FACEBOOK
TWITTER
SECRET SHENSIKI BRIEFING: CIVIL WAR AT VETERANS AFFAIRS
SHENSIKI TOLD BUSH ERA "PLANTS" SABOTAGING MEDICAL CARE AND COMPENSATION
CRIPPLING REFORMS TO KEEP VET VOTES FOR GOP
By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER
Information was leaked to Veterans Today that General Shensiki, Veterans Affairs Secretary, has been briefed on the source of the scandals plaguing his department. Months into his tenure, late by our standards, staffers have finally revealed the depth of a Bush era plan to maintain control of the DVA and sabotage its medical and compensation programs in order to embarass the Obama administration.
Shensiki was informed that key administrators and regional directors, some long term employees and all promoted based on willingness to undermine veterans medical care and other programs have been working, not only to hold up implementation of needed reforms but to cause public scandals and embarassment.
The series of recent scandals where VA directors and legal staff have operated directly outside Shensiki policies have seriously undermined confidence in the VA and its current leadership. We are told that a program to purge the VA of Bush "moles" is underway. This is some of the activities of this "holdover" group:
- REFUSAL TO USE ALLOCATED FUNDS TO END THE MASSIVE CLAIMS BACKLOG
- SPREADING FALSE RUMORS OF "DEATH PANELS" AND ORGAN HARVESTING TO THE PRESS
- REFUSAL TO IMPLEMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMS IN PTSD CARE
- SABOTAGE OF GULF WAR ILLNESS STUDIES AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TREATMENT
- INCREASING REPRISALS AGAINST "WHISTLEBLOWERS" TRYING TO REFORM VA PRACTICES
- CONTINUED DENIAL OF NEW PTSD THERAPIES NOT TIED TO DRUGS NOW PROVEN DANGEROUS AND INEFFECTIVE
- ALTERATION AND DESTRUCTION OF MEDICAL RECORDS USED IN COMPENSATION CLAIMS
- RETENTION AND PROMOTION OF UNQUALIFIED MEDICAL SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL
-
CONTINUED OPEN RECRUITMENT OF UNQUALIFED TEMPORARY STAFF, DOCTORS AND NURSES
-
CONTINUED TRAINING AND ORIENTATION PROGRAMS STRESSING "PATIENT LAST" ETHIC
-
MISUSE OF VA FUNDING FOR COVERT SURVEILLANCE OF EMPLOYEES AND PATIENTS TAGGED AS "ACTIVIST" TROUBLEMAKERS
-
USE OF ARMED VA POLICE IN EMBARASSING CONFRONTATIONS WITH WHEEL CHAIR WW2 VETS SEEN IN NEWS MEDIA AROUND THE WORLD
-
REFUSAL TO PROCESS VA EDUATION CLAIMS OR ISSUE CHECKS IN TIMELY FASHION
-
ENGINEERING INVENTORY "SHORTAGES" AT VA PHARMACIES
-
SABOTOGING PROCESSING OF GRANTS FOR STATE VETERANS HOMES
-
REFUSING TO SPEND FUNDS EARMARKED FOR SURGE OF RECENT WAR VETS
-
MILLIONS PAID IN QUESTIONABLE BONUSES IN MIDST OF SCANDALS
-
VETS PROSECUTED BASED ON VA MISCONDUCT, RECORD ALTERATION
-
VA LAWYERS TELL JUDGES ONLY 4% OF CLAIMS NOT PROCESSED IN TIMELY WAY, LIE SEEN AND READ ACROSS THE COUNTRY
-
BILLIONS IN VETERAN LAND AT RISK, BEING "LEASED" OR GIVEN TO POLITICAL INSIDERS
Secretary Shensiki, known for his personal integrity, was targeted, we are told by reliable sources, based on the belief that a military commander would be slow to realize that top level subordinates would be involved in "treason." To some extent, as news stories have shown, this has been correct.
Information flow within the VA and implementation of programs has been at a total standstill with the exception of the suicide hotlines which were under the direct authority of the Secretary for priority rollout.
Cleaning troublemakers out of the VA has taken too long to start and we predict that if pressure to remove these people is made, there will be reprisals against veterans, perhaps with massive record destruction or sabatoge of key programs.
Veterans Service Organizations have responded in a mixed manner. Some organizations, the largest in particular, have either totally ignored these issues or suggested watered down solutions meant to fail in implementation.
No "mainstream" veterans group has had the courage to point out the obvious pattern of management misconduct or to approach the Secretary. Thus, reforming Veterans Affairs will actually have to be done, not only with almost no support from veterans, but under opposition by the major service organizations.
