Can the VA refuse to treat a 100% service-connected veteran citing their case as "too complex," and also refuse to outsource them for care?

SSgt Lisa J. Markland — Sat, 09 May 2020 20:19:16 -0400

I have a pretty 'complicated' medical case but the VA continues to refuse at times to even consult with me despite internal VA referrals for the consults. They also refuse to refer me to anyone who possibly CAN help-- or the Mission Act options don't have any providers for the care needed within hours of me. Then they refuse to cover many of the meds that outside specialists suggest, costing me >$3,000 per year out-of-pocket. Is this OK at any level and would anyone have any suggestions for how to get the needed care? This way preceeded COVID-19 issues but continues despite it. I've been told the doctors won't even agree to a telehealth or video health consult at the VA across a few departments and programs. I'd already involved a senator's office a few years back and have made almost no progress. Help, please?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 9 at 2020 11:53 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 09 May 2020 23:53:24 -0400

SSgt Lisa J. Markland I would recommend going to DAV. Sgt Private RallyPoint Member any advice?
https://www.rallypoint.com/organizations/dav-dav-disabled-american-veterans/followers

DAV | RallyPoint

DAV

Response by SSgt Thomas A Tullis Jr made May 10 at 2020 10:08 AM

SSgt Thomas A Tullis Jr — Sun, 10 May 2020 10:08:42 -0400

VA's refusal isn't new but this level is disconcerting. Since a Senator has been involved and results aren't good, that leaves only one choice. Engage an attorney specializing VA issues.

Response by PO2 Charles Tweddell made May 10 at 2020 9:59 PM

PO2 Charles Tweddell — Sun, 10 May 2020 21:59:57 -0400

I think you need to go where you can get the care you need and then get a lawyer and go after the VA to pay for your care! Take your story to the news agencies! Be very vocal about your troubles until you get the results!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2020 4:39 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2020 04:39:27 -0400

The VA is gonna VA. Another reason I'm not a fan of the agency.

Response by SPC Richard Zacke made May 11 at 2020 4:11 PM

SPC Richard Zacke — Mon, 11 May 2020 16:11:26 -0400

SSgt Lisa J. Markland I know it's sonds a little crazy but send the White House a letter with all your complaints. It won't make it to the POTUS but he has a staff just for this. I was fighting the VA for a very complex lumbar back surgery and they kept denying it because of the very large amount of money it costs. Some guy at the VA Clinic told me that he had a simular problem and he wrote POTUS. It took him 6 months for a response but it was a great response The White House team sent a letter to his VA Clinic and told them to get it done!! I sent my letter with all that needed to be done and even a letter from the doctor telling them that I've already had 8 lumbar surgeries and will have more if not done correctly with this new methode using stem cells in cages screwed right to the vertabe 4 levels. On x-ray it looks like a roller coster, it's been just over a year since the surgery was done and the pain was gone when I came to in recovery. It worked so well the VA did my cervical surgery with the stem cells, I needed 4 levels but the VA thinks they know more that the surgeon that did it. I had that one done while waiting for lumbar approval and it was great but my doctor kept telling them I will need another surgery in about 18 months but the VA said NO!!! Well I'm now post-op 1.5 months and so far it's been great. I had this surgery during the corona-19 virus, that scared me more than the surgery itself. PLEASE give it a try, send to 1600 Pennsulvania. I sent mine to POTUS (spelled out) instead of The White House and mine took 9 months until I got a call one day from my VA clinic asking me to please come in as soon as possible to the VA clinic and go to the administraition office. I thought I had done something wrong and was probley in trouble because that's the way my luck is. MURPHY'S LAW and all that. When I got there and gave them my name I was sitting down getting ready for the usual hour wait but before my butt hit the seat thay called me back and told me that The White House has over ridden the VA denial and my auth forms were there and the doctor also got his the next day. Give it a shot you have nothing to lose. Good luck, I'll be praying for you.

Response by PO1 M. Chandler made May 13 at 2020 2:22 AM

PO1 M. Chandler — Wed, 13 May 2020 02:22:42 -0400

Response by PO1 M. Chandler made May 13 at 2020 2:23 AM

PO1 M. Chandler — Wed, 13 May 2020 02:23:19 -0400

I mean no but...can refer to specialist when no body at VA can handle it safely.

Response by SFC Laurie Schultz made May 25 at 2020 7:11 PM

SFC Laurie Schultz — Mon, 25 May 2020 19:11:57 -0400

File a congressional.

Response by SFC Laurie Schultz made May 25 at 2020 7:12 PM

SFC Laurie Schultz — Mon, 25 May 2020 19:12:57 -0400

If the congressional didn’t work go to the media. Also post on Trump’s twitter. Good luck.

Response by PO3 Kenneth Suvanto made May 31 at 2020 10:33 AM

PO3 Kenneth Suvanto — Sun, 31 May 2020 10:33:20 -0400

NOooo, Heck no! See your Senator again! They paid for treatment at Kansas University Hospital for me. Of course they change their rules all the time...bottom line, get a Congress member involved, they usually have Veteran Service Help person...

Response by PO3 Roy Schuelke made Jun 7 at 2020 10:17 PM

PO3 Roy Schuelke — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 22:17:57 -0400

only a very small percentage of the VA's are open.. Dallas has been closed for months!

Response by A1C David Johnson made Jun 11 at 2020 2:36 PM

A1C David Johnson — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 14:36:57 -0400

I’m 10% VA rated, permeant, I have never had them refuse anything, but then I may not have your issues. I do have a problem that with more complex things; they used to tell me, it was all in my head; though more of late, a number of years ago, they said your symptoms are not definitive.

I had a past VA primary care physician not too many years ago, when every he asked what was wrong, and I told him, he would always say, I have that too, no big deal. Some have told me, you should see a VA specialist, then never produce a referral. For basic things that they and see, they take care of; But most of my main problems are auto immune and toxic exposure I figure; too many vaccines from being in Asia during the Viet Nam Era, plus JP 8 jet fuel and herbicide exposure, most likely Agent Orange, but not like the Nam Vets who got sprayed while out on patrol etc

50 years ago faced with its, all in your head, I turned to Natural Health with the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and learned to figure out my own issues and take care of them myself, issues of health and not from a accident or etc.

A 100% VA Vet has a full ride medically; they should be dealing with it. 25 years ago, I finally got my 100%, but it was only after I wrote my Senator and asked them to review my medical file, it came back 3 months later, 100% I had been fighting with VA since I was discharged in 1969. Even the Air Force tried to shove me out with only a General Discharge and no medical disability rating; I found out later they were doing that to a lot of us back then.

It worked in 95 I think because unknown to me, the Senator was on some Congressional VA committee; plus felt the Lord had his hand in too.

Response by A1C David Johnson made Jun 11 at 2020 2:39 PM

A1C David Johnson — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 14:39:08 -0400

I’m 100% VA rated, permeant, I have never had them refuse anything, but then I may not have your issues. I do have a problem that with more complex things; they used to tell me, it was all in my head; though more of late, a number of years ago, they said your symptoms are not definitive.

I had a past VA primary care physician not too many years ago, when every he asked what was wrong, and I told him, he would always say, I have that too, no big deal. Some have told me, you should see a VA specialist, then never produce a referral. For basic things that they and see, they take care of; But most of my main problems are auto immune and toxic exposure I figure; too many vaccines from being in Asia during the Viet Nam Era, plus JP 8 jet fuel and herbicide exposure, most likely Agent Orange, but not like the Nam Vets who got sprayed while out on patrol etc

50 years ago faced with its, all in your head, I turned to Natural Health with the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and learned to figure out my own issues and take care of them myself, issues of health and not from a accident or etc.

A 100% VA Vet has a full ride medically; they should be dealing with it. 25 years ago, I finally got my 100%, but it was only after I wrote my Senator and asked them to review my medical file, it came back 3 months later, 100% I had been fighting with VA since I was discharged in 1969. Even the Air Force tried to shove me out with only a General Discharge and no medical disability rating; I found out later they were doing that to a lot of us back then.

It worked in 95 I think because unknown to me, the Senator was on some Congressional VA committee; plus felt the Lord had his hand in too.

Response by LCDR Stephen Holmes made Jun 15 at 2020 2:35 PM

LCDR Stephen Holmes — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 14:35:40 -0400

The VA has Patient Advocates. Have you requested their help?
Also, if the unavailable care is required (not elective), then I believe the VA would normally refer you externally for civilian care. You haven't been clear about the complexities of your case (perhaps understandably), so it's hard to give specific guidance. Regardless, if you are dissatisfied, the VA has an internal means to move your concern up the chain within the hospital. From your description, it's unclear, and I'm not sensing that you have done that.
I hope you can work with them to get the care you need.

Response by SSG Calvin Grant made Jun 17 at 2020 2:21 PM

SSG Calvin Grant — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 14:21:38 -0400

I agree with SSgt Tullis. I would resubmit my congressional to my Senator's office again and give them a second chance. After that then I would contact an Lawyer who has knowledge of your rights as a Veteran and is familiar with VA laws.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jun 18 at 2020 8:19 AM

Cpl Vic Burk — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 08:19:34 -0400

You didn't say what the issue is but if whatever it has been certified as military related I don't see how they can refuse. If it isn't, that may be another story. Contact the news media and not just local, get a national operations like Fox News, MSNBC, etc. They are always hungry for a story like this. If they interview you make sure you ask the viewers to contact their public servants. Public ourtage isn't something the government wants. It sure can't hurt!

Response by Cpl Bruce Stott made Jun 18 at 2020 8:15 PM

Cpl Bruce Stott — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:15:47 -0400

Welcome to the club. Had a heart attack in 2018, after 2 years they decided not to cover my heart attack! They used a lot of codes why but it seems to me that something else is in the mix.the propaganda says one thing and then there's the TRUTH.
Homeless again.

Response by PO2 John Driskill made Jun 20 at 2020 10:55 AM

PO2 John Driskill — Sat, 20 Jun 2020 10:55:24 -0400

Also send letters to your US Rep in Congress and your US Senators. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jun 20 at 2020 7:39 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Sat, 20 Jun 2020 19:39:11 -0400

I have subscribed to VA's OIG news letters for over a decade. The VA tends to be a whole bunch of independent entities, disconnected from their overall stated mission & often times, ignoring the laws made by Congress & the President. The routes you can go to is the Office of Special Counsel (OSC.gov) who may be able to help. There is also you veteran service organizations, lawyers, & even the new media. And even thought the VA is a federal system, at times they have purposely limited their care to what the state they are located in handles. Move to another state & literally the difference in care can be life or death.

Response by PO2 Michael Rickey made Jun 21 at 2020 7:07 AM

PO2 Michael Rickey — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 07:07:35 -0400

Sounds like u r doing everything by the book. Always keep a log of dates and times. Keep pounding at them. Never give up. Good luck.

Response by PO2 Joan Feledy made Jun 21 at 2020 11:52 AM

PO2 Joan Feledy — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 11:52:13 -0400

I hope you get what you need and am very sorry for your issues

Response by Maj Gary Gault made Jun 21 at 2020 3:16 PM

Maj Gary Gault — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 15:16:17 -0400

In this case you should write to the head of the Dept of Veterans Affairs for decisive action. We do have a responsive government; you can quote Freedom of Information Act to see what's up.

Response by CPT Nancy Hudson made Jun 21 at 2020 9:51 PM

CPT Nancy Hudson — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 21:51:34 -0400

Hi Lisa,
Your situation sounds very familiar----it took me 3 years to to convince the VA that I was entitled to receive CRSC for my field training accident----I needed some special/magic piece of paper and was given the runaround over & over & over, but with a great deal of persistence, I finally prevailed. I enlisted the help of a senator but did not find his staffer was of any real help. Of course, the next time I flew to DC to visit my grandchildren and he was headed home to SC on the same plane I had just arrived on, I was able to talk to him personally and apprise him of the difficulty I had in getting his intern/staffer to help me resolve my issue. So you may want to go to your Senator's office and meet with him or her in person, rather than dealing with an intermediary. I also went to my local DAV (also a lifetime member) to enlist his help in helping me obtain the magic piece of paper I needed to get the CRSC---he had no idea what I needed, was very nice and walked me over to another office that wrote the Army for help---they sent me additional copies of my DD 214 with a snarky little note advising me to look through my records at home as I probably had a copy of my DD 214 (yes, at least a 100 copies on hand). I thought that the DAV rep. was clueless but I went along with him anyway just in case he knew something I didn't. I filed an appeal with the appeals officer at the VA Administration office in the town where I live, and that finally helped; however, I should clarify that I am an RN and he happened to be the husband of one of my RN colleagues and long-term nursing friend, which is how I happened to get his personal cell phone number and direct access to him.
My advice is write your congressman---every one in your state, write the President, contact the Inspector General----be persistent. Some VA's are much better than others---I can say that as a Veteran who has used the services at 3 different VA's as well was an employee at the VA and has first-hand knowledge of how things work internally. You may have go to another VA.
When I got hurt, I went to medical records at Brooke Army Medical Center and requested a complete & total copy of my records----the lady kept asking why I wanted it as they don't usually do this---I went over FOIA and my right to request and receive a copy of my records, and offered to pay the going rate for copying my records; she went round & round & round with me, and nothing I said influenced her. Fortunately, at that time, I was a resident of a state where our Senator was very much a champion of his constituents. When I finally said, did I happen to mention to you that I am a resident of SC and my Senator is Strom Thurmond? She replied, I'll have those records for you tomorrow. With an election coming up, this might be a good time to visit your senator in person!
Write POTUS! He has made some long-needed changes in the VA system and I bet he would help you if he knew the situation.
Good luck & let us know how things work out!
Nancy Hudson, CPT/AUS/RET

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Jun 22 at 2020 5:50 AM

SGT Michael Hearn — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 05:50:20 -0400

If the VA refuses to treat you call you congressmen

Response by SMSgt Sheila Berg made Jun 22 at 2020 10:45 AM

SMSgt Sheila Berg — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 10:45:17 -0400

They will try if you don't push back! Contact your Congressman! Now tactic of forcing Vets to have a telehealth conference for hands on treatment such as injections, Xrays etc.

Response by MSG Biran Colwell made Jun 22 at 2020 11:04 AM

MSG Biran Colwell — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 11:04:00 -0400

SSgt Lisa Markland At 100% you should have Tricare if (Retired) & Medicare. So if you do, Go to a out side source to get better treatment, I do. I agree with SPC Richard Zacke contact The White House and let them know what is going on with your case. Sorry to say But the VA is still BROKEN in some areas.
Wish you and all the VETERANS fighting this fight get BETTER care from the VA.
God Bless.
(RET) MSG Brian Colwell

Response by LCpl Steve Smith made Jun 22 at 2020 6:23 PM

LCpl Steve Smith — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 18:23:13 -0400

Get Legal Council that specializes in dealing with the VA...If like you say your injury/illness is rated at 100% by the VA and they refuse to administer care for that injury/illness and you wrote your State Senator with no reply then I would get legal help.

Response by Lt Col Bill Fletcher made Jun 23 at 2020 7:28 AM

Lt Col Bill Fletcher — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 07:28:46 -0400

You might try your local Congressman’s Office first. They have assistants who help with this type of problem (and the IRS) on a regular basis. Don’t forget you have 2 Senators, too. Same thing but they might be a little less responsive. I would try the President last. Good luck.

Response by PO2 Ron Harlan made Jun 23 at 2020 10:41 AM

PO2 Ron Harlan — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 10:41:52 -0400

I had to agree with the “squeaky wheel” theory. I can’t tell you how many times over the years I’ve gotten congress involved to get anything done.

Response by PFC Tonya Meunier made Jun 23 at 2020 11:44 AM

PFC Tonya Meunier — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 11:44:17 -0400

You don't have to use the VA you are closest to either. For some reason, I have noticed that each VA functions differently. There are a LOT of Veterans from DC, Williamsburg and NC that have complex health issues that come here to Richmond for McGuire. Travel pay is provided as well as overnight housing, depending on the hours it takes for travel. McGuire has a partnership with VCU and most of the docs there now are VCU docs. Maybe an alternate place of care would also assist you in getting things resolved while you battle it out through the politics.

Response by SFC Javier CruzColon made Jun 24 at 2020 12:09 AM

SFC Javier CruzColon — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 00:09:51 -0400

VA have canceled my two medical Appointments three time already and now they give a new day for December 4. now what I should do now? to wait isn't a good answer.

Response by CPL Bennie Harris made Jun 24 at 2020 3:58 AM

CPL Bennie Harris — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 03:58:43 -0400

I totally understand how r u feeling, I have received many emails concerning video type of doctor visits or vnn virtual networking from the VA and myhealthevet website. When I asked abt it, let's say a month into this Covid19 mess and was told by email by my doctors assistant we don't have this capability as of yet. My thoughts were when? And why are you the VA promoting this now if you don't have it? So I see the hypocrisy in the VA! Just as I see the hypocrisy and phoniness in this so called Christian country so called!!!

Response by A1C Jason Jones made Jun 24 at 2020 7:40 AM

A1C Jason Jones — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 07:40:02 -0400

If you really wanna get them to start making progress write to the President and then call all your local officials and let them know. Then call the news all of them TV, Radio, web whomever will listen get them all talking about your story in an Election Year you will be amazed how fast they can move when it starts looking like they will lose votes.

Response by SGT Lenise Hamilton made Jun 25 at 2020 12:39 AM

SGT Lenise Hamilton — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 00:39:32 -0400

Hi Lisa,
If you are 100% service-connected, you can not be refused service, you are considered in top category when it comes to treatment. However, if they are unable to treat you, for health sake, I would try another VA Location. Be mindful that VA hospitals are not all alike, and you maybe signing your life over to a VA Doctor that has not had their morning coffee, and take it out on someone such as yourself, trust me, I've been in that category before, and had to report the incident to the VA Director prior to her reassignment to another location. I went to my outside doctor and got a clear diagnosis and proper treatment on top of it. I say this to say, be careful when it comes to your health.
Hopefully, your not far away from another VA Hospital where you can get better treatment. If your not getting proper treatment, the attending doctor's are suppose to out-source your care. Don't let them tell you other. You can be out-sourced if they are not able to treat you. I wish you all the best. If all others fail continue to pounce on your Congressman's door. That's what they are there for, don't give up... All the best.

Response by SP5 Paul Renard made Jun 25 at 2020 2:23 PM

SP5 Paul Renard — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 14:23:53 -0400

Our US Senator from Kansas is the Chair of the Senate VA subcommittee. His name is Jerry Moran. He would be a very responsive and valuable resource. Call his office.

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2020 4:39 PM

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 16:39:00 -0400

For a service connected condition the VA cannot refuse care and must refer, at the VA's expense, out if the VA cannot provide care. Ig the refuse file complaints with the VA IG, White House Office of VA Accountability, your Congress person and the Armed Services Committees which have oversight over the VA. Your VA experience should improve.

Response by Sgt Gary Beck made Jun 26 at 2020 3:15 PM

Sgt Gary Beck — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 15:15:22 -0400

I don't know the area where you live but in Nashville Tn. Vanderbilt Hospital has a ward for Vets and they recently performed heart surgery on my Brother-in law and before that hemorrhoid surgery all free of charge. He and I are V.N. Vets and up in our years but I can't see that would make a difference. I hope this will be of some help to you. G.M. Beck/ [login to see]

Response by Sgt Ron Sprague made Jun 26 at 2020 5:31 PM

Sgt Ron Sprague — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 17:31:58 -0400

I would call my congress man and ex plane your side and the VAs.

Response by CPL Linda B. made Jun 26 at 2020 11:58 PM

CPL Linda B. — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 23:58:33 -0400

I too have had some of the same problems with the va's healthcare.
Community Care is an option but does not include transportation and RX.
No video calls available from most va providers it's just crazy.. frustrating and depressing to say the least. Praying for laws that will change that for veterans.
And that there will be consequences for poor health care given to veterans.
on an encouraging note: Hang in there my friend and stand tall and don't let the VA healthcare blues get to you.

Response by Pvt Patrick Bryan made Jun 27 at 2020 9:49 AM

Pvt Patrick Bryan — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 09:49:18 -0400

Please email me directly, I may have info for you, an no thay can't deny you, if your 100%. As you are medically fully covered by the VA for medical care. [login to see]

Response by MSgt Allen Chandler made Jun 27 at 2020 9:09 PM

MSgt Allen Chandler — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 21:09:06 -0400

I really hope there’s more to the story than just what you told. But based on your statements my first act would kill to get it in writing and then I would go to my Coco congressman or senator. I am sure there are 1 million lawyers out there that would love to take this case.

Response by CPT Paul Weiss made Jul 11 at 2020 7:50 PM

CPT Paul Weiss — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 19:50:22 -0400

There is a logical progression to follow here. First, the Chief, if Service for whatever dept is denying you treatment. Next the Patient Advocate at your VAMC. They should be able to add t least explain why you are having problems getting treatment. As others have suggested, use one of the Service Organization reps at the hospital. Private attorneys may help in getting benefits, treatment is a whole different matter.

Response by SSgt Lisa J. Markland made Jul 13 at 2020 1:48 PM

SSgt Lisa J. Markland — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 13:48:21 -0400

I've been so sick for months and apologize for it taking me so long to reply. I'm going to try answering each comment, with great thanks again to all of you for reaching out and trying to help. I'm now connected with a managerial-level vet rep from my senator's office, changing from the last senator who wouldn't even show me the letters they allegedly sent on my behalf over a few year's time, although I've seen no evidence of most of it. I did file a FOIA request directly to the VA to see what they did receive. Fingers crossed this new and very dedicated caseworker might be able to help. She's at least very dedicated to trying and has been very responsive so far. Everyone's suggestions here are awesome! You have all given me some renewed hope and new avenues to try to get the VA to step up. Even the main department chief helping in my care said to use a senator or even the WH Veterans Hotline (he talks to me regularly but has taken months if not years if things are supplied at all, also now fighting with Prosthetics and Pharmacy-- again). You are all wonderfully helpful!

Response by SMSgt Billy Cesarano made Jul 13 at 2020 7:15 PM

SMSgt Billy Cesarano — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 19:15:31 -0400

This being an election year, I would very clearly state the specific issue with the VA you're having trouble with, in a letter to your state and federal representatives. It needs to be something they can act quickly on. If you have an attorney, doctor, or VA Rep, they can help with the wording, to your satisfaction, while keeping on point in language the readers understand best. Being so close to the heart, it is difficult to write effectively by just your hand. Rural states and locations far from major cities sometimes have a great deal of underserved vets and old clinics and others are newly built and wonderfully equipped and staffed. If it's possible, you might find a clinic or hospital that can serve you better at another place or state. That's what I had to eventually do.

Response by SGM Gerald Fife made Jul 13 at 2020 7:47 PM

SGM Gerald Fife — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 19:47:37 -0400

Good response to your problem. Now, If you think you have exhausted all avenues. There is always one more. Your local (or long distance) TV Investigative Reporter. Or you can try it now. Good Luck.

Response by Pvt Patrick Bryan made Jul 13 at 2020 8:17 PM

Pvt Patrick Bryan — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 20:17:49 -0400

If you are in fact 100%, and have registered under the mission act, have been cleared to in the mission act system, have got signed into it, you beei g 100 is your total health care insurance, and covers you even under the ACA.

Response by Pvt Patrick Bryan made Jul 13 at 2020 9:00 PM

Pvt Patrick Bryan — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 21:00:15 -0400

The news agencies don't care about VA issues unless it pertains to Pizt 911 Vets, all the issues taken up by both Committees only relate to Post 911 Vets, We, the Pre 911 Vets get discriminated against by the VA, the WWP and the VSO's every single day, we need to all be treated equally

Response by MAJ John Lavin made Jul 13 at 2020 10:39 PM

MAJ John Lavin — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 22:39:10 -0400

Are you 100% P&T or 100% because of unemployability? Are you seeking help for a Service Connected condition and/or a condition that is secondary to your SCC or is causing your Service Connected Condition to become worse? Do you use the VA Health Care System?

If you use the VA Health Care System, complain to the Patient Representative at your VA Center. Do it in writing if necessary. If you don’t use the VA Health Care System, even though you see a Non VA Physician for the SCC the VA DOES NOT LEGALLY HAVE TO PAY FOR YOUR VISITS TO YOUR NON VA PHYSICIAN UNTIL YOU GET VA APPROVAL TO USE THE NON VA PHYSICIAN. This is a hard concept to accept but that’s the law. If you are 100% P&T you have a much better chance of getting the VA to pay if you are using a Non VA Physician than if you are 100% because of unemployability. If you are seeing a Non VA Physician for any condition that is not affecting your ACC or is not secondary to your ACC you pay and that’s the end of that discussion.

