EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – A local veteran is speaking out after an alleged voicemail from the El Paso Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System made rounds on social media, sparking questions about the care and integrity of the VA.
Ernesto, a retired Navy veteran who served over a decade with multiple deployments, says he was shocked by the voicemail left by VA staff members.
The message, which was not properly disconnected, captured VA employees discussing Ernesto’s alleged “misuse” of services and suggesting he was concerned about losing disability benefits.
“There’s so much stuff going on with the VA that he thinks he’s going to lose his disability. And again, he probably wants travel pay too,” one staff member allegedly said in the voicemail.
Ernesto, who has been seeking care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) since early this year, says the message was disrespectful and troubling, given his ongoing health struggles.
“For the most part, if you don’t like working with veterans, choose another field,” Ernesto said.
“Let us collect what is rightfully ours without unnecessary scrutiny and opinions,” Ernesto added.
Following the incident, Ernesto filed complaints with the VA and contacted Congresswoman Veronica Escobar.
In response, the VA’s deputy chief of primary care reached out to offer direct assistance and issued an apology.
The VA also released a statement to KTSM, that reads:
“VA deeply apologizes to this Veteran, and we are reaching out to him immediately. The lack of care and compassion demonstrated by these employees is unacceptable, and we are urgently investigating this incident – and will take swift and appropriate action. Veterans deserve respect and the very best care our nation has to offer, and we at VA will never accept anything less from our employees.”
Ernesto says he hopes to meet with the VA’s director to advocate for positive changes in veteran care nationwide.
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