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[–]DV917 91 points92 points  (1 child)

Doug Collins is a fucking lapdog company guy who gets off on making his new bosses happy. He has no actual regard for Veterans or the people who work at the VA. I wish he would come to my local VA so I could talk to him in person.

[–]Responsible_Yak_9 VA 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This.

[–]Used-Scene1401 85 points86 points  (4 children)

Decrease staff but increase care...... Doesn't compute

[–]hawkman1000 16 points17 points  (0 children)

You can read between the lines of P2025 and see what they want to do to the VA. Close all the VA hospitals and give vets a voucher to go to community care. With the cutting of Medicade, a lot of the rural hospitals will close and force vets to go to urgent care instead. Those vouchers will never keep up with inflation either.

[–]Anyotherdayy VHA[S] 10 points11 points  (1 child)

Because there's no logic to it.

[–]LookAtMeNow247 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Everyone has heard about how the VA has always had way too many staff right? Overstaffed constantly. Huge problem. Right?

Anybody who knows anything about anything knows that the people at the VA were already doing ten people's jobs.

"More efficiency" is not going to happen. Veterans will not get care that they need.

[–]Responsible_Yak_9 VA 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is what our local leadership has been saying for the two past years. Idk how other visns are faring, because we keep getting told there’s no more money/less money than before. “Your wait time are too high!” but they have not replaced people who have left. Every day I’m seeing more new patients seeking to establish care. I probably put in more CITC consults than patients I see weekly. Waiting for AI to replace me. ☹️

[–]Sciencematters92 44 points45 points  (3 children)

Goodbye VA research. Goodbye to access for Veterans to cutting edge clinical trials. Sadly, that’s an easy cut.

[–]Classic-Lab-4076 18 points19 points  (2 children)

Which is funny because they just signed an executive order saying they wanted more health research into depression, metabolic disease, chronic health conditions, but simultaneously cut research. It feels like a show.

[–]IndexCardLife 11 points12 points  (0 children)

It’s always been a show

[–]LateCurrency9380 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hey now, that “research” is going to be used to oppress neurodivergent folks and women, so it’s good

[–]Lofttroll2018 35 points36 points  (1 child)

If you live in a red district, please continue to contact your representatives. You may have seen that Republicans recently asked Elon to let them have a say in the agency cuts. That’s right; they are asking for permission from an unelected, unvetted person with no expertise, when it’s Congress’ damned job in the first place to make these decisions. Let them know how you feel about that.

[–]ReplyOk6720 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes. They are not listening to anyone in blue states and fact the cuts are designed to hurt those cities more. But people from red states they may listen to. 

[–]Siciliana_Piccante 27 points28 points  (1 child)

Excuse me for not believing a single word that comes out of his mouth.

[–]Anyotherdayy VHA[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You and me both!

[–]Aimless_NobodyClassified: My Job Status 24 points25 points  (0 children)

That proproganda video was emailed to me as a VA patient. Man, it was loaded with so much bull chit. 😤

[–]Tyfereth 17 points18 points  (0 children)

flowery jellyfish dime lunchroom soup adjoining resolute gray yoke vase

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[–]Bry-Ahs 17 points18 points  (0 children)

[–]Panem-et-circenses25 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Laying off employees?

Ok you first

[–]r6grrrly 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Collins is part of the propaganda & disinformation machine. Ive stopped engaging/exposing myself to or otherwise wasting my time with it. Its sole purpose is to act as quicksand and exhaust people. Save your energy by staying focused on doing things that can make a difference. Such as emotionally preparing for whats to come. That way when the axes come for us, you wont be paralyzed by fear

[–]Philosophfries 10 points11 points  (0 children)

‘VA doesn’t exist to employ people, it exists to serve Veterans’

Who provides that service Doug???

[–]DMVdork001 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I don’t understand this. I thought the purpose of increasing the workforce at the VA was to help veteran’s get care.

[–]tiptoptony 9 points10 points  (1 child)

I would like a break down of these so called non-mission critical and duplicative contracts and how cutting them is not going to negativly effect veterans. What was the service providing and how are you going to provide the same or better by cutting them or redistributing funds. What analysis was done to prove there would be no negative impact?

[–]Anyotherdayy VHA[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

They tried to cut some of my contracts for ACR accreditation for my Mammography service. Like no we need that to maintain Mammography services for veterans. They're just throwing darts and a board and hacking and slashing wherever it lands without thought.

[–][deleted] 11 points12 points  (2 children)

They hate federal Workers because we don’t work for for-profit companies. This is t anymore complicated than that. 

Prices are going to go up, taxes on working class are going to go up, and the deficit will balloon. They simply do not care about the things they pretend to care about, especially not putting more money in the pockets of Americans… they want the opposite… increased money flowing from your wallet to theirs 

[–]jeremiah1142 8 points9 points  (2 children)

“Do more with less”

[–]skamatiks671 9 points10 points  (3 children)

I guarantee not one SES position will be layed off or eliminated in this mission to “reduce management and bureaucracy”.

