Posted on Aug 8, 2023
I am a 100% disabled retired veteran. Does the VA have a program or consideration for a veteran with no family or friends?
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I have imminent surgeries that will require general anesthesia. I have no friends or family to accompany me to and from the surgery. Is there a service through the VA that can allow me to have a surgery under general anesthesia, that will take me to the surgery then to my home after the surgery?
Posted in these groups: 
Disabled Veterans
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Disabled Veterans Veterans Affairs (VA)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 16
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Contact your local DAV. They'll be happy to send someone to sit with you! And, you can join up, make friends, hang out and learn about the other benefits you may be missing out on!
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I know for a fact the DAV provides free transportation to and from a doctors visit, appointment, surgery, etc. All you need to do is reach out to the or through the VA facility and they will assist you. I also recommend you look into “Care Giver” support for your recovery as well as your future medical appointments, and anything associated with your care.
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Suspended Profile
Search up community providers that offer the same procedure and ask if they provide necessary transportation. Many now provide a driver to go with you, wait and take you home again. Once you find one, send a secure message to your provider and let them know you do not have a driver and would like community care with (Dr or facility name) because they provide a driver.
I waited almost 3 years (yes 3) for a procedure because I did not have a driver. I explained this over and over every time I had to reschedule, as well as the additional distress it caused to have to repeatedly explain that, not to mention the ongoing distress from my condition needing the procedure. I gave the name of a Surgeon and facility that would provide the necessary transportation and I’d like to be referred to that facility. A few days later I received a call from the scheduler that I could drive myself to and from the procedure but I would have to wait there a bit before I could leave because of the anesthesia. I asked why it took 3 years to decide that was acceptable and she replied there was a new exception to that rule from the White House?
I hope that helps if you can’t find an organization to drive you. If not, call the White House Hotline- they will find a solution. I wish I’d known that sooner.
I waited almost 3 years (yes 3) for a procedure because I did not have a driver. I explained this over and over every time I had to reschedule, as well as the additional distress it caused to have to repeatedly explain that, not to mention the ongoing distress from my condition needing the procedure. I gave the name of a Surgeon and facility that would provide the necessary transportation and I’d like to be referred to that facility. A few days later I received a call from the scheduler that I could drive myself to and from the procedure but I would have to wait there a bit before I could leave because of the anesthesia. I asked why it took 3 years to decide that was acceptable and she replied there was a new exception to that rule from the White House?
I hope that helps if you can’t find an organization to drive you. If not, call the White House Hotline- they will find a solution. I wish I’d known that sooner.
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It does suck when you choose to stay single etc.
City's that have public transportation usually also contract "short bus" services and you would definitely qualify. I registered and was accepted in my community just in case I ever needed it. Driving can be an issue and a guy/girl gotta work to eat!
Hope that's useful
If you were in ak I'd be here for ya!
City's that have public transportation usually also contract "short bus" services and you would definitely qualify. I registered and was accepted in my community just in case I ever needed it. Driving can be an issue and a guy/girl gotta work to eat!
Hope that's useful
If you were in ak I'd be here for ya!
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A service connected veteran who re injures the service connection gets no assistance. Rides for appt are easy to find for a resourceful adult. Or the local vso will assist usually.
What about if treatment of that service connection requires a full time attendant for a period of a few weeks?
What if that veteran already had to travel 4500 miles from home during a pandemic to recieve a consult and has no available resources to assist?
You are on your own...
Treatment for that service connection can take years when the surgical requirement is a full time attendant.
I had to pay for my own attendant and it took almost 2 years to undergo the primary surgery. That service connection blossomed into many more injuries. Neverending story... I'm on year 4 and I'm still in the same situation. All the secondary injuries are untreated still because I can't do them alone.
Total travesty
What about if treatment of that service connection requires a full time attendant for a period of a few weeks?
What if that veteran already had to travel 4500 miles from home during a pandemic to recieve a consult and has no available resources to assist?
You are on your own...
Treatment for that service connection can take years when the surgical requirement is a full time attendant.
I had to pay for my own attendant and it took almost 2 years to undergo the primary surgery. That service connection blossomed into many more injuries. Neverending story... I'm on year 4 and I'm still in the same situation. All the secondary injuries are untreated still because I can't do them alone.
Total travesty
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