Vets unload during hearing on VA

SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- A weekend congressional hearing on veterans healthcare in San Antonio dissolved into a shouting match.

Unhappy vets angry at the perceived shortcomings of the Veterans Administration packed the forum Sunday and shouted down the participants, including Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

The San Antonio Express-News said the vets were, by and large, upset about the long process of giving VA claims approved, something Filner told them needs to be fixed.

Filner said VA patients should not have to prove their conditions were the result of their service, including symptoms linked to Agent Orange. He and his colleagues also told the crowd Uncle Sam was increasing its funding of veterans affairs in general and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in particular.