In the opinion of this advocate, the meeting, the committee was a complete disaster.     It wasn't worth your time.     As far as Q&As go, it was all "input" and no "answers."     Answer:   what we need is a "surge" in appropriations by Congress; not some "panel of dignitaries" on a multi-city tour of the U.S.A. to report back to the fox. After all, the "fox" is guarding the hen house, now isn't he?     The moderator kept asking for our notes, as a source of feedback for their report.

Franco Brand Bull If you do not see the Superman logo, you can not be sure whether you have genuine (Franco) bull.

    To presume that the purpose of this "conference" was anything, but to pacify a few old veterans is really naive.

    From the standpoint of a real veterans' advocate, it was worthwhile to listen to the grievances of others, some of which were more significant than my own, imho.     We were briefed on the format where each spokeperson was given 2 minutes; 2 minutes to explain/describe their concerns.     I will try to summarize some that I can remember.

    But, before I begin, there is one (significant) comment a disabled vet wanted the committee to know:     "You can keep your benefits; your money if I could just be well and not lose my dignity fighting a government that wants the people to feel that it is doing all it can for our veterans."     I might add:     "It is better to die in war then to live to see what our country thinks about us."

Per Ribaudo rulings, Agency in Contempt of Court - for details

    Before I get into the specifics of the townhall meeting, it is interesting that the American people have spoken on the issue of illegal aliens and their demands and Congress has (temporarily) listened (until the next election is behind them.)     Our President and his staff were not able to put on the backs of the American people the liability of straining an already pitiful entitlement system, everything from medical care to education and senior retirement benefits -- just for the sake of cheap labor that would continue to depress the wages of the majority of middle class laborers, American and otherwise, and provide an endless supply of legal labor for the rich to exploit.

    People wake up!     If you are easily intimidated, sorry -- it is too late for you.     It was a pleasure to be amongst the brave, those that answered the call for freedom and ideals of democracy that we believe in and are willing to die for.


Review     See Las Vegas Review Journal article, "Veterans air concerns on health care"

    These reviews are in no particular order.

    As a history buff, I was amongst a Korean War survivor.     He spoke of his group of 46 soldiers of which he became injured and was left behind in deployment to Korea.     That (undoubtedly) saved his life as 42 of the 46 parished in battle.     It is of no satisfaction to be counted amongst those that came home when you think of your brothers that did not.     And, to be statistically, another form of casualty of war, well, a burden that most will never understand.

    The next, was an air force veteran, a lady, that suffered the abuse of rehabilitation in a co-environment with male personnel that "..were manly" and "drop their pants" (in front of her.)     She quoted the mere percentage of women in the military, but I couldn't care if it was one tenth of one percent, there is no excuse for not having separate billeting, separate dining and anything else that a woman would feel is appropriate for their dignity.

    Then a gentleman that was told one thing and of course, not the truth.     He had an elaborate back brace on and spoke of the collection agencies that hounded him for fee basis (private sector) collection.     Response:   "You pay us and then the VA will pay you."     There was also a spouse of another veteran that related such stories.     I can add my own experience where everything from the ambulance service to the ER (contracted) physician kept harrassing me for 9 months after an emergency that was called in by the VA clinic physician!

    There was an opportunist (veteran) that spoke of his services for Soc Sec System.     It was a dark day that I met him because it was this "gentleman" that introduced me to my VSO that still hasn't done anything to assist me in obtaining my disability compensation, two years (plus and counting) hence.

Medical Issues:   several Las Vegas veterans were concerned with the decentralization of valley clinics while this writer enjoys having the renal clinic located in the southwest side of town.     A Korean veteran had unique skin ailments that were not properly diagnosed for almost two decades and then he found a technician that knew his condition, or properly diagnosed and prescribed for it.     Another veteran pointed out the problem between VA co-payment and Medicare coverage where the veteran should not have to pay anything.     Ironically, I encountered a similar problem with end stage renal failure (chronic kidney failure) where the Soc Sec Administration was "willing" to provide me with early Medicare benefits/access at $88 per month, but no disability compensation because my "credits" were in the wrong years and then consideration that my VA prescriptions are no co-payment, why on earth would I want to get Medicare???

