“André Carson: Ensuring top-notch care at VA must be priority”

INDIANAPOLIS – Congressman André Carson today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki asking for a review of VA facilities in Indiana in light of recent problems discovered at other facilities nationwide and longtime concerns about backlogged services and benefits.

The letter echoes concerns Carson raised in an op-ed piece published in the Indianapolis Star on Memorial Day:

"This investigation is not a matter of partisan politics. Ensuring a high standard of care for our veterans is an American priority. We have a duty to get to the bottom of this mess and to make sure we not only correct the situation but discipline those who have allowed the VA to fall so far short of its obligation.

"I am grateful to the veterans, advocates, media outlets and organizations like the American Legion that have brought these issues to light."

READ THE FULL OP-ED HERE:
https://www.indystar.com/story/opinion/readers/2014/05/26/andre-carson-ensuring-top-notch-care-va-must-priority/9510539/

FULL TEXT OF CONGRESSMAN CARSON'S LETTER TO SECRETARY SHINSEKI

May 27, 2014

The Honorable Eric Shinseki
Secretary
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20420

Dear Secretary Shinseki,

I write to raise my concern about recent allegations of long wait times and potential misconduct at VA medical facilities around the United States. I appreciate that you are investigating these claims and encourage you to extend your scrutiny to VA facilities in Indiana to ensure that Hoosier veterans are receiving the care they deserve.

Indiana's Seventh Congressional District spans roughly two-thirds of Indianapolis and includes the National Headquarters of the American Legion, the headquarters of the Indiana National Guard, and the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. As such, my district has a large and very active veterans presence.

Each week, my office fields inquiries from veterans struggling to receive services from the VA. We have heard from veterans who were improperly treated or languished on waiting lists for years, unable to obtain basic health services. These constituent concerns are not unique to my district. Unfortunately, recent events have called into question whether some of the obstacles faced by Hoosier veterans are the result of improper case management as seen at other VA facilities around the country. As you oversee the investigation into claims of mismanagement, misconduct and negligence, I request that you take the necessary steps to determine if similar cases have occurred in Indiana and report your findings to me and my colleagues in Congress.

While I have confidence that the vast majority of VA employees are dedicated public servants who provide world-class health care and other services to our veterans, the recent scandal has damaged the public trust and caused veterans to question whether it is in their best interest to pursue care at the VA. This is unacceptable. I join with those in Congress and all Americans who are asking for answers and accountability. This is not just about the high profile cases that have made national news. It is about making sure all veterans, in every state, receive the care they fought to earn. Throughout this investigatory process, I hope you will also look at systemic issues that lead to long wait times and unmanageable claims backlogs. I firmly believe that in order to fully rebuild trust in the VA, these long-standing issues must also be addressed in a comprehensive manner.

The sum of these problems makes it clear, we must finally and fully focus our attention on investigating this crisis, resolving it, and making sure it is never allowed to reoccur. I appreciate your ongoing willingness to work with Congress, the White House and outside organizations to find a solution.

Thank you for your continued service to our country and for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

André Carson
Member of Congress