The secretary was told that VA reform has never been a big issue with major veterans groups. Whatever policies are implemented or funding cut, most major veterans groups operate as part of the Republican Party, even to the extent of supporting politicians who continually lobby for cuts in veterans spending.
As Veterans Affairs has, for decades, received its agenda from these groups and now finds itself with a department embroiled in scandal and corruption as a result, Veterans Today hopes Secretary Shensiki will begin seeking advice from politically independent groups representing veterans themselves.
Gordon Duff is a Marine combat veteran and regular contributor on political and social issues.
Gordon Duff is Senior Editor at Veterans Today.
Related Posts:
Short URL: http://www.veteranstoday.com/?p=8516
Posted by Gordon Duff on Sep 9 2009, With 0 Reads, Filed under Vet News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
COMMENTS
To post, we ask that you login using Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, or Hotmail in the box below.Don't have a social network account? Register and Login direct with VT and post.
Before you post, read our Comment Policy - Feedback
I thought this was a Veterans website, all my reading for Duff seem to indicate a liberal in veterans clothing. “Bush moles?” Please, if that doesn’t stink of a Hussein follower, then nothing does. All Ive seen is “its Bush’s fault” from every lefty out there. Isnt it time to man up and take responsibility?? That excuse is way old.
I mean whining about a Trillion dollar debt with Bush then 6 months later running the bill up to 8 Trillion or more. That seems Ok to all the lefties, but to any veteran or person with common sense its should make them sick. Every veteran I know is very patriotic and conservative. There are a few moles that probably slipped in the service, but generally, most would scoff at the lefty propaganda Ive seen here. There may be something useful on this site, but after 3 left leaning articles, I think its not one I would be part of because ill spend all my time disagreeing rather than head nodding.
Cya
Ken
USMC & USAF, retired
Funny. You don’t mention a word about veterans issues. You are simply busy mistating, in the extreme, economic information you seem to know nothing about.
Do you know less about veterans issues?
You don’t seem to care.
Yes, we are non-aligned. If you want to read right wing lies, you can go elsewhere. We tend to tell it like it is.
You can’t handle the truth.
g
Bye.
Every honest vet knows you have a choice…..GOP or support military and veterans.
You can’t be both.
g
I’m so sick of the thought that if someone does not get in step with a certain political agenda… they are a ‘liberal’. My God! The man fought in combat as a MARINE in Vietnam… he can say whatever he wants about war… Why don’t people shut up and listen to Common Sense for one second? Not that Duff is the end all of all truth.. but please try to just shut you mouth and open your mind for one second.
Semper Fi
Annie, USMC
I must have missed something. You imply that a Liberal is not patriotic, or a “mole” of some sort in the service. You sir are the type of veteran who is anti-veteran and think that any veteran who disagrees with you is not worth treating fairly or compationatly. I am a disabled Viet-Nam veteran and you sir even though you are retired, you need to develope some heart and compassion.
Duff, you are so totally full of bull that you are pathetic. If the VA has people so are trying to sabotage programs, then name names. The biggest problem with the VA is that congress will pass anything to get elected and then will not fund the awful shit that they pass. I don’t think that the VA is perfect, but I don’t think it has anything to do with political parties. I think that the VA needs to be realigned along the lines of the civilian federal compensation system. It is simple and to the point and if you need a lawyer, you can get one anytime. People not wounded in combat, need a one time payoff for their disabilities and then if it get worse they can refile. The way the VA has the compensation system set up sucks!
You seem to know nothing about veterans issues. This goes along with your ignorance of foreign policy. Please stay better informed.
Your facist politics are showing again.
g
DA White
Good for you everything came up daisies… So happy for you… now crawl back under your hole with your friends… guys like you make me sick…
I have been involved in the VA claims system since the 70′s I know VA employes were sabatoging vets claims back then. Just read the congressional investigatons that have been made.
VA employes have embrassed past presidents and congress. It is going to take a house cleaning by the VA Sec if he is serious about reform.
Terry
Field day the idiots!
Just saw what ‘the best’ can do for my husband’s claim… what a joke! Nobody… NOBODY will stand up for you like yourself… or… if you are disabled so badly and need help… your loved ones… What in the world do the others do that have no one to help them? Makes me so damn SICK!!!!!!!!
Duff, you piss me off sometimes…. but don’t stop telling the truth! We need you! ALL of you that are out there for the truth…. Been waiting two months to see what the guru could do with MY investigation!!!!!!… made chop-suey out of it… now I, ME, am doing ALL of the work… again. Thank you Terry…for letting me know…it’s up to us…. and nobody else will do a better job. What a way to treat disabled persons from WAR… But HEY…”They knew what they were getting into when they signed on the dotted line… bunch of whiners for wanting a little compensation for having their whole lives screwed” …but a lot of people wouldn’t know about that…or could ever imagine…. and they will yell the loudest about the ‘whiners’…. I have one thing to say to them… “Go to the front lines all alone… and tell us about it later when everyone says it never happened…. go ahead….”
