Watch VA: The Human Cost of War

VA: The Human Cost of War is a powerful documentary that explores the issues of veterans’ healthcare and the difficulties they face in receiving proper medical attention from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The film features interviews with various veterans, and their families, who share their personal experiences with the VA system, offering an intimate look at the challenges that they face.

The film is directed by Ric Burns, who has won multiple awards for his work, including seven Emmy Awards. In VA: The Human Cost of War, Burns examines the consequences of wars and military conflicts on the lives of veterans and their families. This documentary is an eye-opening and heart-wrenching account of the human toll of war.

The film is anchored by Dr. David J. Shulkin, who served as the secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs from 2017 to 2018. Dr. Shulkin provides a candid assessment of the problems that the VA is grappling with and provides insight into the work being done to improve the system. He is joined by Beto O'Rourke, a former Texas congressman, who also shares his experiences working with veterans and advocating for their rights.

Throughout the documentary, we are introduced to several veterans, each of whom has a unique story to tell. These veterans come from different backgrounds and served in various wars and conflicts, including the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Despite their differences, they share a common struggle in accessing medical care from the VA.

Their stories are told with honesty and raw emotion, and they provide a window into the difficulties that veterans face when navigating the VA system. They share their experiences with bureaucratic red tape, long wait times for medical appointments, and a maze of policies and procedures that can be overwhelming and confusing.

The documentary also takes a closer look at the impact of PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. We see how these conditions not only affect the veterans themselves but can also cause lasting trauma for their families. The film addresses the urgent need for better mental health treatment for veterans and highlights the work being done to improve access to care.

VA: The Human Cost of War is a sobering reminder of the sacrifices that veterans have made for our country and the struggles that they face in securing the care that they need and deserve. The film sheds light on the urgent need for reform and highlights the work being done to improve the VA system.

While the documentary does not shy away from the difficulties facing the VA, it also highlights the inspiring stories of veterans who have persevered and overcome their struggles. These veterans remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of providing the support that our veterans need to thrive.

Overall, VA: The Human Cost of War is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that offers a glimpse into the struggles faced by veterans and their families. It is essential viewing for anyone who cares about the welfare of those who have served our country. The film is a testament to the courage and strength of veterans and a call to action to provide them with the care they need and deserve.

VA: The Human Cost of War is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes.