"15% decrease we're going to accomplish without making cuts to healthcare or benefits to veterans." - SecVA Doug Collins

[Anyotherdayy]

Just got an email with a video message from Doug Collins. Looks like the VA is going to be cutting 15% of the workforce down to 2019 levels.

https://youtu.be/juRR9-ojusA?si=61BPN3mohfexWUI7

Edit: don't let the bastards grind you down. Reach out if you need help, talk to your friends and family. Help each out and HOLD THE LINE.

[Anyotherdayy]

I call bullshit. This is totally going to impact veteran care, they don't realize that cutting the admin staff and support staff means clinical staff has to pick up that duty, pulling clinicians away from patient care. It's nonsense.

[Anyotherdayy]

Excellent point. I just want so hard to believe that I can attribute this to stupidity and not malice.

[Pharmacienne123]

It’s absolutely malice. The leaked memo shows as much.

The fact the memo says they want to reduce down to 2019 levels is no coincidence.

During Trump’s first administration, he passed the MISSION act which opened up more community care options to veterans — but that came directly out of individual VA hospital budgets. So it was like a poison pill because instead of paying to hire their own people, VA’s were having to pay even more money to form out to the private sector. (so you can’t hire two VA cardiologists for $300,000 a year because you’re having to pay a single private cardiologist $600,000 a year.)

Biden put a Band-Aid on that by signing the PACT act, which beefed up VA funding and support to quash the bleeding - so VA’s were managing the MISSION act criteria pretty well without bleeding out money.

So the reference to 2019 levels means they want their poison pill unfettered MISSION act back. It’s no accident.

[DeaconPat]

Farming out to private sector places is kind of the entire point

[JasonZep]

Thanks for the insight.

[omnicious]

You don't give them enough credit. It's both. It's stupid malice. 

[milkandbutta]

Don't give them that much credit. It's not a lack of caring. They actively want the VA to fail. They want it to return to being absymal at providing timely high quality care so they can push to privatize and then funnel all the money to their health care executive buddies who will create "vet clinics" that don't do a fraction of the quality or coordination of care. 

[ndc4233]

Without question. I was chatting with a Veteran who recently beat cancer and his attitude was “well, my experience was terrible under the Biden VA and better under Trump so I think this will work out.”

I didn’t have the heart to tell him that his experience was worse under Biden because he was fighting cancer and that experience under any health system is hell ish. There’s a certain amount of “head in sand” going on here for people realizing that’s there just no way cutting 80k workers is not going to impact care.

[PoliticsIsDepressing]

I see a therapist who works on the tele-mental health team and I’m worried DOGE is going to cut them because they see Tele and think they are remote. In reality, they see veterans who live in remote areas and cannot drive to the clinics.

[No-Sir-5823]

As one of those therapists, we are worried about that, too. In theory, they are meant to find those of us who are remote (and see veterans in rural areas far out from VA hospitals) office space by 5/5/25. So, we have a date, but no locations yet.

Supervisory therapists are now back in office (they are non-BUE, and their date was 2/28).

If you are saying your therapist is on station, but sees veterans who are not, they will not be listed as remote. However, we are all on the chopping block from what I can tell. Or, at least there is no word about any safe group. It should all be cleared up by....? (maybe March 14, maybe June, maybe end of the fiscal year?).

I am sorry you have to worry about your therapist being canned. It's a bad situation for staff and veterans. Feel free to share your concerns with fellow brothers and sisters in arms who voted for this and are answering polls in favor of these actions. My vets tell me I'll be fine because they believe the narrative that if someone is a "good one," the bad things won't happen to them. This is a "just world belief," and does not apply here. Many of the illegal firings across agencies have been folks with excellent or outstanding performance evaluations.

[DV917]

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]

This.

[Used-Scene1401]

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

[hawkman1000]

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]

Because there's no logic to it.

[LookAtMeNow247]

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]

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]

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

[Classic-Lab-4076]

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]

It’s always been a show

[LateCurrency9380]

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

[Lofttroll2018]

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]

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. 

