Federal agencies endure unrelenting attacks by many members of Congress, political candidates and pundits. Critics overlook vital services provided by such organizations as the Veterans Health Administration.
VHA is the nation’s largest integrated health-care system, serving almost 6 million of 22 million veterans of military service. Facilities include 152 medical centers, more than 800 community-based outpatient clinics, skilled nursing and long-term-care units. Vet Centers are a new addition, offering a range of counseling services (personal, marital and bereavement) for combat veterans. A reported 300 Vet Centers will be open by year’s end.
Concern for the plight of disabled veterans began with the Continental Congress which established a system of pensions. The first national medical facility opened in 1834. Following the Civil War, individual states opened homes for veterans. These offered varying arrays of care for disabled and indigent veterans.
After the World War I, veterans’ services were divided among three agencies. In 1930 these services were consolidated in the Veterans Administration. President George H.W. Bush signed legislation in 1989 to give cabinet rank to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). In fiscal year 2010, DVA’s budget was $113 billion, of which $48 billion was directed to health services. For comparison, the 2010 budget for defense was $692 billion and Health and Human Services $879 billion.
Eligibility for VHA services is determined by guidelines based upon service-connected disability and annual earnings. Benefits for eligible veterans may include clinic and inpatient care, prescriptions and travel benefits to health facilities. When VHA facilities are distant, eligible veterans may obtain subsidized care in private clinics and institutions.