Shinseki to seek transformation of Veterans Affairs

Retired Gen. Eric Shinseki told senators Wednesday that, if confirmed as Veterans Affairs secretary, he will work to transform the department into a "21st century organization."

Shinseki, who helped begin a massive Army transformation effort when he served as the service's chief of staff between 1999 and 2003, said he expects to face similar challenges modernizing the VA. "Leadership, commitment and teamwork enable the challenges of transformation to become opportunities to innovate and better serve our veterans," Shinseki told the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee during a confirmation hearing.

In the near term, Shinseki said he would work to craft a "credible and accurate" fiscal 2010 budget during his first 90 days in office. Shinseki said he would focus on the backlog of medical claims at the department, adding there is no reason it should take six months for veterans' claims to be processed.

And, he added, he will work with Defense Secretary Robert Gates to ensure a seamless transition for troops leaving the military and entering the VA.