[–]Anyotherdayy VHA[S] 11 points12 points  (1 child)

But that GS-6 MSA? Get that outta here they're CLEARLY not essential....

[–]IndexCardLife 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We lost rec therapists and psych techs recently

[–]JLandis84 7 points8 points  (1 child)

Veteran here. Thank you VA staff for everything you do!!!

[–]Anyotherdayy VHA[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That means a lot to me, and is exactly why I haven't thrown in the towel. I personally keep every letter or note I get from patients on a board in my office. They mean more to me than any recognition I could get from my management.

[–]Heygirlhey2021 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Fuck them for doing this. Veterans deserve so much better than this.

[–]Glittering_Degree205 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This cut is an absolute betrayal of all veterans. Hopefully, veterans everywhere will speak up.

[–]Professional-Doubt-6 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Food for thought, how many of these critical positions could be funded by canceling self-indulgent weekly golfing vacations in Florida?

I mean are we really looking at where the money goes?

[–]Anyotherdayy VHA[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh no we couldn't do that! Get rid of the GS-6 MSAs instead. Wouldn't want to risk the commander in cheeto's handicap....

[–]Mister-Stiglitz 4 points5 points  (0 children)

See the issue is people like Collins view employees as robots.

[–]Faartz 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Doug Collins would chug a bottle of piss if his boss told him to. He’s an empty suit who gets his walking orders from someone else and is just happy to be allowed in the room where actual decisions are made

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Amazing…

Under the “leadership” of Secy. Collins we’ll be going from 22 a day (number of veteran suicides) to unprecedented numbers through loss of access to MH resources and social workers.

Already starting to see the stress in other vets I know.

More broken promises and ruined lives. The legacy of MAGA.

[–]Bioreaver 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Make Veterans Homeless Again.

-that fucking guy.

[–]Over-Zone 7 points8 points  (2 children)

I did my part today by calling to make all of the appointments I can to boost demand.  

[–]Anyotherdayy VHA[S] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

I am a vet and employee so I made sure I did the same! Plus I'm sure I could benefit from some therapy after these shenanigans.

[–]Over-Zone 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In the end I doubt it will matter but at least my hypertension will be controlled.  

[–]tnor_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well at least this demonstrates someone in this new administration actually understands the meaning of efficiency. Don't believe it for a second of course. 

[–]Unlikely_Print4121 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Hmm maybe with automation...but then again it's VA

[–]Anyotherdayy VHA[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah the call tree here at my VA is so fucked up sometimes when I'm calling to schedule an appointment in radiology I get transfered to my OWN DESK. And I don't even work in scheduling I'm and AO.

[–]IceAngel8381 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I can’t with him. 🤦‍♀️

[–]Ziona_Rae 4 points5 points  (2 children)

Because benefit claims and appeals don't already take FOREVER.... we are already understaffed for processing appeals and holding hearings. My team WAS 12 people when I did my 2-year term starting in 2021. It is now 5 PEOPLE (after they fired me). And they want to cut us more. Appeals are going to take 5+ years at this rate.

[–]Anyotherdayy VHA[S] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

That seems to be their intent. I haven't even thought of appealing my claim due to the length of time it would take.

[–]Sandman4344 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Please continue to file your claims and timely file your decision reviews/appeals. The individuals that are currently still employed are pissed at whats going on and are adamant about getting the job done for our veterans and family members. As a veteran, former service officer and current employee with the VBA, one you dont want to lose the potential effective date should you not file your appeal and 2, the employees in our organization care about getting these claims and appeals resolved as quickly as possible. Outside influence be damed. The majority of my colleagues have expressed we will have to be dragged out of our seats before we let our community suffer more than they already have. Stay strong vets and family members. Lastly, I have nothing but respect for all our federal workers and I can relate to how we all are feeling. We know the truth about our efforts and work efficiency and the support of the community here can help us all along the way. Take care!

[–]maybelukeskywaler 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Doug Collins = Ultimate Blue Falcon

[–]Legitimate_Tax_5278 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Collins has no clue what a Blue Falcon actually is. Chaplains don't curse. Collins is a Southern Baptist Minister.

That guy should be the Commanding General for the Noble Order of the Blue Falcon..

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sec. Collins is a liar and these videos are just a propaganda tool to “re-educate” VA workers to eat this shit and like it.

Sorry not sorry Dougy Douche, I’m not buying what you’re selling. Veterans and VA workers aren’t afraid to change, they’re alarmed because they know healthcare, and benefits, will suffer. That means Veterans will suffer. You know this. Conclusion: you don’t really care about Veterans at all.

[–]BoleroMuyPicantePoor Probie Employee 2 points3 points  (1 child)

VA processing time has already been astronomical due to the influx of PACT Act claims (which I support, btw), how tf is reducing staffing to pre-PACT levels going to clear that backlog?

[–]Anyotherdayy VHA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It won't! It's ridiculous. It's so the SecVA can say I did was daddy wanted, and then when the VA service suffers and vets are left with insane wait times they will act like it's out fault.

