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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SGT Erick Holmes
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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.
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SGT Kevin Weck
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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.
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SGT Ammunition Stock Control and Accounting Specialist
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Sounds like either a lawyer needs to get involved or a letter needs to be sent to your congressional representative/White House.
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SSG Rob Lawrence
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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.
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Sgt Barry D.
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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)
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SPC Thomas Bourland
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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
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PO1 Janice Ritz
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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!
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SN Russell Helberg
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of course it all started at the rifle range with the M1 garand and the 1911 in may of 1962--russ
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SN Russell Helberg
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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
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CPT Ken Hayes
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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.
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