Noteboom The Law Firm

Lawmakers Seek to Protect The West LA VA Property

There have been no definite plans established targeting the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) property for sale.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Sen. Barbara Boxer coupled with Rep. Henry Waxman and all signed and sent a letter to President Obama conveying their dissatisfaction with any future plans that would include selling off any part of the West LA VA property. That property houses the single largest VA medical center in existence, which is necessary given the approximately 8,000 homeless veterans in the area.

The 3 democratic lawmakers insist the therapeutic services, housing, and rehabilitative services are necessary for the area. The immediate revenue that would be raised by auctioning off portions of the West LA VA property would not outweigh the "tremendous disservice" done "to our veterans" by eliminating the services it provides.

The greater LA VA Healthcare system services about 1.4 million veterans, and serves specific purposes. This 300-plus acre campus is the "nerve center" of that health care system. Further, local zoning laws limit how the property can be used and developed, which lead the lawmakers to question the value of selling off parts of the medical center, which serves as the "nerve center of the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System."

The federal government is obligated to keep the property for veteran care under the 1887 land grant, which granted the government the property in the first place. The government is currently being sued over misusing the property.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.