Do you know of any groups that advocate for veterans?

2020-10-15T21:46:26-04:00

I'm not getting what I need from the VA hospital. Actually they are not equipped to help me. They did send me to a neurologist who has done as much as he can. I keep requesting they send me to a military hospital that has a cutting edge neurology department, NIH or a research hospital like the Mayo Clinic. They keep telling me they don't know how.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Oct 15 at 2020 10:00 PM

2020-10-15T22:00:01-04:00

Your best bet is the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and the Veterans Support Officer at your County Admin.

Response by SFC Jake Middaugh made Oct 15 at 2020 10:28 PM

2020-10-15T22:28:28-04:00

I recommend you request a VA Veterans Advocate. You can post a claim/complaint & they will ensure that you get the treatment you need!
Here's a link to their Advocacy website:
https://www.va.gov/HEALTH/patientadvocate/

patientadvocate

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 16 at 2020 9:04 AM

2020-10-16T09:04:43-04:00

- Did the VA award you a disability rating for the claim/condition you are seeking treatment for?
- you said you went to the DAV for help and they helped you file a claim. They are a national organization, so the fact you live in a rural area should not matter.
- VA is a bureaucratic organization. So "paperwork" is what gets services. You said the VA Veterans Advocate filled out paperwork. What was the paper work? What did they request/report?
- if you are not being treated for a service connected illness/condition, recommend you get an external advocate. I would search out an attorney, possibly one that will do this pro-bono.
- have you written a letter to your congressman and senator?
- if you are not being treated for a service connected illness/condition, recommend you engage the VA office of the inspector general, but would do that once you have representation to ensure there is follow up.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Oct 16 at 2020 10:25 AM

2020-10-16T10:25:34-04:00

The VA and Mayo have an agreement so the process exists. Just keep pushing and work with your providers and patient advocacy. You could also contact Mayo for assistance directly.

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-expands-commitment-to-serving-veterans-by-participating-in-va-community-care-network-beginning-august-1-2020/

Mayo Clinic Expands Commitment To Serving Veterans By Participating In VA Community Care Network...

Veterans in the upper Midwest may now be eligible to receive care in their local communities from Mayo Clinic Health [...]