Up until about 20 years ago, there was a long-running cartoon strip called “They’ll Do It Every Time.” In one or two panels, the cartoon would lampoon deceptive, pretentious, unwitting, or scheming human behavior. Well, if the strip were still around today, what is being called the “VA Bonus Scandal” would have been a great subject. In anticipation of over one million new toxic exposure claims made possible by the 2023 PACT Act, Congress authorized a $117 million bonus fund for the VA to retain staff deemed to have critical skills needed to manage the influx and attract new staff needed to plus up for the program.
About 180 of the VA’s most senior managers based in D.C. looked around, said “Well heck, I’m critical to the cause,” and skimmed $11 million off the top for themselves, even though they were in no way eligible. A very damming VA Inspector General report also determined that there was widespread reluctance among junior employees to point out the error, and even some cases of intimidation towards those “minions” who dared to question their bosses getting bonuses. Although required to pay back the erroneous bonuses, some executives are appealing and even taking legal action to keep their ill-gotten gain. Although I already know the answer, I will still ask the question: why are these individuals still employed at the VA, and not facing criminal fraud charges? The IG report is available at https://bit.ly/4aOcS3T
Hurricane Preparedness and VA Healthcare
If you are a veteran new to Florida, or perhaps caring for a veteran, the VA has a very comprehensive website with great general hurricane preparedness tips and access to specific Orlando Area VA healthcare information during emergencies. You can never go wrong by being prepared as soon as we enter into the storm season, which starts in June, and by staying informed as individual storms become a potential threat to our area. More information at https://bit.ly/3QYy9AD
CHAMPVA expands healthcare coverage
In May, the VA expanded coverage for medical services, including mental health care, for the over 700,000 family members and primary family caregivers participating in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). These beneficiaries now have new coverage for audio-only tele-health, extended mental health care, and contraceptive services. For more information see https://bit.ly/3VbJuzH
Always looking for your input and news on veteran-related events, please send along to osceolavets@gmail.com.
