Marine: Improvements already in the VA
May 30, 2014, 5:14 PM
Although is has been plagued with a wait-list scandal, some veterans are already feeling the effects of the Veteran Administration’s attempt at redemption.
Marine and Valley resident, Matt Penny, told News/Talk 92.3 KTAR’s Mac & Gaydos about his difficulties with the VA. After serving for three years, Penny attempted to register with the VA five times, each time finding they had no record of his previous attempt.
Penny had been attempting to registed since March 1, 2014.
On the day before VA Secretary Gen. Eric Shinseki’s resignation, Penny received confirmation that he was registered with the VA.
“Within 10 hours I received four calls,” he said. “They were very helpful, very accommodating.”
Penny does not blame the employees, but the management, for the problem.
“I’m optimistic about the people I’m working with which is the lower levels,” Penny said. “It’s the higher-ups. It’s always the higher-ups.”
When it comes to Shinseki, Penny put his resignation in military terms.
“The general decides where you attack, not the guy whose boot is on the ground,” said Penny. “They relieve the general when a battle goes wrong. You have to have accountability.”
Penny already has an appointment set with his primary care physician for June 6 and plans to keep Mac & Gaydos updated on his progress with the VA.