NPR: GAO Takes Administration to Task over Vet Benefits

GAO Takes Administration to Task over Vet Benefits

The Government Accountability Office took the Bush administration to task today over veterans' benefits — or, to be more precise, the lack of them. The testimony before a House subcommittee was the first preliminary assessment of how things are going since The Washington Post documented problems with outpatient treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The Army has touted the creation of more personalized medical care units to prevent wounded veterans from falling through the cracks, but GAO officials found that 46 percent of returning service members who were eligible didn't get the service because of staffing shortages.

GAO officials reported that the Pentagon and Veterans Affairs Department remain "far away" from having a comprehensive system for sharing medical records, even after 10 years of review, The Associated Press reports. The administration also lacks a solution for delays in disability payments, which average almost six months, despite reviews at multiple levels of government.

USA Today's On Politics blog speculates that the GAO's report could reignite a debate about veterans' care among the presidential candidates. You might even see it discussed during the Democrats' debate tonight in New Hampshire.

3:05 PM ET | 09-26-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

I almost became an IED when i heard the story about the pentagon's and administrations apathy about providing services for returning vets. I find it deplorable that our governement can be so gung ho about sending American men and women off to war and then denying them health services becasue of a pre-existinghealth condition. These men and women should be given cart blanch on services after returning from war. We are asking them to give thier lives and then are unwilling to give them support when they return. I am appalled at our government and the inconsistencey.

Sent by Marie Davis | 1:46 PM ET | 10-02-2007

A question for Senator Clinton: During your husband's administration there was almost palpable animosity between military and civilian staff; watch him board or debark Marine One for an example. My question is threefold: If you are elected President, will you (1) improve the relationship between the civilian and military White House Staff;(2) will you guarantee not to cut military retirement benefits in any way, and (3) will you continue the repair underway in the VA? Thank you.

Sent by Paul Cauchon ("Koe-shon"), Kensington MD | 9:08 AM ET | 11-29-2007

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