|
Chairman Akaka remains concerned that VA is
overburdened and underfunded. WASHINGTON, D.C.
– U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman
of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, commented
today on a new VA Inspector General (IG) report
into an email sent by a VA psychologist last
year that appeared to discourage health care
staff from diagnosing veterans with
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The IG
investigation, requested by Akaka and released
today, found that while the email was poorly
written and inappropriate, it did not result in
a change in diagnoses at that VA facility.
“I appreciate the IG’s investigation into
this matter. It is fortunate that the actions of
a single health professional did not result in
an artificial decline in the number of veterans
diagnosed with PTSD. I remain concerned that
VA’s health care system is overburdened and
under funded as the needs of veterans grow
greater and more complicated. I will continue to
work towards making VA funding more timely,
predictable, and robust,” Akaka said. |
