The scope and depth of the Disability Digest is undergoing a
change, a major move, really, as owner Brian Therrien puts the
finishing touches on his latest in depth efforts to assist the
disabled population. This new information is entitled the
‘Veterans Disability Digest.’
During the last few years, we have all heard the horror stories
coming from veterans, now particularly our honored soldiers
returning home from military engagements in Iraq and
Afghanistan—now, too, Pakistan.
The Department of Veterans Affairs reports a backlog of
disability claims close to one million. One million claims
which has grown incrementally by 14% in the last four months.
Interestingly enough, that is very close to the number of
backlog claims currently sitting in the bowels of the Social
Security Disability system. Bear in mind, this does not include
the number of continued claims from both these camps occurring on
a daily basis. Truly, if something is not done to rectify these
problems, the fabric of social order is in danger of unraveling.
As far as the military is concerned, the issue has become so
dire that veterans now wait an average of six months to receive
disability benefits and as long as four years for their appeals
to be heard in cases where benefits were denied. Four years…..unbelievable.
A member of the House of Representatives Veterans Affairs
Committee, Tim Walz from Minnesota, has described that the VA is
‘almost criminally behind in processing claims.’ Indeed, it is
criminal, and most certainly unacceptable in a country whose
leaders staunchly support veterans rights.
So, any overhaul of the VA represents a monumental challenge
facing the new administration after years of neglect and
mismanagement by the previous administration, which was guilty
of nepotism, underfunding, and creating mountains of ‘red tape.’
Our feeling is that Brian’s extensive work on this issue will prove
to help many thousands of returning veterans, who without
question, deserve the best medical and economic assistance
available. Currently, there is a lot of shame and blame which
need immediate attention.
An associate relayed some information which gives the issue some
perspective. Here are his words:
‘In 1973, I was recruited to take part in an evaluation of the
entire system sponsored by the US Congress. At a cost of 6
million dollars, a team of 19 individuals worked out of the
National Academy of Sciences, looking at all aspects of the care
provided nationwide. My job was to interview veterans who had
used the system to get their evaluations of the quality of care
they had received (or denied). The results I got were often
negative—we sent our three volume report to Congress in 1977
along with many recommendations for needed change, including
better mental health care. The Congress rejected our report,
neither publishing or acting upon it. Our evaluation team
protested, but to no avail. Therefore, I am not surprised at
what is happening now.’
Quite an indictment of the system, to be sure. Problems endemic to government bureaucracies simply seem to have a life of their own. During the time of this report, many veterans were suffering from the ravages of the Vietnam War, and now we are faced with issues which threaten to eclipse the problems
associated with the entire Vietnam era.
To call this a disgrace is to be too kind. We need accountability, not just lip service. It is worse
than a pandemic illness, and requires the attention and action of anyone in a position to assist.
Again, kudos to Mr. Therrien’s valuable and insightful research.
His material will soon be ready for publication and distribution—-free of charge.
Best to all,
Advocate
