Here's my perspective and .02 on the VA.

I am a veteran but not retired from the military and come from an extensive military family. A few years ago I switched from the private sector to work at a lower salary as a civ for the military.

I've seen some good VA docs, some bad, some good facilities and some that aren't fit to walk into. The system is entirely inconsistent.

The VA are also very click-ish in hiring and this can lead to poor or less than optimal service.

In my case I recently applied to a VA medical center. I was the most qualified candidate and 2 days after an interview was asked for my references. A week later the central office for this clinic hadn't contacted anyone but did email me to say they hired someone else. I had to file a FOIA request to find out:
Me - white guy over almost age 50 and 17 years professional experience but they hired a non-veteran minority with 3 years experience under age 30.

The VA is a joke and runs numbers. They have a budget and salaries are balanced against production numbers. Quality isn't a concern except at the individual employee level. Keep the costs down and executives make their bonuses.

Sadly I see it in some mil clinics as well. Only difference is commanders are rewarded with a higher position vs cash bonus.

I see daily some soldiers faking issues for a medical discharge while heroes like the Major walked on and over.

Any how my rant is over.