How would you inspire veterans to support the VA Healthcare System and to understand that it protects us from predatory health services?

2026-01-28T22:55:49-05:00

When issues happen that affect an individual, that individual should take proactive actions. But often times, some confuse advocating and speaking out with the VA Healthcare System is bad. This system has many checks and balances in place. The system works well, but the wrong people in key positions negatively affect how the process makes corrective actions. From the time I discharged from active service, acquired state and federal employment, I never considered not having VA Healthcare as my chosen facility. Yes, there have been some blowups, but not to the degree I doubted the oversight and checks and balances in place.

Response by SSG William Jones made Jan 28 at 2026 11:01 PM

2026-01-28T23:01:27-05:00

From personal testimony. My VA experience has been great.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Jan 28 at 2026 11:11 PM

2026-01-28T23:11:06-05:00

I'm afraid I'm in no position to do so since I don't use VA services

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made Jan 28 at 2026 11:39 PM

2026-01-28T23:39:10-05:00

I have had a decent VA experience and the reason I use them is 1. I have no desire to pay the very expensive fees for private healthcare and 2. Tricare is worse than the VA where I’m at. That said, both the VA and Tricare are good examples of how socialized healthcare is not a favorable alternative. The only thing working for these two options is that they ride on the back of the American system. But ultimately the VA requires patients to know and understand the system, to follow it, and to be very patient. I’m dealing with significant issues with my feet and it has taken over a year to get to the treatment I need. In a few more weeks I should be able to run again without experiencing severe pain. And this is not the only issue I’ve had to deal with too. I can say the VA has some of the best doctors, but the problem is getting to them and hoping the VA allows for some of the more recent treatments. The administration side of the VA is what sucks the most (hence the challenge of getting to the right doctor).

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jan 29 at 2026 5:41 AM

2026-01-29T05:41:20-05:00

PO3 Phyllis Maynard I have no desire to go anyplace else except the V.A. They have been great to me and really do look out for me. I hate it when I have to go to Community Care. The level of care in CC is nowhere near the quality I get from the V.A. From what I understand from many Veterans, care isn't that great at all facilities to I am thankful to have such a good one near me.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jan 29 at 2026 6:33 AM

2026-01-29T06:33:47-05:00

For the first part of your question (supporting the Veterans Health Administration), I would ask them to read this book, especially the first half that discusses the VHA's structure and how that helps enable the VHA to provide high-quality care for veterans at reasonable costs to the taxpayer (compared to the private sector). The latter part of the book focuses on health reform ideas, which is interesting, but the first part is a really good read that should inspire people to support the VHA.

Politics always plays a role in complicating the VHA's mission, which typically manifests itself in problems gaining access to care. However, once the access barrier is bypassed, the quality and cost are really competitive. The access issues typically stem from the VHA's mission growing before its appropriated funding adjusts to accommodate that growth in its mission. That's an externality for the VHA, but the VHA gets the blame.

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Care-Anywhere-Health-Currents/dp/ [login to see]

Best Care Anywhere: Why VA Health Care Is Better Than Yours (Bk Currents Book): Longman, Phillip:...

Best Care Anywhere: Why VA Health Care Is Better Than Yours (Bk Currents Book) [Longman, Phillip] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Best Care Anywhere: Why VA Health Care Is Better Than Yours (Bk Currents Book)