Brave Solutions: Reforming the VA & Empowering Veterans

America’s largest health‑care system is getting a reboot. New VA Secretary Doug Collins tells former Force Recon Marine Chad Robichaux how he’s cutting red tape and putting veterans first by streamlining claims, shortening wait‑lists, and uniting 170 hospitals into one efficient network.

The conversation covers efforts to accelerate claims, cut wait-times, and create seamless hand-offs from DoD service to VA care for the nine million veterans currently enrolled. Collins also shares initiatives including the 988 Veterans Crisis Line, expanded Vet Centers, and partnerships with faith-based organizations, along with community-care upgrades, stronger accountability for under-performers, and clinical trials of stem-cell therapies to treat PTSD and chronic pain.

Whether you are a veteran, caregiver, or policy analyst, this discussion sets out brave solutions to reform the VA and empower those who served.

We hope you enjoy this interview and, of course, encourage you to engage with us here and on our social channels.

If you’re in crisis, dial 988 then press 1 (U.S. Veterans), or visit https://988lifeline.org

If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help the Veteran's Crisis Line is 24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. Contact the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

Veterans can call MYVA411 (1-800-698-2411) anytime to get assistance with any VA issues.

Doug Collins & VA Links:
Veterans Crisis Line: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
Doug X: https://x.com/secvetaffairs
Doug IG:   / secvetaffairs  
VA on X: https://x.com/deptvetaffairs
VA on IG:   / deptvetaffairs  

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction
05:15 - Size, Budget & Scope of America’s Largest Health-Care System
07:31 - From Chaplain & Congressman to VA Secretary
13:57 - Understanding Today’s Veterans
17:33 - Tackling Veteran Suicide & the 988 Hotline
24:52 - Fixing VA Culture & Accountability
33:26 - Workforce Restructure & Shorter Wait-Times
40:51 - Standardizing Care Across All 170 VA Hospitals
45:31 - Simplifying Claims and Paperwork
49:48 - Community Care vs. Full Privatization
55:16 - Creating A Seamless DoD to VA Transition
1:09:17 - Faith Partnerships & Holistic Therapies
1:24:25 - Stem-Cell Trials & Future Innovation
1:29:35 - How Everyday Citizens Can Support Veterans
1:33:39 - National Cemeteries & Honoring Service
1:41:31 - Secretary Collins’ Legacy & What Resilience Means

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