December 20, 2015 Robert McDonald, VA secretary nominee, faces challenges in fixing troubled agency A onetime Army Ranger and former CEO of a Fortune 500 consumer products company, Robert McDonald may face his toughest challenge yet in fixing the huge, scandal-plagued Veterans Affairs Department.
December 20, 2015 VA hospitals fund solar panels while veterans wait for doctors Veterans Administration hospitals have spent at least $420 million on solar panels and windmills while vets wait months — or even lay dying — to see a doctor.
December 20, 2015 Vets: VA’s care of veterans impeded by filming of TV series, conference The filming of a TV series that took over the entire second floor of a Los Angeles VA center and conferences attended by VA health care providers—which included topics on how to plan a party—contributed to the delay of care for veterans, according to interviews with VA staffers and veterans.
December 20, 2015 Scandal-marred Phoenix VA paid millions in bonuses The embattled Phoenix branch of the Department of Veterans Affairs apparently has paid out $10 million in bonuses during the past three years, far more than previously reported.
December 20, 2015 FBI director confirms criminal probe of VA FBI Director James Comey confirmed Wednesday that the bureau's Phoenix branch has opened a criminal investigation of the Veterans Affairs Department.
December 20, 2015 House votes to ensure speedier care for US vets United and eager to respond to a national uproar, the House overwhelmingly approved legislation Tuesday to make it easier for patients enduring long waits for care at Veterans Affairs facilities to get VA-paid treatment from local doctors. Lawmakers were so keen to vote for the bill, they did it twice.
December 20, 2015 Rep: Mexican officials say jailed Marine could avoid long prison term by blaming PTSD Mexican officials apparently are floating the possibility that jailed Marine Andrew Tahmooressi could avoid a lengthy prison term, if -- and only if -- he blames the entire episode on post-traumatic stress disorder.
December 20, 2015 Senators urge DOJ to lead criminal probe of VA, as audit details problems Nearly two-dozen senators issued a bipartisan call for the Justice Department to lead a criminal probe into the Veterans Affairs scandal, citing mounting evidence of secret waiting lists and other "potential criminal wrongdoing."
December 20, 2015 Senators reach deal on bipartisan bill to expand veterans' health care options The bill would allow veterans who experience long waits for VA appointments or who live at least 40 miles from a VA hospital or clinic to use private doctors enrolled as providers for Medicare or other government programs.
December 20, 2015 VA health care nominee withdraws amid concern over confirmation fight President Obama's choice to be the top health official at the Veterans Affairs Department withdrew his nomination Thursday, saying he feared his confirmation could spark a prolonged political battle.