Anxiety:   For lack of a better word, there were several veterans that felt the VA was (purposely) losing their records.     I've heard of this phenomena before, but do not have any direct knowledge.     It is important for those serving today, to be discharged with a complete set of their military records, though.

On the same theme, several felt that the VA doesn't do enough to communicate with the veterans at the various servicing clinics.     That is an easy one to see as I have seen counter staff that goes about their work while you stand right there, all 275 lbs/6-feet and they ignore you.     I really don't mind because I "consider the source."     As a matter of fact, my last appointment experienced this "phenomena" and had an opportunity to let them know what I thought of their "molasses" attitude and felt lucky that they had government jobs (Southwest Clinic.)

I am sure the staff of many of these clinics do not have the opportunity of servicing many veterans with a professional background. *     In my case, a systems analyst, or what is often referred to as an "efficiency expert."     I will sit and wait, and see staff gathering to share a joke, or barely move fast enough to get up a sweat.     It's nice, if you can get it.

* Based on the agency restrictions of financial means test, only the lower echelon of veterans ever get service while many veterans are locked out of the healthcare system.     Being self-employed, my net incomes are always within means test range.     It is a shame that those that are served feel neglected.     See NAUS report on the Category 8 Freeze.

One veteran that came very late, at the end of the speaking period, because he spent two hours crossing town on the bus.     He didn't say exactly from what point "A" he came from, but he sounded out of breath and demanded to speak, given 2 minutes.     The moderator allowed him his time, but you could tell that she (they) would rather conclude the meeting, conclude without saying much more than introducing the panel, no content as to their project or what to expect in the form of a report results.

Conclusion:   there is a need for all types of specialist currently not available and the recent proposed legislation in Congress which would allow a veteran to go anywhere with their VA card is in order.     The administration is against this proposal because they feel that no veterans would go to existing VA facilities!     Washington Post **

Let me reiterrate the point:   what we need is a "surge" in appropriations by Congress;
not some "panel of dignitaries" on a multi-city tour of the U.S.A. to report back to the fox.

Having a GS12 rating when I got discharged from the army in 1977, and familiar with federal civil service types, I know the government loves to spend money on needless research projects.     If they don't realize they have a budget problem, ask Michael Moore -- he'll tell you.     Note my rating notice is dated in 1979 .. filed after returning to the Mainland without hopes of living in Hawaii anymore.     I had a similar rating, GS11, in Honolulu, Hawaii as I was seeking computer positions for the government possibly with my old job with the USARPAC command at Ft Shafter.     What I see, some 30 years later, in the mediocre computer systems the government blames all the time, I am glad I chose an independent career path.

This soldier's view of VA healthcare providers:   I am always amazed at how well they deliver care under the budget constraints that I know they are faced with.     I do not complain, generally, unless I get a renal specialist ask me what I think caused my condition .. dah. *     Having been in the healthcare system since 1992 and experienced operation in another part of the country, VAMC/Long Beach, I have seen centralized versus decentralized.     Having transportation, it is easy for me to go across town to Nellis AFB (Northeast) for services at the Federal Hospital for such things as podiatry while I have a primary care on the Northwest Clinc and renal at the Southwest Clinic.     And, there is an adequate shuttle bus service provided during normal business hours for those veterans without transportation.     The only gripe that I can see is that (like any bus system) it takes you the better part of the day.     There is also a phone no. to request special pick-up for your appointments.

