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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LCDR Stephen Holmes
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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.
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SSgt Lisa J. Markland
SSgt Lisa J. Markland
5 y
I greatly appreciate the suggestion. Yes, I've spent years contacting the patient advocates by phone, through their "red" phone hotline within the VA, and even by going to their office in person (a 3-hour round-trip drive each time)-- but have either never gotten a reply or they tell me they are not the right office to help me. Even the senator's caseworker asked/suggested the same thing. I'm glad I have always kept an intact "paper trail" of everything. It's the only thing that saved me in 31 years of claim appeals, which finally the VA is agreeing with. Sure would have saved a ton of money and resources on everyone's end if someone there had just read the same evidence carefully decades ago. Such a frustrating system, most of the time.
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A1C David Johnson
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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.
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SSgt Lisa J. Markland
SSgt Lisa J. Markland
5 y
PFC Joe Fugo - I sure hope nobody harassed you over anything you wrote. I don't think you disrespected anyone here! Freedom of speech? Thanks for sharing your story and suggestions.
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PO3 Roy Schuelke
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only a very small percentage of the VA's are open.. Dallas has been closed for months!
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SSgt Lisa J. Markland
SSgt Lisa J. Markland
5 y
I live in Maryland where not much is open locally in our county at least, but the VA is in Washington, DC. I know for the most part they seem to be operating, but that doesn’t seem to change the stuff they are refusing to cover.
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PO3 Kenneth Suvanto
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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...
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SSgt Lisa J. Markland
SSgt Lisa J. Markland
5 y
PO3 Kenneth Suvanto Wow, I’m so sorry you are going through so much also. Your pain sounds very similar to mine. I have plates and screws in my neck and lower back and they are both basically falling apart. Like you, I can’t get a second of the day without paying that makes me want to actually black out. Just had another block under sedation yesterday and they said it is now “severe“ at the level of the neck fusion, which was my original service-connected injury. I still can’t believe I only had 10% for that injury for over 31 years, and they finally raised it to a full whopping 30% - – unbelievable. My “VA refusal“ issue has gotten worse this past week – – now even saying they won’t continue to get me the disposable heat wraps I’ve been wearing 24/7 for years to at least keep some of the spasm in my lower back and abdomen down. About four months ago I chose to get off of decades of responsibly used opiate pain medication to see what was on the other side, and of all things I am somehow still in ongoing, protracted withdrawal, which nobody understands “why.“ All of the muscle rigidity and sneezing fits are just making my back and neck so much worse. Like you, at this point I’m getting almost no sleep except for drugged sleep (by prescription) and M only left with Tylenol, lidocaine patches and heat/ice. I am allergic to so many medications there aren’t many options unless I want to go back on the obvious which I don’t. but I am almost at a breaking point. The abdominal pain I was also greatly using the opiate medication for also is now so bad I literally cannot eat. My body is a royal mess right now, from vitals to breathing to all kinds of stuff. Your issue sound so familiar! I’m usually active and upbeat regardless of what I’m facing, but I’m out of steam and about out of “fight.” They (VA or community providers where I have a some coverage through my commercial insurance) also have no idea how to help me and I can’t go inpatient because of COVID due to immunosuppression from diseases and medications. It really sucks if I’m being honest. And no, you’re not hijacking the thread at all! I truly appreciate you sharing and knowing there are other people who understand from the inside, as sad as it makes me for you. The VA seems to fight me at nearly every turn about medications, DME, care… You name it. I am mostly using the Washington, DC VAMC, and I’m already tapped into multiple department chiefs and still not getting anywhere. It always seems like they sort of want to help but then don’t. But I have to rely heavily on their system for my care and supplies or I would’ve already gone elsewhere. Thanks again for your comments and chiming in, Ken. What state are you in?
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PO3 Kenneth Suvanto
PO3 Kenneth Suvanto
5 y
SSgt Lisa J. Markland - Wow, SSgt Lisa Ma'am. We are to complex for them to want to deal with us. That's why I got a lawyer, I can't and don't want to fight the VA anymore. It's gotten to the point, I dread the days I wake up after fighting all night onluy to have a drug induced sleep lol. At this point, I don't kn ow what to do. I'm in N.W, Missouri...2 hrs from Omaha to the North or Kansas city 2 hrs. south. I'll try to keep in touch with you as we are in the same boat it sounds like. It is 00:21 a.m. and I need to get in my rack...later for now, Sincerely Ken
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PO3 Kenneth Suvanto
PO3 Kenneth Suvanto
5 y
PFC Joe Fugo - Get back with your senator and let him/her know what happened. Now you need an attorney...they shouldn't do that stuff to you. Maybe that's why I have trouble at the VA lol...I'm a gonna look into that Sir Joe!
