THE CONN ACT
THE CONN ACT
The Issue
My name is Trisha Conn-Lemuz, and I am the daughter of Sgt. Richard Andrew Conn, a Vietnam War veteran awarded the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor. My father served honorably in Vietnam, Germany, and multiple U.S. bases, where he was likely exposed to Agent Orange, asbestos, and other toxic substances common to that era. He worked as a cannoneer, fire-control specialist, sharpshooter, and ammunition-supply sergeant. After eight years in uniform, he spent eleven more years delivering medications for a local pharmacy—continuing a lifetime of service to others.
On September 17, 2024, after decades of complex medical challenges while receiving VA care, my dad passed away.
When I reviewed his records, I observed recurring patterns pointing to system-level weaknesses—fragmented documentation, delayed coordination, and outdated technology that made continuity of care nearly impossible.
This effort isn’t about blame. It’s about modernizing a system so that no other veteran or family experiences these breakdowns again.
⚠️ System Gaps Identified
• Multiple, unlinked charting systems
• Community Care delays and unclear lines of responsibility
• Missed or delayed specialist referrals
• Medication lists not consistently reconciled across systems
• Scheduling delays stretching for months
• Over-reliance on electronic “E-consults” rather than in-person evaluations
GAO (2025) reported: “After three unsuccessful attempts, the Department of Veterans Affairs is currently on its fourth effort to modernize its outdated electronic health-records system.”
This petition addresses national VA-system reform. It does not allege misconduct by any individual provider or facility.
ℹ️ About This Campaign The Conn Act is a policy and reform initiative created in honor of my Dad, Sgt. Richard A. Conn. It focuses on modernizing VA systems, strengthening continuity of care, and supporting families navigating veterans’ healthcare and benefits.
This campaign is not a lawsuit and makes no legal allegations against any individual or facility. It is a civic call for oversight, accountability, and modernization across all VA and federal systems.
Every signature and share raises awareness for systemic change—so that no veteran or family is left without the coordination, communication, and continuity they deserve.
✅ What This Petition Demands —
The Conn Act Phase I – VA Systemic Reform
1. One National VA Charting System – Integrate all records (digital, scanned, DD214s) into one secure platform (Cerner, Epic, etc.), consider AI-assisted uploads and trained staff oversight.
2. Streamlined Scheduling & Community Care – One unified scheduling platform with clear accountability for referrals and follow-ups.
3. External Oversight & Joint Commission Review – Independent audits of facilities using fragmented systems.
4. FTCA Attorney Compensation Reform – Raise or remove the 20–25 % fee cap so families can secure legal representation in malpractice cases.
5. Pharmacy Accuracy & Oversight – Ensure MARs reflect active prescriptions; stop shipment of discontinued meds.
6. Expanded Burial Coverage – Cover costs at any cemetery and allow memorial benches.
7. Discontinue E-Consults for Complex Cases – Require in-person exams for multi-system or terminal patients.
8. Full Dental Coverage for All Veterans – Not limited to 100 % service-connected status.
9. Expand the PACT Act – Add Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and asbestos exposure from U.S. bases.
10. Enhanced MOS-Based Intake Screening – Flag exposures by base, battle, and job duties (e.g., Tet Offensive, ammunition handling).
11. Extended VA Leadership Terms – Longer appointments for Medical Directors to improve continuity.
12. Expanded Caregiver Support – Increase eligibility and hours based on real-life ADL needs.
13. Modernize VA Claims System – Simplify with clear timelines, plain language, and family-friendly tools.
14. Codify These Reforms into Law – Pass The Conn Act in Congress.
Phase II – Federal Family Access & Reform
1.Mandate inter-agency case sharing for veterans/families with multiple claims.
2. Create a centralized claimant-verification system for substitute claimants, executors, and next of kin.
3.Require proof-of-receipt and response timelines for all federal outreach.
4. Modernize certified-mail routing at shared agency buildings (e.g., 810 Vermont Ave NW).
5. Establish cross-agency liaison roles to prevent families from being ignored or rerouted.
6. Require uniform post-death record retention and access—VA and DoD to maintain files at least 10 years with one point of entry.
Phase III – Aging Veterans & End-of-Life Care Reform
1.Expand in-home care programs — including home health, respite care, and hospice — so Veterans can remain in their homes whenever possible.
2. Increase long-term care capacity — including Community Living Centers, assisted-living partnerships, and specialized care for Veterans with spinal cord injuries, TBI, severe pulmonary disease, and complex multi-system conditions.
3. Improve Community Care coordination so non-VA providers have timely access to complete medical records and care plans — especially in rural areas.
4. Prioritize end-of-life planning as a standard part of veteran care — ensuring Veterans and families can make informed decisions about hospice, palliative care, and advanced care planning.
Core Values:
Coordination | Communication | Continuity | Collaboration | Cohesion
The Conn Act is built on these principles to restore trust, reduce suffering, and deliver accountability for every veteran and family.
💔 Why This Matters
My dad never sought recognition, but his legacy—and every veteran’s legacy—deserves a system grounded in Coordination, Communication, Continuity, Collaboration, and Cohesion.
With those principles in place, we can save lives, reduce suffering, and restore trust in the system meant to serve our heroes. ✊
Call to action
📌 Sign & share this petition
📌 Contact your representatives and demand passage of The Conn Act
📌 Share Sgt. Conn’s story so no other family is left behind
🔗 Sign here ➡️ https://c.org/DW2T62mzDp
📬 For Press or Congressional Inquiries
This campaign is strictly focused on national policy reform.
