“The U.S. is not caring for its veterans,” he said. “They don’t deserve that. They earned proper care for their injuries, as veterans, as Americans.”

John Fisher, commander of American Legion Post 343, also said more could be done for the vets, adding he believes the government is trying to cut or reduce veterans benefits. He has been dealing with the VA since 1998.

“It is a shame. The soldiers answered the call of their country, and (the government) does this.”

The latest twist to complicate obtaining benefits, Fisher said, is returning reservists are being told to contact state officials because they are reservists.

“The state did not call them up to go to war. The federal government did that.”

Fisher said he is also satisfied with treatment he received, including the time he spent at Walter Reed.

“Maybe conditions were not what they are now.”

U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire said he has made veterans his No. 1 priority.

Altmire said he took a leadership position in January when he pushed to include $3.6 billion for the current fiscal year.

In the new five-year budget, he said, veterans health care services will be fully funded to remain at current levels.

“I am committed to give the VA the resources it needs,” he said, “and to improve access to the system.”