So you have to decide. It’s up to you what to do. If you use VA Health Care, you have a good case. If you don’t use VA Health Care and you want the VA to pay a Non VA Physician for non SCC care it is just not going to happen because the US Code is adamant about who pays what to whom. As to going to a Senator who didn’t help you, go to the other US Senator in your State. Go to your Congressional Representative who represents you in Congress. But remember one thing about seeking Congressional help. A member fo Congress is also bound by the US Code so if you want help with a non SCC issue it’s up to you to solve your own problems with your Non VA Physician. Good luck.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2020 9:53 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 09:53:26 -0400

If you've exhausted the COC upward, try from the top down. Senators usually don't get too involved in constituent affairs, with some exceptions. Your US Rep may help, and try the VA online submission form for a concern, start dialing the concerned VAMC agencies, such as Patient Affairs. A call to the Administrator's Office will gain attention. All the above. If it's legit and your Rep pursues, it becomes a CONGRINT. Those have a stigma that often require action, or a "lotta splainin". If they receive a congrint, you may experience a new sense of concern and urgency with the matter.

Response by SGT Kirk Johnston made Jul 20 at 2020 8:11 PM

SGT Kirk Johnston — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 20:11:22 -0400

What is your case?? No matter how complex, someone out there is going thru the same hoops.
Share and then wait for progress!
KMJ

Response by PO2 Paul Dempsey made Jul 28 at 2020 12:59 PM

PO2 Paul Dempsey — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 12:59:18 -0400

Not sure it depends. Medical Marijuana has been advocated and doctors outside of the VA have prescribed it however it's not approved nor paid for by the VA. That said if your case involves non mainstream treatment and is experimental I not sure it would generally be allowed until proven effective.

Response by Paula Minger made Aug 1 at 2020 10:55 PM

Paula Minger — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 22:55:48 -0400

Are the medications prescribed by Physicians? If so they can be filled at the VA. We also take all prescriptions there and never been asked anything. That’s too much out of pocket!

Response by SSG Mike Busovicki made Aug 21 at 2020 9:36 AM

SSG Mike Busovicki — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 09:36:39 -0400

Obviously, the answer is no. But I would recommend contacting the patient advocate at your VA hospital (they oversee the satellite clinics or "CBOCs" too).

Response by SSG Mike Busovicki made Aug 21 at 2020 9:40 AM

SSG Mike Busovicki — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 09:40:25 -0400

Also, political offices don't know anything either. When VA gets a congressional (or senator, etc.) inquiry, a candy-coated letter gets sent within a required time window about the status. But that's about it.

Response by LCpl Laurence Puco made Aug 21 at 2020 9:52 AM

LCpl Laurence Puco — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 09:52:23 -0400

Have you contacted your State Veterans resource office/officers?

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 21 at 2020 10:45 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 10:45:32 -0400

Are your medications on the VA Pharmaceutical list, if not is there a medication that can be used to substitute for it, in the same class of medications? Which VA is this?

Response by SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee made Aug 21 at 2020 11:33 AM

SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 11:33:56 -0400

If that's the case, the only person you should be talking to is a greedy lawyer, I mean good lawyer. So, stop taking and call a lawyer or VFW or AL or DAV, etc. if you don't want a lawyer.

Response by SSG Mike Busovicki made Aug 21 at 2020 1:57 PM

SSG Mike Busovicki — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 13:57:13 -0400

Search for additional benefits that you may qualify for:
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit-finder?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dr383

Advice on using benefits.gov from You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px_fUfH0l2E

benefit-finder

Response by SMSgt Sheila Berg made Aug 21 at 2020 3:33 PM

SMSgt Sheila Berg — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 15:33:36 -0400

If the Senator is not able to get an answer. Contact the Whitehouse Veterans line [login to see] . Hang in there!

Response by PO2 Harold Ashton made Aug 22 at 2020 5:15 AM

PO2 Harold Ashton — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 05:15:34 -0400

I suggest you get in touch with me to explore this problem. My charity, http://www.RIPMedicalDebt.org, has a special interest in abolishing vet/military unpayable medical debt but also everything that happens upstream that obstructs a veterans rightful access to VA care as a matter of policy.

Homepage - RIP Medical Debt

RIP Medical Debt makes it easy for donors to make an impactful difference in the lives of those struggling with medical debt.

Response by SSG Norbert Johnson made Aug 22 at 2020 5:16 PM

SSG Norbert Johnson — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 17:16:55 -0400

File an 1199 Claim for abuse and neglect. If you are 100% under Unemployable, it is possible you would attain 100% Schedule as well as out of (VA) network health care. I helped a friend with the filing, he gained an additional 60% under 1199.

Response by Capt Emanuele Corso made Aug 22 at 2020 9:38 PM

Capt Emanuele Corso — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 21:38:38 -0400

Write to all of your Congress representatives. The VA cannot legally do this and you should be reimbursed for your expenses.

Response by Sgt Neil Foster made Aug 23 at 2020 1:56 AM

Sgt Neil Foster — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 01:56:42 -0400

You can contact the Patient Advocate at your VA Medical Center

If that doesn't work you, or you don't want to deal with someone at the VA, you can contact your Congressman/woman and talk to their veteran rep. Another option is your county Veteran Service Officer. Keep copies of EVERYTHING... Names, dates, times, what was said, etc.

Regardless of who you contact, you will need to fill out a form to give them permission to represent you. If you think that you need to 'create waves', you can also contact the 'troubleshooter' or investigative journalist at your local TV station

Response by MSG William (Bill) Myers made Aug 23 at 2020 10:29 PM

MSG William (Bill) Myers — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 22:29:32 -0400

SSG Markland,
Thank you for ypur service.
I also would look at your 100% determine if disability or unemploy ability.
If you have a service represenative ( DAV, ARC, VFW,OR AMERICAN LEGION) go to them for assistance. I would suggest DAV. I would contact your House Congressional represenative and or your two ( 2) senators and the President, and get a lawyer.
I did not get past the DAV and they did an outstanding job assisting my case.
As a point there is no difference in this battle as in any battle you want to use the resources you need and be in for the fight.
You have some great info in the resources in responses on Rally Point and we have your 6.
DAV was all I needed.

Response by Audrey Krones made Aug 24 at 2020 10:51 PM

Audrey Krones — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 22:51:15 -0400

Don't give up. Put your foot in the door and leave it until you can sell them on helping you.
If you deserve it you will get it.
Many times it is hoped someone will just quit.
You already did your part now you deserve their part.
Good luck, bless you

Response by SFC Bob Bennett made Aug 25 at 2020 10:42 AM

SFC Bob Bennett — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:42:51 -0400

Contact your congressman and file a complaint, or better yet, contact the White House VA complaint line.

Response by SSgt Joann Peeples made Aug 26 at 2020 12:32 AM

SSgt Joann Peeples — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 00:32:19 -0400

It's all trump's doing...He has everything at the VA....

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2020 8:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:06:24 -0400

I know a VA attorney who works these issues all the time i sent you a request with cell phone please reach me and ill get you in contact with him to help you resolve this he has helped me and many others in my unit with VA issues

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2020 9:00 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 21:00:46 -0400

Facility Patient Advocate or Patient Experience Office should be your first step to get a multidisciplinary team formed around your Patient Aligned Care Team. If that fails, you can reach out to White House VA Hotline: [login to see] to initiate a case vice sending a letter to POTUS.

Response by Cpl Bill Johnson made Aug 28 at 2020 8:23 AM

Cpl Bill Johnson — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 08:23:51 -0400

You mlm ight want to try your congressional rep1st

Response by SPC Robert Dott made Sep 16 at 2020 3:47 PM

SPC Robert Dott — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 15:47:53 -0400

sOMETIMES WE HAVE TO TURN TO OUR OTHER INSURANCE RESOURCES (MEDICARE) for convenience and a second opinion. A second opinion is the way to go always!! B.Dott LPN

Response by Capt Harlan Carvey made Sep 22 at 2020 8:29 AM

Capt Harlan Carvey — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 08:29:10 -0400

The VA can, and has, refuse to treat or acknowledge anything they so choose.
I got out 23+ yrs ago with a disability rating, service connected, and the VA refused to pay me for 5 yrs. My attorney sent in request after request, citing the VA's own processes and procedures, and they refused. Finally, a retired Coast Guard CWO-4 at TROA heard about my situation and wrote the VA rep a "personal" note, threatening to go to the local news station. I had my money in under 30 days.

Response by Sgt Sean Tuckey made Sep 22 at 2020 10:26 AM

Sgt Sean Tuckey — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 10:26:58 -0400

I’d ask for a referral to a VA that does offer that surgery, with 100+ hospitals they do it somewhere if not local if your 100% it shouldn’t be a problem. I live I. upstate NY and had a friend who needed spinal surgery and he went to Bronx VA for it

Response by SGT Thomas Seward made Sep 22 at 2020 11:51 AM

SGT Thomas Seward — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 11:51:20 -0400

What is the White House VA Hotline?
The hotline’s pilot began under direction of the Veterans Experience Office on June 1, 2017, and entered phase two on October 15, 2017.
White House VA Hotline: [login to see] .
Calls are answered by a live agent 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The hotline is staffed by more than 60 agents who have had extensive training on VA programs and services. Most of these agents are a Veteran, military family member, caregiver or a survivor.
The White House VA Hotline conducts immediate warm hand offs for at-crisis risk Veterans needing the services of the Veterans Crisis Line.
Trends identified by the hotline will be used to rapidly respond to systemic inefficiencies and empower VA employees to resolve Veteran concerns quickly.
Veterans should continue to use existing VA customer service hotlines:
* Health Care: [login to see]
* Benefits: [login to see]
* Veterans Crisis Line: [login to see]
* MyVA311 (other): [login to see]

Response by PFC Tiffany Sparks made Sep 23 at 2020 1:20 PM

PFC Tiffany Sparks — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 13:20:53 -0400

Whenever I have a a severe problem with my local VA (where nothing has been done) I send a letter and/or email to the Secretary of Veteran Affairs at the White House. It has always worked.

Response by PO2 John Driskill made Sep 24 at 2020 12:01 PM

PO2 John Driskill — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 12:01:47 -0400

Keep bothering your Senators from your state as well as your local congressman/woman. Write the Prez. You only contact them once, you may be ignored. Be a thorn in their sides. Contact your local TV station about how the VA is screwing you. The TV station can put a bad light on the VA. If it bleeds, it leads. Remember be a pest, the squeaky wheel gets the oil.

Response by SFC Stephen Everett made Sep 24 at 2020 3:38 PM

SFC Stephen Everett — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 15:38:53 -0400

I’m not sure of VA refusing to take care 100% service-connected veterans. However, heard about dealing case-by-case issues when it comes taking care of veterans. I, for one contacted a Senator in my State of supporting and personally handling mine case. However, every Congress as well as, a Senator do not have the specialty to take care of Military Active Duty, Retirees, and Veterans. Unless, they have walked a mile in your shoes. My advice keep pursuing the issue, don’t give up. Furthermore, this information came the Department of Veterans Affair this week on Resume C&P Exams and Disability Compensation 9-23-20, and VA.gov, blog. July 29, 2020. Good luck!

Response by SPC John Gronko made Sep 25 at 2020 10:01 AM

SPC John Gronko — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 10:01:56 -0400

I work for the VA and I'm also a disabled Vet. I've never heard of this happening any where and it definitely not right. Have you tried working with any of the service organizations like the DAV, American Legion, or the PAV?? I would try all of those.

Response by SGT Keith Smith made Sep 25 at 2020 10:25 AM

SGT Keith Smith — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 10:25:26 -0400

Okay. Start at the lowest point and climb up. So patient advocacy is the first step. Don’t expect much from them. This I think for you would be a check the box kinda thing. Then contact your states VA. They may be able to do something. Then contact your states district representatives either your state district senator or state house representative. After that go to federal. I would state with my district House of Representatives Congress person. Then I would contact my state senators and the White House. You may also contact the committees that watch over the VA. Do them all simultaneously so as no one can get blind sided.

Response by SGT Charles Cameron made Sep 25 at 2020 11:29 AM

SGT Charles Cameron — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 11:29:19 -0400

My heart goes out to you...BIG TIME!
We fought for 50 + years for bennies from the results of the Viet Nam War & Agent Orange use. Know why...!?
It was deemed a Police Action" & NOT a "war", so in the VA's eyes, we didn't "deserve" medical bennies. With all our fighting the system...we got what we deserved & died for.
DON'T EVER give up or give in. You were taught to fight for your life, keep doing what you were trained to do. You'll get it. Yell Loud & Speak out!
Sure, it will be tiresome and sometimes seem lost. but YOU WILL OVERCOME.
Remember, "the squeeky wheel gets the grease".
We've come a long way upwards since Trump's been in office in getting our bennies.
Keep on praying & fighting...we know who really ends in the end...and it's NOT them.

Response by Cpl Archie H. made Sep 25 at 2020 1:34 PM

Cpl Archie H. — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 13:34:53 -0400

Having been enrolled in the VA for over 52 years I found out the VA can do anything they want. The VA system wthe the help of many "Veterans Organizations” are expert in babble de gook delays waiting for a veteran to get tired. For instance during the Vietnam war I was in a isolation ward with other combat veterans recovering from very severe wounds. Most are now passed on. Some because of combat wounds left untreated! TBI or Traumatic Brain Injuring is not a new combat injury. I know many veterans with head injuries and no service connection for TBI. Some others with wounds hampering them from fathering children. Only in the last few years has the VA took the challenged to help those combat veterans with combat injuries concerning reproduction. The only way in the end to help veterans is to give all Americans healthcare so the VA healthcare system can get back and focus on what they were mandated to do.

Response by SSgt Ricardo Lugo made Sep 25 at 2020 10:00 PM

SSgt Ricardo Lugo — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 22:00:34 -0400

My case was very complex to and the process was very difficult. My condition is turret syndrome but with the help of God, professionals at VA Hospital and Airforce medical staff; I could receive all my benefits in accordance of DOD directives. Never loose faith keep appealing to God and true the system until something happens in your favor. Never forget the vision of God thru are President Abraham Lincoln; that are nation has to take care are veterans warriors. In God we trust. God Bless America.

Response by Capt Richard Sentman made Sep 26 at 2020 5:29 PM

Capt Richard Sentman — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 17:29:13 -0400

VA Office of inspection general.
My nephew had undergone two failed attempts to remove ivc filer by va doctors.
He was told unless he underwent open heart surgery he basically would have to leave with it. he was in constant pain as the filter was lodged pinching a nerve. He ran the risk of the filter dislodging and potentially dying.
After much research, we found a doctor at Stanford that specializes in removing ivc
filters with a great deal of success.
VA denied approval for treatment at Stanford until we sent a letter to Washington OIG, within a month approval was granted and filter was removed .
Do your own research and find a facility outside of va that may be able address your issues.
If you’re are able to prove to VA that there’s treatment available outside VA, even transportation and lodging should be covered.
If you do write a letter to VA OIG send cc: to your current treating doctor and the director of VA facility.

Response by SGT Mike Ange made Sep 28 at 2020 5:04 PM

SGT Mike Ange — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 17:04:28 -0400

Can we assume you already went to the patient advocate in your local VA Hospital? After 30 years of very mixed experiences I find that sometimes in the VA system the channels do work. If you haven't done this go to the patient advocate - make an appointment and sit down face to face. Be prepared, have notes, be succinct, lay out your case and point blank ask what they can do for you and on what timeline. If you have already done this without success, its time to contact the President's VA Hotline, a congressman or perhaps the IG's office. I'd also consider finding a VFW or DAV service officer to monitor and assist with the process IF you can find one who is passionate and dedicated to his or her job. To your question - assuming your case is accurately and completely represented by the post - Your treatment is NOT OK, it is completely unsatisfactory and somebody needs to square it away.

Response by SGT Jon Creager made Oct 5 at 2020 11:29 PM

SGT Jon Creager — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 23:29:55 -0400

VA has to refer you to the Drs that are not VA. I also had to fight tri west over med cost. Call the White house in the morning [login to see] .

Response by SGT Jon Creager made Oct 5 at 2020 11:32 PM

SGT Jon Creager — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 23:32:09 -0400

I want to add this, my VA Dr sent me to the hospital for MRI on my neck. Once the VA neurosurgeon looked at the MRI, he sent me a list of non va Drs to research.. I found one that they approved and got right in and had spinal fusion on my neck. Nothing but the gas cost!

Response by SGT Jeff Starks made Oct 6 at 2020 4:13 AM

SGT Jeff Starks — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 04:13:39 -0400

A friend of mine had trouble with the VA that seemed endless and hopeless, he found the email of the VA Secretary and cc’d the regional directors he had felt with. Needless to say his problem found a solution very quickly...

Response by SSgt James Atkinson made Oct 6 at 2020 12:26 PM

SSgt James Atkinson — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 12:26:08 -0400

The first step is to get into the VA health care system as a patient, then to obtain the 100% disability rating from the VA. If you think you are 100% disabled, or your health care providers are not inside the VA, then the VA will not formally recognize you until the VA holds a C&P exam, and has a formal "finding" that you are 100% disabled, and they will more or less ignore you healthcare needs, other than emergency needs.

It is a three-step process whereby you first needs to get into the VA system, then be seen by VA providers to get the ball rolling, then attend a C&P exam(s) at a VA facility, have a formal finding of your disabilities, then get the VA to treat those same disabilities.

From the sounds of it, you are being ignored as you have not enrolled int he VA health care system, or you are enrolled but the VA does not consider you to be 100% disabled, but you regard yourself as 100% disabled, or you have a non-VA health care provider who regards you are disabled, but the VA has a certain set of hoops you MUST jump through to be able to access VA healthcare.

The VA does not care how "complicated" your health issues are, they will treat them, but what they do care about is a patient must follow specific procedures to get properly hooked up to the VA health care system.

The VA only pays for meds that the VA prescribes, and your involvement of a healthcare provider who is not in the VA healthcare system complicates the matter even worse. If you want the VA to pay for anything, you need to do so through the VA and not involve outside care providers.

Of course, your outside care providers do not want to lose you are a revenue stream, so they will not be supportive of you moving your healthcare over to the VA, and will often create conflict and drama to try to trick you into not enrolling into the VA healthcare system, but the only way any of this works is when a disabled veteran moves to the VA centric health care option.

The VA does not consult on cases, especially outside cases, and just because you are a veteran does not mean you have gone through the steps needed to access VA healthcare.

Your outside healthcare providers can also recommend medication that they do not have a financial incentive to prescribe.

The Senator or even the President can not help unless you enroll as a patient with the Veterans Administration. If you are indeed enrolled and you repeatedly can not get an appointment, then the best option is to file a written complaint with the Inspector Generals office and let them do their infamous "pit bull routine" on appointment refusals.

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Oct 6 at 2020 11:52 PM

SGT Michael Hearn — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 23:52:19 -0400

OH NO, they can't refuse you they must send you through Community care. If you don't get the results you want have your Congressman on speed dial. WORKS WONDERS/LOL

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Oct 6 at 2020 11:53 PM

SGT Michael Hearn — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 23:53:28 -0400

ANY MONIES YOU SPEND ON A SERVICE CONNECTED TREATMENT MUST BE REIMBURSED

Response by MSG Allan Davis made Oct 10 at 2020 3:22 PM

MSG Allan Davis — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 15:22:58 -0400

Absolutely 100% No but the VA can absolutely flag someone for being to aggressive, violent or obnoxiously difficult. If that happens you may file an appeal but until the appeal is over you may only receive the legally required services meaning they have to see you in the ER nothing more

Response by SGM Willard Burfict made Oct 15 at 2020 1:04 PM

SGM Willard Burfict — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 13:04:48 -0400

Send a brief email to your congress person and they will get to the bottom of this...

Response by CPT Tommy Curtis made Oct 15 at 2020 11:17 PM

CPT Tommy Curtis — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 23:17:13 -0400

I am almost in the same boat except right now they are sending me to specialty care. My primary care doctor however keeps reminding me how many times I have contacted them and been seen this year as if I am a huge burden to them. My lower spine and neck were injured on active duty and this December my neck started giving me problems. Xrays and mri both recommended that a conservative approach was not recommended. My doctor put in a consult for the wrong thing so nothing has been done about my neck, and when they tried to fix the consult they made it for my lower back. They finally fixed the consult but they made me an appointment for the day before I received the letter informing me of it, so it looks like a no show. I'm hoping everything will get worked out but it bothers me that instead of addressing the problem, I get reminded of how many times I used VA. Any recommendations or advice? I dont have outside insurance so I rely on VA. It also bothers me that instead of addressing my neck they keep throwing more prescriptions at me to control the symptoms from the pinched nerves like loss of bowel control. I am just frustrated.

Response by Cpl Dustin Morse made Oct 20 at 2020 1:29 AM

Cpl Dustin Morse — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 01:29:50 -0400

I'm dealing with the V.A. denials myself.
Not for something as major as a back surgery, but it's still something guaranteed in the care provided by the V.A. on their own website.

I'm 100% P&T, and my wife and I decided we wanted to pop out a couple little ones.
I started the process of getting my Vasectomy Reversed back in February before COVID hit the states hard.

I've gotten denial and refusal after denial and refusal.
Surgeons in my area refuse to accept "Medicare Reimbursement Amounts" for the surgery, the V.A. Hospital doesn't have anyone who is trained or specializes in the procedure.

My local Senator is a Dem. and after my initial inquiry for help in June, began ignoring my requests. More worried about the campaign for reelection than helping out.
I called the W.H. Hotline, that got me some phone calls from the V.A. Hospital, but they never called me back.

I've had literal notes from providers inside the V.A. deny my requests saying "The V.A. and Tax payers shouldn't have to pay for this, Veteran should just go pay for the surgery out of pocket and deal with it. ". I found a V.A. Surgeon at a V.A. Hospital that is more than willing and capable of doing the surgery, found all the info on the Travelling Veteran Program, and I've continued to be denied for months now.

What is the point of signing the dotted line, being promised if you get broken they'd take care of you, getting blown up and when you turn to them for the help they advertise on their own public facing website and they tell you to fu*k off?

Response by SSG Brandon David made Oct 27 at 2020 4:11 PM

SSG Brandon David — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 16:11:38 -0400

Contact an attorney that specializes in VA cases, I bet things change then.

Response by SFC Jeff Duncan made Oct 27 at 2020 6:13 PM

SFC Jeff Duncan — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 18:13:32 -0400

You can if need be sue the VA for malpractice, I would hire a Attny with VA experience. I have and excellent VA Attny he works Ga,Al and Tn I know for sure. If you are in one of these areas touch base and I’ll give you contact info

Response by Sgt Steve Gibson made Oct 28 at 2020 5:46 PM

Sgt Steve Gibson — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 17:46:22 -0400

President Trump now has a hot line for vets to call about any complaints against the VA. The number is: [login to see] . I've had to call a few times concerning the VA and my complaint was taken care of within 30 days. Hope this helps ya'll.

Response by PFC Clifford Kelley made Oct 29 at 2020 11:17 AM

PFC Clifford Kelley — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 11:17:30 -0400

I know how you feel! I was given 1 to 5 years about 4 years ago! The only thing that will save my life is an experimental surgery. That has over 98% success rate. But it cost over 1.6 million! So the VA has denied it!

Response by SSgt Roger Burens made Oct 29 at 2020 11:18 AM

SSgt Roger Burens — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 11:18:44 -0400

Lisa, you need to find another senator or even several senators to help you out on this. I have never heard of the VA refusing to treat anyone because of cost and I have been dealing with them since 1974.

First, send an email to the hospital administrator, if you haven't already. CC the letter to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, all of your state senators and representatives, and the Governor of your state. Include details of all of your attempts to get the care you need. Try to include dates and any written responses that you have had with the VA. Contact your Patient Advocate at the VA and tell them your story and give them a copy of your letter.

Be sure to keep the entire paper trail of all of your communications.

If none of this works, get back to me at [login to see] Good luck!

Response by SSgt Roger Burens made Oct 29 at 2020 11:19 AM

SSgt Roger Burens — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 11:19:12 -0400

Response by CPL Stephen Coffman made Oct 29 at 2020 12:23 PM

CPL Stephen Coffman — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 12:23:03 -0400

HELP THE VETERAN THEY PAID PRICE.

Response by SR JayBay ... made Oct 29 at 2020 8:38 PM

SR JayBay ... — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 20:38:09 -0400

Absolutely not, unless his/her is hindered by:
Felonious histories or dishonorable discharge or big chicken dinners or by individual choice, these factors may, often can preclude VA services to ex-military in the US;
Outside of this, any VA doctor, staffer, or provider refusing a 100% service-connected veteran healthcare or other eligible services, due to 'complexity' is derelict in duty, grossly misinformed, acting in bad faith, wrong person for VA employment, and just foul!

Response by SPC Douglas Dimick made Oct 30 at 2020 10:09 AM

SPC Douglas Dimick — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 10:09:23 -0400

1. What is the primary and secondary medical conditions being denied treatment?
2. Do you have a state VSO expert assigned to your case?
3. Have you contacted the VISN Director?
4. Have you consulted a VA specialist/attorney?

