August 5, 2008 - This week's update focuses on four important issues: VA stumbling leaders, VA reform legislation, a mother's eulogy of her Iraq War veteran son, and the need for more research about depleted uranium.

1. Bureaucratic problems within VA delay much needed research and treatment for our veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury. A VA Inspector General report found that VA wasted money and time conducting research in Texas. "This is research that could help our wounded troops," Paul Sullivan said, "and they're the ones who are hurt by this delay." There also seems to be a problem with improper VA oral contracts and with VA e-mails discouraging PTSD diagnoses in Texas.

VCS keeps close tabs on VA through Freedom of Information Act requests and publicizing our veterans' stories. We work to ensure our veterans are properly cared for when they return from fighting for our country. Please, give to VCS today to fund our work caring for America's veterans.

2. VCS wins Victory for Veterans as legislation to reform VA moves forward. VCS testified before Congress four times in 2007 and 2008 about the urgent need to reform VA. Chairman John Hall said the legislation is " ... a composite of a year's worth of hearings and common sense suggestions..." We hope the Senate and the White House act quickly to approve Hall's critical legislation.

Remember, VCS is a non-profit, non-partisan organizaton working tirelessly for America's veterans. We can't do all we do without help from you. Please, set up a monthly tax-deductible contribution to VCS today.

3. This poignant video of Cynthia Fleming eulogizing her son, James Jenkins, provides a moving example of how the failed Iraq War is causing a tragic suicide epidemic. VCS supports mandatory pre-deployment and post-deployment medical exams for our service members in order to reduce the suicide epidemic. We also filed suit against VA so that no veteran seeking emergency mental healthcare or PTSD treatment is ever turned away by VA.

4. Finally, a new government report urges more research into the adverse health consequences of exposures to depleted uranium, a radioactive heavy metal toxic waste used to manufacture anti-tank rounds. VCS remains very involved in forcing VA and DoD to use the best available tests to determine the level of DU exposure among our troops sent to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Veterans for Common Sense believes Americans will do right by our veterans. We do all that we do so Americans will sit up and realize the true toll of endless war on our veterans' physical and mental health. We want a robust VA that is ready, willing, and able to care for our veterans when they come home. Please, click here to contribute to our worthy cause today.