Vivieca Wright-Simpson

The DCNF: New Interim VA Chief Of Staff Orchestrated Wait List Stonewall

Vivieca Wright-Simpson

The woman who reportedly ordered VA employees to withhold evidence about the secret wait list from members of Congress is now the interim VA chief of staff.

Last Friday, VA announced Vivieca Wright-Simpson is the interim chief of staff effective Sunday. The press release asserted Wright-Simpson is a “trusted leader with a commitment for serving Veterans.”

Wright-Simpson was previously the chief of staff of the Veterans Health Administration under now-Secretary David Shulkin, MD.

So what happens when we look behind the curtain?

The Daily Caller was also curious and did a little digging only to find reports that Wright-Simpson was behind part of the movement to stonewall investigations by Congress into the wait list scandal.

Behind Wait List Stonewall

In 2014, Wright-Simpson was reportedly pivotal in blocking a Congressional investigation into wait times at the Pittsburgh VA. At the time, her staff reassured Congressmen looking into the matter that the facility passed an audit with “flying colors.”

In reality, there were 700 veterans on a wait list, many of those veterans had been waiting years for an initial appointment. Pittsburgh Healthcare System director Terry Gerigk Wolf was ordered to stonewall members of Congress despite knowing the numbers.

Then VISN 4 director Gary Devansky ordered his subordinates to not report the correct numbers to Congress but not before Wolf disclosed. The person who ordered the stonewalling was reportedly none other than Vivieca Wright-Simpson.

Then-chairman Jeff Miller of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs blasted VA for its efforts to suppress the truth. VA told The Daily Caller Wright-Simpson merely wanted to ensure Congress had the correct numbers before telling anyone.

Office Of Medical Inspector

Telling anyone what?

VA basically stonewalled the investigations across the country and Sloan Gibson conveniently shut down the Office of Medical Inspector (OMI) right when it came time to investigate the wait time scandal.

Instead of relying on OMI to investigate, all investigations were the responsibility, at least in part, of the local facility after then General Counsel Willie Gunn allegedly green lighted record destruction in the run-up to the investigation.

How convenient to be in charge of criminally investigating yourself, right?

Think we will ever know the depths of the wait list and resultant nationwide cover-up?

VA Spokesman

“In June 2014, Ms. Vivieca Wright-Simpson, then-Veterans Health Administration Director of Network Support, acted to ensure correct information was provided to Congress,” acting deputy assistant secretary for the VA public affairs James Hutton told The Daily Caller News Foundation. “Some information required validation and, as a result, delivery to Congress had to be briefly delayed for the validation of the information to be completed.  Once the information was validated it was delivered.”

“She remains a dedicated public servant focused on modernizing VA and implementing change in order for our Veterans to get the care and benefits they deserve,” Hutton added.

Let’s hope VA is being truthful and that Shulkin has promoted his former chief of staff for a reason other than to continue stonewalling Congress.

Perhaps she knows where the skeletons are buried and will help Shulkin put them to rest the right way?

Source: https://dailycaller.com/2017/02/27/the-vas-new-chief-of-staff-ordered-staff-not-to-give-info-to-congressmen-about-secret-waitlist/

Similar Posts

122 Comments

  1. Received this notice from the VA News Release today stating: Ms. Vivieca Wright-Simpson, will serve as the Interim VA Chief of Staff effective February 26, 2017. Vivieca previously served as VHA Chief of Staff and a variety of senior roles both at the VA Central Office and field. She played a critical role in the VHA transformation over the last 18 months; she is well suited to step into this position as VA moves forward with an aggressive plan to modernize. She is a trusted leader with a commitment for serving Veterans. David J. Shulkin, M.D.
    https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2863
    Doomed….

  2. @ ANutterVet:
    Your wife must be one nice lady, and don’t you think she deserves that money you gave her? If, the money was only $10 say…that isn’t it worth that much of her time and energy to shop and care for you? You sound like you were one wild kid and teenager when you were younger…. I like your aloha spirit 😉

  3. @ANutterVet: Hey brother, I better get some sleep, I have an appointment tomorrow. Hope you sleep well. God Bless you and your family. Goodnight.

  4. @ANutterVet: I watch these utubes of hearings with Trey Gowdy questioning these damn Obama fucks, with their smirks on their faces and I wanna smack that smirk right off their face. It isn’t just one, it’s every single one of them, NOT complying with the law. I am so fucking glad that bastard is gone. I hope the entire system gets flushed of his damn flunkies.

    1. @cj – Me too. I don’t like their dam smug attitude. Hey, we had to put up with Obama for 8 years, as he was putting our Nation at greater risk. ISIS even got stronger. Bunch of BS. Should have never pulled out until the dam job was done. Now what, we gotta go back in to wipe these scum bags out unless we get hit. You know, its only a matter of time. I think they are more determined than we are.

      1. @ANutterVet: Of course they are more determined. I bet most people don’t even realize we are still at war. Our men and woman are out there doing their jobs. People here at home go about their everyday lives, and they quickly forget. Out of sight out of mind.

      2. @cj – I know that is true. Most people don’t even talk about it any more. Your right, out of sight, out of mind. Hey, do you have any sub or steak sandwich shops in your area? My area is strange. When you enter Pennsylvania, subs are called hoagie. In our area they call them subs or submarine sandwiches.

