Veteran organizations say VA bonuses don't pass smell test

Vet Organizations Hit VA Executive Bonuses
November 15, 2011
Military.com|by Bryant Jordan

Veterans advocates said Tuesday it "doesn't pass the smell test" that senior officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs were paid thousands of dollars in bonuses in a time of tight budgets and amid the VA's worsening backlog of compensation and pension claims.

Carl Blake, national legislative director for the Paralyzed Veterans of America, said the VA paid out bonuses averaging about $14,000 to some 240 Senior Executive Service employees last year.

"When times are tight and people are struggling, people don't want to be reminded that some people are going to get bonuses regardless" of performance, Blake told the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
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