* It's like responding to idiotic statements made by my VSO as to onset diabetes and related secondary complications of kidney failure when familiar with the regs and law while my VSO says something 180 degrees from the issue of "presumptive application of exposure to herbicides" and SMRs .. SMR (service medical records) has absolutely nothing to do with my condition.     I was a (buff) 205/6-foot soldier for ten years that maintained muscle mass that accounts for the 25 lbs. above normal weight range .. unlike his fat ass.     re:   CFR 38 3.309;   CFR 38 3.310

    Several referred to our Congressional Representatives and waiting for a response.     .. one got a laugh when referring that he was still standing at attention, waiting.     It only reminded me of the bad taste I got from soliciting the assistance of the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Harry Reid.     The previous was the Las Vegas office of Representative Shelly Berkley.

    Then, those that had serious wounds from prior wars as well as an Iraqi veteran that lost his ear and other injuries from an IED, the lack of prosthetics and travel demands to San Diego.     A (naive) lady asked "How is it that the construction industry can build 2,000 room hotel/casinos, and they can not finish a veterans hospital in a timely manner?"     You understand why I say this person is naive?     Building the (VA) hospital is not the issue.     Supplying it with staff, contracts for service and support is the reason.

    Another Iraqi veteran, evidently was denied medical care because the claim was after some sort of 1-year time limit based upon discharge from active duty for National Guardsmen or Reservist.

    A short debate ensued where the committee indicated that it was "two years now" -- not one year.

    Whatever it is, it is ridiculous.     Who sets these arbitrary limits on veterans' benefits should become a casualty of war.

    I recall months ago, last year, in the veterans waiting room at Nellis AFB Federal Hospital, a large poster speaking of "No questions asked, two years of healthcare.."     Whoppy!     Gee .. you mean, if I go to war for Bush, get fucked up, then the government will take care of me for two years and then "kiss off?"

BTW, like every other bad idea/mistake, the poster is gone.

    The loudest applause came when a veteran spoke of demanding the resignation of the Secretary of the VA, Nicholson.

    To give you a taste for the atmosphere, many veterans (after signing up to speak) declined their 2 minutes.

    A President (and Secretary) that coward from war is second.     You have a President that in his attempt to procure cheap (exploited) labor for the rich class will say anything and reason with extortion for border security.     Imagine, pass a law for border security for "x" number of miles and for pacification purposes send (already budgeted) National Guard personnel that smuggle illegals in as a form of black market, put in jail conscienious border patrol agents to pacify a foreign president and do nothing to enforce existing laws.

What would the Bushs and the "Deferment" Cheneys do if there weren't citizens willing to answer the call to duty for country?     If everyone was too busy to support our international efforts and defend our nation?     And, then they insult this class of gladiators, protecting the purses of the treasury and prefer to relegate same into homeless beggars.     They have their pride.

Four Steps to Disgrace ..

           
Taken from the article "Healthcare Broken Promise"

       

My 2 Minutes ..

    While listening to those that spoke before me, I chose my words carefully.   I thought of what was the most important issue to air and that was that "..every veteran should have legal representation in filing their disability claim -- not just at the appeal level, after an administrative denial by an incompetent adjudication system, nationwide ROs, with no reprocussions to same in penalties and lost time of interest due."

What I could not say ..

    Fortunately, I had prepared a Word document which I will present here, just in case the committee that I gave the notes to doesn't get around to reading it.

CNN Lou Dobbs' Tonight Poll (06-28-07)

Do you believe the President and the Senate leadership will now commit to securing our borders and ports and enforcing existing immigration law?

Yes     5%   456 votes     No     95%   8152 votes       Total:   8608 votes

Page 1 - Prepared Questions

1)   With so many veterans from the Vietnam Era affected by the Haas ruling, the non-action of the VA to hold all claims up on Federal District Court appeal, do you think that is fair?

2)   Fair .. the court ruled on the issue of "exposure to herbicides" in Vietnam, stating the original concession of exposure based upon the award of the VSM which affected Navy personnel offshore and others in S.E.A. with a proper inference versus the Secretary promulgation of the law.   If you think that what the VA is doing to this class of veterans is fair, why?

3)   Congress passed laws regarding veteran claims such as if and when the veteran that filed the claim dies before the claim is resolved, his survivors get nothing, the claim dies with him.   Why?

4)   And, furthermore, the VA is under no pressure to process claims because Congress has no provision for recovery of interest and penalties on such retro pay.   Why?

5)   Claims are adjudicated poorly, like mine, placed on hold indefinitely, like mine, based on Haas and not given our right to judicial procedures of appeal.   Why?

    a)   Rulings/Legal Precedence in support of claim versus applied at VBA.   Why?

6)   Congress has passed many laws that are anti-veteran and their survivors such as the DIC requirement. 5 years for one on active duty and 10 years for veterans that have complications after discharge.

7)   Why limit a veterans access to legal counsel at the appeal level versus doing the filing of the initial claim as well?

8)   VSOs with a conflict of interest.   I expected a problem with the initial filing after my research showed the performance of ROs, but after a discussion with myVSO regarding the next step, a face to face review, I never expected the claim to be denied based upon the evidence presented to support my claim.


Page 2 - Mediocre VSO Representation Illustration ..

Here are some more reasons I feel that the VSO did not represent my interest:

Email #1

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Odya, Joseph, VSORENO 
To: Franco Picchione 
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 2:31 PM
Subject: RE: REBUTTAL TO DOCKET RE: HAAS V. NICHOLSON


Yes!
 
Your BVA claim will be held up forever base on HASS V. NICHOLSON because the VA appeal this 
Issue three months' ago. I am  contacting Congresswoman Shelley Berkley on this issue: I will 
keep you inform. 
 
Joseph G. Odya
AMVETS DSO  

-----Original Message-----
From: Franco Picchione [mailto:shop-las-vegas@cox.net]
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 1:49 PM
To: Odya, Joseph, VSORENO
Subject: REBUTTAL TO DOCKET RE: HAAS V. NICHOLSON


Joe,
 
As you know, my claim boils down to proving that I stepped foot in Vietnam.
The VA medical records provide the background on my diabetes as well as
all secondary medical conditions treated at VA medical facilities here in
Las Vegas since 2002.

Office of the Chairman
Board of Veterans' Appeals
Washington, D.C.  20420

Date:  September 21, 2006

MEMORANDUM
NO.  01-06-24

SUBJ:  PROCESSING OF CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION BASED ON EXPOSURE TO HERBICIDES 
       AFFECTED BY HAAS v. NICHOLSON-IMPOSITION OF STAY

4.  IDENTIFICATION AND SCOPE

 a.  The specific claims affected by the stay include all claims for service 
connection based on exposure to herbicides in which the only evidence of exposure 
is the receipt of the Vietnam Service Medal or service on a vessel off the shore 
of Vietnam.

 b.  Any cases not affected by the Court's decision in Haas, such as (1) claims 
based on herbicide exposure in which it is clearly established on record that the 
veteran did set foot in the Republic of Vietnam, or (2) claims based on herbicide 
exposure in which the veteran did not set foot in Vietnam, did not receive the 
Vietnam Service Medal, and did not serve off shore of Vietnam, should continue 
to be processed in the usual manner.

Email #2  8/11/06  6:48 pm

Joe,
 
Please check my C-File for the following secondary conditions as noted below:
 
Chronic Kidney Failure (Renal Disease), Hypertension, Diabetic Retinopathy and Lower Extremities Nueropathy
 
re:  CFR 38 3.309 
 
Research as published on my website include links to these secondary conditions below:
 
 
CFR 38 Sec. 3.309 Disease subject to presumptive service connection.
 
Cardiovascular-renal disease, including hypertension.   (This term applies to combination 
involvement of the type of arteriosclerosis, nephritis, and organic heart disease, and since 
hypertension is an early symptom long preceding the development of those diseases in their 
more obvious forms, a disabling hypertension within the 1-year period will be given the same 
benefit of service connection as any of the chronic diseases listed.)
 
Diabetes mellitus.    Also known as Diabetes Type II.  See Secondary Conditions.
 
