Letter to Richard Griffin, Deputy Inspector General of the VA - Concerns Surrounding Female Veterans Benefits

Letter

Dear Mr. Griffin,

Female veterans are the fastest growing population served by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Women currently comprise about 10% of the population of the VA, but are about 20% of the active duty components. It is critical that the VA and especially the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) are prepared to serve the unique needs of female veterans.

To help the VA and Congress better identify the needs of female veterans utilizing health care services at VHA, we respectfully request that you conduct an inspection into policies designed to meet the needs of female veterans.

Specifically, we ask that you review and make recommendations to improve the following:

The efficacy of VHA's stated privacy standards for female veterans.

VHA's compliance with their stated privacy standards for female veterans (including physical requirements such as sound and vision barriers).

The ability of VHA to provide gender specific care for female veterans, including basic and complex gynecological services.

Thank you for consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Dina Titus (NV-01), Ryan Costello (PA-06), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02), Beto O'Rourke (TX-16), Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Mike Coffman (CO-06), Ralph Abraham (LA-05), Mark Takano (CA-41), Tim Walz (MN-01), and Raul Ruiz (CA-36)

Members of Congress

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