The Austin-American Statesman first reported the VISN-17 Center of Excellence Research program was not getting any research. The goal of the program was to use a $3 million MRI machine to study the brains of veterans before and after combat. However, officials say no published research has been done from the program.
That’s why the House Committee on Veterans affairs is looking for answers. They asked for more information on research, how the MRI machine was used and how the program is run. The committee says they asked for the information September 4 and gave a deadline of September 19.
The VA sent a statement regarding the request Friday afternoon, “Va has received a request for information from chairman miller’s staff and VA is working to collect information in response to the request and will provide that to the committee as soon as possible.”
However, as the committee waits for information they also sent out a statement. The Committee Chairman Jeff Miller said, “With traumatic brain injury being the signature wound of our recent conflicts, every research resource must be used to its fullest potential. Va must hold employees accountable if that potential is squandered. So far, VA has failed to do that.
Local Congressman Bill Flores is a member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. To read more on his response click here.