#
CONTINUED DENIAL OF NEW PTSD THERAPIES NOT TIED TO DRUGS NOW PROVEN DANGEROUS AND INEFFECTIVE
#
ALTERATION AND DESTRUCTION OF MEDICAL RECORDS USED IN COMPENSATION CLAIMS
I know from experience that these two charges are true. I recovered from “chronic mental illness” (this was before the diagnosis of PTSD was developed) in 1982 with self- obtained and self-administered orthomolecular therapy after eight years of drugs and hospitalizations. My VA doctor, now a big shot in the American Psychiatric Association, was furious about my use of the orthomolecular therapy and wrote for the record that I had had a “spontaneous remission”, then he refused to make any further appointments with me. Over the years, as I have tried to bring my success with this non-drug therapy to the attention of the VA, I have met with a stone wall, and I have been given the bum’s rush from VA PTSD groups by psychiatrists and psychologists when I related my story to the other veterans.
A strange thing happened when I began to write to top VA officials and the leadership of the DAV who pressed the issue for me, notably Joy J. Ilem. My service records were “deep sixed”. When I went to my local Navy base to renew my privilege card, the milpers office could find no record of my having served in the Navy. I had to return with my DD214 and Honorable Discharge Certificate which were copied and sent to The Navy Dept. in Washington DC. About three weeks later, I was cleared for a new ID card and entered into the DEARS system. The yeoman advised me to put my documents on file at the city hall for safe-keeping. He said he had only seen this “deep sixing” twice before in many years, both times with Navy Seals.
Now I find that most of my VA records from the period of my recovery have also disappeared. One VAMC were I was treated on numerous occasions over a number of years now asserts that I was never seen there.
This happened to me, as well. A lot of people don’t know that the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) does not provide copies of your “official” records to the VA. They send the original record to the VA so the VA bares the cost of duplication. Well, the Winston-Salem VA requested, received and subsequently lost my entire service and medical record package, then denied my claim. However, I did not g ive up and on appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims, the court verbally tore the VA a new one. Once my claim was remanded back to the BVA, my records which supposedly were lost in NC, were mysteriously found in DC and the BVA approved my claim. When it went back to NC for rating, it took forever, again and I had to get another DC VA office involved to get it rated by the VARO, even after the Court and the BVA mandated it be expedited. Not all VA people are out to work against veterans, but the VA culture seems to be in that mode. I do feel Secretary Shenziki will eventually get things straight, but it will just take some time. Until then, just don’t give up and keep your cliams open and active.
To those who don’t think that backroom deals and silent agreements don’t happen regardless of political party affiliation, follow the money.
See who gained the most by keeping silent and looking the other way. Who got the biggest bonus? Follow the money and there you will find the problem as well as the solution.
This mess didn’t happen by accident or an innocent oversight.
So true Debbie. It’s a shame that the people who run things in this country are so willing to look the otherway for a few bucks, but there is one thing I do know, God is looking at all of them!
This is the biggest pile of lies you have written to date. And no I’m not going any where, its people like me who expose liars like you.
When things go wrong, you AWAYS blame it on Bush..it doesn’t matter if you had a bad fart..its Bush’s fault.
Leaks…hahahahahahaha…thats all we hear leaks…….I can image something is about to come down around Obama head..so its gear up for Bush’s fault time ahead of time….
Its Obama watch mister, now suck it up….
Dennis, you are right, it is Obama’s turn, but people like Duff and Hannity can’t seem to get over the results of the election and back the “person” in the big white house, regardless of who they are. I was a staunch republican until MaCain an d his cronnies took out the presumptive PTSD language in the Veterans’ Bill passed in October of last year. That really sucked and impacted a lot of my friends who have been fighting the VA trying to prove they came in contact with the enemy while in Vietnam for years now. it is pathetic that a man with MacCain’s service background could participate in something like that and feel ok about it.
Obama isn’t perfect either, but I honestly feel he supports veterans. As we speak Shinseki is preparing to release a directive that will correct the Replubican’s screwover of veterans with service connected PTSD and make it presumptive as Agent Orange is today.
I am tired of the people who will not give the elcted President an opportunity to do the right thing. They won, so let them have a chance to do the right thing.
Thank yo Butch… I am holding out the things you say will happen soon…. Dennis…go back under you damn rick…just go the hell away.