VA CLAIMS 
SECONDARY TO DIABETES 
 
RENAL DISEASE You need to have your doctor request regular 24 hour urine protein tests. 
They give you a plastic jug and you take it home, follow the directions and fill it up over 
24 hours and then return it to the lab. They should also do a creatine test. The lab report 
will tell you the amount of microalbumin present. Creatin tests will also give an indication 
of the amount of renal damage and the efficiency of your kidneys. In order to be valid or 
acceptable to the VA there needs to be several 24 hour tests over a period.
 
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY  impairment or loss of vision due to damage to the blood vessels of the retina.
 
GLAUCOMA  Increased fluid pressure in the eye. Causes loss of visual fields due to optic nerve damage.
 
In eye examinations at Southwest Clinic, bi-annually, emphasis is on progress of diabetic retinopathy 
and development of glaucoma, all secondary medical conditions to diabetes, type 2.
 
These secondary conditions, beside kidney failure and hypertension should have been listed 
as secondary conditions (disability) claimed.
 
Frank
 
References -
 
http://shop-las-vegas.com/VBA/CFR-38-Part-3-Sec-309.htm
 
http://shop-las-vegas.com/VBA/CFR-38-Part-3-Sec-309.htm#Cardiovascular-renal-disease
 
http://shop-las-vegas.com/VBA/CFR-38-Part-3-Sec-310.htm


Email #3    7/31/06 2:30 pm

Frank, 
 
I just got back in the office. in response to your most recent inquiry to May 24th, 
which they denied your claim, Your service medical records do not show treatment for 
Diabetes nor for Kidney disability during service. When I discussed your claim I stayed, 
that you need to show that you were to in Vietnam for Diabetes Type II. You did file for 
Type II Diabetes. How if you are having Kidney problem that's other story. You going 
to need documentation to show that your kidney problem is relayed to the Service. 
The medial evidence of record also does not establish that your current Kidney condition 
is related to Diabetes Type II. My phone number is 258 3691. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
Joe..

Distribution to my Network of Veterans cover email -

Below, is the email address for the OIF/OEF Committee,
assigned to review (around the country) the concerns
of veterans -- especially of the Iraqi and Afghanistan
conflicts.  That was how the committee was introduced
and I had a sinking feeling as to being there.
 
As it turned out, it was a variety of comments concerning
everything under the sun and turned out to be interesting.
Unfortunately, "interesting" doesn't get the job done and
I came away pessimistic as to the committee's power to
institute positive change.
 
My two minutes was saved for what I see as the most
important issue:  legal representation versus VSO reps.
I said that "The VSO System isn't working and EVERY
VETERAN deserves to be represented by a lawyer" (looking
directly at the attorney introduced in the committee.
 
When I started to get negative, I chose to stop and
if I had any more time left, to relinquish it.  I felt that
such negative issues as "unlawful stay on Haas" and
associated issues were better left as "dirty laundry" here
versus broadcasts.
 
The 2-hour meeting was taped and local media was there.
 
The committee will be traveling until September and than
reported back to (drum roll) Secretary Nicholson.  Right.
One old-timer felt that Nicholson should resign (to audience
cheers.)  Another used the old cliche about the "fox guarding
the hen house" and yet another about insulting us and
attempting to pacify us.
 
They were all right, imho.  This conference is just another
way for some GS12s (and above) to be paid for doing much
about nothing.
 
Franco
 
 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Franco Picchione 
To: OIFOEF@va.gov 
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 10:52 PM
Subject: LAS VEGAS TOWNHALL MEETING Q&A


Committee:
 
There are many areas of concern and I am glad that I attended
the meeting tonight -- if only to listen to other veterans and 
their individual concerns.
 
Personally, I feel that the VA Healthcare System care providers
do the best they can with the budget constraints that they are
imposed with.  You couldn't expect more.
 
The problem is with the administrative aspects, or what is termed
the adversarial adjudication process for service connected disability
benefits.  EVERY VETERAN deserves representation by legal counsel,
an attorney.  NOT at just the NOD/appeal steps, but in filing their
claim.
 
