Letter to the editor: Don't cut services to veterans, America's heroes

I have a message for the Trump/Musk administration: Hands off veterans’ benefits!

DOGE is planning drastic cuts to the Veterans Affairs Department which include:

• Narrowing the list of qualifying medical conditions.

• Replacing VA hospitals/clinics with privatized outpatient centers.

• Eliminating 80,000 positions at the VA.

• Terminating telehealth services.

According to a patient advocate at the Pittsburgh VA, some of these services are already being cut. Currently, mental health services, including crisis intervention, are already experiencing a significant disruption (wait times, appointment cancellations, etc.) We can’t stand by and let it get worse.

This should not be a partisan issue. Our veterans, many who are disabled, have made incredible sacrifices for our country. Is this how the United States treats our heroes?

DOGE cuts will negatively impact Western Pennsylvania veterans’ access to comprehensive lifesaving care, especially in rural areas.

The quest for government efficiency should never come at the expense of our veterans.

Sarah Skidmore

Greensburg