House considering ombudsman for VA

Stars and Stripes ^ | 6/12/08 | Leo Shane III

[Dawnsblood]

House lawmakers on Wednesday said they favor a new ombudsman office for the Department of Veterans Affairs, assigned to field and fix complaints of patients’ difficulties in getting their benefits.

Members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee delayed an anticipated vote on a measure creating the post during a hearing Wednesday morning, but said they expect to amend and approve the idea in coming weeks.

The legislation under consideration, sponsored by Rep. Paul Hodes, D-N.H., would charge the ombudsman with serving as a liaison for "all veterans and their family members." The new VA post and supporting office staff would be included within the existing budget.

Hodes’ staff said specific hiring and staffing details would be left to the department, but they’d expect a hot line for veterans complaints and personnel to investigate specific individuals problems and related broader issues.

VA officials oppose the bill, saying it creates an extra layer of bureaucracy for services the department already handles. Such an effort could confuse veterans, ultimately making them wait longer for answers.

But committee members on Wednesday said they still see gaps in the department’s response to veterans concerns, despite months of work to provide quicker and easier response.

"Too many veterans now think that VA stands for ‘veterans’ adversary,’ " said committee chairman Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif. "The point of this move would be to make sure someone is working for the veterans, to help them."

[CRBDeuce]

Such an effort could confuse veterans, ultimately making them wait longer for answers.

Should say:

Such an effort will definitely confuse veterans, ultimately making them wait longer for answers, since veteran advocates already exist in most facilities and have a sign on their door! Pure Dem Grandstanding! pandering to non-veteran voters who believe this liberal pap! The VVAW must have had difficulty with one of their members (non-veteran) being refused service at a VA facility!

[Saundra Duffy]

The “patient advocate” serves at the pleasure of the Director of that particular VA facility and may be politically or budget motivated, if you get my drift.