A lack of handicapped accessibility at the relocated offices of the federal and state veterans affairs departments has sparked concern among staff and some vets.
John Anderson, one of the local administrators for the commonwealth's department of veterans services, said he's mentioned his concerns to his colleagues on the federal side several times.
Anderson pointed to a step on North Jefferson Street, which he said is the most convenient access for veterans to enter the building, as a concern.
"There is a step here which is approximately eight inches. Many of the people that have wheelchairs are not able to get that wheelchair up there," Anderson said.
Anderson confirmed the General Services Administration, an arm of the federal government, arranged for the relocation and picked the space, which is the third floor of the Roanoke Higher Education Center.
"Nothing has been done to correct the problem as of yet," Anderson said.
10 On Your Side contacted the public affairs office of the General Services Administration for comment on Anderson's concerns.
So far no one has returned a message left at the GSA office.
Vets interviewed for this story said the lack of handicap ramp at the entrances to the state and federal veterans affairs offices present a significant challenge to veterans in wheelchairs.
"I can get in and out because of my leg," explained Gulf War veteran, Michael Pyle.
Pyle said he lost his right leg due to cancer related to his service in Iraq.
He now walks on a prosthesis.
"If you're in a wheelchair," Pyle said, "you can't get in and out on this side of the building."
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