Response by Jennifer Legler made Oct 30 at 2020 10:38 AM

Jennifer Legler — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 10:38:56 -0400

I would suggest the Veteran contact the Transition and Care Management Program Manager at their VA. Each VA Medical Center has a team with external contact
Each VA Medical Center also has an office of patient advocates as well as a Director and leadership team who can be contacted for assistance.

Response by Joseph Fisher made Oct 31 at 2020 2:37 AM

Joseph Fisher — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 02:37:42 -0400

That's no good

Response by SSG Sam Jackson made Oct 31 at 2020 3:11 PM

SSG Sam Jackson — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 15:11:28 -0400

I would also strongly suggest you inform your local congressperson and Senator. Don't stop there become the pesky fly they can no longer ignore and give you a meeting. Save as many receipts as you can to get those reimbursed. Keep you head up and don't be discouraged. You definitely deserve this as a disabled veteran. I would strongly find a new VSO the one you have sounds lazy SOB. I WISH YOU WELL.

Response by SSG Sam Jackson made Oct 31 at 2020 3:34 PM

SSG Sam Jackson — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 15:34:43 -0400

Another avenue to explore would be making it go Viral on any network including all social media networks you can find.

Response by Cpl Robert Ott made Nov 1 at 2020 5:43 PM

Cpl Robert Ott — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 17:43:00 -0500

SSgt.Markland,
The phone number that was set up by President Trump to handle these types of problems is
[login to see] . I have used this service and have gotten great results. Please do not give up I fought the VA bureaucracy for more than 27 years for my benefits at 100% Service connected disabled.

Cpl R. W. Ott
USMC 1966 - 1970

Response by SP6 M. R. Teeters made Nov 5 at 2020 1:31 PM

SP6 M. R. Teeters — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 13:31:30 -0500

Go to your CONGRESSMAN not your Senator. Your Congressman represents YOU. Your Senator represents your state as a whole. Keep up the fight, you may have to engage the services of a disability lawyer WITH EXPERIENCE DEALING WITH THE VA.

Response by CMSgt Marshall Ray made Nov 11 at 2020 9:24 PM

CMSgt Marshall Ray — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 21:24:31 -0500

Why don't you try your congressman first. They don't appreciate getting blindsided from above

Response by MSgt Gilbert Jones made Nov 16 at 2020 12:23 AM

MSgt Gilbert Jones — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 00:23:35 -0500

What VA hospital do you go to? I live in the Chicago area and go to mostly Jessie Brown VA Hospital, but also go to Hines VA just down the road if I need major surgery. I have had nine different surgeries done, one major one at Hines for neck and spinal surgery, done with no problem from them. Since you are retired why don't you use Tri Care for Live and get your meds through them?
If nothing else write your congress man and senator for assistance. Good luck

Response by FA Raymond Byers made Nov 20 at 2020 7:45 AM

FA Raymond Byers — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 07:45:45 -0500

You need to get a lawy it is a tort case

Response by PO3 Kevin Anderson made Dec 4 at 2020 3:22 PM

PO3 Kevin Anderson — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 15:22:07 -0500

Weather they can or not...they do. Talk to the patient advocate... they will tell you the same thing in a more polite manner.

Response by SPC Joshua Pruitt made Dec 8 at 2020 5:58 PM

SPC Joshua Pruitt — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 17:58:49 -0500

I am going through this now, I have 3 discharges and I have been diagnosed with PTSD and I have NO BENEFITS, My career is in Limbo and I have been separated from the Military on Temporary Records and I Pray that someone comes and releases me from this HELL that I am in..... :(

Response by PFC David Smith made Dec 19 at 2020 12:22 PM

PFC David Smith — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 12:22:28 -0500

Absolutely NOT!!! 100% means 100%!! They either have to treat you themselves or find someone who can. Talk to your love veterans service Officers about this!! Also, you actually can sue whomever denies your claim!!!

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Dec 19 at 2020 6:01 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 18:01:30 -0500

Do you vote? [HINT: The Congressional Aids check voting records for two things: (1) Are you registered? (2) Did you vote in the last election?] If yes, gather your documentation, COPY IT and sent the copies to you Congressman/or Congresswoman. Also follow-up at you Congress person's local office. Call and make an appointment. Words don't do you any good, YOU NEED DOCUMENTATION!!! To repeat, YOU NEED DOCUMENTATION!!! I would make an appointment sometime after January 20, 2021.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Dec 22 at 2020 1:52 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 13:52:31 -0500

The Office of Special Counsel (OSC.gov) is your better option. A lerrer or email to then works much faster than the white House. Get your Veteran organizations involved, your representative, or even your local new media. I am retired VA RN & a vet who knows how the VA can be. I have been reading their OIG website for about 20 years now & see what kind of complaints they get. The VA has poorly trained people in key positions. Often times their managers got the job b/c they were good at managing & have no idea what their workers have to do. And one can see people who make determinations could be in jobs for 10 years or more that have zero clue on how to do their job. They have been doing it wrong for that long. You never want to be the employee who opens your mouth about long term errors either. You will get in hot water. And despite the VA being the largest healthcare agency in the world, the veteran is often at the mercy of their local VA facility. If you can, see about going to another VA or even one in another state. I read of one case on the OIG site where a vet with liver failure was told he was going to die b/c he didn't qualify for a transplant. So for his final days he moved to another state to be close to family. When he registered at the VA there, they asked him why he refused a transplant, he was still healthy enough to get one. His original VA was going by that state's transplant requirements & not following the VA standard. He got his transplant by the way. Your VA should be sending you outside under the CHOICE program since they have nobody there to handle your case. How dare they just flatly refuse you.

Response by SGT Cosme Arroyo made Dec 23 at 2020 9:41 AM

SGT Cosme Arroyo — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 09:41:45 -0500

I walk in DAV office while they play games on the computer. Dav office is hardly available never in the office under staff.

Response by SGT Lawrence Gubernath made Dec 23 at 2020 6:33 PM

SGT Lawrence Gubernath — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 18:33:03 -0500

You were right in contacting the Executive branch of government, but contact the office of Veterans Affairs, it’s a cabinet position

Response by PO1 James Mullen made Dec 24 at 2020 5:03 AM

PO1 James Mullen — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 05:03:56 -0500

Don’t bother POTUS they don’t answer. I have tried several times no help

Response by Cpl Ronald Everitt made Dec 24 at 2020 10:01 AM

Cpl Ronald Everitt — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 10:01:54 -0500

COLD'N COLDER (NE/IN):Responding by personal article 4.) to the questions of SSgt. Lisa J. Markland "are you kidding" is just my rhetorical question of the situation. For VA,and most especially VA,has you covered as that is what puts the P in Patient Privacy.

Response by SGT Darrell D Spradlin made Dec 31 at 2020 8:49 AM

SGT Darrell D Spradlin — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 08:49:10 -0500

Here is a fast way to get things done . Va # [login to see] . This call goes straight to a top dog of the VA who answers to The President Trump every day. They can and will help you.

Response by MSgt Mayo Sifford made Jan 13 at 2021 2:20 AM

MSgt Mayo Sifford — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 02:20:47 -0500

Have you tried PVA, DAV, VFW, American Legion, and anyone else sitting at a table outside the VA office? Might help.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2021 8:13 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 08:13:34 -0500

If te VAMC you use does not have the specialty you require for care, the only option is to outsource to another provider. They should, however, cover the costs and prescribed meds that are not on the VA formulary. Typically, that would not include meds that are typically OTC or things like herbals or vitamins that you decide to use. Talk to the VA Patient Advocate. Ask them to provide some sort of written explanation for not providing your care. Move forward with that to your Congressman, a VAMC has a very short turn-around on a Congressional response, as little as 5 business days.

Response by Maj Diane Varni made Jan 21 at 2021 2:25 PM

Maj Diane Varni — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 14:25:27 -0500

Actually recommend Disabled AMerican Veterans Association...DAV have people to help and the right contacts to cut thru the red tape. They helped us get stuff quickly from VA...best recommendation we got.

Response by SFC R. Lee Linebarger made Jan 22 at 2021 9:18 AM

SFC R. Lee Linebarger — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 09:18:51 -0500

To be honest, the VA is alot like the IRS. The top brass says and makes promises to appease the masses while hiring and keeping disloyal, incompetent, rude self serving swamp rats. Mind you, there are some exceptions.

My last 2 appts have been telephonic..citing COVID 19 issues,...so how does my doc know how I'm really doing.....they don't.

The VA is broke with no sight of getting fixed anytime soon, just look at Comrade Bidens picks for cabinet positions.

Response by Diane Greco Allen made Jan 22 at 2021 4:00 PM

Diane Greco Allen — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 16:00:48 -0500

I am ready and available to help anyone with complexities related to health issues. You might say I am an ambassador for ADHD FUBAR. GISmart Health Coach and Body Guru!

Response by Diane Greco Allen made Jan 22 at 2021 4:02 PM

Diane Greco Allen — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 16:02:25 -0500

I am ready to serve the complexities of disease with resources outside of the box. ADHD FUBAR and more, your GISmart Coach for Gastrointestinal related issues that efffect the mental health!

Response by SFC Pamela Williams made Jan 23 at 2021 9:03 PM

SFC Pamela Williams — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 21:03:46 -0500

Writing the White House is an excellent idea. How would they know what is going on unless we tell then about the abuse that occurs with the veterans and our treatment. I have written the WH on different subject and I saw a change to that problem. I have written I believe two president but not #45.

Response by SPC Dean J. Thompson made Jan 24 at 2021 8:28 AM

SPC Dean J. Thompson — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 08:28:17 -0500

Try getting a Veterans service officer involved from one of the Veterans service organizations in your area.
We have service officer reps. That work out of our Newington, CT hospital that have been good at representing Veterans.
Was able to get VA Pharmacy consult to get insulin pen instead of normal syringes. Just need an exception request from the pharmacist.
As to the care you need. If VA can't meet the needed care at any of their facilities or within 40 miles of their office then outsourcing would be possible.
You can also locating a patient advocate in your local VA hospital.
Yes, VA is a tough but to crack. Just don't give up.
100 percent service disabled you should not be having care issues.
You can also try contacting VA national at VA.gov.

Response by TSgt John Senior made Jan 24 at 2021 2:48 PM

TSgt John Senior — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:48:13 -0500

If it is a service related injury, then it should be 100% covered REGARDLESS of what the issue is. Even more so if it is from a deployment rather than non-deployed.

Response by PO3 Patricia Miner made Jan 24 at 2021 5:08 PM

PO3 Patricia Miner — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 17:08:48 -0500

Call the White House Veterans Hotline at [login to see] . I have a really complex medical condition too. They've helped me in the past. I've gone to the Inspector General also and had luck with that option. I live in Tennessee and am currently waiting for them to finish my referral to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. You didn't mention if your condition is service connected. Mine is, I have systemic central nervous system poisoning from chemical exposure when I was on active duty. There is no treatment option so they are sending me to a research hospital. I had to fight but it does happen.

Response by CPL Richard Hughes made Jan 25 at 2021 4:54 AM

CPL Richard Hughes — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 04:54:22 -0500

I had the problem with the VA not being able to perform several complicated surgeries. This was due to their non competency in being able to successfully perform the surgeries. I was told and utilized my patient right. To have a second opinion, with subsequent treatment outside of the VA.
This is clearly spelled out and, cost or distance have no bearing on this.
I know this to be true. Because the VA gave me the option of finding a surgeon. Who as several states away. The hey reimbursed my travel expenses as well. What I didn’t agree with. As being denied my reservation at the Fisher house in the city I went to. Because I couldn’t have my service animal with me. That didn’t even make sense.

Response by SPC Andrew Murray made Jan 25 at 2021 5:54 AM

SPC Andrew Murray — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 05:54:50 -0500

Important thing to remember about the VA, when a private insurance lets you die you stop paying them, when the VA lets you die they stop paying you.

Response by PO1 Catherine Reynolds made Jan 25 at 2021 9:30 AM

PO1 Catherine Reynolds — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 09:30:13 -0500

WHITE HOUSE HOTLINE [login to see]

THEY can tell you exactly where to send your info, or give a wake-up call to your VA

Response by A1C Riley Sanders made Jan 25 at 2021 9:51 AM

A1C Riley Sanders — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 09:51:10 -0500

Ssgt Lisa J. Markland:
Would think you would gain some good Canceling from RallyPoint.
Best of luck !
Regards

Response by LTC Mark Beattie made Jan 25 at 2021 10:21 AM

LTC Mark Beattie — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 10:21:24 -0500

I would start with your VA hospital's Patient Advocate office, and if your issue is not resolved, then check out this link to determine how to proceed https://www.va.gov/health/rights/patientrights.asp. I don't know the specifics of your medical problems, but I would not give up on forcing the VA to address your condition.

VA.gov

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.

Response by SGT G Raymond Raulerson made Jan 25 at 2021 2:20 PM

SGT G Raymond Raulerson — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 14:20:02 -0500

The Veteran Service Organizations (VSO's) are not much help as they will tell you we can not get involved in healthcare issues! Find an aggressive and I mean an AGRESSIVE media outlet that wants to make ratings points! Especially a Veterans friendly reporter, such as a T.V. news reporter one who wants to get a primetime news story!

i know this works seen it work here in the Tampa FL area

Response by SPC Robert Dott made Jan 25 at 2021 2:58 PM

SPC Robert Dott — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 14:58:01 -0500

Being 100% fine. Is your back (injury) situation part of your service connected disability rating? If it is then you should park yourself in front of your Service Reps State Office. Lean on them before some mealy mouth Senator or Congressmen. Do you really think in today's climate senators and congressmen are all hyped up about Veterans Care? Where did you hear one conversation mentioned by this administration or the house or senate with regards to upgrading and protecting Veterans? None!! That's what you heard!
Bob D. from Philly

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2021 9:14 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 21:14:56 -0500

Seek intervention from your Congressperson and file an IG complaint.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2021 9:20 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 21:20:21 -0500

Howdy. They can refuse you, but it needs to be with a referral, within one of their out-of-network providers through Veterans Choice Care. I work at a small Payer in MN , and we just took on the claims for the VA. There's also Community Care available through the VA. They CAN refuse the care, medications, and treatment that providers outside the network have recommended you. I would see if you qualify or can switch to Veterans Choice Care and/or partner through VA Community Care based on the state you live in. I would also write to your governor, and compare the local state healthcare statues with what the VA has, and always ask for documentation to be sent back to you ("Please send a written statement in explanation of your decision to deny benefits...") . I know this is extra work on your part and frustrating, but this is also what brings about change. This is why smaller community health plans, and even bigger insurers (Cigna, Blue Cross, United Healthcare) are all taking on VA claims at least to some extent in the states where we can work out an agreement.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2021 9:20 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 21:20:32 -0500

Response by PO2 Michael Henry made Jan 25 at 2021 11:31 PM

PO2 Michael Henry — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 23:31:21 -0500

Don't send a letter to the White House with "Bumbling" Joe Biden at the helm. Given what happened with the NG recently, that says enough. Here is the VA White House number. It's 24/7 and run by vets. They move quick. [login to see]

Response by SPC Sharrea M made Jan 26 at 2021 6:08 PM

SPC Sharrea M — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 18:08:43 -0500

Are they telling you more than it’s too complex or have they given you alternatives. The purpose of the mission act is to provide the care that VA is not able to. Is there a treatment plan currently in place for the issue. I have seen veterans request treatment that the VA provider didn’t agree with due to the treatment possibly causing more harm than good. There is also treatment that VA may not cover. So are they just saying it’s too complex? I used to be a Patient Advocate at VA.

Response by PFC Martin Potashner made Jan 27 at 2021 2:33 PM

PFC Martin Potashner — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 14:33:27 -0500

WHAT ABOUT ALL THOSE RECORDS BURNT UP IN A FIRE IN ST LOUIS ALL I HAVE IS MY DD214 AND ON THAT IT JUST HAS FORIEGN SERVICE

Response by CPO Mike Castro made Jan 27 at 2021 8:08 PM

CPO Mike Castro — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 20:08:31 -0500

Find your nearest VFW Service Officer

Response by SSG William Johnson made Jan 28 at 2021 12:00 PM

SSG William Johnson — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 12:00:10 -0500

Go to DAV headquarters in Washington DC and their leagal team will contact you for more info to get you on track just did that for wife 100% and 48 hours we were getting first call from VA to start resolution. They are your best bet!

Response by LT Tom Grugle made Jan 28 at 2021 6:51 PM

LT Tom Grugle — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 18:51:40 -0500

In addition to the White House, get your Congressman (not Senator) involved. They are more tuned in to help constituents. The VA does NOT want a CODEL (Congressional Delegation) visit.

Response by TSgt Noah Kleugh made Jan 29 at 2021 12:20 PM

TSgt Noah Kleugh — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 12:20:35 -0500

Time for a congressional inquiry.

Response by TSgt Noah Kleugh made Jan 29 at 2021 12:20 PM

TSgt Noah Kleugh — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 12:20:50 -0500

Time for a congressional inquiry.

Response by LCpl Sidney Green made Feb 8 at 2021 11:14 PM

LCpl Sidney Green — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 23:14:22 -0500

Yes, the can refuse. Good news, you can appeal. Pity you left out so much detail though. Have you made any attempt at an appeal? You really need to do that first. Otherwise, trying to get the decision changed will be extensively more difficult.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2021 3:32 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 15:32:56 -0500

VA cannot refuse a Vet for medical treatment

Response by CN Lee Crouse made Feb 19 at 2021 12:00 AM

CN Lee Crouse — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 00:00:59 -0500

Go get it in someone's face and make sure you have the meeting on video, then go to the press. Good luck!

Response by SGT Gary Tob made Feb 19 at 2021 6:42 PM

SGT Gary Tob — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 18:42:36 -0500

I'd get an attorney that is a specialist concerning VA Benefits. It will take a Federal ruling. Most such attorney's do on a contingency

Response by CPO Don Campbell made Feb 20 at 2021 1:53 AM

CPO Don Campbell — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 01:53:26 -0500

My nightmare with VA has been going on since 2001 and my experience is the VA can do anything they VA wants to because they make the rules and police themselves...the veteran is responsible and accountable for everything and the VA nothing...the word "veteran" is just a buzzword certain people use for their own self interests, the people who thank U for Ur service in the grocery store, but better get use to the reality that people may say they care but between 1600 to 0800 on week days and weekends/ holidays you are on Ur own and the first one to slam a door in your face at 1600 is the VA...U have very little voice in your care and its the VA way or the highway...of the 22 veterans who commit suicide daily and I sure that number is low from the actual number but of the 22 based on my own experience I would say 50% the VA was the direct or indirect cause of the suicide meaning VA kicked them out of medical care because they missed appointments or the frustration of being denied benefits pushes them too far.. I had to become suicidal inorder to get help and I wasn't faking it and the help I got was/ is from civilian health care...but people really don't care and attorneys and news crews aren't going to come rushing to U because it's not sensational or profitable and the VA knows this...also the VA monitors this blog...if Ur at 100% and don't have individual unemployability then try for that if U get IU and are deemed total and complete by VA which means permanent Ur at the highest level of benefits/ compensation and still have all Ur limbs...so apply for that but U should go ahead and buy a good medical health plan...if what I have said is hard to believe or U think I have a shitty attitude...if there is any interest to see why I have this shit attitude...I will be glad to post everything the VA had in May 2002...point out the multiple mistakes and incompetence of the phd candidate student who conducted the examination and the negligence of the VA psychologist who never saw me at all but signed it off as if he had...we just recently found out about this so statue of limitations should have started when we discovered this...but I am willing to post everything with nothing redacted and there is some very sensitive information about myself but if there is interest in seeing how veterans are treated by the VA and I would like U to determine if it met the preponderance of evidence or not and also let me know is it me or is it the VA

Response by CPO Don Campbell made Feb 20 at 2021 2:08 AM

CPO Don Campbell — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 02:08:10 -0500

One correction the people who thank U in public are being sincere but they really are in no position to help veterans the people who are in the position to help veterans don't care...never in my life have heard its not my job or we don't do that here so many times is at the VA...if U ever heard someone say that on active duty the person only ever said it once because. They learned their mistake or didn't and were gone...2018 Mcguire veterans hospital Richmond virginia I wanted to talk with the director about quality of care I was receiving and was told at the customer service desk..."you cannot he doesn't see veterans " do U realize what U just said to me...oh and raise the bullshit flag and the police and EMS and even a fire truck will be waiting for U when U get home...I even had the crisis line call me at 0400 about something I posted on one of the VA articles U see on this site...I wasn't slaming the people who show U their appreciation but there is so much crap I got side tracked and didn't complete my thought...Aloha

Response by MSgt Allen Chandler made Feb 20 at 2021 9:36 PM

MSgt Allen Chandler — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 21:36:38 -0500

Just soundsLike the most extreme case Of miss management eight dearlyDutyOn the part of the VA. Have you contacted any of the Veterans groups? At some point you're going to get to the Situation that you just have to go public and embarrass them. Get all your papers and documents together, Make sure you're 100% right And go to your local newspaper or television station. They all have Even pouring at Rose to do these kind of stories. There is no medical diagnosis Called "Too complicated" I know doctor Or a lawyer But this just sounds Like 1 million Dollar lawsuit waiting to happen.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Feb 21 at 2021 9:18 PM

LTC Ken Connolly — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 21:18:47 -0500

Suggest writing to your Congressional Rep. and even one of the Veterans Groups, such as the American Legion. May want to join of them too.

Response by CPL Theodore Moore made Feb 22 at 2021 2:53 AM

CPL Theodore Moore — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 02:53:20 -0500

No...they can't. You need to pursue the chain of command of whoever told you this. I think someone is misunderstanding someone else.

Response by SFC Clifford Brewer made Feb 22 at 2021 7:01 AM

SFC Clifford Brewer — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 07:01:35 -0500

I guess I am behind on va stateside health care on..I live outside of the USA my va care is a little different..they have never denied care for what I was awarded..if they awarded you care for a medical issue they should take care of you I have read about large amounts they paid for veteran medical bill..so you are a veteran who unfortunately did not walk out with a clean health record..I would not give up..good luck..

Response by SSgt Robert Libby made Feb 22 at 2021 9:12 AM

SSgt Robert Libby — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 09:12:05 -0500

The main issue with that even though it is a "Federal Program", it does not work the same in each state. The VA works independently in each state. One would think that it is the same but it is not. If you know anyone who has ever been part of the caregiver program, or who has ever moved from one state to another; they would have experienced this. I moved and I was dropped from care, and wa also dropped from the caregiver program. Had to reapply for both. Once I reapplied I was denied. I was medically retired on 100% disability. Once I reapplied and approved in the caregiver program I went from highest tier to the lowest. In order to just get that I had to appeal to the Director for Vison-1. So, the advice is great. But what works for one of us in one state doesn't always work for another Vet in another state. As each state VA system runs its own way, and follows its own set of rules. The only think they follow the same is the rating system. I would contact the Director for that region. And if you are more than 40 miles from the VA hospital they have no choice but to approve "outside network care". I have 4 back surgeries, I live 2 hours from the closest VA hospital. I get all outside network care, except once a year to see my PCP.

Response by SP6 Bruce Kellar made Feb 22 at 2021 2:35 PM

SP6 Bruce Kellar — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 14:35:24 -0500

Exercise and a positive attitude have a drastic effect on pain issues. They removed shrapnel from me and never complained a second. In the process they placed titanium to help me stand up, it worked after much effort on my part.

Response by SPC EOTrees Myles made Feb 22 at 2021 11:18 PM

SPC EOTrees Myles — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 23:18:29 -0500

I am also a 100% and the V.A. have addressed all my medical issues but the V.A. doe have many flaws but they will work with you and you will be sent to many wrong people with all wrong answers.

Response by A1C Earl Penderraft made Feb 23 at 2021 7:00 AM

A1C Earl Penderraft — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 07:00:34 -0500

My husband was in the Army and he was still in the National Guard when he passed away,

Response by SA Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2021 6:58 AM

SA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 06:58:08 -0500

I sent a letter to President Trump addressed to the White House.
I was very impressed with the quick response I received back from the White House and within weeks held a letter in my hand from Naval-Base Kitsap-Bangor who investigated my request.
I hope this will encourage you.

Response by Sgt Gregg Collum made Feb 25 at 2021 7:49 AM

Sgt Gregg Collum — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 07:49:56 -0500

I'd reach out to a vet that is also an attorney. His name is Brain Lewis, [login to see] . I have never used him and he is out of MN BUT he maybe able to direct you to someone or suggest something that may help you.

