I just want to make a comment about something you said when you started this afternoon. You said that VAC reports its backlog and wait times as an average of those for all claims that are being considered—first applications, reassessments and expedited claims by “red zone” veterans who are over the age of 80 or who have a life-threatening health concern.
I understand the need to focus on first applications. Are you referring to new veterans' first applications or to those of any veteran who has come to that point in their life where they now have an injury that is unbearable due to service, but who cannot get the ear of VAC, that benefit of the doubt, and are continuing to have to go through multiple claims, efforts, appointments with doctors, analyses and yet not getting the response they need from VAC?
I heard this two weeks ago. An individual in desperation stated to me that they feared they were going to be left for the red zone. This red zone thing is brand new to me. How does one end up in the red zone? Does it happen the first time I need hearing aids because I'm over 80, or do we have people who are suffering long term, waiting for that care?