Dennis…. So many typos… but you get the idea…SHUT UP… turn on the light and look around and see things how they really are or shut up.
poor little uninformed annie.
for some one who has an answer for every article you just sound more uninformed every time, I would hope you would do more research than just blogging, but I’m sure that you believe if you read it in a bog than it must be true. well sorry to be the barrer of bad news but bloggers are like that media and they state their opinion as fact. Any responcible american nows that we are granted rights but the responcibilty to research what we are told by anybody media or not is up to us and to sit back and believe everything is just lazy and irresponsible.
“poor little uninformed annie. for some one who has an answer for every article you just sound more uninformed every time, I would hope you would do more research than just blogging, but I’m sure that you believe if you read it in a bog than it must be true. well sorry to be the barrer of bad news but bloggers are like that media and they state their opinion as fact. Any responcible american nows that we are granted rights but the responcibilty to research what we are told by anybody media or not is up to us and to sit back and believe everything is just lazy and irresponsible.”
Chris… you have no idea.
none.
You have no idea who I am or what I know and how much I have researched…
Chris: Ouch…it hurts so much to have you be the ‘barrer of bad news’ and to tell me that, ‘any responcible american nows’ that we are granted rights but the ‘responcibilty’ to research…” Chris, I am sick and I am tired of heartless, clueless and judgmental people that Don’t Have a Clue… it gets old, it get tiring, it gets to where I have to try real hard to not wish that such people don’t have to find out for themselves. Because that would be wishing them to Hell and back. But maybe some just need to see for themselves. You know what? Yesterday I was pissed off. You know why? Because I found out that some of the people that are suppose to care for and help our veterans are not always competent. It’s such a shame. It’s a dirty shame. And you know what? I don’t like Bush. Why? Because I believe that a lot of Americans died and are wounded and disabled because of him. And I’m entitled to that opinion, just like Dennis is entitled to his. I do believe that Bush and Cheney are heartless, clueless and judgmental people that Don’t Have a Clue… and it is so difficult for me to not wish that they both take a personal trip to Hell and back so they can see what they have put so many American families through. Don’t assume to know me.
To the Editor of Veterans Today…I think most would agree that Duff has had his say. It would be refreshing if you would print articles from others and have a little balance in your efforts. For awhile Duff was entertaining, now he is getting a little boring and a lot physco. I think they need to re-evaluate his meds. Now I know he will have something positive to say about my comments, as he always does. I look forward to how he discredits my comments today.
Yeah…o.k. Duff is a pain… and he thinks he’s 100% right…100% of the time and that’s a little irritating… o.k. a lot of the times… But, you know what? He loves the principals this country was founded on and stands by them… and not afraid to speak out of rank of ‘whatever party’…. but instead for truth as he sees it… that’s a rare quality nowadays… unfortunately. I don’t think he’s psycho… irritating sometimes…but not psycho…
Hey Gordon Duff!
I have been following your articles for quite some time. I’m a staff writer here, too, but I keep it rather ‘soft’ to say the least. Don’t try to rub chins with you ‘big boys’ too much. But, this morning, in my LRRP Net, we have this thread going about ‘health care’, (no doubt because of the President’s speech last night), and most all agree that the Republicans want 45 million Americans to be stranded without any health care at all. We also went into the 2010 election, and the 2012 election. It is quite evident the President will totally take over Congress in 2010. And, who do the Republicans have to run against the President in 2012? Jebb Bush? It is pretty evident that the Republicans and their Far Right Fundamentalist Wing who advocate anti-abortion, school prayer, anti-homosexual, etc, and continue to support the total destruction of our economy have seriously lost touch with the American voter. I’m not a Democrat. Nor am I a Republican. I will never EVER vote for either again in my life until we have strict Term Limits. And, I also think educating our children is the Number #1 issue in this Nation! Ask any Republican to stand shoulder to shoulder with me on those two issues. And how about fully funding the VA? Got any Republicans that will get up on the floor of Congress for that one? And how about a Fair Tax? Any Republicans willing to put their eyeballs on the pulpit for that one? But, in all fairness, what Democrat will. We are in great trouble. 550 professional politicians now control 300 million Americans. And, as I read the ‘comments’ here to your brave article, I notice so many are Republicans, or Democrats, and not a one of them is an American. I am. I fought for this country in the 101st Airborne Division in 1968 and 1969. Any of you who think those years there with the Screaming Eagles were a piece of cake need to get their heads examined. When are we going to get away from this infighting and join as Veterans to save our country? When are we going to stand together to guarantee our children a future? I kid you not, we are in trouble. And reading the comments to your article proves it. So, keep on keepin’ on! Don’t let the rats chew on your boot straps. And, if you all do want to come together, go here:
http://www.rassio.com/songs/Nashville.php
Interesting… on my facebook page… on political whatever… I have AMERICAN!!!!!!!