If you can reconcile this significant issue, you will have accomplished
a lot.  You can not resolve all the complicated issues associated with
such a huge organization.  You can compile the grievances, but when
it comes to commonality, it starts with entry into the system for
a very simple granting of service connection.
 
Vietnam Era Veterans are still asked to provide so-called "buddy statements"
to confirm their supporting testimony.  This is ludicrous and wrong.  Pres.
Clinton signed into law in 2000 the VCAA/2000 before leaving office that
gave the "benefit of the doubt" (doctrine) which if you read many of the
Veterans' Board of Appeal rulings, a favorable position versus "well-grounded"
claim rooted in the rules of law in a court of law.
 
I provided an army voucher with "CZ" for combat zone for the month of
January, 1968, supporting testimony, CITED legal precedence of the same
class for Thailand veterans that stopped in Vietnam enroute to Thailand
and the RO adjudicator still denied my claim.  I patiently waited for a DRO
Conference review, assuming that the error was administrative, same results.
Now, because of Haas, my appeal has been denied a hearing because of
the VSM issue.
 
I ask you:  why should anyone believe in what you are doing?  You have
an agency secretary that acts above the law in unlawful stays or injunctions
of cases like Haas v. Nicholson and then another veteran comes along and
files a petition for extraordinary relief (Ribaudo) only to be hassled.
 
I have built a website directed to my generation of veterans, Vietnam Era,
that have been methodically denied consideration.  Per your Secretary, he
claims the injunction affects some 832,000.  That is a disgrace.  To the
world, the agency is perceived as waiting until the veteran dies and by
the acts of Congress, the claim dies too.  If the veteran hasn't died, he
suffers with financial burdens.  Remember, we are talking about sick people
-- NOT healthy folks that can easily earn a living.
 
Imagine, me going for a entry medical physical; taking the types of
blood labs today that will show that I am an advanced stage diabetic
with chronic kidney failure and other neuro system affects and someone
is (a) going to hire me to be responsible for their computer software
systems and (b) pay me a salary equivalent to a healthy individual.
I don't think so.
 
Good luck with your project.
 
Warmest regards,
 
 
Frank (Franco) Picchione
(702) 363-3290
http://shop-las-vegas.com/VBA 
 
p.s.  If you have any concerns for the class of 800K plus veterans
of the Vietnam Era, please read the rulings for Haas v. Nicholson,
Ribaudo v. Nicholson and the appeal brief of the Secretary.  One
of the judges on the Ribaudo judge panel was also a member of
the Haas judge panel and stated that there was nothing unusual
about the judicial review and/or logic in coming to their decision.
A good "legal eye" (I believe) will come to the same conclusion.
The only way the Secretary can win is by holding the matter up
in court until the veterans all die.
 

    In conclusion, we can only hope that this committee, panel, has interest beyond the current conflict or generation of veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan theatres, and that we are not forgotten like our fathers of World War II and Korea.

    We can only hope that their personal interest is beyond their per diem.

    Are disabled veterans someone that we would just as soon be dead?

    Do they deserve our respect?
  .. admiration?

    Then tell this Secretary Nicholson to lift the stay on Haas and provide care and compensation for a standard of living representative of their contribution for all of us.

    You get to enjoy your senior years whole.     A disabled veteran wakes every day to suffering and half an existence.

    Yes, it is so easy to look the other way, like Nicholson does, but he will have to face his Maker some day too.

Republican-led Congresses constantly disappointed veterans groups. But the Democrats now in charge have come through. Publicity about mistreatment of outpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center has helped, Gorman said, even though that facility is run by the Pentagon, not the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Gorman must also remain vigilant about funding, given a possible veto by President Bush-- and no one would expect otherwise from him. Gorman, 58, lost both legs under fire during the Vietnam War, yet he walks (and plays golf) with only a slight wobble on prosthetic legs.

