Former Army General and VA Chief Eric Shinseki, seen here applying a therapeutic technique recommended by the phone receptionist “to bide the time” while he waits to schedule an appointment with a doctor.

(2014-05-30) — Eric Shinseki, President Obama’s head of Veteran’s Affairs (VA), resigned today but denied that his departure has anything to do with the scandal which has enveloped the organization in recent weeks.

“The president and I both wish I could have continued leading this important agency,” said Shinseki, a retired Army General, “However, I have some lingering health issues related to my years of military service, and frankly it’s been a bit difficult scheduling an appointment to get the care I need. I leave the administration now in order to devote my full time to solving this problem.”

Shinseki said he’s been “assured” that he’s on at least two waiting lists, “but there’s been some sort of delay in actually getting me in to see a medical professional.”

President Obama accepted the resignation “with considerable regret,” but noted that Shinseki would “still be devoting his full time efforts to making sure that when a veteran needs health care, he actually gets it.”