ATLANTA — After a 36-hour inferno that left nothing but scorched earth, the Atlanta VA Medical Center has been rated 30% destroyed, sources say.
Officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs were shocked by the low damage appraisal from the General Services Administration, their fire insurance provider.
“How can someone see such loss and suffering and massively undercompensate the victim?” asked VA Secretary Denis McDonough.
The $10 million payout for the $40 million complex will be sent to McDonough in monthly installments — approximately $800 each month, prorated for weekends and holidays.
Marsha Bradburn, the chief insurance adjuster responsible for the rating, is confident in her decision.
“The hospital could not demonstrate that its destruction completely prevented it from functioning,” Bradburn said, standing in front of the smoldering wreck of a structure that will require years of rebuilding and therapy to open up again. “If the VA disagrees, they can file an appeal that we’ll deny six years from now.”
Geramina Lauderdale, a veteran suffering from both mental and physical injuries she will carry for life, agreed with the rating.
