FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Isakson Urges VA Nominee to Push Collaboration Between VA, DOD
Praises Work of Augusta VA Medical Center and Eisenhower Army Medical Center to Treat Wounded Soldiers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today urged President-elect Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs to push for further cooperation between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to meet the health care needs of returning service members.  

Isakson used the nomination hearing for retired four-star Gen. Eric K. Shinseki to praise the collaboration between the Augusta VA Medical Center and the Eisenhower Army Medical Center to care for service members returning from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom who have sustained combat injuries. Isakson is a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“It is very important that we have a seamless transition from the Department of Defense to Veterans Affairs,” Isakson said. “If we can replicate the success between Augusta VA Medical Center and Eisenhower Army Medical Center, our veterans will be well-served.”

The Augusta VA Medical Center operates the nation’s only medical rehabilitation unit within the VA system for active duty military personnel. Dr. Dennis Hollins, who works for the VA, heads the unit, and active duty medical personnel are stationed in the unit working alongside VA doctors and nurses. During the hearing, Isakson said he hoped Shinseki would visit the Augusta unit within the year.   

Before the hearing, Isakson submitted several questions to Shinseki. Specifically, he asked the nominee how he will continue the progress that has been made in the area of seamless transition between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Shinseki replied in writing to Isakson:  “I have been advised that substantial progress has been made in the transition of patients from DoD to VA. I am aware of the programs that established the Federal Recovery Coordinators, the Recovery Care Coordinators, Transition Patient Advocates, and case management improvements. I’ve also heard all is not done, and if confirmed, I will personally emphasize the importance of these programs. While I am not familiar with the specifics of the Augusta program, I do know that there is a very good relationship between the Augusta VAMC and Fort Gordon, and I assure you that, if confirmed, I will seek more details about it and the feasibility of its expansion and perhaps emulation in other areas.”  

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