What a concept. Rock on Bobby Ross.
And who’s fault was it before Bush? I know Bush was Lame but so is every one else in office. All I see is struggle for power from both sides, they could care less about the little man except for his vote, and how else to get his vote but to blame the other side. We need to vote every incumbant out and put someone in who cares about Americans and America.
Doesn’t suprise me one bit. Thes ‘plants are most likely allied with the same group of chickenhawks that ‘waive the bloody shirt’ everytime it’s politically convenient to sir up their voter base. They have ZERO regard for sending the children of others off to fight in some meatgrinder that they or theirs would never dream of participating in!
As Veterans we have to wake up and see these folks for what they really are. We’re the ones who risked life and limb. Not these cowardly charletons who use us like cordwood and discard us in our time of need like so much garbage.
Keep reporting the facts, Gordon.
Greg
USA Retired
Same things happened in Justice, the SEC, Homeland Security, the EPA and many others.
I don’t care about them, not so much other than some of my Republican friends being indicted by their own. Odd.
As for the VA….we know who these folks are. Congress and the new VA leadership knows.
It took months for activists to push past the "deadhead" VSO leadership and be heard.
We only report, and, yes, cause a touch of trouble now and then.
Others….did the work.
Now to see what comes of it.
g
Duff is largely correct, but wrong in attributing everything to malice and planning. Stupidity and cowardice are both good explanations for the problems he accurately exposes.
I spent 35 years in VHA, and in retirement I treat PTSD and TBI for free at my old VA. (they let me go out of the reserves just as the war started: did not think they needed us, despite waivers and fitness. ) I have worked with excellent republican Secretaries and Excellent Democrats, and complete idiots from both parties. VBA stinks, and they hate me for my opinions. VHA has improved a great deal in the last 15 years, but began to rot about 5 years ago once again. I used the VA myself: here is the doctor who takes his own medicine; did not get private room, but the care was Excellent.
Most of Duff’s specific charges have merit. As to conscious planning, the evidence is not in, but the suspicions are widespread at least among the people I talk to.
Eric, his Gingrich and Gould are decent but they still think they are in the Army or at Commerce or IBM. The VA is far too complex, and they are not in full charge yet. Nothing on the chief doctor and chief benefit guy, just same old faces in Acting positions.
Duff, dont blame everything on republicans. Most of the blame is OK for the young Bush, but the old man was a Man and a Prince.. And Clinton betrayed us in health care reform, and betrayed Brown and Gober, his own friends and good veterans both.
The most important thing: My combat vet granddad and my military doctor Dad (front line WWII ) warned me about veteran politics, how we bite and devour each other. Be civil to brothers, guys. And my naval aviator daughter and Navy veteran son in law are still looking for a VSO thats not allied too deeply with a political party. Any suggestions?
I have to agree with you on this issue. I have been dealing with the VA since 1969, and I have witnessed gross neglect, and abuse administered with older veterans.
I myself have had tests done at the Wilkes-Barre Pa. VA medical center, and treatment is at a standstill. It seems the staff does not care about treating the veterans there.
I filed a complaint last year on the internet to the VA Administration and the email went to the patient advocate at Wilkes Barre.
The advocate called me the next day and told me to contact one of the politicians and complain to them about lack of treatment. I’m one frustrated veteran with the VA.
Also I’m 100% S.C.
John USMC 67-69
John, I had the same issue with some vet friends of mine at the Salisbury, NC VAMC. I, like you, tried the Patient Advocate and even a local Congressman. Finally, I sat in the facility Director’s office for almost an entire day, waiting on her to see me. They kept telling me she was busy and may not be able to see me that day, but I just sat right there and napped. Finally, I guess the figured I wasn’t going away and she had to come out to go home so I talked with her. I told her I was not giving up and, if necessary, I would sit outside her office every day until I get results. Now, all I have to do is mention her name and I or any vet I take to Salisbury get the treatment and services we deserve. My doctor says they have a flag on my file, but it is the fact that the staff knows me now and they know I will not accept less than the service we vets deserve. You shouldn’t have to, but sometimes you have to make you own luck with the VA.
Okay Mr. Duff,
We realize that you are a hard core Democrat. I wish all the BS about Bush would end. My husband has been denied a claim for 20 years. I don’t recall Bush being in office for 20 years. It seems to me that Democrats and Republicans have shared that position. I think it is time to quit playing THE BLAME GAME
How much money was spent on trying to find out if Clinton really had sex with that woman? Who gives a rat’s rear? Put that money to good use by helping our Veterans. Both parties should come together and work for the people of this country.
