Midmorning With Aundrea - November 16, 2020 (Part 1)

CBS investigates an allegation that hundreds of veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury failed to get a proper diagnosis in one New Orleans VA Medical Center.

We all need a littlecb cbs news is investigating claims about the troubling way hundreds of veterans were allegedly treated at one v-a medical center.

A physician who used to work at the v-a medical center in new orleans claims the va failed to properly evaluate veterans for traumatic brain injuries for years, and said the results were tragic.

Jim axelrodhas more.

Sot wife: he had his gun on his chest, and he would pull it to his head and he'd pull it down.

He'd pull it to his head, he'd pull it down.

She is the wife of an iraq war vet who threatened suicide.

Jim axelrod: how close were you to pulling that trigger?

Vet: i was very close.

I mean, i-- i was convinced that it would be the best thing for everyone.

They asked we conceal their identies - fearing retaliation from the v-a.

The vet - who says he suffered five knockout blows during the invasion in 2003 -- first sought treatment at the new orleans va in 2011.

Diagnosed with p-t- s-d... his wife said her husband's issues went far beyond pychological trauma.

Vet's wife: he's in physical pain 24/7 to the point that he wants to end his life 'cause he wants the pain to end.

When he screened positive for a possible tbi at the va in new orleans, they were hopeful.

But they say he never got the mandated follow- up that would've provided a formal diagnosis and treatment plan for a physical injury.

Vet's wife and it's heartbreaking to watch him at home suffer the way he suffersuffers because he feels like he's not doing enough, he's not trying hard enough, opposed to, "baby this is biological."

Dr. frederic sautter: this is more than a set of symptoms. in 2017, v-a psychologist dr. frederic sautter started to see more and more cases like this.

He dug into the data and something didn't add up.

The new orleans v-a was diagnosing tbi at one quarter the national rate.

Dr. frederic sautter: there were 1,500 that // really needed to be looked at.

So dr. sautter compiled a list of vets who he says screened positive for a possible tbi in new orleans -- but never got the follow-up.

Jim axelrod: what did you then do with the list?

Frederic sautter: i found the people who treat tbi.

Priscilla peltier: and it was a list compiled of veterans who basically had just slipped through the cracks.

Nurse priscilla peltier was on the team tasked with treating tbi at the new orleans va.

Priscilla peltier: there was absolutely no treatment being provided to them.

She and her team pitched a plan to her boss.

Contact vets on the list and bring them in for re-evaluation.

She says his response was unbelievable.

Priscilla peltier: "that is not ou concern.

Lose the list."

Jim axelrod: i'm sorry, what were the last three words?

Priscilla peltier "lose the list.

Jim axelrod: i mean, essentially, you're a health care provider and you're asking to provide care for veterans who hadn't been cared for.

"instead you shut down" priscilla peltier: correct.

How could we not try to do something?

That's why we're there.

That's why we're there.

We took an oath.

I took an oath when i became a nurse.

The doctor who priscilla peltier says ordered her to lose the list, dr. robert mipro is the head of rehabilitaiton services here at this va hospital in new orleans.

We wanted to hear what dr. mipro had to say about how this v-a handles tbis but he declined our request for an on- camera interview.

Cbs news producer: hello, dr. mipro?

Mipro: uh-huh .

Narr: after part one of our investigation aired yesterday& we went to dr. mipro's home.

We identified ourselves.

Cbs news producer: can we ask you a couple of questions?

Narr: but he was still unwilling to speak to us.

Jim axelrod: what is he doing working at the va?

Dr. frederic sautter: i don't know.

Jim axelrod: should he be?

Dr. frederic sautter:from what i know, no.

These problems don't happen unless there's people who are allowing it to happen.

Sautter pressed the v-a to investigate.

In a report, never made public but obtained by cbs news, the v-a found: "ne orleans failed to provide appropriate care&to those veterans with positive initial screening for tbi" the report called for the v-a to ensure vets who did not get proper follow-up receive "additiona screening and treatment."

Jim axelrod: did anybody from the v.a.

Ever contact you and say, "yo fell through the cracks.

Come on back.

