Veterans care: Clinton, Trump differ on how they would fix the VA

Health care for the rest of their lives is a major reason many Americans join the armed forces. But in many cases, it's obvious that the government isn't holding up its end of the bargain.

The two candidates for president have different takes on how to fix the problems plaguing the Veterans Health Administration.

Hillary Clinton has promised to make sure that veterans have access to timely health care. She also has promised to block efforts to privatize the VA. Clinton says she also wants to strengthen veterans' benefits, including education and help with housing. She says she would work to make sure that sexual trauma is recognized as a disability under VA rules.

Donald Trump says he will expand programs that allow veterans to choose their own doctor, regardless of whether they're affiliated with the VA or not. Trump also has vowed to get rid of VA employees who fail to provide veterans with the health care they have been promised. He also would increase mental health professionals and create a White House hotline dedicated to veterans.

Veterans form a large, dependable voting bloc. How they view the two candidates' promises could have a big effect on which one occupies the White House.

Published in Editorials on October 18, 2016 10:25 AM