I am so dissapointed when I read the articles here and then read the postings. Everyone has different opinions and we all think are opinions are the only ones that are right. We use to be the land of milk and honey. Now we are the land of polluted water and bs.
If we don’t start taking better care of our Veterans, then the draft will be the only answer. We have a volunteer army now but you can bet that there will be no more volunteers if things don’t change.
We might just as well tell the terrorists come on over.
Venay, was wondering if you were able to contact the VA’s DC Office of Communications and Case Management? If you did, I would be interested if you felt they helped you or “stonewalled” you as Duff said they did him. If you don’t want to publically respond, please e-mail me at captkirknc@yahoo.com. I will honor your confidentiality, but would like to know if these people are not assiting veterans, as Duff suggested. If they did not help you, I will contact the VA Inspector General’s office and report their failure to assist you. It is easy to rant, rave and complain, but prefer pursuing corrective action.
Sorry Duff, I think your conclusions are wrong. I don’t disagree with your comments, just where you’re poinmting the finger. I agree with Tom, it’s stupidity and cowardice, not malice.
As for bashing the current or past President, why do journalists feel that’s necessary? If you want to bash someone for this, than bash the Congress. They write the laws, they give approval for the General Councel to write the regs, they control the money. The President is limited to 8 years, Ted Kennedy served 50, and Bob Byrd has over 60, Dingal is pushing 50 years in the house. I think it’s time we took back our government, term limits on Congress and keep the lawyers, who defend, prosecute, and judge the laws, from also being those who write the laws.
I don’t agree with Duff’s liberal bend, and he damn sure doesn’t agree with my conservative views, but I think we’re both in agreement that something has to be done about Congress and it’s attitude.
I testified before a House VA Committee hearing where Congressman (than Chairman) Buyer asked me how we could lower VA expenses. He didn’t like my answer, I said stop sending our kids to war! I also told him the VA, the Congress, and the House Committee on VA were not doing their jobs.
As for the stuff he writes, I don’t like the vindictiveness in some of his articles, but most of his facts are straight, unlike our friends in the commercial media.
Keep ‘em coming Marine, boiling each other’s blood keeps us young!
Jim
Mr. Doran,
I agree with you. I like reading Mr. Duff’s articles, but would like to see less fingering pointing at both Bush’s and republicans in general. I also believe there should be term limits for all in our Congress. This would stop all the political paybacks and payoffs and inject new thinking into our system.
Gulf War vet and current USAF drilling reservist.
Folks, and Veterans all: Have you ever heard of the “Hegelian Dialectic?” If not, look it up. It’s in play here! One starts with a “thesis” and is confronted by an “anti-thesis.” In order to obtain a consensus, the “unit” will create a “synthesis.” Invariably, the whole “kit and kaboodle” becomes a conglomeration of OPINIONS!
That’s what we have in this instance. Senor Duff is off base and playing in la-la land. To say that Shensiki was briefed by some “nut-job” is ludicrous. Provide the “briefing bullets!” And, who did the briefing! I
am beginning to doubt just about everything that appears on “Veterans Today.” I verify what I read, and it’s becoming an un-necessary job that I don’t relish! What to do? Right now, the jury’s out. I am most cheerful to participate in a number of discussions on all things military. However, when the pain exceeds the gain, I have better things to do.
Well said Luther. I have posted a note asking the Editor to sort of cool Duff’s articles for a breather. It may be that he is the only one that is submitting articles, but it is getting, at best, fanatical in nature. On the other hand, it does seem to inspire some good comments and information to get posted that may not get out, if it ween’t for ole Duff’s ranting, raving and pot stirring. It is getting a bit old though, so if there are other writters out there, please, please, submit some articles and give our man Duff a rest. We all need it.
mmmmmmm, I am very surprised the left wing press wouldn’t just be tinkled pink, jump up and down and just be thrilled by what was mentioned here about the GOP moles. Give me a break, there are just as many democrats that do some of the same stuff. I remember how slick Willy left the White House, computers were screwed up, etc. GW Bush’s father was a decorated bomber pilot and I find it hard to believe his son would put that kind of crap or encourage it.Again, why hasn’t the left coast press or just MSNBC, CBS, ABC reported this?
The subjects listed in this article have been verified by more than one source at both congressional and VA level.
You don’t like it…deal with it.
g
Has anyone figured that I am fed up? Rock on Gordon and all for truth.
Dear Anne
You are right. Veterans must be the one in control of there claim. VSO’s really have screwed allot of veterans out of there comp.
