Sorry, Ben, you are dead wrong to put the VA under DOD.
1. DOD is about winning wars. They want weapons and weapons systems that cost in the megabucks. They will starve hospitals to devise weapons and to train our military. They are right. Generals SHOULD be concerned with winning wars. That's why you don't put them in charge of treatment of FORMER military.
2. The VA is a distinct budget. They have those who campaign for their money in the halls of Congress. If DOD were doing the arguing for money, they would argue more strongly on the side of weapons and training.
Carson is wrong.
Veterans, of all groups in the USA, should have their own special advocates, their own special budgets, and access to specialized health care.
None of this should be taken to mean that the VA is well run. It isn't. It's full of waste, fraud, and abuse. It should be cleaned up.
Who of the candidates concerned with veterans is the best at firing people and not going along to get along?
Trump
Cruz
The DOD is abusing soldiers, too! When you are a vet, you are out from under the DOD.