How Bad Policy Is Making Veterans Sicker And Poorer

As a nation, we have always prided ourselves on honoring our veterans, those individuals who have fought and risked their lives to defend our freedom. We have acknowledged the sacrifices they make, and we have promised to take care of them when they return home. However, behind the facade of gratitude and respect, we are failing them in significant ways, as bad policy is making veterans sicker and poorer.

An Inadequate Healthcare System

One of the key pillars of veteran support is the healthcare system, intended to provide quality medical care to those who have served. Sadly, our current system is failing in its duty. Veterans face lengthy wait times, lack of access to specialized care, and inadequate mental health services. These shortcomings not only impact their physical health but also exacerbate mental health issues such as PTSD and depression. The lack of timely and proper treatment is pushing veterans further into sickness and despair, making them sicker and poorer.

The Quagmire of the VA Benefits System

Another area where bad policies are hurting veterans is the complex and frustrating VA benefits system. From disability compensation to education benefits, the bureaucracy surrounding these entitlements makes it incredibly difficult for veterans to access the resources they deserve. Delays in processing claims and inconsistent decisions plague the system, leaving veterans without the financial support they require. These financial implications can result in increased stress levels, affecting their overall well-being and leaving them in a state of poverty.

Wounding Warriors: How Bad Policy is Making Veterans Sicker and Poorer

by Daniel Huang (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1671 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	402 pages

FREE

The Cycle of Homelessness

A damning consequence of bad policy is the perpetuation of homelessness among veterans. While many factors contribute to this crisis, ineffective policy measures play a significant role. Limited affordable housing options, insufficient funding for transitional programs, and a lack of comprehensive mental health support push veterans into unstable living situations. Homelessness, in turn, leads to physical and mental health issues, making the veterans even more vulnerable to sickness and poverty.

Lack of Employment Opportunities

Finding gainful employment after military service is another area where veterans face numerous obstacles. Despite their exceptional skills and experience, veterans often struggle to find suitable careers due to a lack of recognition by employers and difficulties in translating military skills to civilian jobs. This inability to secure stable employment further compounds financial hardships, making it difficult for veterans to access quality healthcare, education, and housing -- essential elements for their well-being.

A Call to Action

It is clear that bad policy decisions are having severe consequences on the health and financial stability of our veterans. It is essential that we recognize the shortcomings of our current system and take immediate action to rectify them. Timely and quality healthcare, improved accessibility to benefits, comprehensive mental health support, increased affordable housing options, and enhanced employment opportunities are just a few necessary steps towards ensuring our veterans receive the care and support they deserve. It is our duty as a nation to honor the sacrifices of our veterans by providing them with the resources they need to live healthy and prosperous lives.

The men and women who have served in our armed forces deserve better. We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the detrimental impact of bad policies on their lives. It is time for change. We must advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of our veterans and work towards a system that upholds its promises. Together, we can make a difference and ensure our veterans are not left to suffer in sickness and poverty.

Wounding Warriors: How Bad Policy is Making Veterans Sicker and Poorer

by Daniel Huang (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1671 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	402 pages

FREE

According to General Jim Mattis, former US Secretary of Defense, Wounding Warriors is "an unflinching appraisal...a must-read for those committed to caring for our Veterans who have borne the battle."

Indeed, Wounding Warriors: How Bad Policy Is Making Veterans Sicker and Poorer is a transformational effort of research into the Department of Veterans Affairs and the US military. 

Authors Daniel Gade - retired US Army lieutenant colonel, professor, public policy leader, and former US Senate candidate from Virginia - and former Wall Street Journal Reporter Daniel Huang interviewed dozens of veterans who saw the perverse structure of incentives within the VA from the inside. The authors also combed through years of literature and compiled a wealth of data that demonstrates beyond all reasonable doubt that our system of caring for veterans, post-military, is broken.

As former US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said in his review of the book, it is "an unflinching appraisal" of how the Department of Veterans Affairs rewards disingenuity and dishonesty. Wounding Warriors, however, does more than identify flaws in how veterans are cared for after their time in service is up. It also outlines solutions that would move veterans to take a healthy approach to post-military life. 

Wounding Warriors is a must-read for veterans, their families, and anyone who has felt subjected to a corrupt system of bad incentives.