New Va Hospital Bill By Senator Craig

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Attachment : image001.jpg (0.07 MB)NEWS FROM THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

HISTORIC NEW APPROACH TO VA HEALTHCARE INTRODUCED

Sen. Craig’s bill would allow veterans with service connected disabilities to go to the hospital of their choice

March 8, 2007

Media contact: Jeff Schrade (202)224-9093

(Washington, DC) Expressing strong confidence in the current healthcare system run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Senator Larry Craig said today that he is willing to see how the system might fare in competition with the free market. Under legislation he is introducing – The Veterans Healthcare Empowerment Act – veterans with service connected disabilities will be able to go to any hospital or medical clinic of their choice.

"Many of my colleagues have spent the past week or so accusing VA of ‘failing’ our injured service-members. Most of their evidence is based on reports from the news media who have highlighted recently a number of veterans who were treated badly by VA or who do not have faith in VA’s care. I take these concerns very seriously. But, I am also a little frustrated by it," said Craig.

"That’s why today, I will introduce legislation that says: If you have a service- connected disability, go wherever you want. No strings. No ifs, ands, or buts. Let’s find out where veterans chose to go."

Approximately 2.5 million veterans have service connected disabilities and approximately 1.7 million currently use the VA healthcare system. VA operates 154 hospitals and 881 outpatient clinics. Craig’s healthcare bill would operate somewhat like the G.I. Bill, which allows veterans to choose the college or university of their choice.

"It’s very simple, if service-connected veterans leave in droves, we’ve learned something. But, if veterans overwhelmingly stay, and I think they will, we’ve also learned something," Craig said. "This bill is about my confidence in VA."

The senior senator from Idaho noted that VA’s health care system has consistently been ranked as among the best in the nation. For the seventh year in a row, a study conducted by the VA’s health care system outscored the private sector in the University of Michigan’s Consumer Satisfaction Survey

• <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: #000033">VA outscored the private sector by 11 percent in inpatient care (84 to 73 percent) <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: #000033">VA outscored them in outpatient care by 11 percent (82 to 71 percent) <LI class=MsoNormal style=COLOR: #000033">91 percent of VA patients were satisfied with the overall customer service at VA
  
• VA also scored 94 percent in "veterans loyalty" category
  
  
  

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Pete,

I have Lumbar Degenerative Disc Diseases.

I have filed my claims in Nov 2006. I am retired as Jan 07.

While in service, my wife had save enough money to survive 12 months without me working and we have house that we put 50% down Federal Way, WA. Also, I have retirement pay from the Army. So, I do not qualify for SSD, unemployment, or any other help. I am just waiting for the VA claim. May be with the disability, I could learn a new skill so that it won't hert my body. I work 4 years as cannon crew member and 16 years as heavy wheel mechanic in the Army.

As I read on this board, it seems very hard to get SC disability rated by VA.

Currenty, my claim is in for:

Lower back problem

Bilateral Shoulder

Bilateral Knee

Bilateral Ankle

R Wrist

R thumb

Bilateral Titinus

Yong

I have no idea who Sen Craig was just wanted to post what he said.

But, the Vet does have the option of going to the VA or a Private Doc & I think it shouldn't take the Vets long to figure out if it's a big rip off. Would be good if it wasn't but I'll go with what has been said as I know nothing about this Senator & keep going to thee VA...........GARY

[Pete53]

Yong:

If you are Service Connected for those ailments and can't work you should also get TDIU and a bump to 100% Disability Pay. If you have filed claims on those problems with the VA you should also include a request for TDIU to cover your bases.

You should get rated pretty quick as you were just retired from Military. Thank you for your Service.