      3. @ANutterVet: Not a strickly sub shop, but you can get subs at almost any deli shop. There are also jimmyjohns here. A couple other sub chains but the names escape me at the moment.

      4. @cj – There is a place called Jimmy Johns over the state line into Pennsylvania. What I like about them is that they have a condiment bar. Anything you can imagine to put on your sandwiches. Even fried onions. CJ, its after 2am, and I’m struggling to write. I’m going to close, and hit the sack. God bless you and your family. Get some sleep. @Disgruntled Veteran, same to you. You get me by 5 hours behind my time. Plus, you wear flippas and t-shirt. Good night.

      1. @cj – I wonder if this is due to ex-POTUS Obama’s doings with the internet. Its annoying. R U doing ok tonight?

      2. @ANutterVet: I think it is with handing control over of the internet away to someone who can’t handle it. My vision is acting up again, the pain in my chest from pinched nerves in the upper back, sux, but it at least let’s me know I am still alive lol. Not complaining, I know most here are in much worse pain. I consider myself lucky to be use to the pain, for me it is normal.

      3. @cj – Didn’t you fall the other day in which caused the pain in your chest area? I hope you don’t have to kick up the meds more. I’m doing the best that I can. From the way the VA is acting, I know they have something up their sleeve. I may be on the cut off block for meds. Suspicion. Anxiety is kicked up big time. Took extra magnesium, 5 htp, GABA, omega 3, taurine, tmg. Helps to relax me just a tad.

      4. @ANutterVet: No fall, Every single disk in my back is herniated, two in the lower back are gone, fractured vertebrae. They can’t figure out the chest pain, nuerology and cardiology got together, and decided that in rare occations, when you suffer the type of heart attack I did, that there is a nerve center in the chest area that can become messed up. Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done, as each of the nerves from that system goes to a vital organ. Just have to deal with it. Once in a while it just becomes inflammed. No biggie. It isn’t as bad as most others. Like I said I am lucky, that I am use to it, for me it’s normal.

      5. @cj – I think if a person is young when they get hurt, that it is easier for them to deal with pain, compared to if a person is older. I always hear how others, like yourself, got injured when they were young. And, when they get older they are able to deal with the pain much easier. Wife made pork roast with sage, mashed taters, and steamed broccoli tonight. I like the pork with sage. My wife was shopping today, took my money and didn’t get me a pizza. These women can be slick at times. LOL I’m going to pull a nice prank on her later when she least expects it.

      6. @ANutterVet: Hahaha, that is their job to spend money and not on us lol. I have a utube site for you, this kid can cook, I have tried several of his recipes and they are fantastic. I made a change to the way I make ricotta, this isn’t his recipe for ricatta, but he toasted some obvious homemade bread by brushing it with evoo and dusting with Italian spices, then in the broiler for a few minutes. Now it gets a little strange. He spreads recotta on the toasted bread, then drizzles honey over it and then fresh ground pepper. I tell you what…………..absolutely amazing, I couldn’t beleive how good it was. I feel cheated that I have never tasted this before. Here is a link to his channel: “https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmOBcTDsualJq20Z3oGKd6w”

      7. @cj – I’ve had chedder cheese, on Ritz cracker, with honey drizzle, and red hot pepper flakes. You wouldn’t expect it to taste well, but actually it has good flavor. When I was younger, I use to experiment all the time making different and unusual dishes. I use to make things from what ever someone had in their fridge. They would say we don’t have anything to eat. I check out their fridge, look at the canned goods, and I’d come up with something. I remember one time back when I was about 15, I took refried beans, butter, added really over ripe bananas, s & p, and done. Do you think I may have had a toke of something earlier?

      8. @ANutterVet: Hahahaha mannnn that does not sound good one bit. I bet it tasted just fine. Experimenting is fun todo. Sometimes it works and you have a go to hit on your hands, and sometimes the garbage can is a good place to store a concoction.

      9. @cj – My father was the one who taught me to cook. I had to cook his eggs over easy without making the egg white brown. He use to cook his spaghetti sauce for at least 8 hours. It had to be thick. He didn’t like thin sauce, would never eat the sauce in can or jar, and didn’t like to eat off of paper plates. Only at BBQ’s or at a party.

      10. @ANutterVet: Oh hell yeah, the spoon needs to be able to stand on it’s own in the center of the pot or it isn’t done.

      11. @ANutterVet: I saw those Currant tomatoes you mentioned, they had two types at seed savers exchange, golden currant and cherry cuttant 1/4 inch extra sweet, produces 100’s of tomatoes. The wife will love those. Thanks for the heads up. Can get them in plenty of time for this season.

      12. @cj – Good cj. I had the cherry currant tomatoes. Gotta keep mama happy. To me, they were sweet enough to add into yogurt. And, they usually will come back the next year. Bringing back Hawaii memories now. I can smell the trade winds nice fresh air. Dam, that is such a refreshing smell. I never experienced anything like it in the continental states.

      13. @ANutterVet: This one cracks me up everytime I watch it “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVfN6r5zp9Y”

      14. @cj – That sketti is completely hard, not even cooked. The dish looked good though. Making me hungry. Late nate snack may be. Mama, mama, . . . Poppi hungry. And she yells with a little tone in her voice, “get it yourself, you lazy . . .