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Feb 26 at 2021 12:12 AM

SGT Joseph Dutton — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 00:12:03 -0500

If you have a ligament case then I would write your congress person and even the Secretary of the VA https://www.va.gov/opa/bios/secva.asp#:~:text=The%20Honorable%20Denis%20Richard%20McDonough,11th%20Secretary%20of%20Veterans%20Affairs. I don't know your whole case but I know some has been rejected because they have became Hypochondriacs. I hope this is not you situation.

VA.gov

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.

Response by TSgt Jonathan Nettles made Feb 26 at 2021 8:43 AM

TSgt Jonathan Nettles — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 08:43:32 -0500

Write your US senator or congressman, watch how fast you help.

Response by Amn Dominic Anthony made Feb 26 at 2021 8:52 AM

Amn Dominic Anthony — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 08:52:08 -0500

Email the IG office and ask for help. They have been helpful for me in the past

Response by PO3 Aileen Dodge made Feb 26 at 2021 2:32 PM

PO3 Aileen Dodge — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 14:32:23 -0500

I am normally a very optimistic person, however when it comes to dealing with the VA!!! To answer your question in short form. YES, they can. WHY? Because the VA can do whatever they damn well want to do and no one is around to stop them. Sure get a lawyer, will you live long enough to get your answer? The VA will bet that you don't. Ever hear of the saying "DENY UNTIL THEY DIE"? That has not changed and it applies to any decision the VA has to make when it comes to the treatment of Veterans.

Response by PO3 Aileen Dodge made Feb 26 at 2021 7:33 PM

PO3 Aileen Dodge — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 19:33:21 -0500

I am posting this comment I made in response to another comment made to this post. It has to do with the suggestion regarding calling the Whitehouse Veterans line. And it is about understanding exactly what the role of that hotline is.

Ok, so the Whitehouse Veterans line will take your complaint against a VA hospital or agency. They will assign you a case number. They will make some calls and Yes someone from the VA will get in touch with you about your complaint. That however does NOT mean your issue or problem will be solved!!!! The Whitehouse Veterans line simply looks into the complaint and makes a record of the complaint. They don't actually have the ability to solve the issue you are having with the VA. They DO NOT HAVE THE POWER TO FORCE A VA HOSPITAL TO FOLLOW FEDERAL REGULATIONS OR PROTOCOL WHEN IT COMES TO THE MEDICAL TREATMENT OF THE VETERANS THEY SERVE AT THAT PARTICULAR VA MEDICAL CENTER (HOSPITAL). I know this, I am speaking from experience. The one thing that really irks the hell out of me when it comes to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is that NOTHING HAS REALLY CHANGED!!!! Sure they have made it look like things have changed but the overall attitude toward the treatment of VETERANS is still the same "DENY UNTIL THEY DIE". So maybe they have approved more claims and gotten them through the system. But are they giving the proper medical treatment to all those VETERANS??? HELL NO!!! And the more they deny the necessary medical treatment to, over time that will equal out to fewer VETERANS to treat because the MORTALITY rate of Veterans will increase overtime!!! SO there you go. It's easy to approve a disability claim, and it's just as easy to deny medical treatment to that veteran. Or to cause that Veteran so much stress in seeking treatment that over time that stress takes its toll cutting years off the lifespan of the Veteran!!! And there you have it ONE LESS VETERAN THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO PAY FOR!!!

Response by MAJ James Burns made Feb 28 at 2021 11:59 AM

MAJ James Burns — Sun, 28 Feb 2021 11:59:04 -0500

I'm miffed by this question. I'm 100% combat disabled and I've been so for more than 20 years. I've never been denied treatment by the VA either in Tampa or Houston. If fact, the Houston VA authorized over a year's treatment of a unique abscess over a metal blade implant by a local Chinese acupuncturist. After 15 months, the VA decided removal of the plate might be prudent. There was never any question of the potential complications or meds which might be needed. I've received nothing but quality care through any VA facility I used. They even sent me to a first rate dental team near my home for dental treatment. I've had 45 surgeries in my lifetime to keep this old body running; many done by or for the VA. I'd guess the specific VA centers have various levels of quality care. I've been extremely lucky with care rendered by Tampa and Houston medical centers.

Response by SrA Naomi Hogan made Feb 28 at 2021 5:36 PM

SrA Naomi Hogan — Sun, 28 Feb 2021 17:36:14 -0500

Call the White House VA hotline. They will get things done when the VA is not helping where they should. The number is [login to see] . This number is publicly listed and can be found by Googling "White House VA hotline". You can also try speaking with a patient advocate. I've done that before when a provider was not helping me when I needed help. I got assigned to a new provider. Good luck! I know that has to be incredibly frustrating.

Response by SGT James Colbert made Mar 1 at 2021 8:11 AM

SGT James Colbert — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 08:11:27 -0500

If you have problems s with the VA in general...i would write to Tammy Duckworth, LTC retired, she is a senator on the Veterans and military service committee, she is a double amputee, help pilot, amazing person.

Response by SGT James Colbert made Mar 1 at 2021 8:12 AM

SGT James Colbert — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 08:12:58 -0500

There is a,so a retired colonel who used to run Walter Reed Bethesda, he is the director of the VADC, he could also help

Response by SSG William Hull made Mar 1 at 2021 11:04 AM

SSG William Hull — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 11:04:58 -0500

Although VA is a federal program, it is regionally managed. Sadly some areas provide better services than others, depending on the capabilities in the area. A letter or contact with our federal Representative and or senator often helps.

Response by MSG Allan Davis made Mar 4 at 2021 12:12 AM

MSG Allan Davis — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 00:12:21 -0500

Under Trumps 2018 Right To Choose. The VA must outsource you care to providers you choose.

Response by CPO Jeffrey Bohemier made Mar 12 at 2021 2:56 AM

CPO Jeffrey Bohemier — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 02:56:47 -0500

ABSOLUTELY NO!!!
HELL NO!!!
It’s time for you to take legal action against the VA and/or contact you Congressman and/or Senator.

I’ve listened to years of Trump bragging how he single handidly straightened out the VA. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. I’m a 100% disabled Veteran. Yet for the past year I haven’t managed to get a simple dentist appointment using my earned free dental benefits. The VA’s improved in those areas where they’re under the microscope. But in those areas where nobody’s looking they haven’t done a thing to improve how they service their benefactors. Thus, I use TRICARE where I can. Had I relied upon the VA, I would’ve been paralysed from T12 on down. The VA actually told me that I was “CURED” after I had a pain pump embedded into my abdomen.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Mar 12 at 2021 4:13 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 16:13:02 -0500

I've researched this question since I first saw it come up last year. Every VA rep I've talked to tells me the same thing: "It is not policy for the VA to refuse medical care to a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability." I also asked them about outsourcing and each one of them said that they outsource care frequently whenever the VA can't handle the veteran's care. I spoke to VA reps in Fayetteville, Raleigh, Wilmington, and Tampa when I asked. But also, remember that I said IT IS NOT POLICY...so I wouldn't be surprised if some of them were simply saying F--- NO! That's terrible, BTW.

Response by SMSgt John Lemon made Apr 4 at 2021 9:08 PM

SMSgt John Lemon — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 21:08:52 -0400

When I had trouble I wrote a congressional, my senator, the president, and the patient ombudsman. I almost wrote the director for the VA but my senator came through. The main point being is that we have to take charge. The bureaucrats won't go out of their way to help so we need to use every avenue to take care of ourselves.

Response by Sgt Neil Foster made Apr 5 at 2021 1:11 AM

Sgt Neil Foster — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 01:11:51 -0400

I learned there are SIGNIFICANT differences between VA hospitals in different regions. n 2008 I moved from Southern California, to the Puget Sound area. The difference in medical care in the Long Beach VA and and Seattle was literally POLAR OPPOSITES. In Long Beach, most of the clerical staff had VERY bad attitudes and the care was very poor. Seattle has been outstanding

I'm 70% disabled. Two years ago I was having major problems with my neck... which is NOT service connected (YET). After getting the results from an MRI and other diagnostic tests, it was determined that ALL of the discs in my neck were gon, and the vertebrae were bone-on-bone, and the vertebrae were starting to disintegrate. The Chief Neurologist at the Seattle VA said "You need surgery, NOW! If you get even the slightest case of whiplash, you will be quadriplegic... IF you survive." He went on to say "I do NOT have the skill set to do this surgery, nor does any VA doctor in this region"

He said that he was referring me to University of Washington Harborview Medical center, the ONLY Trauma Center in WA State.

When I asked about the UW Medical Center that was near my home, he said "I would NOT feel comfortable sending you to that hospital. You need a TOP Cervical Neurosurgeon. Harborview is the only hospital in the region that has doctors with the skills you need." My Primary care doctor agreed.

They pushed the referral through, and two months later I was undergoing a 12+ hour surgery to stabilize my neck (with $83,000 of titanium hardware). Ten days in the hospital, and a SECOND surgery one month later, the total costs were over $350,000. Paid by the VA (after a few 'bumps').

Sometimes you have to raise a fuss. I STRONGLY SUGGEST CONTACTING YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE, NOW!

Response by SPC Ted Maltzie made Apr 5 at 2021 5:55 AM

SPC Ted Maltzie — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 05:55:49 -0400

Senator isn't the right answer, Congressional Representative is. Senators pass laws, Congress represents you. I had to get my Congress woman involved in my care, Shaheen D NH
Made appt, saw a 23 year old staffer she was the VA liaison and by the time I finished my long sad story SHE was in tears..... By the time I got home from that meeting I had a message on my home phone from the head of my VA hospital.....Long story short, I got the care I needed and they went out of their way to provide it

Response by LCpl Bob Fisher made Apr 5 at 2021 11:22 PM

LCpl Bob Fisher — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 23:22:44 -0400

My 2 cents as a Patient Advocate. Everything always leads to the Patient Advocates office. File a White House Hotline complaint, it will find its way to the PA office. Call the directors office, you’ll be referred to the PA office. File with your local Congressional rep, it’ll come to the PA. So call your local PA office. If they aren’t doing anything a sl to speak to the their Director. Request a FOIA on your case to see what if anything is being done and act accordingly if not. Best of luck.

Response by CPT Tommy Curtis made Apr 6 at 2021 1:12 AM

CPT Tommy Curtis — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 01:12:41 -0400

I have a very complicated case as well but only because I stay on top of my care, things are getting done. The community care office at our local hospital is quite frankly awful. Hang in there and stay on top of it. I would also recommend DAV.

Response by CPT Tommy Curtis made Apr 6 at 2021 1:17 AM

CPT Tommy Curtis — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 01:17:56 -0400

As far as the medicines from community care providers, most of their offices don't read the consult they get with instructions on how to submit a prescription. The consult has a form for the doctor to fill out and fax to the VA pharmacy.

Response by SGT Thomas Labine made Apr 6 at 2021 1:42 AM

SGT Thomas Labine — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 01:42:19 -0400

You have Veterans Choice now.... They can't refuse unless it's out of state!! Then you will have a copay... Find a local Doctor that agrees with the Diag and it's related to your disability....then it should be be covered... Good luck!!

Response by SGT Thomas Labine made Apr 6 at 2021 1:51 AM

SGT Thomas Labine — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 01:51:11 -0400

Yes they can if it's too complex just keep fighting!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2021 4:16 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 04:16:39 -0400

Missed this until recent replies popped it up on my feed.
My recommendation, if your troubles have not already been resolved, would be to change your Primary to Baltimore VAMC or Loch Raven VAMC instead of beating your head against the same rock in DC over and over again.

Response by PO2 Frank Ushler made Apr 6 at 2021 5:05 PM

PO2 Frank Ushler — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 17:05:02 -0400

I used my Congressman in Calif. and got a response in 4 days.

Response by SSgt Richard Lintner made Apr 7 at 2021 10:22 AM

SSgt Richard Lintner — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:22:33 -0400

Go to your local DAV, American Ljegion ,VFW and asked to speak to the centers VA claims Agent. He or she will want any records medical records service records even award letters don't forget to take your DD 214.
These claims agents will be working for you they will instruct you on how to fit in all the paperwork to put in a claim for your service related injuries do not go to your States claims agent stay away from State the only person that you are interested in is in local VFW, DAV, American Legion
Brother I was 90% for 9 1/2 years once a president Trump got in the office they put a ruling in that said all claims must be answered between 4 to 6 months if they are not answered you get the claim automatically if they denied a clean and you put in a a cream yourself and you win the claim on appeal the person who denied your claim is fired and I know that happened to me I'm 100% from disabled unfortunately mine is PTSD, I HOPE this can put you on the correct Path.
REMEMBER, The More Records you provide the better chance you have for success.

Response by CPL Christopher Crenshaw made Apr 7 at 2021 11:34 AM

CPL Christopher Crenshaw — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 11:34:20 -0400

Writing a letter to the current president will do you no good.

Response by SSG Richard Bladl made Apr 12 at 2021 4:07 PM

SSG Richard Bladl — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 16:07:32 -0400

Contact you congress person and/or senator, provide copies of everything you have I am sure you will get results.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 14 at 2021 12:29 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 12:29:28 -0400

The story, as you tell it, makes no sense. Are you rated 100% full and total disability?
Is it service related? Something isn’t registering

Response by SrA John Monette made Apr 14 at 2021 3:17 PM

SrA John Monette — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:17:59 -0400

try your state VA too

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Apr 15 at 2021 12:41 AM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 00:41:44 -0400

Do you vote? If so, Congressional Representatives will love your story, IF YOU HAVE DOCUMENTED PROOF. Send them COPIES of all your documentation.

Response by 1SG Eddie Smith made May 11 at 2021 10:01 AM

1SG Eddie Smith — Tue, 11 May 2021 10:01:12 -0400

Lisa, this post was a year ago, can you give us a follow-up on the current status of this issue?

Response by Cpl Dustin Morse made May 14 at 2021 6:13 AM

Cpl Dustin Morse — Fri, 14 May 2021 06:13:00 -0400

I was trying to get a surgery approved for over 15 months.
The local V.A. here refused to do it, refused to send me outside to do it. I literally had a Nurse tell me that they don't "feel like the V.A. or the Tax Payers should have to cover my surgery", I got a senator involved (Dem) and they did nothing.

I found a surgeon inside the V.A. that does the surgery and was told No because the Surgeon was in a different state, even after I offered to travel and cover my expenses.

I called the White House Hotline and within a month I was schedule for surgery, due to COVID the surgery was delayed 6 months, but here I am 3.5 weeks after surgery feeling better than ever.

You can say what you want about Former President Trump and his tweets and arrogance, at the end of the day the care I received at the V.A. under his watch was significantly better than it was under the previous administration before him, and I've already seen the care tanking here under the current administration.
The White House Hotline got the ball rolling and the care we need/deserve going in the right direction.

Response by SFC Dwight Beaver made May 24 at 2021 6:52 AM

SFC Dwight Beaver — Mon, 24 May 2021 06:52:48 -0400

Have you tried talking to your patient rep?? Or the VA AG/IG... I've never heard of a problem being too complex for VA to at least refer to community care. Legally they cant refuse treatment. Just like when you were in the military.. Now there are times when theres only one dr within hours to treat specific problems.
If y0ur problem is service connected and you're 100%, you shouldn't be spending 1 cent on meds....

Response by PO1 Kevin Baker made May 24 at 2021 8:01 AM

PO1 Kevin Baker — Mon, 24 May 2021 08:01:32 -0400

Request a referral to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda Maryland or Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Both are top tier facilities internationally and both routinely treat veterans of all branches. I am a Neurosurgery patient at Bethesda and don't even have a service connected disability. Getting my second surgery in 2 years day after tomorrow. Chief of Neurosurgery says that he has resources that almost no other hospital in the world can match, would cost tens of thousands of dollars and I won't be charged any more than my non-service connected co-pay of $50.

Response by COL Mike Amaral made May 24 at 2021 12:57 PM

COL Mike Amaral — Mon, 24 May 2021 12:57:18 -0400

Have you spoken to the local VA director? Something doesn't sound right....

Response by AA Charles Hadden made May 25 at 2021 9:53 AM

AA Charles Hadden — Tue, 25 May 2021 09:53:04 -0400

I have similar conditions. Possibly not as severe but serious nonetheless. I have had to fight and finagle everything I have gotten from the VA. We are talking about 18 years with them. Now that things have progressed to a point there isn't much they can do to fix me, they toss pills at me for the pain. Also if you make enough noise you will be referred to the mental health dept where they will if you allow it, you will be turned into turn a walking ZOMBI. That is what the VA Does best. Medicate and Isolate. Now about Community care referenced in your comment. I have a skin condition that they have refused to help with for over 10 years. Notice I said HELP with, not treat. Oh, they tossed placebos at me. I was told by two separate pharmacists in two different cities working for different companies that they were placebos and noting more. It took me, having to pull some strings when the VA had to cancel an apt with Dermatology and delay it for 5 months, to get an appointment with a community care Dermatologist. It took about 15 minutes with both the nurse and nurse practitioner to get a probable diagnosis and a biopsy. After the results of the biopsy came in it was confirmed that I have psoriasis. I was offered medications for it. Now going back to the VA, they refused the meds that the outside prescribed. The Rheumatology dept offered a different med, but stipulated that he needed the results of the biopsy which the VA had never gotten. Also that the Inhouse Dermatology dept would have to approver even that med. Then when I got to the inhouse dern dept, she didn't even know why I was sent back to her. NOT A CLUE! I might eventually get the meds but I will be on my death bed when they finally get around to it. The VA does what any gov agency does and they do it well. Bureaucracy.
and placebos. But always remember if you make yourself an advocate for your own treatment, you will be seeing a shrink and probably told to take mind-numbing ZOMBI drugs. Again MEDICATE & ISOLATE!

I have tried VISN19, the VA hospital, and clinic here in Denver, and am a frequent flyer at the Wash. D.C. hotline. The best answer I get is, "Well the VA isn't perfect"! Not only not perfect, barely adequate. They have thousands of interns, Doctors that couldn't get a job anywhere else, and the rejects of society who are more involved in how to be polite at the VA and social injustice of the vet, but medicine, ain't going to happen.

Response by SFC Howard Holmes made May 25 at 2021 4:13 PM

SFC Howard Holmes — Tue, 25 May 2021 16:13:39 -0400

I seem to have better luck utilizing Congressional assistance when dealing with the VA. Even then, the Congressional Rep will only call and ask them their side of the story and tend to not do much. If you have a more effective Congressional Rep, then that Rep can get something done, because if it is definitely service connected, they are supposed to do whatever is needed to the best extent possible to take care of the issue. Under Trump, you probably would've had more success going the White House route, but Biden barely knows where he's at, no less the difference between the Pentagon and the VA. Like with anything governmental, especially the VA, you have to keep going at them. Find the chain of command through the VA. Go to the people/person in charge of the facility that is telling you know, then the region, and so on, and so forth. Don't stop, keep the pressure on, because they are full of poop.

Response by SFC Stephen Everett made May 26 at 2021 10:11 AM

SFC Stephen Everett — Wed, 26 May 2021 10:11:50 -0400

It seem you did everything by list to get medical care from the Veterans Affair to contacting a Senator. By getting support for treatment with a 100% disability, but you were denied of treatment because of cost? My belief is something in between is missing, like what about Tricare? Are you retired? Do reside near an “MTF”? Did you comply with the VA by enrolling into “Myhealthvet” including the website? Do you constantly complain to your healthcare provider oh yeah medical needs? Question, do they listen to you or ignore you? Reason of these questions, because I had think outside the box to take care of your well-being. When I retired, I return to my home town near the MEPS Station domicile. It made sense and seem right but not really. Most veterans including Vietnam veterans and other Campaign veterans that served reconsider a relocating to another state that would take care of veterans needs. Myself, was one of them near several military bases, and a Veteran Administration. It help veterans and military retirees to choose PCM doctors and be assigned to a visitation in VA to be tailored to your medical needs. And that was best decision that I made and my family realize that that was the right decision I made to relocate nearby military installation. You don’t have to take my Word but it doesn’t hurt to do some sole searching for your medical needs. Take care.

Response by SFC Charles Dennis made May 27 at 2021 2:49 PM

SFC Charles Dennis — Thu, 27 May 2021 14:49:55 -0400

You could contact the Patient Advocate's Office, your Case Manager, and continue to contact the Senator's Office. Another option is to contact the White House Veterans Affairs Office at + [login to see] .

Response by SGT Barbara Wilt made May 29 at 2021 11:19 AM

SGT Barbara Wilt — Sat, 29 May 2021 11:19:58 -0400

Did you know that the White House has a special phone number for veterans medical complaints? I called it and it works wonders. I had my problem resolved in less than 24 hours. When calling them have all of your facts in order. [login to see] .

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2021 11:47 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 May 2021 11:47:31 -0400

It has been over a year, is there any updates or are you still getting the run around?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2021 5:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 May 2021 17:53:02 -0400

Try looking into War Related Injury and Illness research venue. Most Primary care dr's have no clue as to where to send us veterans with complex health issues. I was in Texas a few years back in the same boat as you...came across an article WRIIS. Tere are 3 facilities.2 on the east cost and the third on the west coast.. all costs were covered( flight, taxi, lodging and meals). VA in Palo Alto California. Search "War related Illness and injury" for info.
Good luck, and don't give up. VA is good, they just don't know everything we have medically.

If the VA doesn't have meds prescribed by your non VA dr's, look for discounted assistance. I have a Pain Management Pharmacist that I speak with on a monthly basis.. he helped me get meds that the Primary Care couldn't. Again good luck

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2021 7:02 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 May 2021 19:02:03 -0400

File a complaint with your Congressman.

Response by SGT Joshua Doyle made May 30 at 2021 10:35 PM

SGT Joshua Doyle — Sun, 30 May 2021 22:35:39 -0400

Call the VA White House hotline @ + [login to see] . The VA works on a system of triage and is dangerously underfunded. Basically, I feel like your situation falls outside of what they are willing to spend money on. It's basically on you to force them to give you the care you have earned.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made May 31 at 2021 12:30 AM

PO1 Todd B. — Mon, 31 May 2021 00:30:58 -0400

I am a 100% disabled Veteran as well.. You need to contact your local congressman or senator again and keep contacting them and get them involved now. Go public to the local TV stations and tell them straight up, the V/A is refusing to treat a service connected disabled Veteran in the Seattle location. Mark my words, that starts getting attention and heads will start spinning big time.. thus you also need to make sure you have all your ducks in a row and paperwork ready to be seen.

I had a situation but in my case, my local V/A stepped and I was referred to some of the nations top specialist for my surgery.. Not every V/A is bad and it sounds like you are stuck with one that still is.

You should also contact your V/A representative agency, (PVA, DAV or whomever you use)

Response by PO3 Aaron Hassay made May 31 at 2021 12:51 PM

PO3 Aaron Hassay — Mon, 31 May 2021 12:51:06 -0400

Did you get the surgery ? If not then consider not doing it and start with a inversion table. I will post a doctor mri and share notes of diagnosis and what my therapy has been like. It works

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2021 8:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 May 2021 20:28:39 -0400

I ran into a similar case with my father ,81 yrs, in Mobil Alabama where he was beaten and robbed. Had fractured ribs and a punctured lung and the VA Doctor was telling him the pain was in his mind. so I brought him to St. Louis, MO where V.A. here is fantastic and he was treated and recovered. Not all VA are the same. This is what I did you might have to to do something diffrent.

Response by Capt Wayne Burden made Jun 25 at 2021 12:46 PM

Capt Wayne Burden — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 12:46:23 -0400

Lisa, I’m retired civil service and worked for the VA for many years. Seen it all. Best course of action… if you’re having problems getting needed care or referrals, make an appointment with your local Congressional delegate. You’ll probably talk to a staffer at first… that’s ok as they handle most inquiries anyway. Take all relevant medical records with you. Be specific as to what the problem is, how long it’s been going on, who you’ve seen and talked to, etc. The more information you have the better. Explain your frustrations. Once the VA gets the Congressional inquiry letter, they generally move swiftly to clear the matter up as they don’t like them hanging over their heads. They usually have a “suspense” date of 45 days to take some action. Follow up with your Congressional staff to stay on top of it, and also to say Thanks for their help!

Response by SFC Rafael Martinez made Jun 25 at 2021 8:20 PM

SFC Rafael Martinez — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 20:20:24 -0400

I AM deeply sorry to hear about your troubles. I had been dealing myself with the VA. I am also p&t 100 SC.
It is a shame that our representatives "suck" in their jobs!. I have lost dear friends while waiting for help! From
The WH, VA and our elected officials whom they say they care about "the troops", what a bunch on BS. If I was you I would call the TV news and let the people know about the disrespect from the VA, the WH and elected officials!. They are quick for a photo op with serviceman. I met Clinton myself down in Haiti on 2010. He refused to shake hands or talk to the troops. I met Bush, Obama, Trump and they all show disdain for all of us!
My men asked why they behave like that? and I have to lie to then by telling these men that they were to busy with running our country but not busy enough for photo Ops.
I deeply sad about what your going thru, I myself had tried for 7 years (and counting) to be help by the VA. However, do not give up!!!. We are soldiers and when the mountain is too steep, slippery, cold and hot ; we still conquer the summit. Get the news involved in your struggle because theirs no because there is no more "concerning " when the population learns about their immoral and disgraceful towards us and the disservice that they do to us!!!
We all love our country served with honor and pride. When giving a task a mission we took charge head-on and accomplish the mission. No burocratic red tape and no waiting for "cowards" to act!!!.
Keep the fight going. It's not easy and is sad, frustrating, demoralizing but is nothing compared to our resilience and commitments to accomplish the mission.

