair and
reasonable prices had been negotiated.
RESPONSE TO VA'S
SELF-CONGRATULATORY REPORT CARD
(12-16-09)
Paul Sullivan of Veterans for Common
Sense says report card is full of "dubious claims."
GAO REPORT SLAMS VA'S
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT COST ESTIMATES
(12-15-09)
Of 32 major construction projects,
over half are over budget, behind schedule, or both.
VAOIG: MILWAUKEE VA
DELAYS CANCER DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT
(12-15-09)
Thirteen months elapsed from the
time the lung abnormality was apparent to the initiation of
definitive therapy.
ARE VIETNAM VETS
SICKER, OR JUST AFTER COMPENSATION?
(12-14-09)
Study suggests dramatic increase in
number of Vietnam vets receiving disability compensation has
been fueled more by growing incentives for lower-skill whites
than by an actual increase in disabilities.
THE VETERANS BENEFITS
ADMINISTRATION REPORT CARD
(12-13-09)
Veterans' Advocate Kurt Priessman
crunches the data and comes up with a not-so-rosy picture of the
workings of the VBA.
SHINSEKI RELEASES VA
HOSPITAL REPORT CARD
(12-11-09)
Problem: The information is in raw
data. So who, other than statisticians, can read this
information?
WILL PETZEL REALLY
SHAKE-UP VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM?
(12-11-09)
Dr. Robert Petzel, nominated to head
VA health system, promises major changes at Senate Committee
hearing.
VA RESEARCH: PTSD
CAUSES CHEMICAL CHANGES IN BRAIN
(12-10-09)
Biomarkers could help in identifying
PTSD and symptoms such as depression and pain.
VETERAN WINS, WILL KEEP
FLAG POLE
(12-09-09)
Homeowner's association backs down.
OBAMA INITIATIVE:
REPORT CARDS FOR VA HOSPITALS
(12-09-09)
But, not so fast. Guess who gets to
collect the data and issue the report card?
VA DENIES COLONOSCOPY
TO VETERAN WHO NOW HAS CANCER
(12-09-09)
The veteran, knowing that colon
cancer ran in his bloodline, requested a colonoscopy from the VA
and was denied several times. (with video)
WHITE HOUSE JUMPS INTO
VET'S FLAG POLE FLAP
(12-09-09)
White House spokesman says it's
"silly" to think that the vet is being asked to take down flag
pole.
VAOIG: VA'S ANCHORAGE
REGIONAL OFFICE FAILS INSPECTION
(12-08-09)
Office failed in 13 of 14
operational areas as senior management admits workload not under
control.
JIM STRICKLAND'S
VETERANS' DISCUSSION BOARD DEBUTS
(12-08-09)
Veterans' Advocate teams
 with
host of professionals to provide answers and advice at "Straight
Talk for Military Veterans."
CHICAGO TRIBUNE SERIES:
AGENT ORANGE'S LETHAL LEGACY
(12-07-09)
Poisonous defoliants still exact a
deadly toll in the United States and Vietnam.
VAOIG: VA'S SAN JUAN
REGIONAL OFFICE DYSFUNCTIONAL
(12-07-09)
Office had lowest accuracy in
ratings decisions and failed to meet standards in 10 of 15
operational areas.
VIRGINIA VETERAN IN
FLAG POLE FLAP
(12-05-09)
Homeowner's association says
90-year-old Medal Of Honor recipient can't have flag pole. (with
video)
VAOIG: VA'S COMPUTER
OUTAGES ARE AVOIDABLE AND DANGEROUS
(12-04-09)
Substandard maintenance practices
and an aging infrastructure contributed to the loss of critical
patient care system. Patient care was seriously affected.
VAOIG: VA PHARMACY
INSPECTIONS FIND SUSPECTED DRUG THEFTS
(12-04-09)
IG inspected 43 VA pharmacies, and
33 experienced suspected controlled substance "diversion."
VAOIG: AUDIT OF
UNDELIVERED ORDERS FINDS SERIOUS PROBLEMS
(12-04-09)
Lack of internal controls and
miscommunication cost VA's Health Administration hundreds of
millions.
VA LAUNCHES SIXTH
NATIONAL SURVEY OF VETERANS
(12-04-09)
"By hearing directly from Veterans
and their family members, we gain valuable information to help
us serve them better."
COMMENTARY: MURDER BY
PTSD
(12-03-09)
Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland on
the Supreme Court's
decision that capital cases must consider PTSD from military
service.
VAOIG: 8 MORE VA
CLINICS FAIL TO MEET STANDARDS
(12-03-09)
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics
found lacking in 19 key operational areas.
H1N1 FLU VACCINE NOW AT
SOME VA FACILITIES
(12-03-09)
Veterans should ask their Primary
Care Team if the vaccine is now in stock.
VA PUTS "STAY" ON
CLAIMS FOR NEW AGENT ORANGE PRESUMPTIVES
(12-03-09)
Regional Offices told to hold, or
"stay," claims for ischemic heart disease, Parkinson's and
B-cell leukemia related to AO exposure.
NEW VA, DoD COMMAND TO
ASSIST SPECIAL OPS VETERANS
(12-02-09)
The new unit will be able to confirm
veterans' service, with data on classified or covert missions,
without breaching confidentiality requirements.
VAOIG'S SEMIANNUAL
REPORT TOUTS SUCCESSES
(12-02-09)
Identified over $2 billion in
monetary benefits, closed 530 investigations, made 286 arrests
and work resulted in 511 administrative sanctions.
HACKED VA WATCHDOG SITE
RETURNS TO WEB
(12-01-09)
VA Watchdog dot Org now has a
new web hosting company and a faster, more powerful server.
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