      15. @ANutterVet: Yes that is true, when you get hurt at an early age it is MUCH easier, because when you are older as we are now. It is now just a normal way of life. I can’t imagine what this would be like if these same injuries occured let’s say just 10 years ago, it would be devastating for sure. Again……I am lucky it happened at age 17.

      16. @cj – Yeah, from what you shared your injuries seem to be worse than mine. I think our bodies compensate more when we are younger. Now I do have a taste for pizza. Dominos, no thanks. Finga’s are started to slip. I took my meds at 1am.

      17. @ANutterVet: You get tired, just say the word. you gotta get sleep, sleep is a good pain killer.

  5. @namnibor: What are ALL the VA documents and files do I need to file for disability …. and or the special names of the paperwork called? Could, you direct me….

    1. Go over to HADIT DOT COM, you can learn all you need to learn for that info. That’s how I did it years ago.

      1. @Namnibor; Yeah, saw it mentioned before. Appreciate your direction. Thanks, let you know if we are having problems.

  6. @ANutterVet; We have learned more about Government and the internal workings with Trump being in office; then, the old boy network of life time politicians. Don’t you think RT [Russian Television] is also informative? I watch for any deceptive subliminal messages; but, their guest speakers are Larry King etc. At least, Trump realizes the basic problems our country is faced with.

    @Namnibor; I am NOT that brain dead. Like, you we have tried the VA Patient Advocate way and they are full of shit. I am aware of the Disruptive Behavior Committee and have shut that down on my end. But, did you know that laboratory Maggots are a good thing? The eat all the necrotic flesh and have saliva with antiseptic properties. But, if I ask for more clarification I am hoping you will provide some clear descriptive solutions instead of teletubbie land and diner on a sinking ship.

    1. @namnibor; don’t take me personally. I am just ranting about the VA Process and how we can’t get closure with all of our medical, care, retirement, etc matters. Can, the next topic be on vet disability retirement filings and disability filing?…

  7. “[…can we get closure on some topics by subject?…]”

    It’s not tidy one bit, just like the VA leaving open wounds to maggots. Many topics are ongoing hairy balls of wax and may well remain as such.
    “Closure” is something I will send you to your local VA Patient Advocate for and don’t be terse with her because she’s one finger away from the magic button that calls the Disruptive behavior Committee.

    Life is not tidy with all problems resolved at sunset each day in Teletubbie Land. The VA is an open wound with maggots. So I guess a good start would be to get rid of the maggots instead of simply doing as today’s article showed, the sliding down a deck chair position on the V.A. Titanic. Diner is on the poop deck.

    1. @Namnibor – Your statement is exactly why I said that I expected more from POTUS during his speech tonight in the House of Congress. Really, I expected more. I hope that none of the Good Ole Boys aren’t whispering in POTUS’s ear. The VA is in need of changes, and none can come too soon. We already know this, right?

      1. @Happy Scorpion, @ANutterVet, @91 Veteran: Happy Scorpion, thank you for the advice, I saved it all for later use.

        91 Veteran, I to had some trouble with my eyes watering watching that poor sodiers wife, heartbreaking.

        ANutterVet, Like you I was expecting much more thatn “they willl get the money they need” very disapointed. I think he hit a home run in all other aspects of his address, he did spend more time on the person who’s sone was killed by an illegal than he did on addressing vetterans issues.

      2. @cj – I agree it was a very good speech. Infrastructure, police, military, etc.. I only hope that POTUS is not listening to any of the Good Ole Boys whispering in his ear. POTUS usually has insight in double checking things, even after he has mentioned something that may have us thinking something else. I hope POTUS stands by his word, like he mentioned tonight that he keeps his word. Get the buttheads out of the VA.

  8. @Happy Scorpion – I agree, the Democrats will not give it up. The President stated that we all need to work together to get things done. Did you notice how a majority of the Dems would not stand up and applause? This is because most of them didn’t want to break ranks, and to show public support for POTUS.

    I realize that POTUS stated that we need to take care of the healthcare for Veterans, and that our Country needs to deliver for them. But, I really did expect POTUS to be more direct, at least with some issues that is quite obvious in which what things needs to be fixed within the VA system. Sorry Bro’s, I really expected more. May be POTUS will make announcements about changes to the VA later. Hmmm . . .

    1. ANutterVet, I like that he reiterated a number of his plans to get things done, and did mention veterans twice as if he is determined to do things for veterans health care.

      If he would not have said anything about veterans, it would have been clear we have no hope of seeing any change.

      In another topic, an update on the thug who beat the veteran to death.

      A grand jury indicted him on negligent homicide charges in January.

      The article is not clear if he is facing trial on that charge in addition to manslaughter.

      The VA says he has been suspended, but it doesn’t say if it’s with pay.

      The article is dated Feb 22, 2017.

      “https://www.thetowntalk.com/story/news/2017/02/22/va-employee-suspended-years-after-death-patient/98259530/”

      1. @91Veteran – I only wish that POTUS was more direct when mentioning Veterans. 9pm is prime time, most likely the American public was watching in anticipation, and I’ll bet you that many Veterans were watching as well. It was the time for POTUS to announce at least a couple of proposed changes or investigations into the VA. And with no disrespect, we all know that POTUS is well aware of the problems that are occurring at the VA on a daily basis. We all know that the VA’s problems go deeper than scheduling problems. I only wish that POTUS made more remarks than “we need to deliver for them [Veterans].”

