Gordon goes to the frontlines of federal policy-making and healthcare delivery to show how it affects eight million Americans whose military services makes them eligible for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) coverage. She describes a federal agency under siege. Though functioning better than most private hospital systems, the VHA may end up looking like them-- to the detriment of patients and providers alike. -- adapted from back cover

How the VHA works -- Ignoring the facts : the anti-vet agenda -- The New York Times wait-time fixation -- Bernie Sanders and the VHA -- With friends like these -- What kind of patient experience? -- In defense of art -- Chairman Miller interferes -- The strawman document -- The commission's final report -- Not everyone heard on Capitol Hill -- Conversation with a commissioner -- How VHA research saves lives -- Empowering nurses and providing high-quality patient care -- Making PTSD treatment more effective -- The brain at war -- Suicide by gun -- Mindfulness at Fort Miley -- Epilogue : Trump and the VHA.