Negative.

Unh-uh .

Priscilla peltier: it's a farce, you know?

They're our nation's heroes who deserve the best care you know you're going into some bureaucracy when you enter, but nothing could prepare you.

Jim axelrod: for just how bad?

Priscilla peltier: how blatantly, incredibly bad the denial of care is.

Suggested outcue: in a statement to cbs news, the v-a says it quote "di follow all of the recommendations outlined in the report" - and tha dr. robert mipro "has the ful confidence and support of the leadership team."

Nurse priscilla peltier resigned and filed a complaint claiming she was retaliated against for refusing to "los the list."

Her clai failed, but she plans to re-file.

As for the whistleblower doctor fred sautter retired from the v-a last month, in frustration, after nearly 30-years of service.

Jim axelrod, cbs news.

Every service member.

Every veteran handles coming home differently.

But most look for a way to make a difference in their community.

That's what one kansas man did for himself and others.

"obviously th stressers from combat, tours or just in military -- huge honor - but, it does take it's toll" when army veteran patrick benson came back from serving in the infantry in iraq -- he knew he didn't feel quite right ---- physically or emotionally.

The only place he found relief --- was on the farm.... when he focused on these beautiful thousand pound, non-judgmental animals.

Patrick benson, co- founder and director of war horses for veterans they teach you to feel again -- you can't lie to them ...they sense your anxiety and stress benson knew he just had to share this gift -- so, he started a non- profit called "wa horses for veterans."

What we're doing is just a blessing to be honest with you since 20-15, benson has flown in combat veterans in small groups from all parts of the country to spend a week with the ranchers, horses and most importantly fellow vets ... here on this beautiful, secluded farm in stilwell, kansas.

Going from that world to civilian life -- it is not easy there is no cost to the vet -- transportation, hotel, and meals are all provided.

It's through this time with others who truly "get it --- and the work with the horses that allows them to open up, trust , communicate and just... be present.

I'll be honest, there's a lot of time that a majority haven't been present in a long long time --- vietnam veterans say they haven't been this clear in 50 years benson's favorite part?

Watching as these veterans -- many with no previous experience with a horse or ranch life , just breathe !

You'll watch people literally go -- whooo -- and watch the horse mirror what you are doing of course the pandemic put a wrench on their fundraising plans... and the plans to fly in veterans in as planned in 20-20... but, benson says the need is greater than ever... so, the charity is determined to continue -- and is offering their help to veterans in the metro -- and have started to help local first responders too.

"we're in mor demand now than ever."

Abstract : stilwell, ks -- as we honor those who have served in our military on this veterans day, it's important to pay close attention to their stories and their struggles.

There's a non- profit that helps veterans make the transition from military to civilian life helping to put the stresses of combat or service behind them.

It's called "wa horses for veterans" founde by army veteran as we continue to honor all veterans this months, we salute an extraordinary world war two fighter pilot - who is still flying.

Captain harry moyer is at the controls as norah o'connell continues the series , "profiles i service" world war two pilot harry moyer says there's no better place to be on veterans day than in the sky.

I don't want to say it's ethereal but it's very moving to me.

He still flies every week... including on the day he turned 100 years old last month.

He may be the oldest active pilot in the world -- his family submitted this video to the guinness folks as proof.

Not that moyer much cares about the record.

I think it would probably be a little bit more for my family rather than for me, maybe they want to say grandpa did this or something like that.

Moyer started flying in 1942 with the army air corps and served as a combat pilot throughout the war - including a stint with the famed "flyin tigers" tha defended china from the japanese.

He says his military service taught him discipline and duty... and gave him a worldwide tour.

When you're just a kid out of akron, ohio and you get down to brazil and across the atlantic and africa.

North africa.

Oh, my god, almighty.

Yeah it was pretty amazing.

We think it's amazing he's still flying...but he doesn't.

He says life is about doing what you love, and taking risks.

Just don't sit back and just say, oh, my god, this is too dangerous.

It's not.

//13:44 take a chance.

Captain moyer urges everyone to donate money to charities that benefit veterans.

Just ahead - should you stay or should you