Billboards Along Eisenhower Claim "VA Is Lying, Veterans Are Dying"
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Veterans and VA workers have paid to put up two billboards along the Eisenhower Expressway, accusing the Department of Veterans Affairs of lying about care for veterans at VA hospitals.
The billboards near Hines VA Hospital in the western suburbs read "VA Is Lying, Veterans Are Dying!"
The groups VA is Lying and VA Truth Tellers are behind the billboards. They said they're protesting lying, dishonesty, corruption, substandard care, unnecessary procedures, and retaliation against VA employees who speak out.
"Absolutely; all of those," said Germaine Clarno, a social worker and president of the local union at Hines. "The American people, these are tax dollars that are being spent."
She said, even with an inspector general, Hines has been policing itself, and she said that must change.
"There's a lot of energy, and a lot of incentive for people to manipulate the data; tied to bonuses, tied to career recognition," Clarno said.
A Hines spokeswoman said the department is aware of the billboards, and "respects any other organization's or individual's right to express their opinion."
"Employees at Hines work diligently to create a collaborative, problem solving environment that we hope creates an environment that is conducive to the needs of our Veterans," spokeswoman Denise Van Koevering said in an email.