        Ok Brother, I’ll give POTUS the benefit of doubt, so hopefully POTUS is working on the obvious problems that need to be fixed in the VA, and I would hope that POTUS has many investigators, especially in plain clothes, that are gathering inside information about other issues occurring in the VA that are not in plain site [deeper problems].

        I’m all for POTUS. Only I’m tired of being given carrot sticks in which I can’t reach. And, I don’t like to give the VA Administration any more authority and power so they can fuck that up as well. I just needed to hear some positive changes that POTUS was either looking into, or the problems that POTUS was definitely going to fix in the behalf of Veterans.

      2. I hear what you are saying ANutterVet, and perhaps I am naive or just hoping too much.

        I was rather POd after he named Shulkin and after that picture of the vets suffering in the ER at Durham thinking that what Trump said during the campaign was just so much BS.

        Like I said, this is the first I can recall a President mentioning veterans in an address to congress.

        It suggests to me that he hasn’t forgotten.

        The other thing that encourages me is that after all the reporting on many other issues where it seemed Trump was getting wishy-washy on things, he doubled down on all of them tonight making clear he was not backing off on what he promised during the campaign.

      3. @91Veteran – We’re on the same page. It makes sense to me that because we are losing Veterans and they are being mistreated, including myself, that we are talking about the direct effect on the Veterans that are living. No disrespect to those in whom we lost. I thought it was a dam good time to further mention in a little detail of at least one or two issues. If I heard one issue, I’d have been tickled and wept. Its ok Brother, we all go through being sensitive when Veterans get mistreated.

    2. @Happy Scorpion – The Dems are still sore about Hillary’s loss to POTUS. All of us need to put our feelings aside, focus our energy on the issues that need to be addressed, and we need to band together in support of POTUS to make our great Nation strong again. Don’t get me wrong, we are a great Nation, but our time, energy, and monies have been directed in the wrong places for the wrong reasons. Our Nation as a whole should be doing a heck of a lot better than it is. I realize that there are other priorities, but the one that directly effects me is the VA.

  9. @ Namnibor; note to you dude. I am aware of everything you said above…. and I do realize sometimes our suggestions won’t go our way. But, this forum is for suggestions and thinking outside the box and getting actual federal movement to close our issues with the VA. I have kept abreast of all the issues on this blog and have been given an update summary from another and been watching the posts before commenting. I would like us to follow one subject and try to end these problems we are facing with the VA one Vet at a time and one problem at a time. How can we accomplish this ? What should be the next topic? I realize we follow the article(s) addressed and start blogging; but, can we get closure on some topics by subject?

    RE: Our President – They just won’t give it up. What facts are they talking about that our President did not state incorrectly? The speak is a general outline of Our President’s intentions for all the problems we are facing.

  10. 91Veteran & namnibor,
    Did you notice, as soon as President Trump ended his “Address” the Dumpocraps RUSHED TOWARDS THE DOORS!
    They couldn’t get out of there fast enough. To spread their bullshit to the MSM’s.
    I liked it when President Trump constantly put the pressure directly on the Dumbass Dumpocraps!
    The wife and I laughed our asses off.
    Still laughing now!

    1. I saw that Crazy Elf, and as soon as I did I thought, they don’t want to miss last call at the club.

      1. Some of the expressions on the congress critter faces as the camera panned, at times the swamp beasts of both flavor variety had the look of such constipation on their faces, I am thinking there should be some gold bricks shat out when they left so quickly to go tattle to whomever they have previously promised to melt their snowflake in front of the came to. Wah Wah.

        I loved the speech to be honest. Now, we need specifics on logistics of these things, including of course, the VA.
        McCain has been stomping for military spending but do not hear that old dino croaking about the VA and Veterans…must not be his voting season yet…

        Congress Critter Constipation Consternation.

    2. @Crazy elf, @91Veteran, @Namnibor – Did anyone catch as the Dems were hustling out, who took the lead to the door?? Pelosi, Waters, or the other white person of color who wears glasses? I thought it was very warm that POTUS paid respect to the fallen Seals wife, to the family members who lost loved ones to crimes committed by illegal immigrants, and to the 20 year old girl is a survivor of a rare disease. Now only if POTUS can help us Veterans to become survivors of the dam VA system. Still waiting. Hmmm . . . Grrr . . .

  11. Trump again called out veterans in his speech saying he was going to increase funding needed for care.

    He then called out SEAL Ryan Owens widow.

    I’m in tears.

  12. I don’t recall a Presidential address to congress where the President specifically said veterans would get the heathcare we deserve.

    1. Me either. I am liking this Presidential Address. It’s also finally high-time a President addressed the criminal crime rates in cities and USA…Trump even directly addressed Chicago’s already on-par to outnumber homicides this year than last year’s rate. Also respecting police officers and such things our last 8 year peace prize bearer could not bring himself to utter.

      Thank God, Obama is gone and Hillary is changing a depends right now, then she will get to Bill’s. 🙂

      1. I like everything I am hearing so far. He seems sincere and determined on many things, unlike so many predecessors where you can pick out the BS.

        Off topic, but Tomi Lahren of the Blaze just posted a great video about the VA in Durham about the vet lying on the floor. She was POd.

