At his confirmation meeting yesterday on capitol hill General Erik Shinseki told senators he doesn’t understand why it takes six months for wounded soldiers to get their disability claims processed by the veterans administration. The very fact that a four star general could raise such a question speaks well of his listening skills and leadership. I believe that General Shinseki has heard the cries of our soldiers and their families and I think that by raising this bald and shameful question that he proposes to do something about the conditions that affect people who have given their full measure of courage and loyalty to their country.
Otherwise why raise the question? There’s no mystery really as to why the V.A. can’t process claims. There aren’t enough beds, enough physical therapists, enough psychologists and psychiatrists, enough neurologists, ophthalmologists, orientation and mobility specialists, prosthetic devices, nurses, medicines, outpatient services, vocational rehabilitation specialists–the list is a long one.
One shouldn’t imagine that the dire plight of wounded men and women awaiting help is simply a matter of a backlogged bureaucracy.I’d estimate that ineffectual administrators account for only 15 per cent of the problem.
The United States has underfunded the V.A. health system for over twenty years. And Lo and Behold! We now have a two war theater.
Adjusting to life with a disability is one of the harder things to do. Having to wait with choked breath for any kind of help is tragic.
I’m choosing to believe in General Shinseki. I think Congress and the American people are doing so as well.
WE wish you well sir.
S.K.
Planet of the Blind 