The new Secretary of Veterans Affairs toured the San Diego VA Medical Center in La Jolla on Monday and vowed to reduce the national appointment backlog by 2015.
Robert A. McDonald was confirmed by the Senate as secretary in late July following revelations of a large appointment backlog at VA hospitals across the country and the resignation of former Secretary Eric Shinseki.
During his visit to San Diego, McDonald told the military newspaper Stars and Stripes that he plans to recruit more doctors and nurses to the VA system by increasing the pay range.
“We have a lot of work to do,” he told the newspaper. “I think we’re well on our way, though, to ending the backlog by 2015.”
McDonald met with Rep. Scott Peters and local veterans leaders. Peters, who represents La Jolla and serves on the influential House Armed Services Committee, said he appreciated the new secretary’s visit to San Diego.
“San Diego is home to more than 200,000 veterans, which is why I am glad the secretary came to hear from local veterans’ community leaders about the unique ways we are serving servicemembers, veterans, and their families in San Diego,” Peters said.
“Keeping the promises made to our servicemembers and veterans must be a top priority for Congress, as it has been for me. As I’ve said before, the VA has serious work to do in reforming its broken systems and restoring trust with veterans nationwide.”