      2. @Nam – – – A Fellow Sumo (VMGR-152) Marine buddy of mine contacted me on Facebook about that. Seems he was stunned that his VA facility made the news in such a big way.

        You just know I had to share that, with my own comments publicly on my Facebook timeline.

        Just think of the tune “The Gang’s All Here”:

        Hail, Hail, The VA’s here . . .
        Vets, we’re gonna kill ya’, Vets we’re gonna kill ya’
        Hail, Hail, The VA’s here . . .
        Our Bonus at the end of year!

        Used Douchebags are sterile when compared with the VA.

        Worthless, Pathetic Asshats!

      3. @Disgruntled Veteran: LOLLLLLL I love it!!! Where is Wierd Al Yankovich when ya need him? Would make a great parody.

      4. @Disgruntled Veteran: Noooooooooo, the Monty Python crew…………..that would be soooooooooo gooooooooood……

  13. Oh my God! We are all DOOMED!

    It was just announced Shulkin is the designated survivor during Trumps congressional address.

  14. Has anyone ever filed a complaint against the va with the joint commission for unacceptable medical care? I get the impression that some high ranking va employees thumb their noses at congress inquiries. If I understand the process, the joint commission is the accreditation authority for all health care facilities and they probably carry more weight in the va’s eyes than congress.

    1. I have never heard of anyone filing such a complaint and would be curious to hear what the outcome would be.

      I suspect they would claim they don’t handle individual complaints against providers, but instead only assess facilities.

      1. Then the VA would still claim “World Class Excellence In Healthcare”….while Veterans are ignored and in pain on ER floor or the RN administers way too much IV pain medicine on Vet and kills them…the VA will even go as far as claiming some kind of pulled out the ass exemption from such oversight…anything remotely resembling that VA Kryptonite called Accountability.

        Now to watch Pres. Trump….this should prove to be interesting.

  15. Decated yes to themselves and not the veterans. Lying gets VA employees promoted.

    Yes policing themselves does stink. But it’s done every day. The VA when it gets any inquiries they send it right back to the offender to answer themselves.

    The VA knows they can say anything they want and no one can force them to tell the truth nor can they do anything if the evidence proves a veterans complaint.

    Our senator’s in Colorado don’t seem to care if veterans are being harmed. I was told by senator’s Bennett’s office. We can not do anything to VA employees. Period !

    That’s why we have to get them to pass the Holman Rule.

    Ben how can we find out since the house passed the rule if it is effect now or if it has to pass the Senate first.

  16. For those with recent internet issues, a story posted on Drudge mentions Amazon’s S3 cloud storage having problems affecting several companies web hosting including Yahoo. The service most affected is on the east coast.

    I noticed some email issues earlier, but for the most part, haven’t seen any complete outages.

  17. @ Namnibor;
    You make a point. Let me expand on the topic.… each licensed Doctor has a DEA [Drug Enforcement Number]; or State Physician Licensing Number can be found on your prescription (Doctor’s prescription pad) that number believe it or not can be found on the Internet at one time. This number – drug addicts have used to forge prescriptions for their own intentions.

    Confirming Your Doctor is licensed in your State, you will now have the choice to legally get representation in State you are in and the State in which your Doctor is licensed, both have to be in the same State that is the bottom line. Although, my background is in the criminal side of the law at Investigative Services; I invite anyone to correct me on the civil side of the bar.

    I make it a point to use our State Agencies for our benefit and to keep the VA in check. Contact your local Health & Social Services (HSS) agency such as: Long Term Care Ombudsman; Social Workers and Community Care Ombudsman to fight your issues with the VA. If, you get an active State worker you will get answers.

    1. You may get help through those agencies if you are in a state that has workers that will respond.

      I found several VA providers at my VA that do not comply with state law, called the state and was told 2 different things on whether the VA is exempt or not. Many states ignore the VA because the VA claims they are a federal entity and exempt from state laws.
      Those not in compliance here are committing a Class 6 Felony, it’s just the state is not interested in investigating.

    2. @Happy Scorpion– All good to know, but I hope you know that at the VA the new trend is it’s either the Pharmacist Tech or even the Nurse Practitioner that will be deferred by the lazy Dr. to write the RX and this goes for Pain Management where it’s not even a certified pain specialists at the VA, it’s the damn pharmacist or some other hack.
      What I am getting at is the VA lives in their own glass bubble and make their own rules when it best suits them, so there’s absolutely no guarantee that DEA# will properly end-up where one wants to.

      I have always totally shredded the peeled-off RX bottles before tossing in trash because that has been a thing now where people actually dumpster dive to steal those DEA and personal info and that especially goes for the RX bag with the printed info and type of drug and your address and name…pill heads love those easy directions to a home invasion…I hate thieves and pill heads, so have always taken appropriate measures for personal security. However, many may not know this, all good stuff to share.

      1. Off Topic, but Poe just introduced a VA Accountability Act in the House.

        Its an interesting read, including containing the ability to reduce an employees pension.

        “https://veterans.house.gov/news/press-releases/chairman-roe-introduces-legislation-bring-accountability-va”

      2. You have crows on your head dealing with Choice Champions and the VA…it’s only natural to think of ravens then Edgar A. Poe.

  18. @ Jo3n;
    I prefer NOT to let ANY Government agency take my happiness – Or else should we all go Article 99? Only kidding…not.

