Congressman Vicente Gonzalez is raising alarms over proposed reductions to the Department of Veterans Affairs workforce, warning that such cuts could severely impact access to care for veterans in South Texas. In his August 19, 2025 letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Douglas A. Collins, Gonzalez expressed deep concern about the VA’s plan to reduce its workforce by 30,000 employees by the end of September 2025. The Congressman emphasized that these reductions could have devastating consequences for veterans already struggling to obtain timely medical services. As our San Antonio, TX service-connected disability lawyer team knows, access to care is vital for those who depend on the VA for treatment and benefits.
Gonzalez’s letter highlights a growing problem—veterans in regions such as the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend must often travel nearly 300 miles to the nearest VA hospital in San Antonio. The Congressman warned that these long distances, combined with potential staffing cuts, could worsen existing wait times and reduce the quality of care. He noted that the VA provides “countless lifeline services” including cardiology, oncology, radiology, and behavioral health. Reducing staff could, in his words, “amount to a dangerous reduction in the care veterans have rightfully earned.”
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, there are over 23,000 veterans in Texas’s 34th Congressional District, including about 5,000 veterans with a service-connected disability rating above 50 percent. Yet, this large veteran population still lacks a full-service VA Medical Center nearby. Gonzalez pointed out that the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in San Antonio already serves a vast region, meaning workforce reductions could strain its capacity even further. His letter called for detailed answers from Secretary Collins, including which facilities would be most affected and what measures will be taken to prevent increased wait times or decreased quality of care.
Gonzalez, himself the son of a Korean War veteran, reaffirmed his commitment to protecting veterans’ access to timely, quality care. He also sought assurances that critical services and emergency care would not be interrupted. His advocacy underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing federal budget goals with the real needs of the men and women who served our country.
Supporting Veterans Through Legal Advocacy
For many veterans, access to healthcare and disability benefits is not just a convenience—it’s a lifeline. That’s why our San Antonio service-connected disability attorneys work closely with veterans to help them secure the benefits they deserve. The VA system can be frustrating, especially as backlogs and staff shortages persist. Whether a veteran is filing an initial claim or appealing a denial, experienced legal guidance from professionals such as our VA disability compensation attorneys can make a significant difference.
At Glover Luck LLP, we’ve seen how delays or errors in the VA process can affect veterans’ well-being. Our veterans benefits appeal lawyers assist clients in gathering evidence, filing appeals, and making sure that their service-related injuries are properly recognized. Similarly, our VA claims denial attorneys advocate for veterans who have had legitimate claims unfairly rejected, helping them pursue the full compensation they are owed. Veterans facing rating disputes can also turn to our military disability rating lawyers for help obtaining a fair and accurate assessment of their conditions.
As members of the American Bar Association and the Texas Young Lawyers Association, our team is aware of the laws that are hindering our veterans’ ability to exist peacefully and live healthy lives. Our Dallas-based law firm is filled with attorneys who care about the well-being of our veterans. We will do everything in our power to make sure we support veterans in need.
As Congressman Gonzalez noted, veterans have already earned the right to quality care and support. Workforce reductions must not come at the expense of their health or dignity. If you or a loved one are struggling with a delayed or denied VA claim, our team at Glover Luck LLP is here to help. Contact our San Antonio service-connected disability lawyers today to discuss your case and learn how we can support your path to the benefits you deserve.
