in addition to working there for three years, quite a while back. What i noticed is that the quality of VA care has gone in cycles. Typically there are some improvements during democratic administrations and then regression during republican administrations.
I don't have time right now to write a research report on the history of this. The NY Times wrote this several months back:
That long and expanding litany of problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs has left analysts and some veterans questioning why Mr. Trump has tried to make his record there a centerpiece of his quest for a second term.
“The challenges at the V.A. are multifaceted,” Terri Tanielian, a senior analyst at the RAND Corporation who specializes in military and veteran health issues, said. “Recognizing that addressing these issues takes sustained leadership commitment, not sound bites, is essential if we are going to deliver on the promises to veterans at the V.A.”
Trump Cites the V.A. as a Central Achievement. But Troubles Simmer.
The department’s long litany of problems has left some questioning why President Trump is trying to make his record there a centerpiece of his re-election campaign.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/19/us/politics/trump-veterans.html?auth=login-google
I admit the article doesn't go into much depth, i had read better critiques elsewhere earlier, but the article suggests that more money does need to spent for the immediate providers and specialists, the system is decentralized, and the epidemic is obstructing progress on these issues.
I have been fortunate in decades past to meet and get excellent care from the VA. Unfortunately, I can't say that for the last few years. I know medical providers that I thought were excellent or above average, that were for administrative reasons hounded by the VA until they quit. With only one exception, the providers I have access to now, just go through the motions, don't really listen, and basically could care less.
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