VA Funding Heads in Right Direction

The wars, the economy, the hoped-for restoration of democratic principles to government, when this Democratic Congress and presidency are over, among many Americans this time will be remembered for a measure of respect given back to our veterans.

A crusial first step has been taken. From Rick Maze at the Army Times "VA advance funding one step closer to reality":

There is good news for military and veterans’ organizations in the 2010 budget agreement reached Monday night by House and Senate negotiators.

The budget, which includes $606 billion for the Defense Department and $106.5 billion for the Veterans Affairs Department next year, also creates a window of opportunity for passage of some high-priority issues this year.

For example, the agreement opens the door for the top priority of veterans’ organizations, providing money for veterans’ health care one year in advance. The key language, in this case, is a provision preventing a point of order being raised against legislation to provide a 2011 VA health funding bill this year.

Shredded Veterans Docs Still Making Waves

Veterans seeking benefits have long accused the Bush administration of neglect and hostility.

Veterans' rights advocates have been beside themselves as the VA spontaneously makes up new rules and excuses for denying claims.

Fixing the VA should be high on President Obama's list of things to do.

Here's a new angle from the Army Times:

VA claims found in piles to be shredded

by Rick Maze - Department of Veterans Affairs regional offices have been ordered to immediately stop shredding documents after an investigation found some benefits claims and supporting documents among piles of papers waiting to be destroyed.

Claims often include personal records supplied by veterans that are not duplicated in government files and might be difficult to replace, such as certificates for births, deaths and marriage.