@barryl You're having a rational response to reality. What person in their right mind would NOT experience stress facing all these nightmares. So the good news iss that you've not taken leave of your senses. You know what you're dealing with. I imagine that the recent staff cuts haven't helped any. I have a friend wh says "I don't feel stress - I give stresss to OTHER people. In a siiuation like dealing with the VA, you might contact your elected representative s - your Congressman and your Senators. If you choose to go this route, I don'tknow whether it will have the results you would like - somsetimes it helps. But at least you would get points in the "Give Stress to others" Column which should offer some sort of solace. At least it does to me. And its lots better than taking it out on our loved ones. Just get your tax dollar' s worth by venting to your elected representative.