Billboard criticizing VA erected near hospital

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - A controversial billboard is stirring a lot of emotions; it went up near the VA Hospital off 7th Street and Indian School.

It says, "VA is Lying. Veterans are Dying."

Brandon Coleman speaks for the group "VA is Lying," he says he was a whistleblower criticizing the Phoenix VA and has been on paid administrative leave from the VA since last January.

"As a disabled vet myself, I don't expect perfection, but progress if they mess something up, fix it. That is all I'm asking for here," said Brandon Coleman.

FOX 10 watched as several veterans checked out the billboard. Curtis Robertson agreed with the message.

"I don't know, I find truth in that," said one veteran.

Another had no beef with the VA.

"I love it, no problems with it," said another veteran.

Senator McCain says the VA has not solved its poor service problem.

"Frankly I've been disappointed, although there has been some progress in the area of choice," said Senator McCain.

The VA responded to the billboard with a statement; "The Department of Veterans Affairs respects this and any other organization's or individual's right to express their opinion. We encourage anyone with a specific concern to contact our team of patient advocates who work as liaisons for the director's office."

Veterans say they want more accountability from the VA, and they want the agency to listen seriously to criticism. Sen. McCain is an outspoken critic of the VA and has more comments airing on Newsmaker Sunday at 5:30 a.m.