Byrne Responds to VA Audit Findings

Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General released the system-wide audit covering 731 VA medical centers. The audit found that more than 57,000 veterans have experienced wait times of more than 90 days.

The audit also highlighted which VA facilities would be targeted for further investigation due to suspected misconduct. Both the VA clinic in Mobile and the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System in Biloxi were included on the list.

Byrne said: “Our nation’s veterans deserve the best care possible, but sadly too many are being left behind. I am especially troubled that the Mobile clinic and Biloxi hospital, the leading providers in our area, are both on the list of only 112 facilities nationwide to be selected for further review by the VA Inspector General.

“My office hears daily from veterans across Southwest Alabama who have experienced long wait times and questionable care from the VA. Ultimately the culture of complacency at the VA must change in order for veterans’ care to improve.  I will continue to push for answers and results from the VA as the investigation moves forward.”

The Mobile and Biloxi facilities were two of nine locations from Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 16, which includes parts of Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas to be targeted for further review.

Congressman Byrne previously sent a joint letter with Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) to the VA expressing concerns about care standards and requesting more information on the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System in Biloxi.

The complete VA audit can be found here.

The report for Region 16, which includes Mobile and Biloxi, can be found here.