** And senators may go even further. Larry E. Craig (R-Idaho) is pushing a bill that would allow vets with service-connected disabilities to be treated anywhere they want, not just at VA hospitals.

- Washington Post

Review by Franco Picchione, Independent (Pro Bono) Veterans' Advocate
Regular Army (RA 11 618 981)   16 Nov 66 *** - 17 Apr 77;   S.E.A. 10 Jan 68 - 10 Jan 70
Las Vegas, Nevada   (702) 363-3290     No rights reserved.     Published for veterans; by a veteran.
*** Anniversary of the battle in Ia Drang Valley, ie, "We were Soldiers";   honored recipient of unit crest
from the son of Colonel Moore, Battalion Commander; Artillery (Retired) and fellow Foxpro professional ...


San Antonio Express-News Tracy Hamilton article 5 Aug 07

VA CARE VET BACKLASH:     Angry veterans shouted down U.S. Rep. Ciro Rodriguez [D-TX-23] as he tried to bring order to a forum for veterans held in downtown San Antonio 5 AUG. "We know, we understand, how crucial this issue is," the San Antonio congressman tried to tell an overflow crowd of veterans who had been invited to ask questions and share experiences with U.S. Rep. Bob Filner [D-CA] , chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, along with Rodriguez and two other Democratic congressmen from Texas. But Rodriguez was drowned out and ultimately gave the floor to Jack E. Long, one of several vets who heckled the moderator as she tried to read e-mail questions that had been sent to the congressmen in advance. "Don't try to talk over me!" Long yelled to Rodriguez as he clutched his wife's hand. "I've had PTSD for years, and I've been turned away from the VA five times! I served my country for 44 years!" Veterans and their families around him cheered and clapped. Then they set about telling the congressmen that a nation that claims to support its troops hasn't done well by them since they served; many of them said they've had to deal with PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Hancock Darrell refused to sit until he, too, could tell his story. "I've had PTSD for 24 years," Darrell shouted. "I've been diagnosed five times. But what does the VA say? 'We need more information.' And they turn me down again."

    Filner then told the audience that the House had committed "tens of billions" into the 2008 budget for PTSD. He said he was working to change the adversarial relationship the Department of Veterans Affairs has with so many veterans, especially those of the Vietnam era. "I want to run a claim system like the IRS," he said. Such a system would accept a veteran's claim on its face rather than force the veteran "to prove Agent Orange caused this. You shouldn't have to prove anything. You served us; now we should be serving you." U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez [D-TX-20] of San Antonio, who joined Filner, Rep. Henry Cuellar [D-TX-28] of Laredo and Rodriguez on the stage, took the microphone to plead for unity. "We're not fighting smart," he said. "We're fighting ourselves here today. We have to show people that veterans are not part of our past." The key to a healthy volunteer military, he said, is showing young people who might be interested in serving that they will be taken care of after they leave the military. Rodriguez, who sits on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, noted that 80% of veterans get no care from the VA, many because they've become disillusioned with an agency that has a backlog of claims close to 800,000 claims that can take years to resolve.

    In his opening remarks, Filner said he had come to listen and learn, and he asked the capacity crowd how many had served in Vietnam. The majority in the room raised their hands. "Thank you for your service," he said, "And I am sorry. We did not do the job for you." More than 200,000 homeless Vietnam veterans will sleep on the streets tonight, he told the crowd, and as many Vietnam veterans have now committed suicide as died in the war. "And that is a moral disgrace. We must correct it as best we can and make sure it never happens again." The ratio of injured to killed in today's wars is a staggering 17-to-1, he said. In Vietnam, it was 3-to-1. "We spend $1 billion every two and a half days" in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said. "Supporting our troops at home needs to be part of that cost." Congress has added $13 billion to the 2008 budget for veterans' affairs, Filner said, calling it the largest increase ever. "The resources will be there. It's our job to make sure they serve you." Long before the audience was ready, the hour long session came to a close and the congressmen headed to Del Rio for another veterans forum that evening