100% Disabled Veteran Forced to Sleep Outside VA Hospital on Christmas
A 100% disabled, paraplegic, senior female veteran was forced to sleep outdoors during Christmas at the Soldiers’ Home, West Los Angeles VA Hospital. Despite being fully disabled and legally entitled to housing and care, she had nowhere to go.
This incident raises serious concerns about how disabled veterans are treated, especially during the holidays. It also highlights larger systemic issues related to veteran homelessness across the United States.
Why This Case Matters
Veterans who are rated 100% disabled are guaranteed care and protection under federal law. When a veteran is left homeless—especially on government-funded land—it signals a failure of the system meant to protect them.
This is not a local issue. The Soldiers’ Home is a National Home, funded by taxpayers across the country. What happens here affects all Americans.
Letter Sent to Federal Officials
The following letter was sent to multiple politicians, oversight authorities, and VA Secretary Denis McDonough:
- A 100% Disabled Veteran—paraplegic, female, and a senior citizen—was forced to sleep outside in the cold in front of the Veterans Administration Hospital for Disabled Veterans at a National Home on Christmas Eve and Christmas night.
- I write to you because this is a National Home, not a California issue. We have attempted to reach Congressman Brad Sherman, but his office has not responded.
- This matter involves constitutional concerns, as the civil rights of veterans—a once protected class—are being violated.
- This is also a taxpayer issue. The nation contributes to the $1.3 billion budget allocated to this National Home to provide services to veterans. Instead, veterans are being placed in kennel-like outdoor encampments without toilets, water, or ADA-required facilities.
- War bullets do not require a zip code. I ask that you contact your peers and help expose this tragedy immediately.
- This letter will also be sent to Congressman Brad Sherman and Congressman Ted Lieu. They bear responsibility for allowing what may be the worst government land scandal in U.S. history.
- Please inform me when this information has been forwarded.
Veteran Homelessness and Federal Responsibility
This case reflects a broader crisis of veteran homelessness nationwide. Disabled veterans have legal rights under federal law, including access to housing and ADA-compliant facilities. When those rights are ignored, accountability is required.
Author Information
Written by: Francisco Juarez
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Organization: AGIF – EL CAMINO REAL FORUM, INC.
“Dr. Hector P. Garcia had it right.”
Recipients of the Letter
The letter was sent to the following officials:
- John Alford — john.alford@mail.house.gov
- Scott Abrams — scott.abrams@mail.house.gov
- Representative Ted Lieu — ca33tlima@mail.house.gov
- Ben Allen — ben.allen@sen.ca.gov
- Denis McDonough — denis.mcdonough@va.gov
- Michael J. Missal — michael.missal@va.gov
Events Following Public Exposure
After this story became public, a meeting took place involving Melody, Director Merchant, Rebecca Ricci, and Omar from Village For Vets.
The nonprofit placed Melody in a Best Western hotel over 20 miles away. Shortly after booking, Melody reported that she would not have access to a usable restroom.
This situation raises serious concerns. An independent audit of Village For Vets is urgently needed. These events highlight why third-party programs and HUD-VASH must be removed from the West Los Angeles VA Soldiers’ Home.
Why Disabled Veteran Homelessness at the Soldiers’ Home Matters
Disabled veteran homelessness is not only a housing issue. It is a civil rights issue.
Veterans with severe disabilities rely on the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical care, safe shelter, ADA-compliant accommodations, and emergency assistance. When a 100% disabled veteran sleeps outside a VA hospital, compliance with disability protections and veteran care obligations must be questioned.
Rights of Disabled Veterans Under Federal Law
Disabled veterans are protected under multiple federal laws, including:
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Federal veteran housing statutes
These laws require reasonable accommodations, access to facilities, and non-discrimination in government-provided services. When a paraplegic veteran cannot access safe shelter near a VA medical facility, enforcement of these protections is called into question.
Resolution to Address Corruption at the National Soldiers’ Home
Los Angeles has been labeled the Nation’s Capital of Veteran Homelessness and Suicide. The National Soldiers’ Home—over 900 acres of deed-restricted federal land—was donated in 1888 to serve only as a home for disabled and homeless veterans.
Urgent Actions Required
- Enforce deed-restricted land use mandates requiring permanent use as a home for disabled, homeless, and unemployed veterans
- Enforce the “Valentini v. Shinseki” federal court order to remove third-party land users
- Cease HUD-VASH operations at the National Soldiers’ Home
- Restore Congressionally Chartered Veteran Service Organization advocacy
- Resume investigation and prosecution of federal law violations at the Soldiers’ Home
Call for Congressional Inquiry
In support of these demands, a Congressional Inquiry is urgently needed to review land use violations, third-party misuse, and failures in veteran care at the National Soldiers’ Home.
In support of these points.
I advocate for a Congressional Inquiry. This inquiry will review these demands and declarations to ensure justice and proper care for our Veterans.
Final Statement
No disabled veteran should ever have to sleep outside a Soldiers’ Home or VA hospital—especially on Christmas.
This story underscores why transparency, accountability, and enforcement of veteran protections matter. As long as disabled veterans face homelessness, these stories deserve attention, documentation, and action.
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