No matter how screwed up the VSO’s job was on a vets claim. Once decided the VA wont let you open it up again. SO this is your one shot also.
My best advice to you is get a compesaton Pension examinaton that says your injury is related to service or have an independant medical opnion given regarding your entire records and if they show a relatonship to service. You have to have this to win. No longer can a vet just hand in Dr notes or x rays and expect to win a case. By law it requires a medical opnion to connect the dots between the medical evidence and a conclusion of service connecton.
The other advice I would give you is buy or go to a law library and maybe they will have the Veterans benifit manual. This book is written by lawyers who represent vets in court. It is really great to learn what you have to do.
The VBM is on the internet
Terry
I want to thank all the VA stooges who have answered this. A word or two for you…
"We’re comin’ for you."
g
Thanks Terry. I needed the encouragement… I’m gonna save the complaining… so much work to do… I’m on it… thank you! And when I’m done here at home… God willing, soon… I’m not going to stop… No, I’m not. Where do I sign up guys? I’m serious… Field Day the V.A.
I hope this doesnt turn into another California veterans park issue. Lots of smoke, no fire? Still waiting for that mythical retired fbi agent and his “investigation”. Is this story going to whither on the vine as well? If so, we can see this page is little more then yet another COINTELPRO honeypot operation designed to draw veterans in so that personal information can be gathered on them. “We’re comin’ for you.” is only a valid threat when its actually true!
O.K. Yesterday a veteran told me… “Why don’t we get 60 strong claims that have been denied for a long time and present them publicly to the W.H. and Congress… over and over and then add to it as they are resolved? I told this veteran that someone posted something like that last week and they liked that idea. Who else think it’s a good idea? Who knows the ropes with the V.A.? Who has the time? Who knows the ropes with the media? Who’s in? Any other ideas? … Effective organized and well thought out ACTION… hello? I’m taking liberty of posting some excerpts posted by someone else last week… The Blue Max… Excerpst:
By The Blue Max on 2009-08-28 19:54:18
Maybe we can all send an e-mail to Obama on the 1st and 15th of every month demanding it be done. Just give us the ONE thing and the recommended words of the e-mail. Let’s take the hills one at a time. Maybe we’ll all live long enough to actually feel like we’ve made a change for those who will follow. What’s Number ONE? Write us an article about that. And then remind us on the 31st and 14th of every month to e-mail Obama. Isn’t this a better way to go? 50,000 or more e-mails hitting the White House twice a month with the same message? And letting the news services know it’s being done.
By The Blue Max on 2009-08-29 12:09:29
Okay. Here’s another idea: Put together a list of 100 Veterans with cases pending more than 5 years. Name, VA facility involved, etc. E-mail that to President Obama on the 1st and 15th of every month with the question: When will YOUR VA resolve these problems? That will spread the word until something gets done. As one name is removed from the list, add another.
O.K. Just some ideas thrown out there… Let the brain-storming, signing up and ACTION commence.
I am all for your idea, but I just moved to Roanoke 2 months ago. I have no network to plug into and I am in the process of sorting out my own VA claim and medical issues. But, again, I am willing to help out anyone that has a good plan put together.
Thanks Glen, they were other people’s ideas that I was throwing out there. But, I’m glad that you liked them. I know how it is… me too… in the middle of a decade plus claim, medical problems, malpractice claims… oh yeah… family. I hope the best for your claim, health and success. This will pick up. It will. Maybe we will work together in the future when we are squared away. I hope it is soon. Thank you to all who have walked before us and are helping to light the way by sharing your own experiences and lessons learned. You know who you are, thank you for helping to make the burden lighter and not as lonely. God Bless.
Hi Butch,
Before I contacted them Mike got a call from the senator’s office saying that his claim was on the hearing examiner’s desk.
We were excited and then we got a call from Texas saying that a face to face (that Mike had requested two years ago) was set up via sattelite for Sept. 22nd.
We can’t get a return call from the senator’s office to advise us on what to do.
We are afraid that the face to face may mess up what is going on with the hearing examiner.
After persuing his claim for 20 years, Mike doesn’t want to give the VA a chance to continue delaying it.
So as usual it is hurry up and wait.
