Wounded Warrior Project Supports Secretary Shulkin's Commitment to Improving VA

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) applauds Secretary of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Dr. David Shulkin's commitment to prioritizing issues outlined in his first "State of the VA" address. WWP is engaging with VA and stakeholders in the veteran community to ensure veterans and their family members have a voice in Washington, DC and their concerns are being addressed.

Secretary Shulkin highlighted areas within the department where progress is taking place and pinpointed chronic issues in need of significant improvement to provide quality service to veterans. These issues include improving access to care; ensuring prompt payment to providers; holding staff accountable; reducing fraud, waste, and abuse; and addressing veteran suicide.

"Wounded Warrior Project appreciates Secretary Shulkin's straightforward take on the issues at VA and his commitment and plans to address these matters," said René Bardorf, WWP senior vice president of government and community relations. "Warriors deserve a VA that works for them, and we will continue to collaborate with Secretary Shulkin and our veterans service organization partners to help VA better serve these men and women and their families. It is our hope that Congress quickly addresses the items that require legislative fixes to improve the delivery of services and care."

In addition to its work with VA leadership and veterans service organizations, WWP is working with White House officials and Congress to support policy and legislative initiatives that enhance the quality of care and support veterans receive from VA.

Most recently, WWP outlined recommendations to improve the caregiver program; supported legislation to protect veterans' credit due to late payments from VA; and urged Congress to strengthen VA's ability to provide mental health services for veterans who have dishonorable discharges connected to post-traumatic stress disorder issues. WWP is currently spearheading an effort with Congress to provide severely injured military retirees who have lost access to low-cost health benefits with options that work best for them and their families.

To learn more about WWP's advocacy efforts, please visit
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/policy-government-affairs.aspx.

About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more at http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.

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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project