Veteran outraged after allegedly disturbing voicemail from El Paso VA staff

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – A local veteran is speaking out after an alleged voicemail from the El Paso Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System made the rounds on social media, raising questions about the VA’s care and integrity.

Ernesto, a retired Navy veteran who served in multiple deployments for more than a decade, said he was shocked by the voicemail left by VA staff members.

The message, which was not properly unlinked, reported VA employees discussing Ernesto’s alleged “misuse” of services and suggesting he was concerned about losing disability benefits.

“There’s so much going on with the VA that he thinks he’s going to lose his disability. And again, he probably wants travel expenses as well,” an employee reportedly said in the voicemail.

Ernesto, who has been seeking care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) since early this year, says the message was disrespectful and disturbing given his ongoing health problems.

“For the most part, if you don’t enjoy working with veterans, choose another field,” Ernesto said.

“Let us collect what is rightfully ours, without unnecessary research and opinions,” Ernesto added.

After the incident, Ernesto filed complaints with the VA and contacted Congresswoman Veronica Escobar.

In response, the VA’s deputy chief of primary care reached out to provide immediate assistance and apologized.

The VA also issued a statement to KTSM, which reads:

“VA deeply apologizes to this veteran, and we will be contacting him immediately. The lack of care and compassion from these employees is unacceptable. We are urgently investigating this incident and will take swift and appropriate action. Veterans deserve respect and the very best care our country has to offer, and we at VA will never accept anything less from our employees.”

Ernesto says he hopes to meet with the director of the VA to advocate for positive changes in veteran care nationwide.

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