Get the

Response by CPT Dr Elizabeth Pepe made Jun 28 at 2021 10:20 AM

CPT Dr Elizabeth Pepe — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 10:20:39 -0400

The VA can make its own rules. I was sent by the VA for a shoulder surgery after slip-and- fall at a B&B whose steps were out of city code. It required 3 surgeries in 18 months, so I effectively had no use of that arm for 18 months. Bathing, dressing, going to the bathroom, tying my shoes and cooking required help, sometimes from perfect strangers. After 2 years, we settled. The attorneys got their 40%, and after the payment for expert witnesses, travel costs and the cost of household help, almost half of my settlement money was gone. To add insult to injury, the VA billed me $70,000. THEY ONLY PAID $7,000 FOR ALL THEY WERE BILLED. So they paid 10% off what they were billed, then billed me 100% off what they were billed. The White House Veterans Hotline passed my concerns on, and I was told that the VA was allowed to do this. I also wrote my congressmen and got the same answers.
I don’t understand how the VA can bill for more than they paid, but apparently they can.

Response by 1LT John Ervin, RN, BSN, MBA made Jun 28 at 2021 5:56 PM

1LT John Ervin, RN, BSN, MBA — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 17:56:00 -0400

As an RN, I would recommend you request to be treated through the VA’s community care network. I would never recommend having spine surgey at a VA hospital ( I am an OR nurse). For complex care cases I would highly recommend you get VA Sponsored community care doctor. I have been able to select my own community care doctors since I know the system and it’s worked out. I have also requested meetings with their chief of a medical department at the VA in the past so I could eliminate all the beuacratic BS and let’s them hear from me as a patient not just as a number…

The DAV Can also help in many instances as well. Don’t pay an attorney until you exhausted the VA, legion or other VSO’s
That’s why they are there as our advocate!!

Response by Lt Col Scott Sveinsson made Jun 29 at 2021 7:38 PM

Lt Col Scott Sveinsson — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 19:38:29 -0400

Get with your congressman or congress woman to assist with your case. They will get this resolved. Good luck.

Response by PO2 Michael Slachta made Jun 30 at 2021 8:29 AM

PO2 Michael Slachta — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 08:29:04 -0400

I have never heard of the VA refusing to treat a 100 percent service connected veteran. I believe your two best options are: give a power of attorney to the DAV to persue your issue and send a letter to the OIG Hotline with the parrticulars asking for a review, cc the letter to the House veterans affairs committee.

Response by SSG Frank Bova made Jul 4 at 2021 1:44 AM

SSG Frank Bova — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 01:44:47 -0400

The people at the VA are being obtuse. What can they possibly be thinking or not thinking. Your issue requires immediate attention. Maybe the media would like to hear from you. Good luck!

Response by Cpl Mark Oresko made Jul 4 at 2021 6:02 AM

Cpl Mark Oresko — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 06:02:18 -0400

MUCMI’s medically Unexplained Chronic Multi-Symptom Illness: it’s defined in 38 USC 1117 as a diagnosed illness with no known cause(etiology) or (Pathophysiology). Dont let the VA fool you, without a known cause or a known pathophysiology means either one. Also the portion that’s known has to relate to you and not the general population.
Furthermore, it is already clear by your post that you are not being properly treated by the VA. There are some stellar universities that might specialize in specific disorders and open doors to therapeutic alternatives that the VA can’t provide, refuses to provide, or hasn’t hired qualified specialists who can properly provide you with the most current treatment modalities that you might need.
I highly recommend you do a lot of research, or find someone who can help you locate a facility. Don’t limit your treatment to the VA because the VA will always be a desired target of fraud by contractors or fellow employees, and unfortunately the lost funds are deducted from patient care and nothing else.
I wish you the best of luck and a future filled with helpful meaningful treatment and care.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jul 4 at 2021 9:25 AM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 09:25:09 -0400

You should be in your Congress Persons Office. They have decided you should die.
You need a new Senator

Response by LT Stewart Herrick made Jul 26 at 2021 10:58 AM

LT Stewart Herrick — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 10:58:41 -0400

First, has the VA acknowledged that your disability is indeed service connected and that it is 100%? If the answer is Yes, I do not believe that the VA can legally withhold treatment either by it or, if your needs exceed VA capabilities, by an outside provider(s). I also do not believe that the cost of reasonably required medical care is a recognized exception. I am now a lawyer but, I have not practiced in the area of health care law. You need to consult a more knowledgeable lawyer in this field of practice and perhaps file a suit in Federal Court. Good luck. Other comments have also provided good practical suggestions/advice. A multi pronged approach is good such as letters to POTUS and your Senators.

Response by SP5 Gene Hutchins made Jul 27 at 2021 2:05 AM

SP5 Gene Hutchins — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 02:05:52 -0400

A letter writing campaign to the White House is one thought. Another, if you could get a White House news correspondent to bring up your situation at one of the daily press conferences.
Ms Psaki might be really flummoxed.

Response by SPC John Bryant made Jul 27 at 2021 10:38 PM

SPC John Bryant — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 22:38:14 -0400

I got the same thing going on with the VA Hospital in SLC from a auto accidents and they will be paid from the settlement but they keep saying no but send me to PT and pain clinic which is like not doing any good at all and Biden Administration not going to do anything for me either suck having served my country for this type of treatment, even trying to get a rating increase is look shoot your self in the foot you jump through hoops to get denied. It seem as long as their Democrats is office the VA will not do what the promise to it serves member and veterans

Response by SPC Joshua Dawson made Jul 28 at 2021 6:34 PM

SPC Joshua Dawson — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 18:34:56 -0400

The bottom line is that the VA can and will do whatever they want to whoever they want because they don't actually have to abide by any of their own rules or regulations, kind of defeats the purpose of even having any right? You probably will win though, eventually, but it could take over a decade to actually do so because the VA has no time constraints that they actually have to adhere to even if it is something that is "expedited" and virtually nobody in Washington or anywhere else within the government will actually help you because the VA is designed to not actually help veterans so this sort of situation is exactly how they want it to work in the first place.

Response by CPL Jerry E. Bustin made Jul 29 at 2021 11:37 AM

CPL Jerry E. Bustin — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 11:37:48 -0400

Vote for Trump is your only chance. Biden and his staff dont care one bit even though a phone call form his office to the VA concerning you would get you refunded and granted.

Response by SGT Danny Marquez made Jul 29 at 2021 11:55 AM

SGT Danny Marquez — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 11:55:56 -0400

I had a friend who went thru the same issue and it took a group of friends and organizations as well as a congressional representatives veterans aide to work on different areas of concerns.
I also brought it to the attention of another VA hospital Where she wasn’t enrolled, and advised that the VA was responsible for referrals to outsource if they knew of any specialists in their area.
To make a long story short we were able to find an out of state specialist who agreed to treat our friend with the care she needed, I don’t remember if the VA covered the costs but I believe she had to use outside insurance. To add insult to injury the VA was negligent in diagnosing her condition and it took an extra 6 months for a doctor outside of the VA to run tests and give her the proper Diagnosis and that missed diagnosis directly lead to her demise and death.
Since I’m not part of the family and I know they were looking for a lawyer to represent our friend while she was alive I don’t know what the disposition and outcome was.

Obviously this is an egregious and unacceptable policy and horrible way to treat our veterans and brings back memories of the emotional toll and mental and physical trauma perpetrated on our veteran and all of her friends who all bore the disconnected and disrespectful way she was treated.

I believe this would be one where a legislative action would be needed to make it mandatory for the VA to find an outside specialist whether nearby or out of state and cover the costs as deemed medically necessary!

Response by SMSgt Sheila Berg made Jul 29 at 2021 12:24 PM

SMSgt Sheila Berg — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 12:24:26 -0400

Contact another Congressman, specifically some on the VA Committee. Sadly, they tend to be partisan contact someone aligned with your party designation. They may respond. A VSO( Veteran Service Officer may help. No need to pay a lawyer. Don't give up!! Your entitled to the service!

Response by SPC Paul Vaneizenga made Jul 29 at 2021 2:40 PM

SPC Paul Vaneizenga — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:40:03 -0400

Is it due to a service connected issue that you incurred during your time in service?

Response by SGT Doug Blanchard made Jul 29 at 2021 3:22 PM

SGT Doug Blanchard — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 15:22:51 -0400

Unfortunately that is today's VA fir you. They started getting this way under the obama administration. Namely more worried about the bottom line than their nandate of taking care of Veterans.
It started to improve some under Presudent Trump, but it is now going in the opposite direction again under the biden administration.
I know fron 1st hand experience. I was receiving treatment and was scheduked for knee replacement surgery this past February. Biden gets sworn into office and I get notified by the VA hospital that was going to do the surgery, "we can no longer treat you for your issue with your knee and will have ti find an outside provider fir treatment". When I went to get copies of my records and such, they told me, we are unable to locate any records of you being treated at any of our locations for your knee. Considering your records are stored on a computer system and can be retrieved at any VA hospital ir clinic.

Response by LTC Patrick Crow made Jul 29 at 2021 9:22 PM

LTC Patrick Crow — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 21:22:44 -0400

Which VA? The one I go to in Florida sent a guy with a severe autoimmune disease to Johns Hopkins for a 10 day inpatient stay and paid for flights and a hotel room for his mother.

If the condition is service connected they should pay travel to the Mission Act providers in their network.

Have you spoken to the patient advocate at the facility? Have you appealed the decision to the VISN Director? That is standard procedure. The case goes to the hospital Chief of Staff if he agrees with your Doctor you can appeal to the Chief Medical Officer at the VISN. On

Some good suggestions below. I would call the VA Inspector General as well if they don't steer you into the process above.

Response by CW3 Richard Rigby made Jul 30 at 2021 5:09 PM

CW3 Richard Rigby — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 17:09:49 -0400

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket ie; consult with as many Congress there is in your state. I know first hand what a congressman and their staff when dealing with them. A couple years ago the staff at department of defense notified my wife that I was deceased and all my army retirement and VA 100 percent disability was cut off. When I went to the local VA office they agreed that I was truly alive but could not help me as they had proof that I was deceased. It was then that I went to my Congress man office( congressman) Scott and his office manager made several phone calls to all parties concerned and after two days she told the VA staff that kept telling her that they could do nothing. She told the person on the phone that I was sitting in her office and had proof that I was still alive. She got so mad with the had been talking with on the phone she told them that she wanted to speak with their supervisor or else she would see that heads would roll, needless to say the very next day she receive a call from the VA that the problem was taken care of, she than asked that individual did they have a death certificate and was told that they didn’t require one. She was told that that incident would be examined. All together I had missed four (4) months of income but with one week I received my check with back pay . Good luck and I hope you will get the same results ASAP

Response by SFC Mike Thompson made Aug 21 at 2021 3:52 PM

SFC Mike Thompson — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 15:52:17 -0400

Contact your Congressman Now!! State and at DC

Response by SGT Dan Theman made Aug 23 at 2021 10:36 AM

SGT Dan Theman — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 10:36:52 -0400

It should never happen. Yet it does. Don’t get political. Just get it fixed

Response by PO1 Steven Ewing made Aug 23 at 2021 11:54 AM

PO1 Steven Ewing — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 11:54:07 -0400

Have you spoken with the VA's Patient Advocate at the facility you use yet?
If yes, and they didn't help you resolve the issue, I'd contact my local Congresscritter's and Senator's offices. They all probably have a Veteran's specialist on their staff that can either advise you what to do next or get their boss involved in direct communications with higher ups at the VA and encourage them to take care of you.

Response by SGT Susan McKenzie made Aug 25 at 2021 7:33 PM

SGT Susan McKenzie — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 19:33:07 -0400

SSGT Markland, I too suffered from debilitating lumbar back pain. I went with using TriCare and seeing a physician away from the Va. My back was so bad that I went from an office visit straight to surgery. I am much happier now. Same thing for my right shoulder; 3 major tears across my shoulder sent me straight to surgery. To this day I still use TriCare instead of the VA.

Response by PO2 Wendell Dick made Aug 26 at 2021 10:00 AM

PO2 Wendell Dick — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 10:00:07 -0400

Yes send the letter they sometimes want to slack on the job

Response by PO1 Jeremy Martin made Aug 26 at 2021 11:43 AM

PO1 Jeremy Martin — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 11:43:44 -0400

Have you contacted the VA White House hotline? They have always helped me. Also…contact your Congressman, the VA Cannot refuse care.

Response by PO1 Jeremy Martin made Aug 26 at 2021 11:45 AM

PO1 Jeremy Martin — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 11:45:19 -0400

https://www.va.gov/ve/whvahotline.asp

+ [login to see]

whvahotline.asp

Response by TSgt David Olson made Aug 26 at 2021 9:48 PM

TSgt David Olson — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 21:48:32 -0400

Call your congressional representative, they are home not in Washington, so call his/her local office.

Response by WO1 Mike Carlson made Aug 27 at 2021 12:14 AM

WO1 Mike Carlson — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 00:14:58 -0400

I paid over 1,500 per month for treatments on my back for over 20 years out of pocket, while they gave me $93.00 per month to cover it. I went to (DAV, AM LEGION, VFW and multiple claims reps in VA) they all said nothing i could do and to quit complaining, while in chronic pain from an injury sustained in my first year of service.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2021 10:42 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 22:42:32 -0400

Remember under the Biden Regime you can get a sex change ... But ya can't get a real injury / illness fixed! Jus Sayin..

Response by Sgt Andre Testman made Aug 28 at 2021 3:48 AM

Sgt Andre Testman — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 03:48:21 -0400

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ APPEALS
BOARD OF VETERANS’ APPEALS
P.O. BOX 27063
WASHINGTON DC 20038
[login to see] TOLL/FAX

ARLYN YANOS-TESTMAN [SPOUSE]
FOR:
ANDRE O. TESTMAN
BRGY 29, SAN JUAN,
PASUQUIN
ILOCOS NORTE
PHILIPPINES 2917
[login to see]

RE: RE-APPEAL AID AND ATTENDANCE DECISION:

GROUNDS FOR REQUEST FOR APPEAL:

1. DUE TO MY HUSBANDS MENTAL AND PHYSICAL COMBAT RELATED
CONDITIONS... HE ROAM THE COUNTRY FOR MANY YEARS AS A HOMELESS
PERSON OFF AN ON, TRYING TO ESCAPE THE PAIN THAT HE SUFFERING
AS THE RESILT OF THE TIME HE SPENT IN THE VN WAR. THEREFORE, HE
VISIT MORE THAN TWELVE VA HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, AND PRIVATE
HOSPITALS AND DOCTORS SEARCHING FOR HELP.

VA HOSPITALS: TREATMENT FOR:

BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIA PTSD, HYPERTENSION
PHILADELPHIA PENNSYLVANIA PTSD, HYPERTENSION

BALTIMORE MARYLAND PTSD, HYPERTENSION
PERRY POINT MARYLAND PTSD, HYPERTENSION
PROVIDENCE RHODE ISLAND PTSD, HYPERTENSION, KNEES
TAMPA FLORIDA
X SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA.... ptsd, hernia, flu, hypertension, knees, kidney,
anemia, sleep apnea
X WILMINGTON DELAWARE .... HERNIA INFECTION, REMOVAL OF
BLOCK INTESTINE,MESH REMOVAL,
AND REPLACE INTALLED
PROVIDENCE RI PTSD,STOMACH PAIN, KNEES
HOUSTON TEXAS PTSD
BROOKLYN NEW YORK SPINE, HYPERTENSION
COLUMBIA SOUTH CAROLINA ptsd, pain, knees, spine, sleep apnea
hypertension, intestine pain, anemia,
kidney

MANILA PHILIPPINES hypertension, ptsd, knees,sleep apnea
spine pain, anemia. kidney

X PRIVATE HOSPITALS:
BACARRA MEDICAL CENTER PHILIPPINES ..X KNEES & SPINE PAIN
KAISER HOSPITAL SYSTEM CALIFORNIA SPINE PAIN
PACIFIC CARE HOSPITAL SYSTEM SPINE & KNEES PAIN

SCRIPP HOSPITAL ptsd, spine & knees pain, sleep apnea
[LA JOLLA AND OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA] intestinal pain, kidney

IT IS NOTICE THAT PART OF THE BOARD DECISION WAS BASE PARTICLY ON
INFORMATION, JUST FROM THREE MEDICAL FACILITIES OUT
OF THE MINIMUM FIFTEEN FACILITIES THAT HAD TREATED ANDRE O. TESTMAN, AND IT APPEARS THAT THOSE DOCUMENT WHERE NOT COMPLETEY
RESEARCH THROUGH.

AS TO MY HUSBAND SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY, THE INFORMATION
THAT WAS USED UNDER [DECISION INTRODUCTION] WAS WRONG...

THE CORRECT INFORMATION OF SERVICE ARE AS FOLLOW:

1. ANDRE ORVILLE TESTMAN AND LEO ORVILLE TESTMAN
ARE BOTH THE SAME PERSON ...
SEE THE FOLLOWING FAX ATTACHMENT :
AIR FORCE DD214
MARINE CORPS DD214 AND DD215N
ANDRE O. TESTMAN BIRTH CERTIFICATE
ANDRE ORVILLE TESTMAN JOIN THE U.S. AIR FORCE ON 16 JULY 1963,
HE HAD ABSENT HIMSELF FROM HIS POSITION IN THE AIR FORCE WITHOUT PERMISSION.
THE REASON WAS SO THAT HE COULD JOINH THE U.S. MARINE
IF YOU LOOK AT THE ATTACHED AIR FORCE DD214, IN THE BOX THAT SAID
REMARK, IT SAID THE ANDRE ORVILLE WAS NOT IN THE SERVICE OF THE
AIR FORCE FROM 6 APRIL 1967 TO THE DATE OF HIS DISCHARGE 2
8 SEPTEMBER 1969...

DURING THE TIME OF 1967 ANDRE O TESTMAN WAS PREPARING HIMSELF TO ENTER THE MARINE CORPS AS LEO ORVILLE TESTMAN, WHICH ACCOMPLISH ON 15 FEBRUARY 1968. SERVICE IN VIETNAM FROM SEPTEMBER 1968 – OCTOBER 1969. EXIT THE MARINES ON FEBRUARY1970
TO RECOVER FROM WOUNDS, REENLISTED IN 1976-1980.

IN ANDRE O. TESTMAN OWN WORDS, THE MARINES CORPS NOT KNOWING OR
SEEING OR UNDERSTAND THE CHANGE IN ANDRE O. TESTMAN PERSONALITY
DUE TO HIS PTSD...TESTMAN STATED THAT HE WAS LOSING TRACT OF WHO HE
WAS. THAT HE BELIEVE THAT HE WAS TRYING TO EXCAPEIS TRUE IDENITY, BECAUSE WHAT HE WHEN TROUGHT IN THE VN WAR.

SEE FAX ATTACHMENT:
MARINE CORPS DD 214 AND DD 215N

WHY IS THIS PART IMPORTANT?

FROM YOUR DECISION STATEMENT, IT DOES NOT SHOW THAT ANDRE O. TESTMAN SEEN ANY COMBAT ACTION, THEREFORE HAD NO COMBAT WOUNDS WHILE SERVICING IN VIETNAM. THEREFORE, WOULD NOT DESERVSE ANY OTHER MEDICAL SERVIVE/TREATMENT FROM THE VA.

PLEASE READ ANDRE O. TESTMAN STATEMENT TO THE MUSEUM OF PURPLE HEART IN UPSTATE NEW YORK, HOW HE EARN HIS PURPLE HEART .
PLEASE READ ATTACHED FAX STATEMENT OF ANDRE O.. TESTMAN SR

3. THE VA RECORDS BY THE VA ADMINISTRATION STAFF, SHOW ANDRE ORVILLE TESTMAN SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES AS:

A. POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER....
FROM SERVICING IN VIET NAM

B. LUMBAR SPINE DEGENERATIVE CHANGES...
FROM BACK INJURY THAT ACCUR FROM BEING SHOOT DOWN WHEN AN
ENERMY ROCKET IT THE HELICOPTER THAT HE WAS IN, CAUSING THE
COPTER TO FALL 5000 FEET AND CRASHING IN TO A MOUNTAIN .
3
C. CHONDROMALACIA, RIGHT AND LEFT PATELLA...
FROM THE STRAP METAL WHEN THE ROCKET EXPLOSIVE D ...
AND NOW FOR THE LAST EIGHTEEN YEARS HAD TO WARE LEG BRACES
AND USE A CANE [VA HOSPITAL COLUJMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA]

STATE AS A RN, FROM MY TRAINING, THAT IT IS NOTED IN MANY MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, MEDICAL UNIVERSITIES AND AMONG MEDICAL
PROFESSIONALS THAT PTSD IS A MENTAL CONDITION THAT CAN ALSO CAUSE
MANY PHYSICAL SICKNESS AND DISEASES WHICH CAN HAVE AN A DOMINO
EFFECT ON THE ORGANS IN THE HUMAN BODY...

ALL MY HUSBAND PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES ARE PTSD RELATED:

THE STRESS, INSOMNIA, ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS, SYSTEMIC/LOCAL
INFECTION, DIABETES, STOMACH PROBLEMS, BODY PAIN, IMMUNE SYSTEM
DYSFUNCTION...
HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE DRUG THAT HAS BEEN PERSCRIBE FOR HIM:
ATORVASTATIN 40 MG,
DOMPERIDONE,
MONTELUKAST 5 MG,
PREGABALIN 75 MG,
TRAMADOL 50 MG,
ETORICOXIB 90 MG,
IRBESARTAN 150 MG,
AMLODIPINE 10 MG,
CLONAZEPAM 2 MG,
FINASTERIDE 5 MG,
PROZELAX 400 MG,
SOLIFENACIN SUCCINATE 5MG
TERAZOSIN LOTENCIN 2MG
ESCITALOPRAN JOVIA
RIVOTRIL [ CLONOREPATH ]
TADALAFIL [CIALIS] 5MG

4
IF I OR MY ASSISTANCE, AS HIS AID AND ATTENDANCE DO NOT ADMINISTER HIS MED’S, FEED AND BATH HIM, HIS NEEDS WOULD NOT BE DONE.

AT THIS TIME WE NEED HELP. WE CAN NO LONGER AFFORD AN ASSISTANCE.
BECAUSE OF THE HOSPITALIZATION TWO TO THREE TIME A YEAR, AND THE COST OF HIS MEDICATIONS.

I WOULD APPRECIATE THE APPEAL BOARD TO DEEPER INTO MY HUSBAND
CASE.

thanks SSgt Zacvke... I will also send a copy of this letter to the POTUS AT THE WITH HOUSE, ALONG WITH A 125 PAGES OF DOCUMENTATION....

Response by SGT Ben Barr made Aug 29 at 2021 11:45 AM

SGT Ben Barr — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 11:45:54 -0400

The VA will piss on you for anything that isn't coughing or sneezing. They have tried to send me to fifth-rate specialists that even told them they are wrong. Suddenly the notes and opinions will disappear. I've even had to have a court recover my paperwork they've conveniently "misfiled" several times. Buy here pay here schools and affirmative are things you will find there. At some point, you will just stop hearing from them about appointments because you're not simple enough for collecting on the internal clinic billing.

Response by SSG Ken Steinhoff made Aug 30 at 2021 9:44 PM

SSG Ken Steinhoff — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 21:44:03 -0400

They don't have to Refuse. I was sent to Duke University for my Cancer Treatment and paid 10's of thousand's for my treatment then stop in the middle stop paying for a few weeks. Then they start paying again. I had a few 1,000's of unpaid bills that my VA sent me to go to Duke, but did not paid. I spent maybe 100 hours working with Duke and the VA and got some paid, but not all of them. The VA will tell you they will pay the bills but they don't. But I did have just a little over $1,000 paid on it just a few month ago. The IRS toke it out of my taxes. Just think about it. When the VA is willing to send you out to someplace that know what they are doing to fix you and pay for the bill.... Then why when you check into the place they send you, they ask for you to sign a doc saying you will be Sole responsible for the bill if the VA does not pay? Why do we have to sign this form when the VA sent us there?

