Veterans need care measured where they live

English · Veterans

Service members from Puerto Rico have earned access to the benefits and care promised by the nation they served. Yet a national count of appointments can conceal differences between a veteran near a major medical center and one who must travel for specialty care. GAO's 2024 review of VA care in U.S. territories examined how VA estimates veteran populations and measures access, including utilization and timeliness by veteran location.

The report recommended clearer written guidance for using VA data capabilities to assess care by location. It also documented the importance of community care networks in Puerto Rico. The policy test is practical: can a veteran obtain the right appointment at the right time, with travel and referrals addressed?

NAPREC urges Congress and VA to publish territorial access measures alongside state measures, report specialty-care wait times by region, and explain how network gaps are corrected. Full congressional representation would give Puerto Rico's veterans a stronger voice in oversight. Better care should not wait for the final status decision.

Source: GAO-24-106364, Veterans Affairs: Actions Needed to Improve Access to Care.