Why does America have such a dismal track record, when it comes to treating it's war veterans with dignity?

Because the reality of it all is that they can get as many people to serve as cannon fodder as they deem necessary. Only when and if the people refuse to participate will they need to offer more to those that are dedicated,devoted and committed to fighting for the right reasons. Until then we can expect more mistreatment, more short shift, more excuses while they spend trillions for studies of how bee's navigate and offer nothing to the families of those that have gone before. Liberals like intellectual welfare but don't give a dam about those that put their very lives on the line over and over again and again. Good song, listen to Universal Soldier and hear the word.