One of the most serious problems facing all veterans today is the lack of appropriate health care. Soldiers, sailors and airmen leave active duty without adequate health care to cover their physical or mental injuries. The department responsible for veterans' health care is the Department of Veterans Affairs. (VA) According to the Department of Veterans Affairs website, “The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a government-run veterans benefits system with Cabinet-level status. It is responsible for administering benefit programs for veterans, their families and survivors. Benefits provided include disability compensation, pension, education, home loans, life insurance, vocational rehabilitation, survivor benefits, medical benefits, and funeral benefits. It is administered by the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The VA, formerly called the Veterans Administration, was established on July 21, 1930, to consolidate and coordinate government activities affecting veterans. The VA encompassed the functions of the former U.S. Veterans Affairs Office, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Pensions, and the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. On October 25, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation creating a new federal Cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs to replace the Veterans Administration effective March 15, 1989 (VA). Veterans' health care has recently been the subject of much discussion in American policy circles. However, most ordinary Americans have little knowledge of this burning issue. Although support for veterans has reached its highest levels compared to other times in American history, veterans need more than support to survive; they are not... middle of paper ... once they are discharged from the military, as many injuries surface years later or go undetected. Can you imagine a future in which compulsory conscription is necessary because young men and women will not join the military? The fight for veterans' health care is one that veterans cannot afford to lose. Work Cited Edsall, Thomas B. “Veterans' Health Care Funds Short by $1 Billion. » Washingtonpost.com. WEB. June 24, 2005. Nardin, Rachel “Health Care for Vets – and Everyone Else” The Boston Globe. NOV 11, 2007: N. Pag. Boston.com. WEB. November 10, 2009.www.VA.Gov.