The Video conference is typically a BVA hearing with a BVA Judge in DC. The other based on what I understand is that your claim is with a rating specialist at your VA Regional Office (VARO). Normally, those two are not even close together. One usualy happens befroe the other can take place. You usually get the denial from the VARO rater and either ask for A decison Review Officer Haering at the VARO or appeal to the BVA where you can request a hearing with a BVA Judge in DC, at your expense, a hearing with a traveling BVA Judge at A VARO when they show up or like I think yours may be, a video conference with BVA Judge in DC. In either case, I would need more details so I could advise you properly. It would be better if you can have a local Decison Review Officer hearing t your VARO rather than at the BVA, as it can take from 2 to 7 years to get an answer after the BVA hearing and it is typically a denial and then you go to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims for another 2 years. In North Carolina, the DRO’s are trying to wrap things up and either deny you, which they usualy do, or schedule you for a C&P within 30 days of the DRO hearing. I don’t feel comfortable advising you with what I know, as I would be guessing. Please e-mail me at captkirknc@yahoo.com and I will give you my phone number and will be glad to help you if you want, when I can talk with you to better assess your situation.
Information was leaked to me that General Shensiki, Veterans Affairs Secretary, has been briefed on the source of the scandals plaguing his department. Months into his tenure, late by some standards, staffers have finally revealed the depth of a Gordon Duff plan to maintain control of the DVA and sabotage its medical and compensation programs in order to embarass the Obama administration.
Just as creditable as your story. Who leaked this information, or was it made up like my story. You are an idiot and an embarassment.
I wont go as far as to say duff is an idiot…yet. If he fails to flesh this story out as he did with the veterans park in LA story, THEN we can label him an idiot. This being said, there are few here that would doubt any of this sort of stuff goes on at the VA. We just want more than innuendo and heresay.
Dear Duff & Veterans
I see allot of Pro VA types on here. I use to write on Hadit.com and we were like family. Pro VA types hated honest discusion where vets could see side by side the varous view points. They did not promote discussion. They quashed it by booting the writters off of Hadit.com.
I bet these pro VA types hate the discussion going on here and cant do nothing about it. There arguments fail because there use to only winning by not allowing the discussion to continue. None the less I still feel Hadit.com is one of the best if not the best veterans web site around.
I love how you accept those agree and disagree with you and each other. This is the only free speach site on the web for veterans I know of.
Duff it would be a great help for veterans if you could create a dedicated veterans claims and discussion site where tactics and law can be shared.
Terry
There is a discussion forum here, just look above this post on the blue ribbon that says FORUM. There is little to no activity going on though.
duff is very good at “claims” work. get him fired up and stand back, take notes, and appreciate what happens.
As an aside, one of the flaws in the system is remanded claims.
When an adjudicator (VSR or RVSR) denies a claim, and the vet appeals and either wins the claim or wins the remand, the denying adjudicator is NOT reprimanded in any way.
These men and women should be held accountable for their actions, if they grant a claim without merit or deny one that is well grounded there should be some kind of punitive action. With repeated errors they should be terminated.
Additionally performance bonuses (yes, VA pays them to employees and management as well as upper level staff) should be denied to management and staff in offices with a high rate of remands and/or a high claims backlog.
Backlogs can found at http://www.vba.va.gov/reports/mmwr/
As of the week ending 8 September reported 87,870 “rating claims” pending for over 180 days, that’s 20.6% of the total. They also reported 49,549 “non-rating claims” pending for over 180 days, that’s 23.1% of that total. Finally, they report an additional 167,609 “other work items” pending over 180 days, fot 22.1% of that total.
Now, in those three offices the following VA Regional Offices are worse than the VA national average:
“Rating Claims”:
Baltimore; Buffalo; Cleveland; Detroit; Indianapolis; New York; Pittsburgh; White River Junction; Atlanta; Jackson; Montgomery; St. Petersburg; Chicago; Des Moines; Houston; Little Rock; Waco; Anchorage; Portland, Oakland; and Reno.
“Non-Rating Claims”:
Baltimore; Indianapolis; New York; Newark; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Atlanta; Montgomery; Washington; Manila; Oakland; and Portland.
“Other Work Items”:
Baltimore; Buffalo; Detroit; Indianapolis; New York; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Atlanta; Jackson; Montgomery; St. Petersburg; Washington; Chicago; Des Moines; Houston; Little Rock; Manila; Oakland; Portland; and Reno.
I’d fire the Service Center Managers and the Regional Office Directors in 9 of those offices and the Service Center Managers in 12 more. That would, perhaps, put in another wake up call.
Jim
excellent post. thank you.
You want me to type the whole damned thing again?!? Get real. Just tell Duff to hang in there and don’t get discouraged. I read his stuff and I think he’s great! Semper Fi.
Im losing faith in this webpage, if for no other reason then a lack of evidence backing up assertions. I wont go into detail on any email communications I have had with duff, suffice to say they fit the COINTELPRO theme perfectly. That said, nobody here doubts these things DO happen at the VA, but without hard evidence this is just a sewing circle.
This shitdick can’t even get the Secretary’s name right and you guys listen to anything he says?