VA review describes "corrosive culture" and chronic failures

A review of the Veterans Affairs health care system by a top White House aide has concluded that there are, quote, "significant and chronic systemic failures" that the VA's leadership must address.

The review by deputy White House chief of staff Rob Nabors describes a "corrosive culture" and says VA leadership isn't prepared to deliver effective day-to-day management and is marked by an inherent lack of responsiveness.

The review says the Veterans Health Administration must be restructured and that a, quote, "corrosive culture" has hurt morale and affected the timeliness of health care.

The review also found that a 14-day standard for scheduling veterans' medical appointments is unrealistic and has been susceptible to manipulation.

President Obama ordered the investigation after reports that some VA managers lied about how long veterans waited for health care, hiding the fact that many couldn't get appointments for months.

The White House released a summary of the review following Mr. Obama's meeting Friday with Nabors and Acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson.

The review includes a series of recommendations, including a need for more doctors and support staff.