ISSUES ON VA OVERSIGHT FOR CONGRESS
BY PRIORITY ORDER

1. Statistics on minority veterans filing claims.
      a. How many applied and ?
      b. How many were granted and what is the percentage ?
      c. What types of claims were granted?
      d. What is the difference in ratings by regions for minority vets ?

2. What is the status and improvement in cultural competency skills among VA staff ?

3. Has the VA studied the levels of disparity in treatment received by minority vets and what is the result ?

4. What are the results of the disparity study by gender?

5. When will the VA implement the January 31, 2002 guidance issued by the VA Under Secretary of Health
    “to ensure our nation’s veterans are receiving culturally and linguistically appropriate care This includes
     conducting a thorough assessment of language needs, developing and implementing comprehensive language      assistance programs, training staff to carry out this policy and providing oversight to ensure eligible persons
     with limited English proficiency have meaningful access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care.”

6. Minority vets are not being promoted to higher career levels in the VA. When will this occur ?

7. Reimbursement for emergency treatment by outside (non-VA) medical facilities is not being done.
    Why is this happening?