The House Veterans Affairs Committee heard testimony Thursday from the parents of a Phoenix veteran who committed suicide 13 months ago. 

Howard and Jean Somers told the panel he took his own life after he was failed by the VA medical system.

“Daniel spent nearly six futile and tragic years, trying to access the VA health and benefit systems, before finally collapsing under the weight of his own despair," the Somers family testimony read.

The Somers say even when the VA doctors are good, the lack of communication between medical professionals who treat soldiers and vets fails the patients.

They blame an antiquated computer system, a lack of continuity of care, and a complete refusal to outsource anything for the VA’s failure to deliver the health care veterans need.