The Veterans Affairs Department reported last week that wait times for appointments at VA health care facilities had been reduced by 18 percent since May.
In June, more than 100 VA clinics were subject to investigation because of extended delays, and disciplinary action was proposed against more than 40 employees nationwide related to data manipulation and patient care.
Over the summer, local veterans seeking first-time primary care at the VA hospital in Albuquerque, 275 miles from Cortez, were waiting an average of 46 days. At the time, Montezuma County Veteran Service Officer Rick Torres described the long waits as a leadership failure that dated back decades.
"This is not just an Obama thing," he said. "This is not just a Bush thing, and not just a Clinton thing. They all have to take responsibility."
In response to the recent VA announcement, Torres said last week that he periodically receives complaints, but his office hadn't fielded any continuing grievances from the some 2,400 veterans that reside in Montezuma County.
"I have not noticed a trend of long delays for our local veterans," said Torres.
As the nation commemorates Veterans Day today, Torres also reported that he was always willing to assist any veteran that wanted to change their appointments to a local vendor. Under the VA's fee basis program, veterans can request certain local services, such as an audiologist, at a predetermined rate.
"I tell all of my veterans that are enrolled in VA health care that if they are referred to Albuquerque or Grand Junction for something; always ask for a fee basis vendor," said Torres.
In related news, VA officials also announced last week a move to help further reduce wait times through the VA's new Choice Program. Reportedly sent last week to veterans who live at least 40 miles from a VA clinic, choice cards also allow veterans to see local doctors if their wait times are longer than 30 days.
"I've only had one veteran let me know they've received their card in the mail," said Torres. "I'm sure many more will be receiving their cards in the coming weeks."
The program is a byproduct of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act, which was signed into law on Aug. 7. Authorized to run for three years, the new legislation also directs the VA to publish wait times at VA facilities.
U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton said he was monitoring the impact of the Veterans Choice and Accountability Act, and would continue working with his colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure wait times were reduced and the VA was held accountable.
"Congressman Tipton's office has assisted thousands of veterans with VA claims and other issues and actively seeks to aid local veterans experiencing problems with accessing their benefits," a spokesperson said.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com