EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) – A local veteran is speaking out after an alleged voicemail from the El Paso Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System made rounds on social media, sparking questions about the care and integrity of the VA.
Ernesto, a retired Navy veteran who served over a decade with multiple deployments, says he was shocked by the voicemail left by VA staff members.
The message, which was not properly disconnected, captured VA employees discussing Ernesto’s alleged “misuse” of services and suggesting he was concerned about losing disability benefits.
“There’s so much stuff going on with the VA that he thinks he’s going to lose his disability. And again, he probably wants travel pay too,” one staff member allegedly said in the voicemail.
Ernesto, who has been seeking care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) since early this year, says the message was disrespectful and troubling, given his ongoing health struggles.
“For the most part, if you don’t like working with veterans, choose another field,” Ernesto said.