  19. @HappyScorpion, what you so happy about? Only kidding, I am glad that there are Veterans who can at least say they’re happy. I will follow through on your advice. Thanks

  20. Write a new PD for this position and break into 4 part time slot. Get a retired SNCO from each service in those 4 slots to provide advice and guidance to the Secretary. I’m willing to bet the screwing off and propagation of alternate facts will stop in short order.

    MJR

    1. But, Shulkin was *supposedly* going to have his little helper, the “beer mogul”…what happened with that? Did it just fizz-out? 🙂

  21. I was just reading yesterday’s post. Shulkin did say that he was getting rid of the bad apples, not promoting them. In less than a day, the lies begin. I really don’t know how to take this BS anymore. Exposing the corruption doesn’t seem to get Veterans anywhere. How fed up do I need to be before I’m not responsible?

    1. Yeah, that’s why today’s article put me in such a bad mood early-on today. Better now. Nice rainstorm starting and they relax me.
      This is how crazy the current VA management is: If Jeffery Dahmer had worked at the VA and got caught doing what Jeffery did with dead and alive bodies, but the AFGE attorneys get him off, VA upper management would see fit to appoint Jeffery Dahmer in charge of all VA Morgues and Canteen Cafeterias.

      Sick, I know, but it’s the hens guarding the henhouse….still.

  22. ***** Subject Change ******
    To All Veterans Using VA Services and their Wives;
    If, you want some assurance of receiving adequate medical care from the VA and legal choice to have a door open then consider this option, using the VA form [VA FORM 10-0137].

    In Section C – additional preferences write something to this effect…” I want a licensed (State) Physician to make the prognosis and diagnosis of my medical care and medical long term plan and share this information to my Agent (wife) and (Secondary Agent) friend.”
    I prefer student residents to shadow only for learning purposes to further their education and knowledge and not be an active decision maker for my health care; I give that Power of Attorney to my wife and Secondary Agent.
    Lastly, I would request that the medical diagnosis and prognosis be rendered by three different independent physicians.
    I hope their own form VA Form 10-0137 helps the VET and spouse with some assurance of medical protection as well.

    1. How do you get past the VA’s more often than not waiving any requirement FOR a given State that VAMC is at? I ask because people on this blog have researched and shown that the VA Dr.’s may be listed as State Medical Board Certified in say Wisconsin where he did first worked, but the problem lies in that same Dr. is listed in say 3 or more other States from being bounced around from on-par VA corruption or life, what have you, but the problem lies in that he is working now at a VAMC in Florida but not certified in the State of Florida…and nothing even guarantees his license in Wisconsin is even still valid, but it’s THAT license such a Dr. rides the magic carpet coat tails around the USA in VAMC’s.

  23. Why is it looking like more of the same? Is it too early to tell? Same subjects, same people, ? May 1st will be 100 days. I really don’t get how someone can possibly ruin many Veterans lives and be promoted after straight up lying to Congress. Seems to be the theme at VA’s and Congress. This appointment of a proven liar, and a person who has been caught hiding files, and she crippled many ongoing cases. She’s promoted? No, she lost her right to work for Veterans. @91Veteran, thanks for the info. Although I am more than 40 miles from nearest VA, my pcp won’t refer me.

    1. Jo3n, put it in writing, or ask them to respond to you in writing on why your PCP won’t refer you.

      When I was told I would be dropped for all VA care, and actually was dropped, I told them I wanted it in writing.

      Within a day I was reassigned to my PCP.

  24. For y’all wanting to know about that veteran who “…laid on the floor, in pain…” here’s an article out today from;
    “Townhall”
    Titled;

    “VA Nurse Refused to Get a Veteran in Severe Pain a Bed, So He Laid On The Cold Floor!”

    by Katie Pavlich | Feb. 28, 2017

    Pictures and statements were made by the individuals who witnessed the incident, Mr. and Mrs. Steven McMenamin on 2/24/17!

    Everyone who works at that VHA should be held responsible for their inactions against that Veteran.

    1. @Crazy elf – elf, I read the article. Its hard to believe that not one VA employee is attending to these elderly Veterans, that are obviously hurting with extreme pain and discomfort. elf, I don’t know what to say anymore. Its not that I’m desensitized, its the dam shock and unbelief from what I see and read. Hopefully, one day, someone with authority will come down hard on these ding bats, and I’m pretty sure it will not be Shulkin of the Ole Boy Network.

      1. It will take God Almighty Himself to intervene. Am thinking that part in Revelation about the bottomless pit being opened-up is all about the VA and it’s demons unleashed.

      1. @OLDMARINE, namnibor and ANutterVet;
        I’ve become “Hardened within my heart” over all the criminal activities and acts committed by VHA & VBA employees over the past many, many decades!
        I’m no longer willing to accept the bullshit from the these “animals”!
        They are less than “Animals”- they are scum!
        I better stop now, before I say something I might regret!

        As far as those ingrates at that VHA, everyone of them should lose their jobs!

  25. Truly not who I thought would be back. But, she never left. I’m tired of being angry all the time. If this is how POTUS planned things, well that just sucks. If POTUS has nothing to say about this, well, we can expect…. nothing and we’re on our own, again. I am still praying the Choice Card ends up working. God only knows.