Response by CPL Deborah Cales made Sep 2 at 2021 1:15 PM

CPL Deborah Cales — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 13:15:45 -0400

No, but it doesn't keep ignorant and/or lazy workers from halting or breaking the system. Start over. Obtain PCP consult to service that can help your problem (Ortho Surgeon). Request community care per Mission Act. DO NOT VOLUNTEER any other information about needed procedure or history of problems. A representative of community care, depending on your demographic area (mine is OmnaCare), will contact you to see if you have someone specific you are requesting to see. Again, DO NOT VOLUNTEER any other information. They should call you back or send a contract to you with provider's name, address, and appointment date and time. Volunteering too much information to these people is like shooting yourself in the foot and then stepping into the water after stirring it with a big stick, waiting to see if you are bitten by a minnow or a piranha.

Response by MAJ Allan Harrelson made Dec 2 at 2021 12:09 PM

MAJ Allan Harrelson — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 12:09:35 -0500

Have you considered contacting the VA's Office Of Inspector General-VOIG?

Not sure If I can post links here, but I can post the VA Resolution Hot Line number [login to see] .

Let me know If this helps.

Allan

Response by PO1 John Maciorowski made Dec 13 at 2021 1:23 PM

PO1 John Maciorowski — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 13:23:15 -0500

Democrat (not democratic...) senator?

Response by SGT Ricky Young made Dec 15 at 2021 5:52 PM

SGT Ricky Young — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 17:52:46 -0500

Went to VA neurosurgeon with synovial cyst pushing on my spinal cord. She told me it was just leg cramps . The MRI showed a cyst and disc bulges multiple levels impinging on spinal cord. Went back to my PCP he went ballistic. He referred me for Community Care. Have you gone through the system meds, physical therapy, pain clinic.

Response by PO3 Thomas Jester made Dec 16 at 2021 12:10 AM

PO3 Thomas Jester — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 00:10:19 -0500

I had an issue with the VA when Barack Obama was still in office. And went online and found out the contact information for the White House and sent an email to them. They jumped on it so fast. First it went to my congressman and within a short time the VA was calling me asking me to come in. It was so much better than the VA White House line. But as said before it never reached POTUS but it definitely got results. The VA does not like to be confronted by a congressman or anyone from the White House staff. You should try that. This is where you contact him online. whitehouse.gov/contact/

Response by Sgt Karl Karl made Dec 16 at 2021 9:20 AM

Sgt Karl Karl — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 09:20:04 -0500

The White House has established a Toll free number that can be used for any problems with the VA
Call [login to see] Explain the issue and they will deal with it, This faster than snail mail. Let's see if this works

Response by SFC Antonio Baird made Dec 16 at 2021 10:51 AM

SFC Antonio Baird — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 10:51:55 -0500

Contact both your US Senators, and your entire Congressional delegation. I guarantee you the VA will have a different outlook.

Response by PO1 Wendy Stevens made Dec 16 at 2021 12:52 PM

PO1 Wendy Stevens — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 12:52:33 -0500

We have a local news affiliate that does reporting and investigating reports on such matters. Seems that usually within weeks, there is ALWAYS a positive outcome and the problem is rectified. I would say look into it and see; it certainly can’t hurt, and with as much time as you’ve already spent on this, you wouldn’t be wasting your time.

Response by SPC Carlton Phelps made Dec 16 at 2021 4:05 PM

SPC Carlton Phelps — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 16:05:25 -0500

I've been having fights with VA since 83. They seem to be able to do whatever they want to do. Get a lawyer, a Senator works for the Feds so they are little help unless they are running for re-election. There are several Lawyers who advertise to help Vets for free.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Dec 16 at 2021 4:44 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 16:44:45 -0500

I realize the original question was over a year ago; but I'd like to find out if the AF SSgt's problems were favorably resolved. I know that in SOME cases, the VA has labeled Veterans who complain, or push hard to have their cases taken care of, as being troublesome or even "dangerous," so that their lack of concern and compliance has an excuse.
Someone suggested working through the DVA - probably the best route. Wrting a omplain to a Congressman would probably result in more stonewalling.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Dec 16 at 2021 6:52 PM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 18:52:11 -0500

Biden will help.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Dec 17 at 2021 12:51 AM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:51:10 -0500

Lisa, the answers are YES, they can refuse to treat you; NO, they have to refer you. NOW, the real answer. Since, [from your bio] you leave close to DC, I'd tell you to make a call to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave [but you may be arrested]; SO develop a package of your issues with the VA, BUT start with your medical discharge, disability or retirement to present day and include cancelled appointments, failure to refer you to a medical facility or specialist which can help you. NEXT, call your Congressional Representative and make an appointment. [Chances are you will not see your Representative; however, you will see the military advisor to the Representative]. Present the package to them. You should hear something back in 2-3 weeks. PS: make copies and don't send the originals. Good Luck.

Response by SP5 Rich Goulet made Dec 17 at 2021 4:40 PM

SP5 Rich Goulet — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 16:40:34 -0500

Get a VSO from your local veterans organizations. I recommend the DAV. They have helped with my getting 100%. They know their stuff and use a fully formed application process (it’s called something else but I can’t remember).; it saves time and has fewer kickbacks from the VA.

Response by PVT Brian Desormeaux made Dec 18 at 2021 10:52 AM

PVT Brian Desormeaux — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 10:52:45 -0500

There is just way too much bad advice in these comments, to comment on. So, as a Tier 1 Vet (100%), your healthcare is 100% the VA's responsibility, regardless if it's P&T/Unemployability/ Service connected or not service connected.

The only advice I've see in the comments that was kind of right, talking with Patient Advocates at your local VA hospital. However, if you have already been fighting this issue, just go straight to the hotline. None of them give a shit about Congressionals anymore, but they do care about getting fired.

Here...you can find the number on this page that will make shit happen. https://www.va.gov/ve/whvaHotline.asp

P.S. - Who writes letters anymore? If you do, do you honestly believe anyone reads that sooner? Or with any greater consideration?

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by 1LT David Wood made Dec 18 at 2021 1:03 PM

1LT David Wood — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 13:03:01 -0500

I agree with SPC Zacke, escalate through the political chain. I had a complex education benefits situation my congressional office cleared right up. Now I'm a believer. Not sure I would escalate to the top right away, but not sure I wouldn't. Kind of depends on who the senator was. I suspect they just didn't follow through, so if they've changed try the new one, and you have a congress-person too. You should cc your VA too, without all the supporting documentation. The prospect of an inquiry alone might be enough, and would expedite. I'd be cautious of the "press" except as a last resort...they don't get the respect they used to and might make you more enemies in the system than you need.

Response by SPC John Morse made Dec 18 at 2021 9:14 PM

SPC John Morse — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 21:14:05 -0500

VA form 20-0966. in section vl put in denial of medical treatment, fill in all pertinate info on this form. section lll check box veterans health administration. with that done (simple statement of "denial of medical treatment") Then get v a form "statement in support of claim. fill in all applicable and add extra sheets, as it says, for you EVIDENCE that you need AND are denied treatment

Response by SPC John Morse made Dec 18 at 2021 9:15 PM

SPC John Morse — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 21:15:54 -0500

the other answers are nuts. v a operates on form and evidence. period.

Response by LCpl H Tannehill made Dec 19 at 2021 5:41 PM

LCpl H Tannehill — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 17:41:27 -0500

I went through a similar situation. My wife emailed Trump on Sunday at about 1700 on Monday at 1100 the VA Directors office called me in a minor panic wanting to know what they could do to fix it. They approved and sent my referral out that same day. My issue was for my trashed neck. The va sat on my case over a year and said they couldn't do anything for me. I ask for consults outside the va for over a year. I don't know if it will have the same effect under the current administration. Don't vote for that senator again and encourage other as well. They have the power to help but typically lake the desire. Remember also all networks are not the same.

Response by SSG James Knopp made Dec 20 at 2021 10:04 AM

SSG James Knopp — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 10:04:40 -0500

I personally have gotten great care from the VA for which I am blessed.
But, that being said, it’s sad to hear and see some of the ongoing issues veterans who raised their right hand in service to this country. I thought all of these problems had been mostly resolved after that debacle at the Phoenix VA some years ago. There is a term used in the second season episode 2 of Seal Team. “Medicate and Isolate”. Disturbing there are some of these practices still going on for our veterans in need.
My opinion is our policy makers put more emphasis on caring for the humanity of other countries before taking care of our own, veteran or not. Also, there is a music video by Five Finger Death Punch. “On “The Wrong Side Of Heaven”. It’s about the plight of our homeless veterans. This video brought tears to my eyes when I watched it. Also the DAV is a great resource for veterans in need.
That being said, I believe most policy makers are on our side.

Response by SGT Leonard Frank made Dec 20 at 2021 6:54 PM

SGT Leonard Frank — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 18:54:07 -0500

I have no idea about how to proceed but I do know DAV is a good idea and then get a consensus from them on what atourney to call. you dont want some strip center lawyer triying to handle such a complex and important issue.

Response by SPC Jennifer Clever made Dec 20 at 2021 6:58 PM

SPC Jennifer Clever — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 18:58:33 -0500

Call the White House Veterans Hotline + [login to see] .

Response by LTC Donell Kelly made Dec 21 at 2021 7:22 PM

LTC Donell Kelly — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 19:22:42 -0500

Have been in situation where I’ve been threatened by a patient wildly swinging his cane in the air while screaming & shouting at me. Didn’t have to call a Code Green, because fellow providers in rooms next door called it for me. Scared the crap out of me, as I had never seen him before. His chronic (years) pain narcs for phantom pain had been denied by Ortho & he’d been referred to Gen Med clinic. The station police came & took him into custody. He was back a few weeks later, but w/a station police escort & a newly assigned provider. He was SC, for the amputation, & wasn’t denied care.

Response by SPC Terence Q Burns made Dec 22 at 2021 9:55 AM

SPC Terence Q Burns — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 09:55:01 -0500

There are many ways to combat the idiots running our VA Healthcare. First off there are 13 offices within our system to beat this. First off, head to your Fee basis unit at your local VAMC. This is where you can get reimbursed for funding spent. 100% Veterans are cleared from paying any fees or bills. Secondly, Your Primary doctor is supposed to see you no matter your case. If your doctors aren't helping you, report them too Patient Advocate and have no remorse for them either.
Third, Request outside care per Fee Basis and before your first bill is issued, they will cover your expenses for outside care.
Fourth, Having a senator{s}make sure that you get one who has military experience because most civilian Senators are just all talk and hot air.
What's going on within our system at our VAMC's is getting rid of the most qualified veterans and replacing them with civilian operators who are clueless. We also have a online site called "MissionRollcall.org" that reaches out to our Veteran Senators on cases such as ours. Start here and maybe soon everything will work in your favor. Happy Holidays fellow Veteran{s}

Response by AB Roger Zauner made Jan 20 at 2022 9:03 PM

AB Roger Zauner — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 21:03:24 -0500

None of the answers here, so far, seem to answer your question directly, "Can the VA refuse care citing a case as too complex."

In my opinion, some VA personnel would more likely love the challenge.

My rational for some; it gets really old and tiresome, sometimes, taking care of the same old friendly polite law-abiding civilian.

My guess on this question, they can try to refuse, but they'll likely either get stuck doing the work anyways or will likely more so enjoy their work even more, as long as there is money. (Citing the likely end result of other answers with escalating a problem to the service officers or to the White House.)

Bottom line with humor aside, think the VA has a duty for serving or caring for our veterans, regardless of difficulty. Similar with the only goal of winning a war, there is no resolve of simply giving-up.

Response by Sgt Tom Gainer made Jan 30 at 2022 11:01 AM

Sgt Tom Gainer — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 11:01:36 -0500

Best course of action, contact your congressman from your district who generally have a military/VA staff member. Most of the time they can help you move things in the right direction. Senators are no use, they will tell you they are to busy. Also have you contacted a VA patient rep ? Some can be helpful. Also a DAV rep or other service type organizations can generally help.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2022 4:48 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 16:48:22 -0500

Appeal decision. Exhaust administrative process of appeals, the sue the VA under the Cares Act.

Response by SSG Leonel Cantu made Mar 3 at 2022 3:41 PM

SSG Leonel Cantu — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 15:41:06 -0500

SSgt Lisa J. Markland, A Senator may not have been the best Congressman to use. A House of Representative member would be better since they work closer with the people. A Senator is more of a big picture person. Also seek assistance from your state veterans office. The VA will listen when the inquiries come from the State of (name a 50 state) rather than from an individual. Some local TV news stations may be interested on how a veteran is being treated by the local VA. Some lawyers represent veterans pro bono. You gotta do your homework when seeking representation. Use every resource available to get treatment. You must have yourself in your best interest. Good Luck

Response by Tom Alen made Mar 3 at 2022 7:41 PM

Tom Alen — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 19:41:41 -0500

No case is to complex. Treat our veterans ❤

Response by Col Nichole Lane (USAFA '88) made Mar 4 at 2022 3:03 PM

Col Nichole Lane (USAFA '88) — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 15:03:56 -0500

Yes, I’m living it at 95 percent disability, unemployable having applied for over 2500 remote jobs. Attempt Unemployability, SSDI, with Medicare and Medicaid as well as SSI. I am a former officer and USAF Academy grad living without a caregiver. If you qualify, please pursue all avenues and a lawyer who is qualified and reputable helps as well. I spend my money on special foods, medications and every self care piece of self care I can afford. Not a fun life, I also have a neuro-spinal implant. Not having consistent health maintenance when complex is tough. I do this alone minus my little dogs. But we’re built tough, don’t give up.

Response by SSgt Mathew Cummings made Mar 5 at 2022 9:59 AM

SSgt Mathew Cummings — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 09:59:48 -0500

Have you contacted a rep from the VSO office to represent you? Filed a congressional complaint? I am a VFW VSO and yes this happens. We have means to go about this and actions taken to file appropriate things to proceed. Have you been before a VA judge yet? If you contact a VSO from a nationwide organization(VFW, AL, DAV, etc...) they are located in the BVA and have better access to resources to help you.

Response by SPC Don Goffaux made Mar 6 at 2022 8:25 PM

SPC Don Goffaux — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 20:25:55 -0500

I too had a similar problem all i had to say to the doctor was. . .
" Your violating your Hippocratical oath of do no harm by refusing me treatment ! "
But you have to say it exactly as i quoted it to make it legally binding !
And if they still refuse sue & take his license away!
You will be amazed how fast they will reverse their actions because they know they can lose their medical license!
Sincerely, SNAFU

Response by PFC Ray Aquila made Mar 9 at 2022 6:13 PM

PFC Ray Aquila — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 18:13:08 -0500

Send a letter to both Veteran's Chairpersons in the House/Senate. Their Chief of Staff and staff members will respond. At the same time get a hold of a Service Rep in your area. Next solicit an approved outside VA attorney. In other words FLOOD the HALLS. Oh! Forgot......Your Congressman/woman/Senator. It appears someone has drop the lead ball. There is no cause for this treatment of a Veteran no matter what. Another I forgot. GO TO THE SOURCE. Secretary Of the Department of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough. McDonough has BOASTED about changes. Let McDonough change these EXCUSES. Good Luck.

Response by SGT Janet Wyatt made Mar 10 at 2022 8:17 AM

SGT Janet Wyatt — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 08:17:24 -0500

Oh boy that’s the can of worms I live in!

Response by SGT James Hammons made Mar 20 at 2022 1:02 PM

SGT James Hammons — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 13:02:04 -0400

#Wanda1024

Response by SGT James Hammons made Mar 20 at 2022 1:03 PM

SGT James Hammons — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 13:03:27 -0400

No, but you representation. Go to WWP OR VFW. Get a service officer involved.

Response by MAJ Shawn Granger made Apr 1 at 2022 6:34 PM

MAJ Shawn Granger — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 18:34:58 -0400

What are the complex medical issues that you see care for? Knowing that makes advice much easier to give as an orthopedic surgeon on this feed. I’d agree with a congressional or state senator or DAV rep investion into your case to get approved care assistance but they only work as well as the representatives office staff works.

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Apr 27 at 2022 1:22 PM

SGT Mark Sullivan — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 13:22:00 -0400

Someone mentioned going to the POTUS. POTUS will actually contact your Congressional Representative. Let's cut the ineffective middle man out of the loop and find out who the Congressional Representative is, take it directly to their office. If you go to ANY VFW, American Legion, DAV, etc... they have Representatives that can, and will help you.

Response by PV2 Tommy Smith made May 4 at 2022 2:47 PM

PV2 Tommy Smith — Wed, 04 May 2022 14:47:32 -0400

I have recently gone through some similar stuff with a total knee replacement and dental implants. Some of the advice below is good. If you want a response in 3 weeks or less skip the, letter writing to you congressman, senator, and POTUS it takes to long for a response. Skip the VSO most are form pushers.
CALL THE White House VA Hotline: [login to see] .
Calls are answered by a live agent 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The hotline is staffed by more than 60 agents who have had extensive training on VA programs and services. Most of these agents are a Veteran, military family member, caregiver or a survivor.
I had to call the 3 times in the last 6 mo. and each time they responded with a phone call in 2 - 3 weeks and they were able to resolve the issue and get my benefits in another week or so. If you don't Beleave me try it.

Response by PO2 Lorraine Corso made May 4 at 2022 9:32 PM

PO2 Lorraine Corso — Wed, 04 May 2022 21:32:40 -0400

Contact Combat Craig on YouTube

Response by SSG Walter R Cooke JR made May 5 at 2022 7:03 AM

SSG Walter R Cooke JR — Thu, 05 May 2022 07:03:22 -0400

They have Lawyers who specialize in t MEDICIAL ISSUES and Malpractice
Most work on comtengency. Check the OBOMA UPDATES FOR VA CARE.
GOOD LUCK and GOD BLESS

Response by PO1 Bob Gutsche made May 5 at 2022 10:14 AM

PO1 Bob Gutsche — Thu, 05 May 2022 10:14:45 -0400

Since the letters to a senator really are seen by staff members who at time s could not care less about veterans I would suggest contacting the local press or TV as they really like issues such as this,.
You might also consider contacting Fox news as they may want to raise awareness of this. Also send information to Judicial Watch.

Response by Cpl Philip Walker made May 5 at 2022 3:08 PM

Cpl Philip Walker — Thu, 05 May 2022 15:08:25 -0400

Maybe you can file a complaint with the Surgeon General, I believe there's a link

Response by LCpl Allen Lusk made May 6 at 2022 1:07 AM

LCpl Allen Lusk — Fri, 06 May 2022 01:07:03 -0400

As sad as it is to say yes it's been done, but is it right,? I don't believe so, they're about to do the same with myself
I've had lung issues since I've had covid,they're refusing to run the needed tests. I actually went to the er to get them to be run. Now they're dragging their feet on it. To say the least it's very frustrating

Response by PV2 Ellen Wentzel made May 6 at 2022 1:35 AM

PV2 Ellen Wentzel — Fri, 06 May 2022 01:35:24 -0400

I know you probably don't want to hear this, but you just have to keep at them. Go to the director of the VA, all and any veteran organizations, every one you can get involved. Secure message all your doctors and whoever else you can through secret messenger to your VA and any other one you have been. It too me 2 years to get any help for horrible tinnitus (ringing in the ears 24/7). Was still not listened to and took me 2 years after that to get hearing aids from an outside doctor paid for by the VA. I was in agony and crying about the noise in my head for 4 years. I get so tired of fighting with the VA for the least little thing, but that is what you have to do. Go to the top, also, like the director of your VA which mine was no help to me. The VA is my biggest source of stress. I was a medic and have a little medical savvy and I tell my doctors I feel sorry for those who don't and just take anything handed down to them by a VA doctor. I would rather NOT have a VA doctor. Now I am seen in the community and have the best doctors there are. I have quite a lot of stories of the incompetence at the VA. As they say, "You can't make these things up."

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made May 6 at 2022 6:30 AM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Fri, 06 May 2022 06:30:01 -0400

CAN They?
Uh.... "NO"!

Contact Your Congressmen, State Senators & The US President.
The VA May TELL You That, But It's Pure Bull Shit.
I'm Going After The VA Also....
Due To My Primary's Long Series Of Screw-Ups,.
I Had Emergency Surgery, A MONTH Of Hospitalization.
Months Of Rehab ....And Am Permanently Disabled.
kinda Pisses Me Off., Ya Think?

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made May 6 at 2022 8:08 PM

LTC Ray Buenteo — Fri, 06 May 2022 20:08:00 -0400

Apparently by what your saying they can and are doing what you quote

Response by Sgt Tom Gainer made May 7 at 2022 12:47 PM

Sgt Tom Gainer — Sat, 07 May 2022 12:47:30 -0400

Something is really wrong here…….my suggestion is to consult an attorney who specializes in VA issues. Being 100% I don’t see how they can deny you the care you deserve either thru the VA or via Tri West Community Care.

Response by SGT Richard Hanson SSP/CGS made May 7 at 2022 6:42 PM

SGT Richard Hanson SSP/CGS — Sat, 07 May 2022 18:42:31 -0400

I had a back problem and the VA sent me from Rapid City, SD to Omaha, NE to the VA hospital there for a Laminectomy on my L4 vertebra about 8 years ago. I still had problems with pain that they could only address with pills. After a while they decided they couldn't do anything more, so they turned me over to Monument Health the local medical affiliate here that is now owned by Mayo Clinic. I went thru their pain management program and finally ended up with an Orthopedic Surgeon in September of last year, he looked at my CT scan (I can't do an MRI anymore because of a spinal cord stimulator that is surgically implanted) he said it made him want to sit in the corner and cry. He sent in the paperwork to the VA and he scheduled me for a laminectomy on the L2, L3, and the L4, vertebras. Evidently they didn't get enough of the L4 when they were in there the first time. This did wonders for my back pain but didn't get it all. I have developed a condition known as Arachnoiditis. That is not a fear of spiders, the Arachnoid is the sheath around nerve fibers and also the spinal column. Arachnoiditis is when the nerve fibers in the sheath get fused together with scar tissue. They when you move these fibers can no longer slip and slide over one another they pull and stretch. There is no cure for it and it can't get better, it can only get worse, and it is. Through a healthy dose of drugs and the stimulator I can usual mask the pain, today isn't one of those days. The most prevalent cause of Arachnoiditis is an errant stick with a cortisone shot that penetrates the arachnoid sheath, I think that accounts for about 95% of the cases. I have had so much cortisone and other crap shot into my back I slosh when I walk. First there was the Pro Low treatments where the injected a saline solution into the ligaments in the back to make them inflamed and grow stronger. Which did no good. Then came the cortisone shots. Those never ever gave me even a moments relief, but every time I saw my PC he would ask how was my back I would say it was a mess and off I would go for more cortisone shots. Finally refused more shots and the Ortho guy at the VA said I don't blame you. So back I went to my PC and he sent me outside to a Sports Medicine Group who wanted to give me more cortisone shots. I said no way then they sent me off for some hot wire treatments where a needle is inserted under x-ray into the nerve and then a wire is run thru the needle which is heated with radio waves and it burns the nerve and kills it. I went thru that for a while and it didn't work so they implanted the spinal cord stimulator. Vola, success, pain was mask for a while. As time went on I had to turn the stimulator up higher and higher to get the same amount of relief. I used to run it on 2% to 3% at night and 4% to 5% during the day now I run it at 20% to 25% night and day. Anyway that is my tale of woe, I think the VA caused my arachnoiditis but they won't admit it, they said it is scar tissue from the first laminectomy. How the hell that scar tissue grew about 4 inches and then got inside the Arachnoid Sheath beats the hell out of me. The same old VA that let me walk around on a broken leg for 4 months two years ago, but that's a story for another day,

Response by SGT Richard Hanson SSP/CGS made May 7 at 2022 7:02 PM

SGT Richard Hanson SSP/CGS — Sat, 07 May 2022 19:02:29 -0400

In the case of your payment for meds prescribed by an outside doctor, have the doctor route the prescription through your Personal Care Phisician and then he can send it to the Pharmacy in the VA to be filled. Then you get your meds and all you pay is the co-pay which used to be $8 per month. Do you have a Care in the Community office at your local VA. If you do contact them and see if they can help you.

Response by PO3 Robert Buckels made May 8 at 2022 4:42 AM

PO3 Robert Buckels — Sun, 08 May 2022 04:42:52 -0400

Have you spoken with the onsite VA advocate's office? The DAV may also be able to help. The DAV does not require membership to assist you.

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made May 10 at 2022 8:01 PM

SGT Joseph Dutton — Tue, 10 May 2022 20:01:48 -0400

I can't comment on your case because everyone's case is unique to each individual. What I can do is to advise you to write the Office/Department of Veterans Affairs office in Washington D.C..

Response by SSgt Gerald Morris made May 23 at 2022 6:50 AM

SSgt Gerald Morris — Mon, 23 May 2022 06:50:21 -0400

It troubles me deeply that Veterans must FIGHT for fair treatment, butt, if you WANT a sex change ... JUST ASK !

