Ninth Circuit Rules that Delays in Medical Care Violates Veterans Rights

Here's hoping that this will make a difference.


"The VA’s unchecked incompetence has gone on long enough; no more veterans should be compelled to agonize or perish while the government fails to perform its obligations," wrote Circuit Judge Reinhardt in the opinion.

The full Ninth Circuit decision, all 104 pages of it, PDF

Full article at: Appeals Court Rules That Delays in Medical Care Violates Veterans Rights
May 10, 2011, 3:25 pm • Posted by Lisa Pickoff-White

"The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled Tuesday that the delay in providing medical care to veterans violates their constitutional rights to disability benefits."

"On average it takes more than four years for a veteran's claims to go through. The court noted that these delays cause "unnecessary grief and privation" for veterans and their families."

"The VA’s unchecked incompetence has gone on long enough; no more veterans should be compelled to agonize or perish while the government fails to perform its obligations," wrote Circuit Judge Reinhardt in the opinion.

"This ruling overturned a 2008 verdict of U.S. District Judge Samuel Conti."

"The Appeals court sent the case back to Conti, ordering him to work with veterans groups to create a plan so that suicidal veterans can be seen immediately, veterans can make mental health appointments speedily, and that there is a faster process for veterans to dispute their benefits claims."