Posted on Jun 29, 2015
How has your experience at the VA changed with the changing of the guard?
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Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Healthcare
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 170
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I am hopeful. I fell through the cracks in AZ right into a coma and moved to KS where my daughter, a nurse also, was living so she could kind of keep an eye on me. Robert Dole has had some problems but from what I hear they are mowing grass somewhere in another time zone. Which brings me to the present: I rarely see my PCP but have been in need of some specialty clinics the last two years. I could not ask for better treatment from the pharmacy, ER, radiology, neurology, oncology, anesthesiology, and behavioral health. They recently hired 2 combat medics in phlebotomy. I worship the ground they walk on. I have two good spots left: one in my right foot and my jugular. Said medics slide those needles into my fragile hand veins like they are threading needles. There are many other shining stars here now and I would not want to have to start back with a civilian medical team. I truly have timely coordinated professional and personable care and they are being aggressive setting appointments, looking for answers. I used some other services but they were not a good fit for me. There are a multitude of job openings in various locations around the country. Again, I am hopeful.
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Capt Brandon Charters
2d Lt (Join to see), Your story is inspiring and your positive outlook, is even more so. Thanks for asking this honest question. If I can ever help in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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I spent a few occasions with Secretary McDonald and truly belive his intention is to better the VA. That being said he is somewhat limited by the VA's union membership and leadership, a culture that is more willing to bury the truth than to face it, and other general issues that affect someone in such a politically treacherous position. I genuinely believe he is trying, but as with all governmental change, it may be a generation before we see the fruits of his labor.
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TSgt Robert Schultz
I am a VA employee for the past (12) years. Think of the VA this way. The VA is the Military WITHOUT NCOs and WITHOUT low-mid level Officers. That is what you have with the VA system as a whole.
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TSgt Robert Schultz
TSgt Robert Schultz - The VA literally has NO Leadership Training program for front line Supervisors. Folks love to bash the Union and place all the blame there. Let me tell you without any Leadership down on the ground floor, we often have un-trained Supervisors make outrageous decisions that require workers to seek out Union Representation.
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TSgt Dan Decker
SGT Rick Ash - Get a Veterans Service Officer from one of the Military Service Organizations (VVA, VFW, DAV, American Legion, AmVets, etc.) Using a VA employee is an exercise in futility. Their motto seems to be "Deny, deny, deny; Delay until they DIE!"
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SSG Ronalda Frank
The changes are exponential but very few are positive. The reasons are that even though we have had a change at the top the staff in the regions (VISNS) are still the same. They have the same dry policies in reference to themselves and veterans. Most of the regional management is concerned with their salaries and bonuses; the staff needs improved training on laws, and rules according to 38 USC. The
regional attitude is what prevails in reference to customer service.
The, " Treat them, and street them" mentality is still strong throughout the Healthcare system. “These crazy veterans will do whatever you tell them to enroll them in the research study anyway.” The medical staff is not good at listening to patients desires for care. For example, I am opposed to taking large volumes of medication. My PCP refused to acknowledge that my cholesterol medication increases my AC1 readings, and she changed the medications I prefer to use and labeled me a diabetic. This doctor does not listed or research information. She has started a campaign to change some of my s/c diagnoses to some common everyday issue. These are diagnoses made while I was serving on active duty.
At this facility, the priority is on generating insurance claims. Treating for non-service-connected issues. Service connected issues are dismissed, or over looked due to a lack of due diligence on the part of medical staff. I have approximately 15 s/c issues my PCP is familiar with 2 or 3 issues.
The VA Regional Office is bad; I submitted a clam for Sexual Trauma PTSD while in service. While check my eBenefits file I notice the VSO filed the action as having happened somewhere else. This happened to me on active duty. I never received a response on my documentation that was submitted, and they only recently filed the in my folder with no further action required. That is bad. The oversight is poor.
regional attitude is what prevails in reference to customer service.
The, " Treat them, and street them" mentality is still strong throughout the Healthcare system. “These crazy veterans will do whatever you tell them to enroll them in the research study anyway.” The medical staff is not good at listening to patients desires for care. For example, I am opposed to taking large volumes of medication. My PCP refused to acknowledge that my cholesterol medication increases my AC1 readings, and she changed the medications I prefer to use and labeled me a diabetic. This doctor does not listed or research information. She has started a campaign to change some of my s/c diagnoses to some common everyday issue. These are diagnoses made while I was serving on active duty.
At this facility, the priority is on generating insurance claims. Treating for non-service-connected issues. Service connected issues are dismissed, or over looked due to a lack of due diligence on the part of medical staff. I have approximately 15 s/c issues my PCP is familiar with 2 or 3 issues.
The VA Regional Office is bad; I submitted a clam for Sexual Trauma PTSD while in service. While check my eBenefits file I notice the VSO filed the action as having happened somewhere else. This happened to me on active duty. I never received a response on my documentation that was submitted, and they only recently filed the in my folder with no further action required. That is bad. The oversight is poor.
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Personally, it hasn't changed one little bit. The claims processor suck, they could not find a free meal if the table was set and placed in front of them. I have provided tests doctor's reports and letters, copies of my service medical record where they all specifically States that it I have this specific medical diagnosis and they say that nothing is wrong.
I go to the C&P for the physical assessment, the reviewer, a physician's assistant, says that she can't believe that they, the VA claims processor doesn't see it.
All sounds good but talking to the regional supervisor when they called to ask a question I find out that the C&P assessor file her report saying that nothing was wrong with me. That I don't have the problem that I filled the claim for.
NO CHANGE, VA needs to be run properly and heads rolling of the chopping block. NO BONUSES should be paid out and pay cuts should be made at all levels for the next five years.
I go to the C&P for the physical assessment, the reviewer, a physician's assistant, says that she can't believe that they, the VA claims processor doesn't see it.
All sounds good but talking to the regional supervisor when they called to ask a question I find out that the C&P assessor file her report saying that nothing was wrong with me. That I don't have the problem that I filled the claim for.
NO CHANGE, VA needs to be run properly and heads rolling of the chopping block. NO BONUSES should be paid out and pay cuts should be made at all levels for the next five years.
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PO3 Michael James
Love it.. Thanks Chief, appreciate it when an individual has the COJONES to come forward and tell the truth.. similar experience with doctors reports/letters and copies of medical operations.. it SUCKS !!
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