📧 For verified media, legislative, or oversight correspondence related to The Conn Act, please contact: Patricia.Conn@proton.me
670
The Issue
My name is Trisha Conn-Lemuz, and I am the daughter of Sgt. Richard Andrew Conn, a Vietnam War veteran awarded the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor. My father served honorably in Vietnam, Germany, and multiple U.S. bases, where he was likely exposed to Agent Orange, asbestos, and other toxic substances common to that era. He worked as a cannoneer, fire-control specialist, sharpshooter, and ammunition-supply sergeant. After eight years in uniform, he spent eleven more years delivering medications for a local pharmacy—continuing a lifetime of service to others.
On September 17, 2024, after decades of complex medical challenges while receiving VA care, my dad passed away.
When I reviewed his records, I observed recurring patterns pointing to system-level weaknesses—fragmented documentation, delayed coordination, and outdated technology that made continuity of care nearly impossible.
This effort isn’t about blame. It’s about modernizing a system so that no other veteran or family experiences these breakdowns again.
⚠️ System Gaps Identified
• Multiple, unlinked charting systems
• Community Care delays and unclear lines of responsibility
• Missed or delayed specialist referrals
• Medication lists not consistently reconciled across systems
• Scheduling delays stretching for months
• Over-reliance on electronic “E-consults” rather than in-person evaluations
GAO (2025) reported: “After three unsuccessful attempts, the Department of Veterans Affairs is currently on its fourth effort to modernize its outdated electronic health-records system.”
This petition addresses national VA-system reform. It does not allege misconduct by any individual provider or facility.
ℹ️ About This Campaign The Conn Act is a policy and reform initiative created in honor of my Dad, Sgt. Richard A. Conn. It focuses on modernizing VA systems, strengthening continuity of care, and supporting families navigating veterans’ healthcare and benefits.
This campaign is not a lawsuit and makes no legal allegations against any individual or facility. It is a civic call for oversight, accountability, and modernization across all VA and federal systems.
Every signature and share raises awareness for systemic change—so that no veteran or family is left without the coordination, communication, and continuity they deserve.
✅ What This Petition Demands —
The Conn Act Phase I – VA Systemic Reform
1. One National VA Charting System – Integrate all records (digital, scanned, DD214s) into one secure platform (Cerner, Epic, etc.), consider AI-assisted uploads and trained staff oversight.
2. Streamlined Scheduling & Community Care – One unified scheduling platform with clear accountability for referrals and follow-ups.
3. External Oversight & Joint Commission Review – Independent audits of facilities using fragmented systems.
4. FTCA Attorney Compensation Reform – Raise or remove the 20–25 % fee cap so families can secure legal representation in malpractice cases.
5. Pharmacy Accuracy & Oversight – Ensure MARs reflect active prescriptions; stop shipment of discontinued meds.
6. Expanded Burial Coverage – Cover costs at any cemetery and allow memorial benches.
7. Discontinue E-Consults for Complex Cases – Require in-person exams for multi-system or terminal patients.
8. Full Dental Coverage for All Veterans – Not limited to 100 % service-connected status.
9. Expand the PACT Act – Add Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and asbestos exposure from U.S. bases.
10. Enhanced MOS-Based Intake Screening – Flag exposures by base, battle, and job duties (e.g., Tet Offensive, ammunition handling).
11. Extended VA Leadership Terms – Longer appointments for Medical Directors to improve continuity.
12. Expanded Caregiver Support – Increase eligibility and hours based on real-life ADL needs.
13. Modernize VA Claims System – Simplify with clear timelines, plain language, and family-friendly tools.
14. Codify These Reforms into Law – Pass The Conn Act in Congress.
Phase II – Federal Family Access & Reform
1.Mandate inter-agency case sharing for veterans/families with multiple claims.
2. Create a centralized claimant-verification system for substitute claimants, executors, and next of kin.
3.Require proof-of-receipt and response timelines for all federal outreach.
4. Modernize certified-mail routing at shared agency buildings (e.g., 810 Vermont Ave NW).
5. Establish cross-agency liaison roles to prevent families from being ignored or rerouted.
6. Require uniform post-death record retention and access—VA and DoD to maintain files at least 10 years with one point of entry.
Phase III – Aging Veterans & End-of-Life Care Reform
1.Expand in-home care programs — including home health, respite care, and hospice — so Veterans can remain in their homes whenever possible.
2. Increase long-term care capacity — including Community Living Centers, assisted-living partnerships, and specialized care for Veterans with spinal cord injuries, TBI, severe pulmonary disease, and complex multi-system conditions.
3. Improve Community Care coordination so non-VA providers have timely access to complete medical records and care plans — especially in rural areas.
4. Prioritize end-of-life planning as a standard part of veteran care — ensuring Veterans and families can make informed decisions about hospice, palliative care, and advanced care planning.
Core Values:
Coordination | Communication | Continuity | Collaboration | Cohesion
The Conn Act is built on these principles to restore trust, reduce suffering, and deliver accountability for every veteran and family.
💔 Why This Matters
My dad never sought recognition, but his legacy—and every veteran’s legacy—deserves a system grounded in Coordination, Communication, Continuity, Collaboration, and Cohesion.
With those principles in place, we can save lives, reduce suffering, and restore trust in the system meant to serve our heroes. ✊
Call to action
📌 Sign & share this petition
📌 Contact your representatives and demand passage of The Conn Act
📌 Share Sgt. Conn’s story so no other family is left behind
🔗 Sign here ➡️ https://c.org/DW2T62mzDp
📬 For Press or Congressional Inquiries
This campaign is strictly focused on national policy reform.
📧 For verified media, legislative, or oversight correspondence related to The Conn Act, please contact: Patricia.Conn@proton.me
670
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Petition created on May 24, 2025