VA chief vows to tackle rural health problems

James Peake, the incoming secretary of Veteran Affairs, has pledged to address "systemic" issues that hobble the quality and accessibility of rural healthcare. During a meeting with about 100 Montana veterans, the group told Peake they face months-long waits for appointments, arbitrary rejections of claims and 500-mile trips to receive care. Peake said he wanted to "reach out to rural America" and help those veterans not getting adequate care.