In a landmark decision for Los Angeles County’s veteran community, a group of veterans has triumphed in an ongoing legal battle aimed at reclaiming a piece of land from federal control. In 1888, the property in question was designated for veterans, but the Veterans Affairs Department has since rented it out to various organizations.
The controversy revolves around a sizeable VA campus in West Los Angeles, where at its peak, 4,000 veterans resided. Now, many of the buildings are boarded up and abandoned, while about 4,000 veterans sleep on the streets of LA. The campus houses a VA hospital but also shares its grounds with UCLA's well-maintained baseball field and the Brentwood School's high-end sports facilities.
A federal judge has ruled in favor of the veterans, expressing his eagerness to see homeless veterans housed on the campus swiftly. He also requested the VA stop leasing out parts of the land.
This long-standing issue took a turn when fourteen veterans sued the government, calling for additional housing for impoverished vets and improved access to necessary care. They're also vying for an end to leases benefitting parties like Brentwood School. Despite the government's attempts to dismiss the case, Judge David Carter, a Vietnam War veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, refused.
Presently, construction of accomodations for homeless veterans is underway on the disputed land. Regulated by a previous lawsuit, over 800 units should be ready for occupation; however, a mere 233 are complete. Red tape is delaying construction, leaving some veterans, like disabled Afghan vet Josh Erickson, homeless.
Judge Carter calls for government departments to cease their bureaucratic finger-pointing. Demanding a swift resolution, he encourages higher-ups to focus on plans to house more homeless veterans.
A crucial clause about this controversial property was quietly eradicated from a bill before the Veterans Affairs Committee after pressure and publicity. The VA is unable to comment on this ongoing case but asserts that ending veterans' homelessness is a priority.
Despite this commitment, veteran homelessness has risen by 7% from 2022 to 2023. Judge Carter refuses to tolerate further delays, aiming for a rapid solution or prepared to take the matter to trial next summer. The ruling symbolizes a significant step forward in combating veteran homelessness and asserting veterans' rights.