    1. Jo3n, I mentioned before about how different Choice is working this time around for me than it did last year.

      It seemed they were moving with blazing speed this time. After being told by Choice that they called the provider and claimed the provider didnt have the authorization, I said I just talked to the provider and was told they had it, but were waiting on Choice to call them.

      I also said I had a voice mail to call Choice today.

      Seems like they learned new tricks in delay.

      They today claimed again they called the provider and said the provider didn’t have the authorization, so Choice just decided to schedule an appointment with some other provider for mid-March without saying anything to me.

      I said I couldn’t do that because I was referred by the VA to a specific provider.

      He said he would have to refer it back to his appointing team and it would take 2-3 says to reschedule it.

      It takes a while team to make a phone call.

      I guess I should be lucky it was at least in the same city as the other provider.

      1. @91Veteran — You *must* just go with the flow and flight path of the ever-circling crows. The Choice Program Crows have a contract and so that “40 mile as a crow flies” rule has been repurposed, redefined, and refined into Choice’s lessor-known program for Veterans, “Murder Of Circling Crows “. Either way, it will eventually get you to your final destination even without the helpful guidance of a Choice Champion.

      2. Nam, I’m thinking they’re more like a Murder of Circling Turds that just won’t flush.

        …and the stink never goes away.

      3. @91Veteran — “[Murder of Circling Turds that just won’t flush.]”

        Does Isaacson’s stairmaster have a spiral staircase configuration by chance?

      4. Isakson is so lazy I bet he has a colostomy bag hanging off his Stairmaster with a built-in bidet.

      5. That image placed for presentation to my brain made my brain tell me it requires decades more cognitive therapy because it stained my brain. Thanks.

        Imagine that colostomy bag is an OSHA violation in danger of entanglement with the stairmaster…but then again, the pace is probably slower than pain drying, never mind.

  26. Business as usual.

    As I said in another comment yesterday, I despise liars.

    If the VA were simply trying to make sure their numbers were not covered in bullshit, why did Miller blast them?

    Why didn’t the VA tell him, even off the record, here are preliminary numbers, but we still need to clean them up for accuracy?

    They got caught, and made up the validation excuse.

    Do they use this same validation method to carefully determine if a bonus is warranted? Or do they just go with whatever grab-ass numbers are floated?

    Shulkin was whining a few days ago about the VA being beat up in the press.

    Since then, the VA is shown to let vets in extreme pain lay on the floor for hours in an ER and ignored by a caring nurse.
    In the same state, news comes out that they killed a retired vet by giving him high doses of a pain medicine, then fighting his widow in court.

    Today, Shulkin is back in the press saying he wants to restore trust in the VA.

    Yeah, promoting a flunky into a high level position after she obstructed congress is the wrong way to restore trust.

    Unless he meant trust in his underlings to keep the skeletons from liquefying in the shower and becoming news.

  27. This is nothing new, and we should not be surprised. The va has a history of promoting people that should not even have a job serving veterans… And factually, nothing ever changes except the names of those put in positions of authority, a great majority of them are not serving veterans but screwing veterans.

  28. “[So what happens when we look behind the curtain?]”

    I’m seeing a cross between a very hungry, hungry hippo and a flying monkey from ‘Wizard of Oz’. (much wind speed velocity would be needed for this hippo)

  29. The only VA facility more dysfunctional than the VAMC Pittsburg is VARO Pittsburg. From experience.

  30. “”Malum In Se””…we brother vets have only “one solution” (Prayers). No one is going to come to our assistance but the “”Almighty””.. Pray vets just as you did in combat!!! Asking god to intervene once and for all!!! Coming together..””when two or more come together in agreement in prayer” our Father sits in acknowledgement to our submissions. Trust and believe that “”something very powerful and surprising” is going to take place for vets!!! God is sick of the “”Deliberate Indifferences””perpetually put in place to “”kill. & destroy””vets. Prayer-Prayer and more Prayers!!! For over “”40-plus yrs”” I’ve seen the intentionally orchestrated system put in place to “wait upon vets to die pending a decision for compensation/education etc. Call it what it really is…””A Demon from Hell””. Prayers is the only positive solution and I’m praying daily for “Us”!!??. This is the “face of the V.A.????????”..Malum In Se!! Prayers!!

    1. “Malum In Se””…yesterday I requested “vet’s” to come together and “”Prayer””…I said that some “‘Very Powerful. & Surprising “” would manifest!!! Don’t disbelieve in the power of “‘Prayer””!! How many saw something “”Powerful. & Surprising”” in our President’s address???? It’s time and I encourage “All” of us to pray!!! It’s gets better in time!! Malum In Se…P.S. GOD BLESS THOSE WHO PRAYED WITH ME????!!

  31. Like I said yesterday, “Shithead Shulkin” is not playing with a full deck. Or, maybe he’s already taking his “Que’s” from the VSO’s and other’s wanting to fuck veterans!
    Just as all the others before him, when someone is caught, “PROMOTE THEM!”
    I wonder *IF* MCDUCK is somehow behind this? Somebody is definitely guiding Shulkin. Why do I say this? Because it’s just been a few weeks since Shulkin was appointed, and already he’s doing the same thing as all the other asswipes before him!

    Tonight, I believe on ABC, President Trump speaks to Congress in his “State of the Union Address!”
    I believe it’s on at either 8 or 9 pm est! Check your listings!
    We might find out *HOW* he’s going to move our country forward.

