There is not a more unhappy being
than a superannuated idol
--Joseph Addison
Each organism raises its head
over a field of corpses, smiles into the sun,
and declares life good
--Elias Canetti
_________________
If health care is really reformed, why not treat veterans like every other citizen? Universal access to health care should obviate the need for a separate veterans system, which would then seem superfluous.
The counter argument is that veteran's health needs require special treatment -- issues like atomic and chemical exposure (depleted uranium, for example), post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury are but a few of these. Another key DVA issue is disability determination, to include service-connected compensation, but this issue could stand apart from its health care function.
Ranger requests input from those familiar with how other nations handle veterans health care issues. How are they funded, and is their treatment apart from that of the general populace? How are veterans treated specially, if at all?
Do veterans receive health care beyond that received by non-military citizens? Is the level of treatment received by veterans abroad sufficient? Does it exceed that received in the U.S. in any way?
Input is appreciated to help Ranger put this issue in a global perspective.
I'll take my answers off the air.
[Cross-posted @ RangerAgainstWar.]
