Veterans scramble for care,

[gitterbug]

I wanted to cry today while reading the latest on the scandal regarding the hardships some of the returning soldiers and their families are going through. It is particularily sad when reading the lack of care, progressive therapy, and indeed, total disregard concerning the TBI soldiers. What their families and many others suffer along with the injured military men and women is disgraceful. This country owes these veterans our best, there should be no question as to what should be done. I am gratified that so many spouses are attempting to learn how to navigate and advocate for their injured loved one. Indeed, if the VA system says "NO" and it is an acceptable, proven, but often private treatment used in medical centers and rehab facilities around the country, then the spouses should continue to fight to have their loved one transfered to that facility. I shudder to think of how low the system has sank. I remember when several veteran family members were so proud to be in the system, getting some of the best care available in the different centers from California to Florida. One uncle would always show us his new leg and beam because it was somehow a reinforcement of how his country recognized and appreciated his loss while defending it in WWII. One uncle has a hand that was given radical plastic surgery after Korea, radical at the time that is, and he was able to make a living with that scarred but attached hand. Sorry for the rant, but I really think we need to take care of our own injured before being so ready to take care of those who hate us and want to see us destroyed.

[Grace Oz]

Am sorry for your loss.

Politicians should hang their collective heads in SHAME for the disgraceful way in which veterans are (NOT!) looked after.

It's the same here in Australia. The lengths vets have to go to to obtain benefits, care etc, is humiliating and degrading at times. They're treated as though they are lepers and/or fraudsters.

I'm aware some vets try to abuse and unfairly use the systems in place, but there are those who genuinely need help and are denied it.

Here in Oz, once a vet is accepted as genuine and in need of care etc, he/she does receive reasonable benefits and health care. But, it's usually after a long drawn out exhaustive application process. Sometimes taking years!

The way I see it, the governments treat vets with contempt.

They deserve reverence!

[Grace Oz]

More involvement of the private sector needs to be pursued rather than keeping it only in the VA arena.

This is what happens here in Oz. A veteran who is a holder of a Gold card, (100% disability-TPI-Totally Permanently Incapacitated), and (covers ALL medical, dental, optical, phyisotherapy, etc etc), can access care privately, have surgery in a private, (DVA contracted/approved), hospital, and all costs are covered by DVA. (Dept. of Veterans Affairs). Same for vets holding a White card, (for accepted disabilities, but not 100% disabled). Those vets also can access private healthcare, paid for by DVA.