Just filling out the paperwork would be tough enough under these circumstances. But can you imagine the unspeakable frustration you would feel after you file your claim and then - silence. You hear from no one, or you're told your claim was never received. Can you think of anything more likely to push a vet or a vet's family over the edge?
Why has this kind of stuff been happening for so many years? The main reason is that the VA is grossly under-staffed. And the reason it's so under-staffed is that it's operating with quill pens. Most of its so-called information technology is like something out of the 19th century, which means that claimants' records are on un-digitized paper.
Paper that piles up in people's desk drawers or in shredding bins.
When he appointed retired general Eric Shinseki to head the VA, President Obama said, "We owe it to all our veterans to honor them as we honored our greatest generation, not just with words, but with deeds." Obama said Shinseki was the right person to cut red tape, boost funding, and bring benefits to veterans.
"Not just with words, but with deeds."
Eric Shinseki is a smart guy. A guy who really cares about veterans and their families. But the task he confronts, just in this small corner of the VA, is Herculean.
Let's hope he's the kind of "bring-it-on" guy who's really ready to "cut red tape, boost funding, and bring benefits to veterans."
But he shouldn't have to do it all alone. We can help him by writing our representatives in Congress.
Rep. Filner can be reached at (202) 225-8045. Sen. Akaka can be reached at 202) 224-9126.
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