Veterans call for improvements in healthcare

SAN ANTONIO - The Mission Act was passed under the Trump administration. It allows veterans to go to private providers, reducing their wait times.

The PAC Act was passed under the Biden administration, covering illnesses caused by burn pits.

David Lopez is with BurnPits 360, one of their founders who helped rally support for the PAC Act before it passed. Although Lopez is glad it passed and it covers illnesses like cancer caused by toxic exposure, Lopez says it can be difficult to prove. "Cause there's a lot of ambiguity with the VA, on those causes," said Lopez.

Krendra Harralson, a former combat medic and local, says she knows how important it is to keep soldiers healthy.

"And the last thing they need is to come home and worry about their health care," said Harralson.

She is happy the Mission Act allows veterans to visit private doctors to reduce wait times, but there can be issues when there aren't enough providers.

"How am I supposed to get mental health if there are not enough mental health providers, whether it's behavioral health for the civilian or whether it's behavioral health for the military?" said Harralson.

Amanda McCullough, the founder of the Woman Veteran Calendar, says she worries for women veterans. She thinks there could be more of an effort in letting them know how to get a disability rating.

"Over 50% of women veterans are not enrolled with the VA, and these are veterans, these are people that served," said McCullough.

"It's still not known what Trump will do with the future of veterans' health care, but we'll keep you up to date.