Veterans Still Face Health Care Problems

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Story Published: Nov 11, 2007 at 12:26 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2008 at 12:14 PM MST

By Jeff Robinson

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"If you're a wounded veteran, from any war, from World War II right on up through today in Iraq or Afghanistan, you may have to wait six months before you even get an appointment to see somebody."

This weekend, we spoke with a veteran who told us the VA health care system has a long way to go.

Veterans agree, no one does it like Idaho when it comes to honoring those who have served.

"Idaho, just in Pocatello alone, they show their true patriotism. When the wall was here, they honored the fallen. It's the greatest in the country, I think," said John Amodie, who served with the Green Berets.

But as the nation found out this year with the neglect scandal at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, veterans continue to face obstacles to their medical care. The scandal made Amodie feel:

"Anger. We knew it, but nothing could be done about it, that's the sad part. But I'm glad they caught it. Now our guys can get help."

American Legion Commander Al Eveland says many have been helped by veterans' hospitals, but there are still many obstacles to overcome.

"Equipment from the lowest bidder, the lowest paid people you can get. The PAs and doctors, there are some really dedicated ones, but there's also some who couldn't get a license anywhere else," said Eveland.

But Eveland says he's still benefited from the programs offered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

"I've used my VA certification to buy four different houses now, each one paid off before you buy another," he said.

On Saturday, a ceremony at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building drew about two dozen veterans from all branches of the military.

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