Sen. Mike Crapo has released his survey of Idaho veterans and their experiences with federal services for veterans; overall, 52 percent of the 924 respondents rated their experiences with the VA as “satisfying” or better, while 27 percent rated their experiences “dissatisfying” or worse. When asked, “Overall, how would you characterize your experience with the US Department of Veterans Affairs?” 17 percent chose “very satisfying,” 35 percent “satisfying,” 21 percent “neutral,” 15 percent “dissatisfying,” and 12 percent “very dissatisfying.” The figures improved slightly from a similar survey Crapo conducted in 2014.

Asked how their experience has changed from 2014, 61 percent of the respondents said it hasn’t. Nineteen percent said it “improved somewhat,” 5 percent said it “improved significantly,” 9 percent said it “worsened somewhat,” and 6 percent said it “worsened significantly.”

Twenty-five percent told Crapo they have an ongoing issue with the VA with which they’d like assistance. The full survey results are online here.

Crapo said, “This survey will drive my veterans policy agenda for the next year as I focus my efforts on reforms that will actually make a difference to our veterans. I will also work to protect and promote the policies and practices that are working well for Idaho’s veterans.”