The VA healthcare system

Veterans’ healthcare is of vital importance. No country should shirk the responsibility of ensuring that those who sacrificed their health in service to the nation are covered by insurance. In the United States, this moral obligation takes the form of the VA Healthcare System – a system underfunded and overloaded. Luckily, in a rare bipartisan effort, the last few administrations have at least tried to give the VA Healthcare system the support it needs.

Most recently the efforts to improve Veterans’ care resulted in the PACT Act. This law expands the ability of Veterans to receive care and benefits – for example, service-related disability – to veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. In other words, the VA healthcare system now offers care and treatment for injuries sustained … during the Vietnam War. It bears noting that some surviving beneficiaries will be able to claim benefits. It appears that given enough time, bipartisan actors will eventually do the right thing. 

For now, the VA system remains convoluted. Nebraska is lucky to have a well-led Department of Veterans’ Affairs which employs a number of County Veterans Service officers who can help in navigating the VA system. These are local, dedicated people who can guide the veteran and their families. Similarly, firms such as Vandenack Weaver Truhlsen offer representation in the filing for benefits. Where the initial filing is unsuccessful, Vandenack Weaver Truhlsen can appeal any denial. Veterans have stood for the country and there are folks who have the ability and desire to stand with the Veterans and support them in navigating this convoluted system. It is the right thing to do.