Report Uncovered Walter Reed Problems in 2004

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 11, 2007 8:12 AM CDT

(Newser) – The mess at Walter Reed was detailed in a damning task force report in 2004, obtained by Salon, in which soldiers described their frustrations with outpatient care and bureaucratic nightmares. Not only was the report ignored, but the official who sat on it for three years is now up for a promotion to undersecretary for health at the VA.

President Bush has just announced plans to nominate the co-chair of the task force, Michael Kussman, to run all of the VA's health services. "Kussman knew in 2004 that Walter Reed was a disaster, and thousands and thousands of veterans have needlessly suffered long delays," says former VA manager Paul Sullivan.

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

health care • veterans • Michael Kussman • Department of Veterans Affairs • soldier • hospital • Walter Reed Army Medical Center

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Head of Veterans Affairs Quits

Secretary's short tenure long on scandals and other woes

Army Hospital MIA on Stress Disorders

Walter Reed lacks resources to cope with growing problem

Bush Nominates Doc to Head Veteran Affairs

James B. Peake would be first physician and general to hold post

Injured Veterans Sue US

Class action suit targets VA for 'shameful failures' in treatment

Disabled Vets Get Unequal Treatment

Some wounded soldiers face long waits—the longest in states that sent the most troops

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Newser By Users

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