Typically in this country, African-Americans receive poorer medical care than whites. After a heart attack, black patients are less likely to receive coronary angiography. They're less likely to be referred to a kidney specialist, and to receive surgery for lung cancer. And, black women are less likely to have a mammogram, often because they have no health insurance. It appears, since black vets and their families don't need insurance, and have equal access to VA care, they simply do better.
Luck can play a part.
On the very day his heart failed, George Ray learned a heart was available. He had a transplant, and now, he's doing great. I think it's quite a big advantage to be able to come and get the care we get as veterans. So far, everything's going great for me. I feel better.