Federal Judge to Rule Monday on $50 Million Lawsuit Against Phoenix VA

Closing arguments wrapped up Friday in the malpractice trial against the Phoenix VA.

The judge announced she’ll make a ruling on the $50 million lawsuit on Monday.

Steve Cooper is the U.S. Army veteran who filed the lawsuit.

He walked out of Federal Court in Phoenix Friday hoping for justice.

The Valley veteran knows that no ruling or amount of money will save his life but he wants the Phoenix VA held accountable for his terminal illness.

“Most vets have difficulty getting health care but in Mr. Cooper’s case once they get there they’re ignored,” said Cooper’s attorney Greg Cooper and we think hopefully the VA will be held responsible and it will make a difference .”

All this week, Cooper’s attorneys have been trying to convince a federal judge that Cooper’s stage four prostate cancer could have been easily treated if he had received proper medical care.

The $50 million lawsuit accuses the Phoenix VA of medical malpractice, stemming from a nurse practitioner’s decision not to recommend further tests after a prostate exam showed some abnormalities.

During closing arguments Friday Cooper’s attorneys said:

*What the VA provided was below the standard of care.

*Cooper would have been cured if treated properly.

*The VA’s delays cost Cooper his life.

Attorneys for the VA said:

*The nurse practitioner complied with the standard of care.

*Cooper has gone out of his way to make the VA look bad.

*Cooper is in remission and looks good.

Patton told the judge that Cooper has less than five years to live.

A number of fellow veterans and their families came out to support Cooper during the trial.

“I have a son that served, and a nephew that served,” said veteran Steven Shockme. “It was important to be here.”

“I’m hoping it’s a win for Steve and a win for other veterans,” said Jill Ballion, whose father was a U.S. veteran.