    1. P.S.
      I just saw where President Trump will be speaking tonight, to Congress, at 7 pm est. Of course, he will probably be speaking shortly after 7 pm!
      Watch what he’s saying! I think we’re going to here a lot of “moaning and groaning” from liberal Democrats and RINO’s!

    2. CRAZY ELF ………OOOO but he is playing with a full deck, just not a full wallet. yet. you have to promote the ones that can go along with the corruption

  32. While leaving a VA facility recently here in north east Pennsylvania, I heard the WHO’s hit, “We won’t be fooled again” being played through the intercom system. Except they kept looping the last lyric……..” meet the new boss, same as the old boss”.

  33. Back from my break. Got lungs full of fresh clean air. And the pain pills are starting to take effect. Feeling half-human again.

    The continual “revolving door” policy of the VA – – – shuffling quite obviously morally incompetent people from place to place in order to keep them “under the radar”, while thinking that the majority of this nation’s veterans are completely oblivious as to what is really going on is a joke. Facebook, Twitter, et al can help to change that. I STRONGLY urge every veteran who reads Ben’s Blog to share his articles (prefaced with your own VA experience comments) at least twice weekly as your status on Facebook.

    If we got enough people doing this (I do) over time, then eventually the MSM would have to say something semi-truthful about what is really happening within the VA. I cannot help but notice they hardly ever say anything at all. When they do, they make it seem as if the Dinosaur VSO’s speak for us all.

    What is needed is not a “revolving door” policy. It clearly has failed. What is needed is a true “ejection seat” policy. And when the Senior Manager’s at the VA ask “What is that policy?” – – they are only talking to themselves. Because they have already been “punched out” into the breeze . . .

  34. Good article, Ben.

    C L U S T E R F U C K. Simply a C L U S T E R F U C K !!!!

    The practical definition of the term “Insanity” is “Performing the same ineffective actions over and over, while expecting a different result than you previously achieved.”

    I am convinced the VA is totally insane. Shithead Shulkin and President Trump. On us veterans will take a dump.

    I would ask WTF are they thinking in Washington – – – but when I read articles like this – – – I am truly convinced they are incapable of thinking. At least any requiring a modicum of critical thought.

    Need to pop a few pills, and get some fresh air. More later.

    Asshats! The whole damn bunch of them.

    1. With respect, I agree that the definition of insanity is repeating the same action expecting different results, but in this case insanity is not at work. What we see here is the definitiion of corruption. Dirty, piggish people, liars, and criminals who signed up for the VA gravy boat and show loyalty to the lumps in the gravy are rewarded with a chair at the big persons table come feeding time.

      The VA is infested with morbidly obese administrators, bariatric office chairs that still break the welds and America just keeps setting up the Thanksgiving feast (complete with candied yams) for the VA brass. Honey glazed ham anyone?

      Is it really any wonder why we need industrial size plungers at VA, or is the astonishment over the realization that the plungers just aren’t working but VA refuses to validate that sewage is running through the hallways?

      1. Remember the term F**ck up, Move up? When that one person who was a piece of sh*t couldn’t and wouldn’t do the job they were paid to do; suddenly moved to the top! Sometimes it’s wonderful to watch people seated at the top FLOP! She will be in the spotlight and her lack of talent will be obvious to everyone. What goes around comes around.

    2. VA DC HQ SAME SHIT DIFFERENT DAY PUNK DR SHULKIN MAGGOT WILL DO NOTHING BUT CRAP FOR VETS THE BIG TRUMP JUST SHIT IN THE FACE OF ALL VETS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  35. Unbelievable Ben. The same damn people over and over and over. Didn’t shit for brains Shill-kin just say he was going to fire THAT kind of person? What’s he waiting for, permmision from the VSO’s? Please……….somebody whack me upside the head with a 2×4. and stick my head up my ass. So I can see what is’t like to think like a Shill-kin. LIESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS ALL LIESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! Windguy is right, only 3.5 years left before they need us again for voting season. Hey, President Trump…………….I hope your team is monitoring this site……if not…………SHAME ON YOUUUUUUUUU!!!!!

  36. The promotion of someone who may have been part of obstructed justice tells us much of what the beginning of the future department of veterans affairs will look like.

    I do not believe anything that this new administration, who sounds a lot like the old administration that business is open as per normal operations. That is just great!!! The continuation of more lies, deception and crimes!!! The truth will never see the light of day because there is a waitlist of criminals waiting to get promoted.

    What is it with the department of veteran affairs agency that they are above reproach and above the law and can participate in crime and get away with it????

    Where is the dignity to care for him whom bore the battle and for his widow and his orphaned??? That spirit died a long time ago. Thank you department of veteran affairs for your continuation of the crime rings in clinics across this nation.

  37. “[So what happens when we look behind the curtain?]”– Perhaps Shulkin is simply lazy and it’s so much easier to play slide one chair down to the bolted deck chairs on the V.A. Titanic?

    I view this served cold as whatever they were smoking when they decided to appoint BVA Agent Orange Denier Murphy to that position. They simply do not care. Business as usual, Isaacson will blow smoke rings up Pres. Trump’s ass, meanwhile back where the ranch is on fire…WTF? Foxes and Henhouses.

    1. You have to wonder how these people sleep at night.

      Oh, Never Mind, I forgot about all the drugs they keep steeling.

Comments are closed.