OpenVA Search Ideas

Secretary Shinseki invited VA employees to participate in two surveys last year: a "vision and values" survey in the spring and an "organizational health index" survey in the summer. He did not share the results of those surveys with employees; and, far as I can tell, no actions have been initiated as a result of those surveys. VA employees will be invited to participate in another survey this year (the "all employee"... more »

The V.A. can also help facilitate filling FOIA requests if they tell filling requesters for info the title of documents that may contain the info they are looking for so they can request those documents.

FOIA officers should have the responsibility and authority to command ALL staff and contractors to provide requested information or be suspended from ALL business with the U.S. government until they do. If the requests involve a individuals constitutional or human right to information, such as who performed what procedures on them while sedated just as an example, the force of law will be applied to ensure the individuals... more »

I have had much difficulty with the VA in Dallas TX. The personnel sre very rude abrasive and at times threatening. I have tried to reach out to the Administrator several times only to be told that the Administrator does not have time to speak to Vets on an individual basis I have tried to contact Patient Rep onlt to be told that if you want to use the VA you need to have thick skin. It is very difficult to do anything... more »

An online portal that allows prospective employees to track their application as it moves through the hiring process would be helpful

The VA is very simple if you are like cryptography. Here are some highlights of my on going ordeal (my claim) 1. After resorting to every link & phone number I had to call the suicide prevention hotline just to hear one set of simple instructions, "Drive to the Hines VA building 200 get in the system then go left to building 228". 2. So they couldn't help so I went to my VSO, he did the paperwork. My my claim was... more »

As a Disabled Veteran from the Gulf War, our era had what we called, get the he** out transition if you recall. We didn't have someone explaining to us in detail about PTSD, Civilian Transition, Compensation & Pension Claims, or how important it is to maintain your records when disputing claims. As a Civilian I worked for one of the nations Top Ten Hospitals in the U.S. (Baylor Heath Care System) as an IT Manager,... more »

The VA should live webcast all meetings for proposed rule making and regulations where the public comment should take place. They should make these meetings available for on demand viewing and have the ability to have that content be indexed for video search. By doing this the public and stakeholders will be able to see the inner workings of the rule making process and make the content and proceedings transparent to... more »

The VA should not have an open door "policy." The VA should have an open door REQUIREMENT that allows vets with problems to speak to someone who can resolve the problem post haste. When I had an issue with outsourced care payments, I tried the usual channels to resolve the issue and went nowhere with my efforts. The bills kept coming and each time I requested to speak to someone who had the ability to resolve the issue,... more »

Back in October of 2009, the Fayetteville VAMC in Fayetteville, NC came under the "microscope" for ranking 12th out of 13th of customer and employee satisfaction. Mr. Triplett, the Director at that time, stepped down from his position two days after the local newspaper published two articles. Since that time, Ralph Gigliotte is interim director and the "flack" has disappeared however the service has not improved. Veterans... more »

I think there should be transparency in the amount paid for awards and performance pay for everyone. Favoritism may be decreased if this was transparent.

There should be no cut-off date to receive comments and ideas from patients and employees of the VA system. It is a mystery to find anyone who will respond to your claims and complaints about anything to do with services.

It seems the paper shuffling and burecratic shuffle is the order of the day.

Maybe I was just lucky, but when in LA I got outstanding care and service. I was able to deliver a personal and heartfelt thanks to "Chuck" the director who actively sought feedback in person, as well as in writing, and during his open door times. The staff morale was the best I've seen, and the care was first rate [had DBS inplant and gallbladder removed]. I still drop-in to say hi when in town. Albuquerque is the... more »

I have been receiving Post 9/11 Educational benefits for approximately 5 months now. I recieve different amounts, none of which actually match the BAH rates for my home campus. I have spoken with many other veterans who are having the same problem. It is impossible to ascertain if the payment amounts are correct, too much or short. It seems the VA pro-rates the payments for those months when classes start or end on... more »