VA says it’s making progress with long wait times, veterans weigh in
NewsChannel 13 spoke with a representative from the Colorado Springs VA Clinic who says they’ve made great strides in the last several weeks when it comes to wait times.
“Our metric is getting veteran appointments within 30 days, and since the start of the fiscal year we’re averaging about 86% of our veterans are getting appointments within 30 days of when they’re requesting it,” said Daniel Warvi, Eastern Colorado VA spokesman.
“As of the end of February, we have 2,427 vets on the electronic wait list. that’s a 50% reduction in the last 60 days,” added Warvi.
Even still, veterans say they’re having to wait too long for appointments.
“Every day. Every day is a struggle with pain and it sucks,” veteran Robert Stroh explained.
Stroh says he was involved in an accident, which prompted him to visit the Colorado Springs VA clinic for help. However, he was put on a waiting list. He says he would have to wait 6 months for an appointment.
Stroh isn’t the only one who’s frustrated.
Colorado Congressman Doug Lamborn issued the following statement:
“Colorado Springs veterans are still having to endure some of the worst wait times in the entire nation. The Lindstrom Clinic is not only the worst in Colorado, but the 8th worst out of 1,036 VA facilities within the country. The VA is out of excuses.”
The VA has admitted there’s more to be done, but it will take time. “We are really making huge progress, but is that enough? No. We need to do more,” said Warvi.
