Veterans, families talk VA, healthcare concerns at Ellicott City VFW

Local veterans and military families gathered at an Ellicott City Veterans of Foreign Wars post to discuss pressing concerns with Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, highlighting issues related to VA healthcare delays and the impacts of federal-level changes.

Jeff Kelley, the newly elected commander of the Ellicott City VFW post, hosted the meeting shortly after assuming his leadership role, expressing a commitment to assist those in need. The gathering aimed to provide a platform for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families to voice their most urgent concerns directly to their congressional representative.

Kate Swedlow, whose husband served over 20 years in the Army, raised significant concerns about delays at the Veterans Affairs healthcare system. She shared that her husband's health issue in January was not treated until April, emphasizing that while the care providers at the Baltimore VA are excellent, the lengthy wait times hinder timely treatment. Swedlow, an attorney specializing in VA issues, highlighted that staffing problems contribute to the delays and noted that the situation has worsened in recent months.

Swedlow explained that veterans often face prolonged struggles to secure care and benefits, with delays hampering their access to necessary services. She detailed how veterans must first fight for service connection to qualify for free care, and even after receiving approval, they frequently encounter month-long waits to receive the actual treatment.

The hour-long discussion also addressed broader federal concerns, including legislation for alternative treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, as well as efforts to secure federal funding for an assisted living facility in Sykesville. Many attendees expressed concern over the federal goal of reducing government inefficiencies and how such initiatives impact veteran services.

Congresswoman Elfreth, a Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, remarked that these conversations are vital to understanding the real-world effects of federal policies. She noted that the meeting was the inaugural event for her "Veterans Advisory Council," intended to facilitate ongoing dialogue on veteran issues. Her team plans to host similar meetings multiple times each year to stay connected with the community.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been adapted with the assistance of AI. The editorial team verifies all reporting for fairness and accuracy across all platforms.