April 28 Update - First week of trial in lawsuit brings revelations on the witness stand.

It's been a huge first week of our landmark lawsuit against VA, with testimonies on the stand resulting in calls from Washington for top VA officials to resign. VA is on the defensive, and Veterans for Common Sense is pressing forward.

We are swamped with calls from veterans, legislative staff, and reporters due to the trial. We desperately need to hire more staff. Click here to contribute to VCS to make that happen. Remember, this lawsuit is being fought in the name of all veterans.

Already making changes - When Veterans for Common Sense first filed our lawsuit, VA's reaction was to create a hotline for suicidal veterans. In less than a year, the hotline has performed 720 rescues.

Our trial began on April 21, in San Francisco, California. "We want the veterans to be encouraged to go to VA if they have any problems and we want VA to be ready, willing and able to help the vets when they show up," said Paul Sullivan from Veterans for Common Sense.  VCS filed suit with Veterans United for Truth to force VA to do what they are supposed to do.

Representing VCS in the lawsuit pro-bono is Morrison & Foerster senior counsel Gordon Erspamer, who has 30 years experience handling pro-bono cases on behalf of veterans.

April Fundraising Goal - We are coming up quickly on the end of the month, and we are short our goal of $20,000. Please click here to help us raise $5,000 in the next three days!

Admissions on the stand - Early in the week, it was revealed that Dr. Ira Katz, head of VA Mental Health, hid true statistics about the rate of veteran suicides and encouraged others to do so via an internal e-mail.

The scope of the problem is devastating, with 18 veterans from all wars committing suicide every day.

Reaction from Washington was swift, with Senators Akaka and Murray calling for Dr. Katz to resign for concealing veteran suicides.

Top VA officials try to defend, but admit more deficencies as testimony continues.

Remember, VCS is able to keep our work going thanks to members like you. Make a contribution today so we can keep up our fight for veterans' rights!

VCS provides advocacy and publicity for issues related to veterans, national security, and civil liberties. VCS is registered with the IRS as a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity, and donations are tax deductible.