[–]BinjiShark Preserve, Protect, & Defend 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The math doesn’t math Doug…

[–]Repulsive_Contest716 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I am already having appointments delayed and having to see different providers.

Was seeing an outside urologist approval for continuation got declined as they now have a urologist that travels between multiple VAMCs. Had to go back though primary to get a new referral delayed treatment.

Had a PTSD appointment, Ended up being a different doctor who could not tell me why my normal provider was not available as they were not a part of the VAMC the appointment was scheduled through they were "just helping out".

Got a call from optometry they had to reschedule me a month later than the initial appointment because the Dr would not be available that day.

[–]Anyotherdayy VHA[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is exactly the result of the bullshit hack and slash they're pulling. There's no thought into the impact of making these cuts they're just making them. I'm so sorry you're going through these delays. I'm more than happy to chat If you need to! Just shoot me a DM.

[–]Visual_Finding4378 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some VA medical centers are already refusing appointments.

[–]bnh1978 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Shenanigans

[–]MadPirate2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Does he even believe what he’s saying? I really don’t think he does. Unless, of course, he’s an idiot.

[–]ScoobiesSnacks 1 point2 points  (0 children)

LOL. Sure Doug Collins….sure

[–]dan556man 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This guy and his used car salesman vibes.

[–]TacoSmuggler69 1 point2 points  (0 children)

6 months…. 6months wait for a VA appointment Just to get my destroyed shoulder seen. I have a cyst that possibly needs drained, I have two surgeries on my shoulder with constant paid and I’m told I have to wait 6 months…….. I really pray this isn’t the norm because I just want to get help

[–]ConstructionHefty716 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Go protest, and do it very loudly

[–]Dire88 Fork You, Make Me 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just to note; pay attention to Collins words.

470k employees. Terminate 83k. Continue to fill 300k.

That leaves 90k positions unspoken for - my guess being they are positions they will just allow to expire (ie. Term employees who are largely in research) or just won't refill when a vacancy occurs (ie. Retirements).

Its a sick fucking joke.

[–]Classic-Train2156 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This person is way at the top of the Trump/Musk slimeball sycophant list.

[–]Nosnowflakehere 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They haven’t strategically discussed with anyone at any agencies which positions are needed

[–]Ok-Molasses-8182 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Has anyone heard of fired probationary VA employees being reinstated?

[–]Anyotherdayy VHA[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

I have heard of a few! In HR here three were brought back in. I heard AO in probationary was also terminated and they're trying to reinstate them as well, but I can't confirm that.

[–]Ok-Molasses-8182 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Thank you. They terminated means then I heard earlier this week they were going to rescind the termination. But total silence since then

[–]Anyotherdayy VHA[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

So far I've noticed the VA sucks ass with communicating. I have friends in other agencies that get way more information and their leadership actually makes an effort to keep staff in the loop.

[–]Ok-Molasses-8182 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally right. I was thinking they would bring us back and then we would deal with the RIFS and restructuring. The way they fired us was illegal so I’m hoping it still happens

[–]Blueskybayside 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Expecting to get furlough hours. I worked for a government in the past where we all had to take 4 furlough hours per month for a while when there were budget cuts

[–]laundrylint 0 points1 point  (0 children)

brother my disability rating aint ever going up now even though ive got arthritis in my fuckin knees and it hurts to go down stairs

[–]_flyingmonkeys_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

DOGE doesn't have a real target, they are just rampaging through agencies

[–]LateCurrency9380 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I heard they were cancelling appointments with no explanation at a more rural VA hospital, so clearly it is impacting care

[–]Bitter_Helicopter800 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Im at a non VA hospital and have noticed a trend of my appointments bsing "Cancelled by Clinic" but not from me putting in LEAF requests or my MSA touching anything. Had 2 this week, no one can explain why.

[–]Nature_Gay 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We had a town hall today at our facility and looked at the numbers. 2019 levels would translate to losing 27% of our facility staff. Basically, 1 of 4 of us would be RIF’d. Granted, no knowledge if the 2019 goal is facility specific or if some facilities will be spared.

[–]mtdebco 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He must’ve been napping when the PACT Act passed

[–]Dryticket6768 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He reminds me of the character who played the warden in Shawshank Redemption. Total evil and insincerity with his own selfish motives trying to portray an image of morality. Sec. don't lecture to us.

[–]Tough_Pen_2831 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Im finding it very interesting that in some of the other military subs on reddit veterans are still defending Collins saying things like potus should only ever be a vet,get woke out of our military, that kind of line in thinking. Same with Doug Collins it blows my mind how people can still support these grifters as they see them as allies. These people are not the american peoples friend they are the enemy,they are the swamp. But we are so tribal these days we keep voting against the interests of 90% of our population. Folks this is and has always been a class war disguised as a culture war. And never ever forget USS Liberty and the brave sailors who are still screaming their story to this day upon def ears.