May 14, 2008 - U.S. Congressman Tom Latham called the experience of some veterans similar to "cruel and unusual punishment" under the current VA's health care system. Latham met with local veterans and veterans affairs officials last Friday about the possibility of placing a Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Winneshiek County.

Hearing the stories of several veterans and what they must go through to receive health care, Latham said the current system is "outrageous."

Jon Vine, Decorah, said travel to the nearest VA hospital at Iowa City can be tiring. "We leave around 5 a.m. and get back between 4 and 6 p.m. You have to wait for everyone else to finish their appointment," he said.  "If all you need is to get a prescription filled then you see the doctor for 15 minutes but it's still a 13-hour day," said Vine.

The Allamakee County Commission of Veteran's Affairs provides a shuttle van from Waukon to Iowa City for area veterans. It makes stops in Decorah, Cresco, Independence or anywhere that a ride is needed.  Usually 2-8 people travel in the van each time. The commission pays for the transportation out of their budget which comes from the county. Winneshiek, Howard and other counties reimburse Allamakee for the ride.

"The van leaves Waukon at 4 a.m.," said Amy Kouten of the Allamakee commission. "If it's winter they leave even earlier." Each of the veterans and commissioners expressed concern for the health of riders on these trips.  "If you're a World War II veteran that can't drive to Iowa City on your own, you shouldn't be driving to Decorah at 4 a.m. either," said Dee Hosek, Director of the Howard County Commission.

Hosek said women's health is also a concern for the veterans.  "There's more and more women veterans now. I go to Tomah, Wis. for my regular care but I have to drive to Madison for women's care."

Hosek and several other veterans present said they drive to Tomah instead of Iowa City for the convenience. She told Latham that because of this, the figures given to him by the VA would not be correct.

Deb Monson, Winneshiek County Director, told Latham that the numbers provided by the VA are not correct in terms of the number of veterans in the area.

"Many veterans don't use the VA because of all this," said Hosek.  "Younger vets don't need to because they still work and have insurance. Some veterans aren't even in our system because they don't come into our office."

Supporting the concept, Latham said realistically it wouldn't happen until at least fiscal year 2010, which begins in October 2009.  "If you have a vet that needs emergency care and goes to a regional hospital, sometimes the VA won't pay for it," said Hosek. She said she has heard of case after case where the patient had to pay the bill because the hospital was not made aware they were a veteran and did not transport them to a VA facility.

"That's outrageous," said Latham. "I've always felt every veteran should get health care at home. The travel is a real hardship. It's cruel and unusual punishment to put them through that long day."

Latham and Senators Charles Grassley and Tom Harkin, have been in contact with the United States Veteran's Affairs Commission about locating a clinic in northeast Iowa. Latham said it is up to the commission and not Congress as to where they go. He said it's to prevent some areas from having multiple clinics and others none.

"The question is do we establish a separate facility or use the great resources you already have here?"

The Decorah area has two clinics and the Winneshiek Medical Center. Latham said although it has not been done in Iowa he would like to see one of the health care entities already in the area contract with the VA to provide the CBOC. He said it would allow all veterans the same health care services as others in northeast Iowa.

"We can't wait a long time for this," said Monson. "You can't put a price on a life. Until the VA contracts with someone or opens a clinic, we will still continue to help our veterans."