Metro East Sun

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost has issued a statement following the release of a report by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG). The report, titled “Leaders Failed to Address Community Care Consult Delays Despite Staff’s Advocacy Efforts at VA Western New York Healthcare System in Buffalo,” highlights significant delays in patient care, specifically in radiation therapy and neurosurgery appointments. These delays have resulted in harm to at least 12 veterans in New York.

Chairman Bost expressed his concerns about the Biden-Harris administration's responsibility to ensure timely healthcare for veterans. "The Biden-Harris administration has a responsibility to veterans and their families to ensure that they receive the VA healthcare and benefits that they are owed, without delays," said Bost. He emphasized that adhering to the MISSION Act is mandatory, not optional.

"This latest IG report on the Buffalo VA highlights how important it is for every veteran to receive the best, quick care that meets their treatment needs, whether in-house or in the community," he continued. "Community care is VA care, and I won’t let VA bureaucrats restrict it."

Bost drew parallels between the current situation in Buffalo and past failures in Phoenix that led to former Secretary Shinseki's resignation in 2014. He called for immediate action from Secretary McDonough and Dr. Elnahal to address these issues and hold those responsible accountable.

The OIG report detailed specific cases where patients suffered due to delayed care: one patient experienced extreme pain during their last two months of life due to lack of radiation therapy; another waited nine weeks for urgent radiation treatment; a third endured seizures while waiting ten months for a neurosurgery consult; and a fourth was at significant risk of stroke after waiting nine months for a CT scan.

Chairman Bost has been investigating these allegations since last month, including conducting an oversight trip to Buffalo. His team found that despite adequate resources within the community, failures were attributed to inadequate leadership within the VA. The OIG noted that necessary steps such as making timely appointments with community providers were neglected by VA staff.

Although some mistakes have been acknowledged by the VA, there is no evidence indicating any disciplinary actions against employees involved.