New report details suffering, pain of veterans at Buffalo’s VA Hospital

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Results of an investigation released on Friday by the Veterans Affairs Inspector General (OIG) reveals the details of critical lapses in care at Buffalo’s VA Hospital. One distressing case involved a veteran with cancer who allegedly died while waiting two months for a radiation therapy appointment.

The report attributes management failures to several cases where veterans experienced undue suffering and pain due to insufficient oversight.

The OIG report, titled “Leaders Failed to Address Community Care Consult Delays Despite Staff Advocacy Efforts at the VA Western New York Healthcare System in Buffalo,” highlights that leadership did not adequately address or resolve staff and provider concerns regarding delays in care.

"This report exposes a shocking level of negligence that led to significant delays in the care veterans urgently needed," said Congressman Nick Langworthy.

"This situation isn’t due to a lack of resources; it stems from sheer incompetence among the leadership at the Buffalo VA, resulting in veterans suffering and, in some cases, losing their lives. I spoke with VA Undersecretary Dr. Shereef Elnahal, who confirmed that disciplinary hearings will be held for those responsible. I have confidence in his ability to steer the Buffalo VA back on track. Above all, we must prioritize real reforms to ensure veterans receive the timely, quality care they deserve."

Congressman Tim Kennedy emphasized the need for immediate reforms.

"To ensure that Western New York veterans receive the care, support, and respect they have earned, implementing the recommendations in this report is just the first step. I am calling for increased Congressional oversight, including a potential investigation, to guarantee that such failures in care never happen again," Kennedy said.

"I will not rest until the Buffalo VA has the proper leadership, staff, facilities, and funding necessary to deliver the care our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our country, have earned and deserve."

Dr. Shereef Elnahal, Under Secretary for Veteran Affairs for Health will be coming to Buffalo sometime next week to see the problems firsthand, and will work the community to prioritize fixing the issues.

In August, two top leaders at the Buffalo VA Medical Center were removed from their positions due to allegations of delayed care and misconduct.