The VA does good things, and is one of the few agencies that the federal government is Constitutionally permitted to manage. But it makes no sense to create a health care monopoly just for veterans, separate and apart from all other health care systems. That is simply wasteful and inefficient. Only a politician or bureaucrat can’t understand how this creates scarcity, delays of treatment, invites corruption, and as usual with governmental agencies accountability is non-existent. Allow Veterans into the Medicare system, if they choose to join that program. Much more efficient, will save money, will offer better treatment, and as necessary Medicare for Veterans can add certain benefit coverage that regular Medicare may not pay for, offering help in specialties that are unique to veterans.
Give Vet’s the option to go to local hospitals. We have Vet’s driving over 100 miles to get to our local VA.