Our veterans deserve reformed VA system

Who was not shocked by Dr. Sam Foote's revelations that the Phoenix VA health-care system kept two sets of books to hide the fact that veterans were not able to get an appointment in a timely manner? And, as a result, 40 veterans may have died.

If true, this callous, inept mismanagement is not only shameful, but possibly criminal.

We must insist that those who are in charge of our veterans' care be held responsible. We wouldn't put up with this for one minute if it were happening in our schools, businesses, churches or local government. Why should we stand by and let this happen at Seventh Street and Indian School Road in Phoenix?

Fortunately, our congressional delegation seems fully engaged and is demanding answers alongside our veterans. We should encourage them to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible. Lives are at stake.

But this is only one part of the problem. With the military drawdown accelerating and as the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts wind down, the demand for Veterans Affairs services will be greater than ever.

But will the VA be able to provide this care? Unfortunately, I do not believe so.

Consider this: VA statistics show that an estimated 22 veterans commit suicide daily; on average more than 1,600 additional veterans are seeking counseling at VA facilities each week; and more than a third of the new mental-health patients are waiting longer than the department's goal of two weeks to begin treatment.

And mental health is but one challenge facing the VA. What of the swamped emergency rooms, patients with traumatic brain injuries, others with multiple amputations? The list goes on. As a Marine who was seriously wounded in Vietnam, I know firsthand the importance of the VA medical center, but, unfortunately, the VA cannot handle today's challenges.

So as the problems of the Phoenix hospital are looked into and resolved, we need to remember not to stop there.

The VA needs to consider reforming itself in order to handle the unique demands of today's veterans. Ideas, such as expanding its partnership with civilian medical communities, should be explored. Such partnerships would provide easier access to those veterans living in rural America and would provide high-quality care for unique medical situations. All of this is available now. No need to build more hospitals, doctor clinics, etc.

Can anyone argue that our veterans deserve nothing less?

Rick Romley is a former Maricopa County attorney. He is a Vietnam War veteran.