VA adds extra staff but still can't keep up with demand

Despite the addition of thousands of new doctors and nurses, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald says the number of appointments not completed in 30 days within the VA system has grown from 300,000 to nearly 500,000, according to the Associated Press. However, McDonald told the National Press Club that the VA is addressing the problems that led to delays in care and has completed 3.1 million more appointments in the latest fiscal year than the previous one. He said more veterans seek care at the VA because it is more convenient, effective and cheaper than other settings. Article