A couple of weeks ago I was contact by the VA, telling me that they were going to reclassify my training services for Veterans, and that an email with details would be coming. I waited a few days for the email, and when it arrived I was flabbergasted! 22 attachments to the email that they "required" me to fill out and return. Some of these attachments included giving the VA access to bank accounts, and much other personal information.
Currently the VA makes a provider wait for 30-60 days AFTER the training is complete before they pay for the services. The new standard reads "payment for VA approved providers will occur within 180 days after completion of services" What!?! I don't know of any business that can stay afloat with those type of payment terms.
The straw that broke the camels back was a form that would REQUIRE me to accept any individual they directed my way, regardless of the individual's physical or mental disabilities, as well as a requirement for me to "modify any and/or all" of my classes in what ever way was necessary to accommodate each individual. Sorry, although I support and honor our Veterans (am one myself), that is simply not feasible, and based on past experiences with a few individuals sent to me by the VA, is plain dangerous.
With all those requirements/demands, I have decided to withdraw from all VA sponsored training programs. What I will be doing from this point forward is offering classes to Veterans at a reduced cost, free of the intrusive and unreasonable demands. I will be updating my website to reflect the changes.
To those who have contacted me about VA Voc Rehab training, and those who are currently in the process of getting it approved, I apologize.
Ed Caffrey, ABS MS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.CaffreyKnives.net
Wow-that's too bad, Ed. I can't help but feel like all that is just another example of beaurocracy at its worst.
Jeremy
Jeremy Lindley, Apprentice Smith
It is too bad. I have very mixed emotions about it, on the one hand I always looked at it as a sort of "duty" for me to help our Vets. But I simply cannot abide an entity like that having that much control over me and my business. Portions of their "requirements" were just so over the top that I actually called them, just to see if the forms were correct. In the end they just left me no choice.
Ed Caffrey, ABS MS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.CaffreyKnives.net
This is a real shame Ed. The old adage that "No good deed goes unpunished" seems to fit the bill here. I am glad that you are finding a way around the idiocracy.
I wish I could have taken the class at your shop. I appreciate what you have done and continue to do for our Brothers in arms. Hopefully the VA will change with a new President coming in. Good luck!
