Local Widow Encouraged by VA Changes After Heartbreaking Blunder

An Acton widow who was the victim of an “absurd” blunder by the VA said she’s encouraged by sweeping changes to the department.

Suzanne Chase’s husband, Douglas, served in Vietnam. CBS Boston reported he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2011. His wife said they tried to make an appointment at the Bedford VA Medical Center but never received a response. Chase died in August 2012.

In May of this year, Suzanne told CBS she received a letter from the Bedford VA saying her husband could now call to make an appointment.

“It is absurd,” she told CBS. “It made me angry ... it was 22 months too late.”

Making matters worse, Suzanne said she was denied funeral benefits because her husband was never treated at the VA.

The incident happened as the VA found itself at the center of a criminal investigation over delays in medical care for veterans across the country. A recent audit found 23 veterans died while waiting to see a doctor and officialsaltered wait list records to make it appear there were no problems.

This week, federal lawmakers agreed to a $17 billion deal to fix the VA.

Suzanne Chase told CBS she hopes it will help veterans like her husband.

”I think I will be the most excited when the changes get down to the veterans themselves. When they can get an appointment when they need one.”