Posted on Jan 28, 2026
How would you inspire veterans to support the VA Healthcare System and to understand that it protects us from predatory health services?
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When issues happen that affect an individual, that individual should take proactive actions. But often times, some confuse advocating and speaking out with the VA Healthcare System is bad. This system has many checks and balances in place. The system works well, but the wrong people in key positions negatively affect how the process makes corrective actions. From the time I discharged from active service, acquired state and federal employment, I never considered not having VA Healthcare as my chosen facility. Yes, there have been some blowups, but not to the degree I doubted the oversight and checks and balances in place.
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4E0X1: Public Health
Healthcare Specialist
Healthcare HealthcareHealthcare Administration 4E0X1: Public Health Healthcare Specialist
Posted 7 d ago
Responses: 13
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PO3 Phyllis Maynard I have no desire to go anyplace else except the V.A. They have been great to me and really do look out for me. I hate it when I have to go to Community Care. The level of care in CC is nowhere near the quality I get from the V.A. From what I understand from many Veterans, care isn't that great at all facilities to I am thankful to have such a good one near me.
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PO3 Phyllis Maynard
Cpl Vic Burk spot on! They drag our care until we are exhausted and near dead because they want to revenue a certain amount off each patient and then (physical therapists are dangerous) just as in karate, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapists know how to manipulate the body to cause recurring pain and swelling, how to stop certain functions from functioning correctly. I know it was done to my right leg, I almost caused a deadly car accident when my leg went numb. The therapist created a congestion near my lymph nodes, in order for the VA to approve another 15 sessions, when my doctor sent me for e days of maintenance and new compression garments. This was done to me 8 years ago. I was sent to different lymphedema therapists. But, they all work in concert, as an industry, towards veterans, to keep the cash flow. Once I complained fiercely to my provider, I agreed to take different consults to different contractors, so she could see the pattern. She saw the pattern. But this is the problem. The way the legislation is written healthcare contractors can walk all over VA Administration. Even if the local VA Hospital Directors see suspicious behavior, they cannot override the policy and approved by Congress. So, unfortunately, VA OIG and Congressional complaints come into play. But, I work closely with my Care Providers, to give them the opportunity to see the pattern. I keep pictures and notes. When I file bigger complaints, they do not have my words, only.
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SFC Jerry Teichmiller
I have no problems with our VA Hospital in Birmingham, AL. Have always been treated with respect. Would go to no one else!!!
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Cpl Vic Burk
SFC Jerry Teichmiller - Same here at Mountain Home V.A. Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee
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I have had a decent VA experience and the reason I use them is 1. I have no desire to pay the very expensive fees for private healthcare and 2. Tricare is worse than the VA where I’m at. That said, both the VA and Tricare are good examples of how socialized healthcare is not a favorable alternative. The only thing working for these two options is that they ride on the back of the American system. But ultimately the VA requires patients to know and understand the system, to follow it, and to be very patient. I’m dealing with significant issues with my feet and it has taken over a year to get to the treatment I need. In a few more weeks I should be able to run again without experiencing severe pain. And this is not the only issue I’ve had to deal with too. I can say the VA has some of the best doctors, but the problem is getting to them and hoping the VA allows for some of the more recent treatments. The administration side of the VA is what sucks the most (hence the challenge of getting to the right doctor).
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PO3 Phyllis Maynard
SFC Jo Ann Klawitter without being critical of any one aspect, I will say people make the difference. In the early years, for my life experience with the VA, in the 1990s when the VA was given a facelift and reorganized, the focus was on expert driven care and knowledgeable, qualified personnel. Anything less than putting effective people in any position is a disservice to the patients, the healthcare mission, and the under qualified person el delivering the services. This is why using the avenues that ignite the oversight, to get involved is important.
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Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin
PO3 Phyllis Maynard I get that people are key. The problem is, if we can’t find those people who care and want to help or guide us, we can do country to complain at best. We have no other options if nothing is done. I can’t just go find another provider.
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PO3 Phyllis Maynard
Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin I completely understand, as a former DAV Service Officer. This is the reason I continue to support persons and platforms that will publish veteran concerns. As we get older or even if we do not know how to navigate the system , we work through as best we can because we cannot jump up, or should we, to look for another provider. We paid our dues. The VA Healthcare System was earmarked for us. So, those who are "in the fight and have taken the mantle" we need them to advocate for us. Although, I am South of 50 years old, I still know the avenues to advocate through, I have builded good rapport throughout my life so I know how to find answers, I am able to get along well with people and learn new things, I do not dismiss wisdom , even if the person is 30 years younger than me. Then I mentor the minds that care to learn, to carry the advocacy forward.
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