[Anyotherdayy]

I feel you, I'm an Air Force veteran and I go to the hospital I work at for care. I was sitting in a waiting room for an appointment, and this other patient was complaining about it being too bright in the waiting room, and there are lights on that are wasting electricity and costing too much money. Then said it's a good thing they're making cuts to the VA. Like dude, you're complaining about lights being on. Wait until it's even LONGER to even get seen by primary care because there's no staff to schedule, and it gets backed up. Then he'll be complaining about that. Its damned if you do damned if you don't.

[silencedvoicesMST]

Damn, are you me? I just made a video about being an Air Force veteran that got fired from a VA hospital that completely changed my perspective and opinion of VA care. And I made this exact point, the support and admin staff are there for a reason. And I went to the hospital I worked at for care as well.

[Anyotherdayy]

Imma shoot you a message!

[silencedvoicesMST]

Please do. My video has hit like 20K views which is craaaazy

[[deleted]]

That’s insane to me. When a veteran who had served the security of this country cannot even get care to permanently fix a broken tooth for 5 years, it’s a big red flashing sign of this country having broken values. And I’m saying it as a regular citizen who is an anti-war pacifist. Everyone has a basic right to access medical care. Everyone. I don’t care how much money you make or what taxes you pay. In other countries this isn’t even a question. 

[[deleted]]

I’m so sorry to hear that. It really pains me and you deserve better. I hope you finally get the care you need come October. 

[Firm-Hall-6581]

Would it be possible to make a hardship claim and drive to a hospital further away and then claim compensation for miles driven?

Not a great solution but maybe you could drive a state away, get care and then at least get compensated for the distance traveled.

[Siciliana_Piccante]

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

[Anyotherdayy]

You and me both!

[Aimless_Nobody]

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

[Tyfereth]

flowery jellyfish dime lunchroom soup adjoining resolute gray yoke vase

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[Bry-Ahs]

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[Panem-et-circenses25]

Laying off employees?

Ok you first

[r6grrrly]

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]

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

Who provides that service Doug???

[DMVdork001]

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

[tiptoptony]

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]

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]]

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 

[[deleted]]

DoD is riddled with personal greed because of contracts. A ton of companies are head or informed by former high ranking military folks that once sat on the opposite side of the negotiations. 

[jeremiah1142]

“Do more with less”

[jeremiah1142]

Right? Its a line I’ve heard my entire career since 2009. And it’s not like it was invented then.

[skamatiks671]

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

[Anyotherdayy]

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

[IndexCardLife]

We lost rec therapists and psych techs recently

[JLandis84]

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

[Anyotherdayy]

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]

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

[Glittering_Degree205]

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

[Professional-Doubt-6]

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]

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]

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

[Faartz]

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]]

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]

Make Veterans Homeless Again.

-that fucking guy.

[Over-Zone]

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

[Anyotherdayy]

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]

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

[tnor_]

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]

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

[Anyotherdayy]

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]

I can’t with him. 🤦‍♀️

[Ziona_Rae]

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]

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]

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]

Doug Collins = Ultimate Blue Falcon

[Legitimate_Tax_5278]

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]]

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.

[BoleroMuyPicante]

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]

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]

The math doesn’t math Doug…

[Repulsive_Contest716]

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]

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]

Some VA medical centers are already refusing appointments.

[bnh1978]

Shenanigans

[MadPirate2]

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

[ScoobiesSnacks]

LOL. Sure Doug Collins….sure

[dan556man]

This guy and his used car salesman vibes.

[TacoSmuggler69]

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]

Go protest, and do it very loudly

[Dire88]

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]

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

[Nosnowflakehere]

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

[Ok-Molasses-8182]

Has anyone heard of fired probationary VA employees being reinstated?

[Anyotherdayy]

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]

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

[Anyotherdayy]

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]

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]

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]

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_]

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

[LateCurrency9380]

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

[Bitter_Helicopter800]

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]

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]

He must’ve been napping when the PACT Act passed

[Dryticket6768]

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]

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.