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PO3 Kenneth Suvanto
PO3 Kenneth Suvanto
5 y
PFC Joe Fugo - I've had the same Therapist at the No Good VA for over 25 years...I would have to say for mental health, they are the best. They have helped me when the MD at the VA wouldn't. I filed a claim, so I won't have to use the No Good VA for medical issues. I do have Medicare and use it and am willing to pay the deductible and stupid 20%. I had to file a claim so I can afford to pay these costs. My attorney took my case so, I sure hope I win my silly, stupid claim for Aid and Attendance. In the past, the VA paid for me to go to civilian doctors to treat my ailments. I think a lot of veterans with issues are sedated after awhile and can't protest like they did for Floyd. If you marched against the clinics, they pick you up and throw you in a treatment program. Once your tour of duty or military career is over, you become Government property and they can do whatever they want to to you. Dang, if they diagnose you with PTSD, the Van with little men in white coats can come and pick you up! I too have been going to the No Good VA for quite some time and realize what they can do to you...I don't think they really care about the suicide rate. Take care Sir Joe. Sincerely Ken
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PO1 M. Chandler
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I mean no but...can refer to specialist when no body at VA can handle it safely.
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SSgt Lisa J. Markland
SSgt Lisa J. Markland
5 y
That's how it's "supposed" to work, esp under the MISSION Act, but in reality I wait soooo many months (at times years!) to get something covered or find a provider, or the VA never pays the providers they refer to and the doctors threaten to sue me (even if they'd lose, I don't need that to deal with)... and I spend every last ounce of energy fighting to not lose whoever I was referred to and get them paid (when it does happen, which is always a huge hassle; I've been waiting for one referral since the order was put in December 18, 2019 and the VA itself won't treat me), leaving me where I get sicker or further permanently injured, such as needing entirely preventable surgery, etc. I feel pretty confident in 'working the system' thanks to some awesome vets the first time I went to the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in 2002, but yet here I am, being refused care AND referrals outside the VA where the VA itself won't treat me. Sorry for the rant. Just frustrated and today I had the second dental (outsourced provider) visit this week that couldn't wait for the VA to authorize, since that's taking MONTHS at best and it was urgent. I'm not well enough to drive the nearly 3-hours round-trip to the DC VA where I get most of my care; the local CBOC has NO PCP for me either, so I have to find docs and nurses willing to prescribe things, which also gets dropped and never done.
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CW3 Kevin Storm
CW3 Kevin Storm
5 y
This sounds like a facility issue, and not a VA in general issue. I have gotten my Choice stuff pushed through with out issue. Meds come in quickly, even had the VA pharmacist call me about one Rx. I am thinking the Community Care people are ATFU, this should not be happening.
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PO1 M. Chandler
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Np
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PO1 David Kingsley
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one of the things I've heard about, is that one of the political parties doesn't want to support the troops, even when they publicly say they do, but their Voting records say they don't.
they are concerned about supporting situations, where their financial backers will make money, but they hope that the Service Members should die before coming back to the US or that they kill themselves so their treatment isn't paid for out of money the Politicians Financial Backers want to keep in their pockets, and not paying for suckers and losers who got themselves injured.
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SPC Joel Carter Sr
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I THINK THAT VETERAN HAS A COMPLETE RIGHT TO TREATMENT
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MSgt George Murray
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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
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A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
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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....
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SPC John Estabrook
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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.
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Sgt Ivan Boatwright
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I have not had that problem, so I assume it might be the area you are in or specific people.
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COL Eric Burns
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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 .
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CPT Larry Hudson
CPT Larry Hudson
2 y
Absolutely agree. DAV works hard to make the government keep the promises that were made. If you file and are denied, SO's will help the veteran respond to the denial. Usually there are conflicting statements in the denial which pointed out to the VA gets things moving. If that doesn't happen then the appeal course is open all the way to a judge sitting in Washington who has the final determination for or against the veteran.
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MSG Loren Tomblin
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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!!!!
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Cpl Philip Walker
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Maybe you can file a complaint with the Surgeon General, I believe there's a link
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Is it due to a service connected issue that you incurred during your time in service?
LT Stewart Herrick
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Edited 4 y ago
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.
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LTC Patrick Crow
LTC Patrick Crow
4 y
Chris Attig, former Army Captain, is 'the man' if an attorney is needed to deal with the VA
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Cpl Dustin Morse
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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.
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PO2 Harold Ashton
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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.
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SMSgt Sheila Berg
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If the Senator is not able to get an answer. Contact the Whitehouse Veterans line [login to see] . Hang in there!
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SSgt Lisa J. Markland
SSgt Lisa J. Markland
5 y
Thanks so greatly, Sheila!
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PO3 Aileen Dodge
PO3 Aileen Dodge
>1 y
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 make 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 come 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 their over all attitude toward the treatment the 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 LESS VETERANS to treat because the MORTALITY rate of Veterans will increase over time!!! 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 it toll cutting years off the lifespan of the Veteran!!! And there you go ONE LESS VETERAN THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO PAY FOR!!!
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