Posted on May 9, 2020
SSgt Lisa J. Markland
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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?
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CPL T.A. Nelson
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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...
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CMDCM Gene Treants
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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
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MSgt Earl King
MSgt Earl King
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Why would you insult the POTUS?
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CMDCM Gene Treants
CMDCM Gene Treants
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I did not insult POTUS, I stated the fact he does not usually involve himself in matters like this. BUT, since you asked, in the case of the current POTUS, he has made clear his disregard for the Military.
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MAJ Steve Daugherty
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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
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SFC R. Lee Linebarger
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That seems par for course with the VA and their bloated lapsidasical bureaucracy........
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CMSgt David Bridge
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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.
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SSG Gordon Holmes
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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.
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A1C Diane Phillips
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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.
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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.
SPC Steven Nihipali
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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
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MSgt Earl King
MSgt Earl King
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SPC Steven Nihipali - Are you doing the backstroke, you are way below my paygrade, so take a walk and stop lying!!! First, it's Obama, now it's Clinton! Who's next?
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SPC Steven Nihipali
SPC Steven Nihipali
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MSgt Earl King do I need to go on? You called trump a draft dodger...I don't give a shit about you stupid ass pay grade. Obama, Clinton, Biden... how many more of you precious democrats didn't serve either. Fuck outta here
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MSgt Earl King
MSgt Earl King
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SPC Steven Nihipali - Still backstroking Nihipali ?
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SPC Steven Nihipali
SPC Steven Nihipali
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MSgt Earl King at least I'm getting some kind of stroking and it's not from Biden or Obama
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MSgt Betsy Mamo
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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!
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SSgt Scott Ezra
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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.
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PO2 Michael Slachta
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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.
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LT William Pellegrini
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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.
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SSG Ralph Watkins
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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.
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PFC Steve Miller
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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
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Sgt Jeffrey Weisman
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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.
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MSgt Earl King
MSgt Earl King
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There goes the GOP!
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COL Roxanne Arndt
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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....
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CPT Customer Service
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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
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A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
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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!
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MSgt Earl King
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How many appointments did you miss?
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