Response by SFC Marcia Smith made May 26 at 2022 5:08 PM

SFC Marcia Smith — Thu, 26 May 2022 17:08:47 -0400

Someone needs to listen to her. I don't have any answers. I wish you well.

Response by SGT David Schrader made Jun 4 at 2022 10:09 PM

SGT David Schrader — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 22:09:43 -0400

I would recommend that you consult with a VSO (veteran service officer) if you haven’t already done so. These officers can be found through your local VA office, local VFW, American Legion, AmVets and DAV. These organizations are usually very good about trying to get the resources you need.
If none of these organizations are helpful, you can always direct your situation to the Va IG office.
I have had the same luck as you had concerning a Senator. However, this is an election year and It might ignite a flame under the ass of your congressman and Senator.
Since you are rated at 100% you should not be turned away for any illness or conditions that you may have. Service connected or not.
The Choice Program, Mission Act, Community Care or whatever that program is called now were designed for Veterans to get local care, especially if your VA doesn’t have the facilities to treat you. You could also be sent to a VA facility that might have the proper medical personnel and equipment to diagnose and treat you. At no expense to you. This also applies to all Veterans that are registered with the VA regardless of disability rating.
I’m sorry that I couldn’t provide you with much advice but I hope that this helps you.
God bless and good luck

Response by PO1 David Kingsley made Jun 5 at 2022 7:32 AM

PO1 David Kingsley — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 07:32:31 -0400

have you tried contacting Senator Tammy Duckworth's office?
as a Disabled Veteran, she'd probably be really interested in getting a fellow female veteran the Medical care she needs

Response by SGT Michael Koukaras made Jun 5 at 2022 12:26 PM

SGT Michael Koukaras — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 12:26:02 -0400

The White House actually has a hotline for this type of fuckery. [login to see]

Response by SGT Michael Koukaras made Jun 5 at 2022 1:05 PM

SGT Michael Koukaras — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 13:05:52 -0400

White House hotline # is: [login to see] . Call that number and explain your situation. It's a recorded line but you leave your information and they call you back to confirm the details, then make the appropriate phone calls.

Response by Sgt Gregory Weeks made Jun 5 at 2022 2:23 PM

Sgt Gregory Weeks — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 14:23:41 -0400

What VA hospital are you going to? The one in Fayetteville Arkansas referred me outside for a lumbar surgery and they covered everything. It just makes no sense especially if you’re back problem is service-connected

Response by SPC Richard Rauenhorst made Jun 5 at 2022 6:48 PM

SPC Richard Rauenhorst — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 18:48:11 -0400

I am happy to be retired and have medicare and BC&BS supplemental insurance. I have used such resources in the past to get a second opinion. I believe in covering my bases even if it will cost more outside the VA.

Response by SFC Richard Baerlocher made Jun 5 at 2022 10:04 PM

SFC Richard Baerlocher — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 22:04:43 -0400

One of our Senators here in Oregon was having a town hall, and a veterna had complaints that the Senators staff had ignored his request for assistance. The Senator, Ron Wyden immediately asked his veterans representative that was in the town hall, and she confirmed that she had seen the complaint. The Senator fired the staffer on the spot. You state has 2 Senators, and you also have a Representative. Contact all of them in writing, put a CC line at the bottom of each with who else is also getting a copy. Send them Certified, so they can not say they weren't recieved. Also add the President to the CC. All of the out of pocket should be reimbursed to you.

Response by MSG Loren Tomblin made Jun 6 at 2022 3:05 PM

MSG Loren Tomblin — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 15:05:50 -0400

I was wounded three times in the same action. I was an infantryman/interpreter/ FO. When I retired from the US Army and applied for CRSC they considered the GSW to my larynx as a throat injury. I had copied my health records based on advice and it was changed by the Department of the Army to LOD based on appeal. I am now covered by MEDICARE and TRICARE so my stuff is squared away. HOOAH!!!!

Response by SPC Joseph Goodland made Jun 7 at 2022 11:25 PM

SPC Joseph Goodland — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 23:25:19 -0400

No.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2022 1:25 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 01:25:08 -0400

No , if the VA cannot handle it, they must out source it to an appropriate care provider on the economy

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 8 at 2022 10:16 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 10:16:50 -0400

SSgt Lisa J. Markland I just saw your post. I hope by this time you wetre able to get help from the VAMC system

Response by SGT Joseph Adams made Jun 8 at 2022 8:38 PM

SGT Joseph Adams — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 20:38:10 -0400

Wow this is old but I just got an email with this in it. Maybe this info will help someone else with the same question:

First you need to contact your representative in Congress. Their staff will guide you through the process and once a congressional inquiry hits their office, they have a short amount of time to respond or face consequences. This process will take some time about a month.

Also contact your local VFW, American Legion and DAV offices. They have volunteers that will help you out in navigating the local VA.

Response by CDR William Kempner made Jun 9 at 2022 10:45 AM

CDR William Kempner — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 10:45:39 -0400

Some good suggestions here. Go to DAV first. They are awesome. (If you aren't a member, you need to be!!. Not expensive. ) If that doesn't work. go the White House route like someone suggested. Then. if there is nothing, you go to the media. As others said, an ELECTION YEAR!! They are paying attention. GOOD LUCK!.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Jun 10 at 2022 5:03 PM

Cpl George Matousek — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 17:03:09 -0400

I have no help to offer, my case is on the docket for the Board of Appeals since Sept. 2019.still waiting to hear from them. Good Luck with your case.

Response by TSgt David Olson made Jun 11 at 2022 2:47 PM

TSgt David Olson — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 14:47:45 -0400

Since you are dealing with the VA, you are not on AD. Are you going to or close to a big regional facility? I have had several different types of medical procedures over the years. I am 100%, also retired from the USAF. As a retiree, I am enrolled with Tri-West (Tri Care), and am 65 on Medicare. OK, I'm covered all ways from Sunday. Do you have access to a patient advocate? Why won't "they" outsource you? With the VA everything begins with your primary care provider, then to either a VA specialist provider, or you are outsourced to a civilian specialist. Have you obtained a copy of your medical history, stating that VA care is refused, or denied due to cost? Armed with that you can send a copy to your congressman/woman. Election time, they won't want to lose your vote.

Response by SPC Peter Presutti made Jun 13 at 2022 9:37 AM

SPC Peter Presutti — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 09:37:32 -0400

Anytime, a v.a. Dr touches your spine it's a gamble. They outsourcd mine,and I still ended up paralyzed. Be careful

Response by PO2 Julie Edwards made Jun 13 at 2022 3:57 PM

PO2 Julie Edwards — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 15:57:19 -0400

Ha...as much as the VA toots their hone. They are self centered and petty. I think some of the denials have nothing to do with complexity or money. They have the power to decide who gets what. Moral of the story: don't rub any body the wrong way. I did, went up chain to oig and my senator. Good luck, save your info in detail and you can get comped

Response by Cpl Rosemarie SantaAnna made Jun 28 at 2022 9:06 PM

Cpl Rosemarie SantaAnna — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 21:06:10 -0400

It seems us Females that serve have harder time getting benefits....
I was not rape or sexually harassed but did have medical issue proven & have 1 I can not prove...
I refuse to lie or make up a story for monetary benefits...
Good luck & keep trying...
I would start with your city officials before Washington head honchos...

Response by COL Eric Burns made Jul 24 at 2022 10:29 AM

COL Eric Burns — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 10:29:23 -0400

No ,under no circumstances are they able to refuse a veteran or combat veteran medical treatment . They can however refer to a different doctor or they can refer to a outside / outsourced medical provider to diagnose or treat the soldier .

Response by COL Eric Burns made Jul 24 at 2022 10:32 AM

COL Eric Burns — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 10:32:40 -0400

Keep track of all refused or declined treatment , call washington dc or the white house to file a complaint . File suite with a attorney if need be to get heard . Mike pences office gets answers and so does most other congress offices

Response by SPC Jose Valdez made Jul 25 at 2022 6:43 PM

SPC Jose Valdez — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 18:43:53 -0400

Contact a lawyer.

Response by SSG Wayne Wood made Jul 26 at 2022 11:02 AM

SSG Wayne Wood — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 11:02:04 -0400

I've been fighting the VA for thirty-five years over hypothalamic damage due to a TBI I got in 1982. I probably have a file a foot thick with the VA and my Congressional office from letters I've written trying to get help. After an initial letter in 1992 where the VA (after denying I had ever been treated for my problems when it was all over my DD214), when I've tried to get the VA to properly address the fact there is no rating and classification for my condition (and I suspect there are literally thousands of vets from the GWOT who have it from IEDs but are undiagnosed) I get the same ol' runaround that they'll keep it in mind if the subject ever comes up.

After 23 years my various secondary conditions caught up with me and I had to retire from my second career of teaching school and I was given 100%, but it's still not addressing the real issue. My concern now is if something happens to me will my wife be taken care of.

I gave up on receiving VA medical treatment something like seven years ago when the Endo Clinic at Birmingham stopped seeing me because the travel pay was too much and they transferred me to the Outpatient Clinic in Dothan, AL - then a few years later closed that clinic. After a year of trying to get an appointment at one of the alternative clinics I said screw it. I have good civilian care and the VA clinic wasn't doing much for me anyway so...

Response by Alison Tseko made Jul 26 at 2022 1:52 PM

Alison Tseko — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 13:52:25 -0400

My husband served 5 years in the Army. Grant it he was one of the lucky ones to never have to see combat, but the VA has denied our request for benefits because "we make too much money". It downright pisses me off that our country does not care at all about our veterans. Those that are in the system have to fight tooth and nail to get any care. It's honestly ridiculous!

Response by SGT Kenneth Rand made Jul 26 at 2022 2:17 PM

SGT Kenneth Rand — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 14:17:11 -0400

It sounds like you need to move it's not the VA it's just your VA location. I suffered for 8 years with a broken jaw then I found out the the VA Mather facility was just horribly ran and nobody cared. When I moved to a town that loves it veterans I started receiving much better care and my emergency room visits are under 2 hours. Change your location I know it sucks to uproot for healthcare but I'd rather be happy and healthy. Look up the VA hospital ratings and decide from there.

Response by SrA Allan Yates made Jul 27 at 2022 4:53 PM

SrA Allan Yates — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 16:53:18 -0400

Lawsuit.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2022 11:50 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 11:50:51 -0400

No it is not ok, but that is the Veterans Administration for you, people need to come to grips with the Failing functions of the VA. I am a 100% Permanently Disabled Combat Veteran, I have tried for two years to get ANYONE to address the VA terror organization, I have written over 57 letters to The IDIOT POTUS, the VA Secretary, The VSO, the Federal Government Office of Ethics, the Federal OIG, the VA OIG, the Senators, the Congressman the Members of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, the moron Senator Tester Chairman of the VA Committee, all States Agencies, The Federal Attorney General, the States Attorney General, the most popular Disabled Veteran organizations, the Directyor of the VA in our State. the Patient Advocate. NO ONE EVEN SENDS ANY REPLY TO ANY OF MY LETTERS OR FORMAL COMPLAINTS FILE WITH THEM, The VA is controlled and regulated by the VA, not by anyone other agency or Congress. They are accountable only to themselves, their primary function in life is to secure and maintain their own jobs and that is all. They do not care about doing their jobs, or taking care of the Veteran. So I know from actual experience that this is correct and true, people will more likely write and say I am incorrect etc and to do this or that, you can try all the suggestions offered but in the end of it all What I have stated above is the way it is. If you can find a legal person to even sit down with you and if you have a ton of $$$$$$$ you may be able to find someone to take your money but in th end even a private lawsuit against the VA will only drain your bank account and you will be back to square one. You and other may not like what I have stated but it is the way it is! The solution is what the Declaration of Independence states,"when the government is no longer of, by and for the People it is the duty of the People to abolish said government" see how many people out their will stand up and be counted on that statement today, not even the RallyPoint writers or readers will do that. Our government has now become the new Fourth Reich doing precisely what Adolph Hitler did in Germany, today everyone snitches on each other and just forced to accept the edicts of the new Reich. You cannot even trust your doctors, clergy or even your family members today, just like 1934

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2022 11:51 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 11:51:56 -0400

Response by SGT Bill Braniff made Aug 1 at 2022 4:46 PM

SGT Bill Braniff — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:46:35 -0400

I am certain they can’t do that. You dnt have to go to the WH to get help. Great to one of the Vetean group Service Officers and they will straighten it out for you. I don’t think tge VA can do tgat to anyone regardless of their disability or lack of disability Tati g.
Sounds like a frustrated VA employee just doing dnt try to dig far enough. I’ve been T&P for over 15 years and never heard of such a thing.

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made Sep 11 at 2022 7:06 AM

SPC Matt Ovaska — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 07:06:25 -0400

Welcome to VA health care.

Response by 1stSgt Linda Meherg made Sep 12 at 2022 1:14 AM

1stSgt Linda Meherg — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 01:14:36 -0400

Good luck. I am having same problems. I now have 2 broken legs. 1 leg has 2 compound fractures.

Response by TSgt James Sutton made Sep 12 at 2022 7:43 AM

TSgt James Sutton — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 07:43:21 -0400

Forget sending your case to the White House....nothing to do with who is in office but rather to all the red tape you would have to go thru just to get thru to someone who could do something, unless you already know someone working there or with strings that can pull for you it is a waste of time.

I'd suggest contacting your Congressman or Senator, you will have to fill out a release of information form so they can work on your behalf with the agency in question, but they have done more for me than anything calling or writing to the White House has achieved. And I have written on dozens of issues going back 20 years or more.

Response by MSgt Earl King made Sep 12 at 2022 1:22 PM

MSgt Earl King — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 13:22:10 -0400

How many appointments did you miss?

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Sep 12 at 2022 1:28 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 13:28:36 -0400

Don't Bother Screwing With The VA.. Get a Hold Of The DVA And All The Way To The White House..
All Of Their Contact Info Is On The Web,. I've Also Had Problems With Our VA Medical Staff...
In Short, Very Short, Those SOB's Almost KILLED Me....So Many Misdiagnosis,Which Only Lead To WRONG Medications, Which Created Other Problem & Increased The Problems They THOUGH I Had. PLUS Emergency Surgery & A Full MONTH in The Hospital... ETC., Etc., Etc.,
I'm Now Disabled And Sucking On an Oxygen Tube...While Sitting At My Computer In a Wheel Chair.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!~~ Bastards!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2022 3:19 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 15:19:53 -0400

I would definitely be writing your congresswoman/man again in addition to working with a lawyer. Sending a letter to POTUS isn’ta Bad idea either

Response by COL Roxanne Arndt made Sep 14 at 2022 9:41 PM

COL Roxanne Arndt — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 21:41:26 -0400

SSgt Markland,
I spoke with a friend of mine who is in upper management at the VA in Dallas and he recommended that you see the patient advocate at the VA (if you have not already done this). The first step would be to send a letter to your congress person and they are to respond within 72 hours. There are 2 other steps you can take as well but the advocate would know. The VA has a responsibility to address your health issues, whether they can address the problem or not. There is a program called community care where providers in the community agree to accept VA payment. If you have already looked into this then your next step is to contact your representative. I'm sorry that you are having this problem,,,,As a healthcare provider of many decades it is a travesty for you to get the run around when the VA has the mission established by President Lincoln to care for those who have borne the battle. Good luck....

Response by Sgt Jeffrey Weisman made Sep 14 at 2022 10:02 PM

Sgt Jeffrey Weisman — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 22:02:23 -0400

We should vote out then remove anyone who is reducing current Military Members pay & suggesting that those people can have Food Stamps?
Also not paying for the treatment needs of a disabled veteran.

Response by PFC Steve Miller made Sep 15 at 2022 7:12 AM

PFC Steve Miller — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 07:12:35 -0400

Call the white house hotline .it does wonders . Every survey u fill out nuke them . Call patient advocate. If u sit back nothing will get done . Over their head is only way . Be relentless

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Sep 15 at 2022 9:29 AM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 09:29:59 -0400

You can file a complaint with the VA's OIG which may get you a response. Doubtful. Or you can contact the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) which is more responsive to complaints like your your's. I worked for the VA & followed the VA's OIG reports for years. Met with OIG investigators before during investigations. They tend to lean towards protecting the VA. The OSC is the better choice.

Response by LT William Pellegrini made Sep 15 at 2022 2:24 PM

LT William Pellegrini — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:24:33 -0400

LT.s.g. USNR. If your injury occurred as a result of actions taken while you were on active duty of ANY sort then the Government should pay 100% of the costs to assist in your recovery. But the VA has been starved of money for years and may no longer have the resources to afford such treatment. As for Civilian Insurance Companies, well they are only interested in maximizing profit, and treating your injuries would not be very profitable so they will say no. Maybe we can get some changes to the budgeting of the V.A. if we can elect a Democratic majority in both Houses of Congress. That is your only chance of getting the medical attention you need.

Response by Sgt Ivan Boatwright made Sep 18 at 2022 5:01 PM

Sgt Ivan Boatwright — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 17:01:02 -0400

I have not had that problem, so I assume it might be the area you are in or specific people.

Response by PO2 Michael Slachta made Sep 18 at 2022 10:11 PM

PO2 Michael Slachta — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 22:11:41 -0400

I strongly suggest that you contact the VA Office of Inspector General in Washington and also cc the letter to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. I have never heard of a situation as you describe.

Response by SSgt Scott Ezra made Sep 19 at 2022 8:40 PM

SSgt Scott Ezra — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 20:40:53 -0400

Yes, they can and do all the time. They've been doing it to me for over 4 years now. Absolutely ruined my life and has really been hard on my loved ones.
The hardest thing was that no one cares. I guess people assume you deserve it or they just don't care. Even people on Rally Point turned their backs on me. No one cares and they don't want to hear about it.
As long as I don't talk about my health situation and the fact that this country has failed me in that regard big time, I'm fine.
I still love my country and think it's the best country ever! Just help the people that sacrificed their health for their service.
I'm really sorry to hear your having trouble. Just because I'm in this situation doesn't mean you have to be. It sounds like you've been going through it for awhile though.
I have an amazing wife and family, they and my faith are the only reasons I'm still here.
I really wish you the best.

Response by MSgt Betsy Mamo made Sep 20 at 2022 9:22 AM

MSgt Betsy Mamo — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 09:22:08 -0400

I think I went straight to the ombudsman with my problem. For some reason, the woman I spoke with wanted my husbands details, and I am sorry, he is a vet, I am the retiree!

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made Sep 20 at 2022 10:27 PM

SPC Steven Nihipali — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 22:27:13 -0400

To answer, no, they can't.. they have to send you out to the community. If they deny treatment, your can actually take that up with jag and sue for lack of care. Your clinic is being fucking lazy as shit. This is why trump did what he did and was making us veterans get better care

Response by SPC John Estabrook made Sep 21 at 2022 5:15 PM

SPC John Estabrook — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:15:44 -0400

I think the place to start is with the medical center patient advocate. I don’t think there are many problems too complex for the VA system to handle. Also, if services are not available the VA can allow a veteran to use the private insurance they contract with which I believe is Optum. The VA has an obligation to make sure a veteran especially a Service connected veteran get the care they need. Also, I would check with the Veterans primary care physician and have them make the necessary referral preferably within the VA system because the VA specializes in veterans and veterans with complex problems in particular. The VA is closely affiliated with the best civilian research medical centers in the country.

Response by SGT L. Ski made Oct 4 at 2022 12:28 AM

SGT L. Ski — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 00:28:35 -0400

It's a sad day when America doesn't take care of the people who sacrificed to protect her.
As someone else stated, contact your local congressman/congresswoman.
We deserve better. Don't take their denial of service as an answer. It sounds like a breach of contract.
Remember, they spend millions of $ to put in new rocks/boulders/shrubbery/walk paths in front of their buildings but won't spend the $ taking care of the vets keeping them free.
Good luck and thank you for sharing.

Response by A1C Diane Phillips made Oct 14 at 2022 3:51 PM

A1C Diane Phillips — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 15:51:54 -0400

I feel it's totally wrong that they will not cover other doctors medications. And I can't even fathom them not outsourcing someone if they don't know what they're doing. I have been outsourced every time because personally I won't let the VA touch me.

Response by SSG Gordon Holmes made Oct 21 at 2022 4:18 PM

SSG Gordon Holmes — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 16:18:27 -0400

Call the White House Veteran hot line at [login to see] . I was getting the run around to get treatment for a service connected injury and within a few days my treatment was approved.

Response by CMSgt David Bridge made Oct 26 at 2022 4:27 PM

CMSgt David Bridge — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 16:27:38 -0400

This is your opportunity to go get some quality healthcare. I had severe complications, severe health issues, I mean, I need a liver transplant, my heart arteries are blocked, I was on oxygen, and anemic, and really probably was diagnosed with about 100 and 150 issues with me. Even to this day after a liver transplant and heart bypass, I still take 350 pills a week and about 16 shots just to stay alive. I went to the military base at Lackland when I moved there to stay with family to take care of me. I’ve been hospitalized over the past five or six years to the tune of about $2 million in medical bills. Not to mention about $40,000 every six months for medicines. I tell you this, just so you know that you want the best healthcare you could get. Why go to a military doctor that graduated with a C when you can go to a doctor they graduated with A++++ and is well known in their field? Since that day, I have never seen a base doctor for anything, nor will I go to the VA. I’ve had several friends have heart problems and go to the VA, and one of them died on the table. Take this opportunity get excellent quality medical doctors in your community. It’s a blessing in disguise.

Response by SFC R. Lee Linebarger made Oct 29 at 2022 12:28 PM

SFC R. Lee Linebarger — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 12:28:50 -0400

That seems par for course with the VA and their bloated lapsidasical bureaucracy........

Response by MAJ Steve Daugherty made Oct 29 at 2022 1:55 PM

MAJ Steve Daugherty — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 13:55:26 -0400

Normally no, but there are a number of issues involved; is it a service connected issue? Are you refusing offered care in favor of some preferred therapy you found on the internet? I had a patient that was totally convinced that worms were burrowed all through her body and picked sores all over digging them out. Did all the tests you could think of to find the “worms” to no avail but she was difficult to convince. There are folks that believe their therapy should be just how they desire in spite of standard of care or risks. I usually try to listen intently and educate the veteran to the better options. That being said getting specialty care when you are hours from a VA medical cen can be a daunting task as they sometimes ask us to prove the obvious to approve the care requested. Or ignore what we have written. I was a military physician in the past and am now backin federal service after 30 years in private practice, but if you think the VA is bad try to deal with the for profit insurance companies. Insurance company executives rival politicians in their integrity

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Oct 30 at 2022 6:35 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 18:35:06 -0400

This POTUS may not be much help, BUT, write him a letter anyway and CC your senators and representative.

In Fact, send a copy of the letter to the United States secretary of veterans affairs. The current incumbent is Denis McDonough and he has been since February 9, 2021. As a Cabinet Member, he reports directly to POTUS. I would address the envelope and a cover letter to him.

The address is:

810 Vermont Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20420

Response by CPL T.A. Nelson made Oct 30 at 2022 8:32 PM

CPL T.A. Nelson — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 20:32:46 -0400

Not legally. I would make sure I am part of a service organization, i.e. VFW, DAV, State VA organization or which ever has the largest presence in your area. Also, get a new provider and get the local number for community care. If you haven't already get your SSDI or standard Medicare. There is many ways to fight this but getting the best organization with lawyers is my best recommendation...

Response by CMSgt Donald ONeill made Oct 31 at 2022 7:36 AM

CMSgt Donald ONeill — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 07:36:54 -0400

First name the senator who refuse to help and turn his name over to your local VFW . Second go to your local Veterans office and ask for your representative let them send your history to the VA . Third use your voice in the local media bad PR is one thing the VA fears .

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Oct 31 at 2022 9:33 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 21:33:25 -0400

Believe This Or NOT,
It Was Actually My Primary Physician
Who Damned Near Killed Me.
I Was Sick As All Sh*t, And It Kept Getting Worse.
And I'm Talk'n WORSE...To The Point, After Years Of Neglect;
I Was Taken In, Not Know Even Knowing Where I Was;
Had Emergency Liver Surgery And A Full MONTH In The Hospital.
Was Told The Next Day, Had I Waited Until Morning,
I'd Have Died Before Sunrise. (Est. 4 - 6 Hours) And I'd Been
Found DEAD! The Infection Had Spread, So FAR, From My Liver To My Brain.
I Was Out Cold When Taken In....

Response by Kenn Evans II made Nov 1 at 2022 11:43 AM

Kenn Evans II — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 11:43:28 -0400

Contact: Keith Brekhus
Northern District Director
Office of Congressman O’Halleran
(Office) [login to see]

[login to see] .gov

Response by SGT Frank Hewes made Nov 1 at 2022 6:20 PM

SGT Frank Hewes — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 18:20:02 -0400

Sit down with a VSO from your veteran's organization and create a letter with the pertinent info about your case. Make six copies, one each for your Congressional delegates, POTUS, national level VA Hospital head and one for your personal file. At least one of the five you mail will get some attention.

