McDonald: 'VA can't do this job by itself'

http://www.navytimes.com/story/veterans/2014/11/21/mcdonald-interview/19338263/

McDonald: 'VA can't do this job by itself'
By Leo Shane III, Staff writer 2:21 p.m. EST November 21, 2014

Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald says he understands skepticism that he can reform and rebuild his embattled department.
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Veterans groups and lawmakers have voiced concerns in recent weeks not only about the lack of firings related to the department's care delay scandal but also about the slow pace of reform.

But McDonald insists the department is moving deliberately on significant cultural changes. He pointed to news this week that the Merit Systems Protection Board upheld VA's firing of a former Alabama director as proof that department accountability efforts are both swift and effective. "The most important message is the outcome of these cases," he said. "As these things come out over time, I believe they will reinforce we have done things in the right way."

That cultural reform also involves plans for a massive internal reorganization of VA operations, including creating a new customer service branch and simplifying behind-the-scenes administration to better veterans program access.