San Diego veterans fear VA cuts worsen healthcare access

Many veterans in San Diego County are concerned about cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposed by the Trump administration. There are about 200,000 veterans in the area who depend on VA services for their health care and benefits. David Cochran, a U.S. Army veteran, suffers from emphysema and a traumatic brain injury. He relies on the VA for his medication and therapy. Recently, he has become anxious about the planned job cuts at the VA. The administration announced it will cut over 80,000 jobs, which raises fears among veterans about the future of their care. Critics, like Ian Mooney from Veterans for Peace, believe these cuts will worsen wait times and reduce support for veterans. At a protest in Balboa Park, many veterans expressed worries that they will lose vital services. A woman who benefited from VA programs stressed how important they have been for her family. Despite assurances from VA Secretary Doug Collins that the cuts won’t affect veterans, many veterans disagree. They worry that reduced staff will hinder their ability to get essential services. Patricia Hoekman, whose son is newly discharged from the Coast Guard, articulated concerns that long wait times for claims could leave veterans in limbo. Some veterans, like Carlos Gomez Perez, have already experienced long delays in their care. He believes that the agency needs more resources, not fewer, to help veterans effectively. The VA has struggled with staff shortages for years, and many health care workers feel demoralized due to the cuts. Andrea Johnson, a nurse at the VA in La Jolla, notes that while no one has died because of these cuts yet, patient care has already started to suffer. The administration's recent decision to stop providing gender-affirming health care for transgender veterans has also drawn concern. Advocates warn this could lead to serious mental health consequences. They emphasize that proper care for all veterans, regardless of their background, is crucial for their well-being. As worries mount among veterans about their future care, some are even considering seeking private health care, though it may not meet their complex needs as well as the VA does. Many veterans feel that these cuts could undermine the support they have earned through their service to the country.