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Shinseki to seek transformation of Veterans Affairs

CongressDaily January 14, 2009

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.

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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.

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  • I am a disabled vet, and a Registered Nurse. Because my service connected injury now requires another surgery, I cannot work. Trying to get 100% disability to cover my income until I am able to return to work again has been a nightmare to say the least. My employer could have put me in some sort of desk position until I recovered, but my application for temporary accommodation for disability was denied by my employer. Oh and my employer is the VA!
    Leslie Bott Posted April 1, 2010 6:22 PM
  • I work at V.A. and it alarms me to see highly qualified Veterans being passed over for promotions, because a chief wants to hire a friend, of course they cover this up by interviewing others but still pass on the qualified veteran, I believe people take for granted the service we povided for our country, we put our lives on the line and all we want in return is fair shake.
    Jose Santana Posted March 1, 2010 3:18 PM
  • I work at V.A. and it alarms me to see highly qualified Veterans being passed over for promotions, because a chief wants to hire a friend, of course they cover this up by interviewing others but still pass on the qualified veteran, I believe people take for granted the service we povided for our country, we put our lives on the line and all we want in return is fair shake.
    Jose Santana Posted March 1, 2010 3:18 PM
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