Response by CPO Kim Hanthorn made Nov 15 at 2022 2:27 PM

CPO Kim Hanthorn — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 14:27:28 -0500

This administration is going to help you or any other Veteran more then they have to, YOUR NOT AN ILLEGAL ALIEN!

Response by MSgt George Murray made Nov 27 at 2022 5:38 AM

MSgt George Murray — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 05:38:11 -0500

In April of 2021 I had cervical surgery for my Spinal Stenosis (severe). There were no questions about getting it done. It was completed by an outside firm (E3 Spinal Institute) and it went like a charm. I now have full range in my neck. Last week I notified my nurse that my lumbar region is at the point where everyday life is full of pain and can't do the things I want to do. By the way I saw the itemized billing for my neck and it was around $330K. My co-pay $0

Response by Col Dan Ketter made Dec 18 at 2022 11:01 PM

Col Dan Ketter — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 23:01:43 -0500

Wow that stinks...

Response by MSgt Earl King made Dec 24 at 2022 10:04 AM

MSgt Earl King — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 10:04:16 -0500

You aren't telling the whole truth, just your side!!

Response by Capt Michael Wilford made Dec 25 at 2022 5:21 PM

Capt Michael Wilford — Sun, 25 Dec 2022 17:21:41 -0500

A complicated medical issue is NOT going to get resolved, or even get a decent answer in a forum, especially a forum like this one where everyone is a so called expert. I am an expert as I am a VA doctor and I cannot answer your question as there are complexities and nuances that go way beyond a discussion in any forum. If you’re having issues that are beyond the complexity level of your VA hospital, use Community Care. Ask your provider for the proper consults and follow up as necessary. Also get the Patient Advocate involved.

Response by TSgt David Olson made Jan 15 at 2023 3:27 AM

TSgt David Olson — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 03:27:04 -0500

Hello SSgt Markland. May I ask a few questions? First, did you retire with a medical discharge? Second you should be eligible for TriCare if you retired. Third, when you say the "VA", who do you mean? The VA benefits office in your state, or the big VA in Washington DC? Who has told you the VA won't do telehealth or video? As to telehealth or video via iPhone, I have a video conference with one VA specialist that's been ongoing. Other appointments are back to in-person with masks. I'm confused by your statement, "the VA continues to refuse 'at times' to even consult...". What do you mean by that? Remember that if you seek outside treatment without the approval of the VA, the government has the right to deny any claim for out-of-pocket expenses. Another thing to consider is, should you receive treatment for your problem, and it is corrected, the VA could remove the 100% rating since you no longer have that disability. An organization that you might approach is the Paralyzed Veterans of America. I'm told they are very good. I don't know whether this helps or confuses. There are attorneys who specialize in VA disability claims. The first visit is usually free. You could get an opinion as to where you stand.

Response by SSG Adrian Walker made Jan 23 at 2023 3:04 AM

SSG Adrian Walker — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 03:04:42 -0500

If nothing else, get ahold of your local V.A. iraq and Afghanistan rep and have them help you out .Also this is the number too the white house V.A. report a problem and get help. [login to see] . I hope that helps. Keep your powder dry and your spirits up.

Response by 1LT Dean Gordon made Jan 30 at 2023 6:06 PM

1LT Dean Gordon — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 18:06:34 -0500

I think it's time to contact your Federal representatives. I am 50%, and my son is 100% but they jerked him around for months. After our congressman called it only took 3 days to "clear up the misunderstanding.

Response by CPT Ken Hayes made Jan 31 at 2023 3:04 PM

CPT Ken Hayes — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 15:04:03 -0500

I have heard that actually, it is more effective to write to FLOTUS (First lady). I am not joking. Her staff is less busy and sometimes the first lady takes a personal interest in requests received.
In any event, best of luck and wish you health.

Response by SN Russell Helberg made Feb 20 at 2023 11:25 AM

SN Russell Helberg — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 11:25:39 -0500

i have severe hearing loss from lightship dutys before hearing protection was the norm. F2T foghorns can be heard up to five miles away and further. needless to say ringing is the silent loudness nobody else hears. i am a 70%er but wont push for more because of the fact you talk about.--russ

Response by SN Russell Helberg made Feb 20 at 2023 11:29 AM

SN Russell Helberg — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 11:29:05 -0500

of course it all started at the rifle range with the M1 garand and the 1911 in may of 1962--russ

Response by PO1 Janice Ritz made Feb 27 at 2023 12:16 PM

PO1 Janice Ritz — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 12:16:13 -0500

I would start by contacting the patient advocate. If you get no response or don't like it, go to your State Representative (in congress) in person, with a certified letter, or email (different states treat veterans differently, so choose wisely). If that doesn't work, write to both of your Senators via certified mail. Finally, the last step is to write the President. If all this does not work, I suggest hiring a lawyer and requesting a medical review before a judge. You may end up at the Supreme Court, but you won't be alone by this time (bc you're not alone in this fight). Good luck!

Response by SPC Thomas Bourland made Mar 13 at 2023 11:21 AM

SPC Thomas Bourland — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:21:33 -0400

They can and often do something to consider there is more than one v.a by this I mean we have va medical and dental we also have pension and compensation as well as education and then there us the bane of any veterans existence the v.a bean counters that balk at paying for a Tylenol. I encountered this in my facility when taking a patients vitals the patient was on his phone with the v.a and they did not want to have his surgery done in the community as the cost was rather large. They went on to suggest that the v.a could perform the procedure... I laughed the closest v.a hospital to me has botched so many knee and hip replacements and this fellow needed repair work done to the aorta, I might use the v.a for a cold or the flu but cardio vascular surgery that a big ole nope. Others have suggested a white house letter but as a minimum contact your senator they all have a staffer that deals with v.a related issues

Response by Sgt Barry D. made May 22 at 2023 11:21 AM

Sgt Barry D. — Mon, 22 May 2023 11:21:47 -0400

I am not sure how the V.A. even stays afloat.
I am NGB22, nothing but active duty...and that extra weeks/months stuff on top of that. 6yrs 5mos 21 days.
I humored the enrollment of V.A. as it was a correct thing to do (I am line of duty disabled, war time, decorated, blah blah blah)
By their own math, any one of my 3 subjects of death imminent are 100% disabled for each problem.
I am the "version" of disabled that got SSDI with no arguments... no questions. While still enlisted.
it has been 27 years of peace with SSDI. I even got some dental eventually (my events exploded my teeth- one of my "cute" disability extras.) A humana card with an extra little free budget. Free ride programs, low income housing, etc etc.
Real dieabled, and real complex, can get a real simple answer.
V.A. can go to hell.(it is there already)

Response by SSG Rob Lawrence made May 22 at 2023 3:50 PM

SSG Rob Lawrence — Mon, 22 May 2023 15:50:22 -0400

I would contact the Disabled American Veterans (DAV for short) and tell them your problems. This organization has direct access to the VA and you can basically hire them to act on your behalf. Unlike a Senator’s office, the DAV has people knowledgeable and able to confront the VA from an area of experience. The DAV representatives can go fact for fact with the VA. Most Senator’s office have staff members that only touch the surface of the VA. The DAV is almost like a lawyer representing you to the VA. I have seen them cut through red tape faster than any veterans organization I know. Good luck with your problem. I hope the DAV gets to bottom of your situation and gets you the help you need.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2023 7:19 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 May 2023 19:19:06 -0400

Sounds like either a lawyer needs to get involved or a letter needs to be sent to your congressional representative/White House.

Response by SGT Kevin Weck made May 24 at 2023 2:31 PM

SGT Kevin Weck — Wed, 24 May 2023 14:31:38 -0400

Contact your local congressional office and start an enquirer you will be amazed at how fast the become more attentive. But don’t stop. And then after contacting your congressperson take the same letter you sent them and take a copy to the patient advocates office letting them know what you sent out.

Response by SGT Erick Holmes made May 25 at 2023 10:26 AM

SGT Erick Holmes — Thu, 25 May 2023 10:26:58 -0400

I wish I could help you out and give you a straight answer but with this one I can not. I'm sure there is more to this than we know and I am not expert in this area. I'm sure someone out here will be able to help you.

Response by SFC Aubrey Campbell made May 25 at 2023 2:09 PM

SFC Aubrey Campbell — Thu, 25 May 2023 14:09:49 -0400

I am 100% plus for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. VA in Houston said that surgery was not an option. I dismissed myself from their presence and vowed to never return because of incompetence. Please find yourself a private neurosurgeon to have any surgeries done. I have two back surgeries and one neck surgery. Still have pain and limited movement, but all is well with my soul!!

Response by Sgt Melinda Pamphrey made May 25 at 2023 6:48 PM

Sgt Melinda Pamphrey — Thu, 25 May 2023 18:48:54 -0400

My opinion is that the VA should Never refuse to treat any veteran no matter what your disability level. The VA is there to serve veterans and take care of us, as they like to say their motto is from Lincoln, to serve him who has served and his family.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made May 28 at 2023 9:02 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Sun, 28 May 2023 21:02:20 -0400

This is an easy issue. Get all your documentation make two copies [one for you and one for your Congressional Representative. Make an appointment with said Representative military liaison and go from there. PS: Do you vote? Also, the option you don't like--MOVE.

Response by SPC Richard Rauenhorst made May 29 at 2023 7:45 PM

SPC Richard Rauenhorst — Mon, 29 May 2023 19:45:35 -0400

I hate to say this, but you might have to find another VA, But I will tell you that when I did not like something I contacted the patient advocate. He was very helpful. I called a different VA for my brother had he got help right away. Sometimes you really have to make certain you are heard.
I wish you the best of luck. You have earned the help you need.

Response by SSG Richard (Rick) Dana made Jun 29 at 2023 11:29 AM

SSG Richard (Rick) Dana — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:29:12 -0400

I say write or call your States Representative and Senators see if they can help!

Response by SSgt Ron Björklund made Jul 12 at 2023 8:36 AM

SSgt Ron Björklund — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 08:36:36 -0400

Write to congressman

Response by SPC Rebecca Cann made Jul 21 at 2023 4:03 PM

SPC Rebecca Cann — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 16:03:38 -0400

The long and short of it is that if VA CAN not or WILL not treat service connection, you should file a claim for VA compensation RETROACTIVE to the first date you were refused healthcare -- no matter where that denial occurred. Rather than slog through the claims / appeals process yourself, as I have for the past 33 years since Op Desert Shield, you should hire vets attorneys (no charge unless they succeed). My case for vax-derived diseases is finally at CAVC for a 2nd go round. If I can recommend here, search the website, vetlag.org . . . And my personal experience has been that IF you can acquire VA compensation, you can find most competent civilian physician specialists in the specific areas of health care that you seek. If I hadn't resorted to civilian docs, I wouldn't be alive today.

Response by SFC Kevin Childers made Aug 21 at 2023 5:17 PM

SFC Kevin Childers — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 17:17:07 -0400

I presume your case is not covered unders the PACTAct, SE or SWAsia. High profile issues getting due attention.

I agree, if your senator was no help, write the POTUS & cc your states senators, particularly if they will be running for office soon. It seems as though once political interest is shown, nothing is to expensive or to complex.

Response by Sgt Ron Bowen made Aug 25 at 2023 4:00 PM

Sgt Ron Bowen — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 16:00:27 -0400

yes

Response by SGT Roger L Holle made Oct 22 at 2023 8:22 PM

SGT Roger L Holle — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 20:22:01 -0400

Write a letter to your Congressman, at all levels. As SPC Richard Zacke says, the WH, and that staff, and yes it can and will be covered, most likely. I had a double lung transplant 20 years after separation from service and the name brand meds that are recommended from Duke are getting the pushed down to the basic meds that VA is willing to pay for NOT what DUH is wanting their transplant patients to take. Talk to your Representatives, Senators, and all the other ilk on the Hill to get the Health Care PROMISED/Contracted to you and me.

Response by PO3 Michelle Tremblay made Oct 23 at 2023 10:45 AM

PO3 Michelle Tremblay — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 10:45:12 -0400

Have you contacted Patient Advocate, If so, have you tried You can file a complaint with the VA by:
Calling the VAOIG Hotline at [login to see]
Calling the VA fiduciary program at [login to see]
Calling the VA toll free number at [login to see]
Calling an EEO counselor at 1-888-RES-EEO1 ( [login to see] ), or 998, they will get you where you need to go to get assistance, it's not just suicide line.

Response by TSgt Bobby Dick Jr. made Oct 23 at 2023 6:08 PM

TSgt Bobby Dick Jr. — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:08:23 -0400

Ive stopped using the VA for just that reason. I was a 90270. A few suggestions. If you retired from service make sure you have tricare. Next apply for social security disablity since you are 100% through the VA. If you get approved for that then you will get medicare. Now you have medicare as your primary health insurance and Tricare as you secondary. Then use a civilian doctor and you have no copay for visits and most procedures. Your medication is through tricares express script and you pay a copay for the meds. Usually $12 to $40 per prescription. I have to have nerves in my back burned about every 6 mos and the cost is around $4000.00 and I dont pay anything for that treatment.

Response by SGT Keith Smith made Oct 23 at 2023 10:47 PM

SGT Keith Smith — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 22:47:48 -0400

What they do is they say that you’re not that bad. You need to get your records and see exactly what they are reporting. I imagine that what you are told is not in your records. If it isn’t then tell them all correspondence needs to be done in written instructions. Now these meds yes the VA can provide them. The how is a bit harder. The doctor has to put in a request and explain why that med is needed. I would expect it is because it would contradict what they have been saying in writing. My experience comes from having Hoshimotos Thyritis. Which after being treated for the endocrinologist at the VA said that they did even think I had. Easy test it’s a blood draw for the antibodies. Said no to the test because there is no diagnostic value. So to cover up incompetence they just just refuse to do the test. By the way this is what I am rated at 100%. I am missing cartalidge behind my knee caps and have bone spurs now on the front of the joint and the knee cap itself. I was told I was too young for knee replacement and denied pain management. I was told I was a tough guy and it didn’t hurt that much. So I understand your pain. To get the senators on your side your going to need to refute what they are writing into your medical records so first you need to get an account and use the blue button to get them or do a freedom information request. I also imagine they will want you to have seen patient advocacy but they tend to try to protect the VA and not the patient. Well that’s my advice and some back ground use it how you will and good luck

Response by PO1 Earl McCreary made Oct 26 at 2023 12:21 AM

PO1 Earl McCreary — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 00:21:49 -0400

File a complaint with the OIG office. That should fix it. VA website will tell you how to file the complaint

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2023 8:29 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 20:29:29 -0400

This has happened before. And it takes a simple lawyer to contact the Va & it will be handled quickly. They have lost too many cases to try to pull this over & over & over again.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Oct 28 at 2023 12:34 PM

Cpl George Matousek — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 12:34:54 -0400

What about trying to get a hearing with the Board of Appeals? It may help. Good luck, Semper Fi

Response by SPC Joel Carter Sr made Nov 9 at 2023 12:02 AM

SPC Joel Carter Sr — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:02:29 -0500

I THINK THAT VETERAN HAS A COMPLETE RIGHT TO TREATMENT

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2023 4:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:34:44 -0500

Ssgt Markland,
My suggestion is contact your sitting US Senator's office. They have a Veteran Constituent Aid. I use to work for a sitting US Senator and issues like your we handle with any federal agency.

Response by PO2 Vladimir Chernov made Nov 22 at 2023 5:38 PM

PO2 Vladimir Chernov — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:38:51 -0500

The VHA is full of clowns. I'm 100% sched. Rated, total and permanent. Feb 23 I tore the sagittal band, collateral ligaments, volar plate on my dominant hand index finger. 5 appointments and 8 months later I threw a fit and created a scene. I was finally referred and had hand surgery last week. ONEof many many many many many many many many times the VHA treated me with indifference and distain. CLOWNS I SAY.

Response by Capt Joseph Morton made Nov 22 at 2023 6:32 PM

Capt Joseph Morton — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:32:07 -0500

Do like I do, get your own private medical insurance, even under a family member.

Response by SGT Kenneth Potts made Nov 22 at 2023 7:34 PM

SGT Kenneth Potts — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:34:37 -0500

Is it service connected, and can you prove it? While you may be 100%, your rating has nothing to do with your back injury. If it's not service connected, you need to file a new claim for it, and be able to prove it.

Response by SSG Troy Wolf made Nov 23 at 2023 4:47 PM

SSG Troy Wolf — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:47:51 -0500

The other you may have to do (which I ended up having to do) was hire a lawyer who specializes in maneuvering around VA. The VA has its own rules including the board of appeals. Regular lawyers don’t know how to maneuver like ones that specialize in VA.
The other thing is if yours goes all the way to a judge, the judge will have a team in the background doing research on the VA rules and regulations which makes the outcome better then just the board of appeals. However, this is an extremely long and tedious process and the VA tends to use verbiage that most people don’t understand and it tends to make the person appealing frustrated…
If you find a firm that claims they fight VA benefits, you will want to do your due diligence and research that law firm to make sure they’re legit.
If you’d like the one I used, send me a message and I can provide.
Hope this helps!

Response by Col Dan Ketter made Nov 28 at 2023 10:14 PM

Col Dan Ketter — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 22:14:53 -0500

Makes my blood when some clerk tells a vet to buss off. Their job is to find ways to get you the help you need

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Dec 6 at 2023 11:55 PM

1SG James Kelly — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 23:55:19 -0500

Civilians don't give a shit.

The Last of the Light Brigade

There were thirty million English who talked of England's might,
There were twenty broken troopers who lacked a bed for the night.
They had neither food nor money, they had neither service nor trade;
They were only shiftless soldiers, the last of the Light Brigade.

They felt that life was fleeting; they knew not that art was long,
That though they were dying of famine, they lived in deathless song.
They asked for a little money to keep the wolf from the door;
And the thirty million English sent twenty pounds and four !

They laid their heads together that were scarred and lined and grey;
Keen were the Russian sabres, but want was keener than they;
And an old Troop-Sergeant muttered, "Let us go to the man who writes
The things on Balaclava the kiddies at school recites."

They went without bands or colours, a regiment ten-file strong,
To look for the Master-singer who had crowned them all in his song;
And, waiting his servant's order, by the garden gate they stayed,
A desolate little cluster, the last of the Light Brigade.

They strove to stand to attention, to straighten the toil-bowed back;
They drilled on an empty stomach, the loose-knit files fell slack;
With stooping of weary shoulders, in garments tattered and frayed,
They shambled into his presence, the last of the Light Brigade.

The old Troop-Sergeant was spokesman, and "Beggin' your pardon," he said,
"You wrote o' the Light Brigade, sir. Here's all that isn't dead.
An' it's all come true what you wrote, sir, regardin' the mouth of hell;
For we're all of us nigh to the workhouse, an' we thought we'd call an' tell.

"No, thank you, we don't want food, sir; but couldn't you take an' write
A sort of 'to be continued' and 'see next page' o' the fight?
We think that someone has blundered, an' couldn't you tell 'em how?
You wrote we were heroes once, sir. Please, write we are starving now."

The poor little army departed, limping and lean and forlorn.
And the heart of the Master-singer grew hot with "the scorn of scorn."
And he wrote for them wonderful verses that swept the land like flame,
Till the fatted souls of the English were scourged with the thing called Shame.

They sent a cheque to the felon that sprang from an Irish bog;
They healed the spavined cab-horse; they housed the homeless dog;
And they sent (you may call me a liar), when felon and beast were paid,
A cheque, for enough to live on, to the last of the Light Brigade.

O thirty million English that babble of England's might,
Behold there are twenty heroes who lack their food to-night;
Our children's children are lisping to "honour the charge they made - "
And we leave to the streets and the workhouse the charge of the Light Brigade!

(The penultimate verse, which we have italicised,
was included in the first publication in the St James' Gazette,
but was omitted from the collected versions.)

Response by LCpl Larry Lund made Jan 13 at 2024 10:25 AM

LCpl Larry Lund — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 10:25:40 -0500

Go congressional. If your Congress person puts in an inquiry, all things stop and it's addressed. Don't wait...they'll deny until we die...go on the offensive use everything you can!

Response by 1SG John Millan made Jan 27 at 2024 11:47 AM

1SG John Millan — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 11:47:48 -0500

No. They HAVE yo treat within or outsource. Not optional. Federal law

Response by MAJ Steve Daugherty made Feb 21 at 2024 9:40 PM

MAJ Steve Daugherty — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 21:40:26 -0500

I was a military and a VA physician over my 40 plus years in medicine. In the military I could provide what care the patient needed provided it was available at all. In the VA, while they theoretically couldn’t refuse care to any veteran, the beurocracy sometimes made it a tedious process and different areas of the country are different as well. Stay persistent and good luck

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Feb 26 at 2024 6:35 AM

SGT Mark Rhodes — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 06:35:47 -0500

I read many of the comments and like others have mentioned. Contact the White House and make a formal Presidential Complaint. I used to have to respond to these and I always had a time limit. I pray that you get the treatment you deserve

Response by COL John B made Feb 28 at 2024 8:21 PM

COL John B — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 20:21:59 -0500

The " [login to see] " is as useless as a hemorrhoid in your rectum, I have written to him 57 times never a response, the VA is a terrible agency that cares less than zero for the veteran more interested in keeping funding to keep their jobs than caring for the veteran If you believe the crap in this column God bless you! I am a 100% disabled veteran and for decades have found the VA care s NOTHING ABOUT OR FOR THE VETERan, so WAKE UP you are on your own period

Response by CPL Hugo Zagarolo made Mar 2 at 2024 2:26 PM

CPL Hugo Zagarolo — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 14:26:47 -0500

53 YRS AND I HAD BUSTED HIP, THEN VA DID A COLONOSCOPY, BY THE TIME I WENT TO BED MY HORROR GIFT FROM VA ( INCONTENENCE ). CANT EVEN GET RITE DIAPER, NEVER MIND A LIFT. IAM DUMPED AT HOME. A COMBAT HERO 11B DISABLED 76YRS OLD.
THANK YOU AMERICA.

Response by SGM John Barnett made Mar 29 at 2024 9:48 AM

SGM John Barnett — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 09:48:49 -0400

This is the big lie about the federal government and the VA system. They tout how they love veterans, and it’s their job to take care of them when in reality, their job is throwing them under the bus, casting them off, they would rather give money, healthcare and a place to live to an illegal alien and to help provide for people who serve their country honorably and without question.

Response by CPO Kurt Baschab made Apr 13 at 2024 9:03 PM

CPO Kurt Baschab — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 21:03:51 -0400

THANKFULY I have not had that issue.
I do have some questions. that only you know the answer to
you do not have to give me the answer, but I believe you will understand why I ask
are you retired from your Military Service?
did you get medical Retirement,? or did you Retire after 20 plus years of service ?
Seeing how you are 100% disable , are you on SS ,and receiving Medicare? I know not everyone who is 100% gets on SS, that why I ask.
what state do you live in , I know different states different rules & Benefits

I myself Live in FL. so far, I have never been Denied to receive or seek outside Medical care ,
I recommend you go to your state VA Benefits website & go to the VA website, to find out what the rules are for your situation, for the State & VA in your state.

for example I know I had to travel to the state of Oklahoma , in order to help my brother out with his VA Disability issue, the VA personal were telling my Brother he was not eligible for certain benefits, so I went in with my brother, with a copy of the state & VA Benefit rule book , the look on there faces were priceless, because the VA Personal clamed they did not know this information, my response was don't you even read your own rules and regulations , or talk to a supervisor ?
it is sad that the so called experts are so wrong, so often.

it even Sadder when someone like me has to educate them, for I know nothing
until I need to figure it out.
I sometimes wonder if the VA personal are claiming Ignorance on purpose?

that being said, I recommend you educate yourself as much as possible, on VA rules and regulations, so please do your own research, or contact the DAV, VFW, or American Legion Rep, & some states even have a Veteran Rep at city hall to help veterans out , with your situation,
to help you with this research, & to go with you to speak on your behalf .

maybe I was just Lucky, but then again I never asked the VA for permission for anything, I just Would contact the Doctor office & asked if they accept Tricare for life? if the answer was yes, I made a Appointment.

When I got SS, I also was put on Medicare with Tricare for life as Secondary , that meant what ever Medicare did not pay for my treatment, Tricare picked up & paid the difference, so now I ask a doctor if they accept Medicare & Tricare for life as the Secondary insurance, if they accept Medicare & Tricare for life , great I make a appointment.
I have yet to receive a bill from any doctor saying I owed them money.
I also have never asked the VA for permission to see a outside Doctor, I just do it.
that may backfire on me one day, but so far I have not had a issue.
I wish you the best of Luck, please keep us posted on your results and what worked and what did not work, so we can pass that information to other with a similar situation.