VA Employees Speak Out: Serving Veterans Amidst a Storm of Cuts and Fear

In a distressing shift, a veteran therapist from California is grappling with the emotional toll of impending cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Once finding solace in a strict morning routine, the therapist now struggles to rise in the face of uncertainty surrounding job security. “I wake up already exhausted, with a pulsing dread in my stomach,” he revealed, echoing the anxieties shared among VA employees nationwide as the federal government moves towards significant downsizing.

In the past month alone, the VA has eliminated 2,400 positions, with plans to lay off more than 70,000 staff members, reverting to staffing levels not seen since 2019. This decision comes on the heels of the PACT Act, which expanded benefits for over a million veterans affected by toxic exposures. Secretary Doug Collins maintains that these cuts will not compromise care for veterans, stating the department aims to improve operations for veterans and their families.

However, many employees disagree. A recent outreach initiative by The War Horse uncovered voices of concern among those working directly with veterans who feel the pressure of job insecurity. Eight employees from various states, including therapists and social workers, described a climate of fear that is already affecting the quality of care. “How do you go through therapy session after therapy session, talking to a veteran and helping them through their traumas while you’re also simultaneously being traumatized?” asked one therapist.

The anxiety among staff has led to challenges in providing effective support. A recent report indicated that many employees felt they lacked the focus needed to care for veterans, echoing sentiments of past combat experiences where uncertainty loomed before each mission. “This time, it’s just an invisible cloud of dread,” the therapist remarked, comparing the emotional turmoil to that of combat situations but highlighting a profound feeling of isolation.

Critics, including bipartisan lawmakers, have expressed unease about the mass firings. Rep. Mike Bost, chair of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, voiced concerns regarding service delivery, while Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand labeled the actions an “attack on our veterans.” This sentiment stems from the reported complications within the VA, including diminished staffing levels leading to longer wait times for treatments and cancelled appointments.

Statements from employees reveal practical implications such as canceled mammograms and shifted appointments due to shortages. One veteran lamented the loss of accessibility to care, noting that he had to travel significantly further to receive necessary treatment.

Overall, the VA’s recent cuts have raised alarms about potential impacts on patient care and the quality of the therapeutic environment. Staff members note that trust and rapport, vital in therapeutic relationships, are jeopardized when job security feels precarious. The scars of betrayal felt by these employees, who chose to serve their country in a different capacity after military service, are profound.

As many employees contemplate their future within the VA, their dedication to helping veterans remains unwavering. An employee captured their commitment: “As much as we want to serve the population, there’s only so much that some people can watch and be victim to before they can’t do it anymore.” The ramifications of the cuts continue to unfold, and the future of veteran care hangs in a delicate balance.