Money better spent caring for veterans

02.19.2014

William Nicklas was a loving husband, father and grandfather. A proud and loyal veteran from Hampton Township, he served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Mr. Nicklas survived war but fell victim to Legionnaires' disease because of systemic failures at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS).

Over the past year, I have worked with the Nicklas family, the families of other victims and my colleagues in Congress to find answers and bring accountability and transparency to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and VAPHS.

Nicklas was known for his practical jokes, his love of sports and being the first and last person on the dance floor. He started an auto body shop when he returned to civilian life and helped two of his sons begin their own business as contractors. More than anything, he was uncommonly dedicated to his family, his fellow servicemembers and veterans, and his country.

On Nov. 1, 2012, William Nicklas visited VAPHS due to nausea. He had private health insurance and would have been able to receive care at other hospitals, but he opted to go to VAPHS because he believed that was where a veteran would get the best care. Instead, Nicklas contracted Legionnaires' disease and died a few weeks later.

The VA Office of Inspector General determined that systemic failures at VAPHS led to the deaths of William Nicklas, John Ciarolla, Clark Compston, John McChesney, Lloyd Wanstreet and Frank “Sonny” Calcagno. According to a Feb. 3 report by Trib Total Media's Adam Smeltz and Brian Bowling, the federal government conceded that Nicklas contracted Legionnaires' disease because of government negligence. We must do all we can to ensure that tragedies like these are not repeated.

The Infectious Disease Reporting Act is a good start and was included in legislation that passed the House with unanimous support on Feb. 3. This reform will improve infectious disease reporting requirements and apply the same rules to VAPHS and the VA that other health care institutions in Western Pennsylvania follow.

Despite failing to protect veterans under their care, senior executives at VAPHS received huge bonuses. It is outrageous that the leadership of an organization with this track record would award or accept such bonuses.

The VA gave its senior executives across the country bonuses totaling $2.8 million in 2011 and $2.3 million in 2012. This money would be better spent resolving the disability claims backlog and ensuring that veterans are receiving the first-rate care they have earned and rightly expect.

I authored an amendment to prohibit bonuses for senior VA executives. This amendment was included in legislation that passed the House last June in a 421-4 vote. The bill passed Feb. 3 builds on that amendment by banning bonuses for senior VA executives for five years.

To improve care for veterans and increase accountability among those hired to serve them and because of the other reforms included in H.R. 357, the Senate and president should approve this legislation expeditiously.

If you are a veteran or family member and need help with the VA or VAPHS, please call or visit your local district office. You can find office addresses and contact information at rothfus.house.gov/visit-your-local-office/ . We are here to help.

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