Veterans in the Coachella Valley react to VA layoffs

Veterans in the Coachella Valley are concerned after the Department of Veterans Affairs cut 1,000 of its employees late last week.

According to the VA, these layoffs will save the department more than $98 million. These funds will be redirected towards veteran care, services, and benefits. 

The VA also says more than 43,000 employees currently work for the department, the majority of whom are exempt from the cuts because of their 'mission-critical' roles. 

James Rothblatt, a Vietnam War veteran, says his experience with the VA has been positive in the past.

"The VA health care system has been very good to me and to many of the veterans that I know. And it as good as it is, it's understaffed, as I understand it, and to take more staff away concerns me," Rothblatt says.

Rothblatt is worried that these cuts could be signaling further dismantling of the VA system, explaining, "The government made a promise to veterans that they would provide health care. And I'm afraid now that they're looking to dismantle the VA and turn it over to the private sector."

While Rothblatt says he's fortunate enough to have the option to have both private and VA health coverage, those who rely solely on VA services could suffer from additional cuts.

News Channel Three asked the Department of Veterans Affairs for comment on the layoffs, but they declined our request for comment.