Tomah VA officials brief Johnson staff on vet’s care

Officials at the Tomah VA Medical Center have briefed the staff of U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson on the care of a Wisconsin veteran who later killed himself.

Johnson said he wanted answers in the death of 29-year-old Brian Rossell of Wausau. Rossell’s body was found Sept. 8 in Lake Wausau. His mother said her son sought help from the Tomah VA this summer and was turned away.

The Journal Sentinel reports the Tomah VA briefed Johnson’s staff on Friday. In a statement, Johnson says he appreciated the briefing but adds he remains concerned about the circumstances of Rossell’s death.

A Tomah VA spokesman has said the facility does not turn away eligible veterans for care.

The Tomah facility was dubbed “Candy Land” by some veterans for its prescribing practices.