If you could enact one change at the VA that would go into effect nationwide, what would it be?

2025-02-21T14:11:29-05:00

Recently, I've been dealing with several scheduling conflicts when it comes to getting stuff done through the VA. Whether it is the fact that they only call when I am at work or that they can only fill the need for appointments during my work hours, it is a nightmare. If I could make a change, it would be to the business hours of the VA, shifting it later by two or three hours, to allow for easier access for those of us who work full-time jobs, usually 9-5.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Feb 21 at 2025 2:44 PM

2025-02-21T14:44:01-05:00

Hiring younger doctors. Over the past 4-5 years, my PC doctors were elderly. Thye came to VA to beef up their retirement I suppose.
One was 62, one was 70, and my current doctor is over 80.
We need younger medical personal that will stick around awhile.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Feb 21 at 2025 3:56 PM

2025-02-21T15:56:07-05:00

Good afternoon SGT Joseph Gunderson. Excellent post. Thanks for sharing this brother Joseph.

Response by PO3 Jack DalPonte made Feb 21 at 2025 4:18 PM

2025-02-21T16:18:11-05:00

Make access to Healthcare EASIER! This is a HUGE issue that is continually being made worse! A vet shouldn't have to fight harder to be cared for than they had to fight the "enemy"!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2025 5:37 PM

2025-02-21T17:37:14-05:00

It's hard to pick out just one thing to help improve. Yes, more providers are needed. More nurses, more BH. Those slots go without saying. What a major key issue is location of facility in relation to location of the Vets. In Idaho, a lot of Vets live out in the boonies, and whether they're assigned to Pocatello, or Idaho Falls, many of those Vets have from 20 minutes to 2 hours of a drive.

A good thought would be more staff with more facilities, but that takes money and time. Sadly, I don't see a one all fix all solution anytime soon.

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Feb 21 at 2025 7:14 PM

2025-02-21T19:14:21-05:00

Dental care for all vets

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Feb 22 at 2025 6:58 AM

2025-02-22T06:58:16-05:00

They do seem to act that we do not have jobs and just sit around for VA appointments.

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Feb 22 at 2025 11:19 AM

2025-02-22T11:19:14-05:00

As a clinical psychologist who conducts extensive research on combat trauma, the VA is eliminating the suicide hot line which garnered 50,000 contacts last year!
Rich

Response by SFC Marc W. made Feb 22 at 2025 1:33 PM

2025-02-22T13:33:58-05:00

I want to see consequences. There's no consequences for being bad at the VA, whether that's running the PHX hospital that was running two sets of wait lists or its providers ignoring patients. There has to be repercussions for bad behavior, and rewards for good behavior. The people that work at VA's aren't doing it out of the goodness of the hearts (for the most part), for many it's still a job that pays the bills, and part of their longer careers.

Response by SrA Cecelia Eareckson made Feb 22 at 2025 7:22 PM

2025-02-22T19:22:13-05:00

There is no good reason for the VA to be operating medical facilities. They are especially awful when it comes to women's health. Turn the hospitals over to the nearest medical school, and just buy any honorably discharged veteran the same top of the line healthcare coverage that VA employees enjoy.
The nitpicking over who has what copay is ridiculous. Worse, the VA is the only healthcare provider where any clerk can see a patient's rating, and treat her or him accordingly. It is absolutely disgusting.

Response by SPC Daniel Brown made Feb 23 at 2025 1:29 PM

2025-02-23T13:29:27-05:00

military trained doctors, nurses, medics and staff work at VA clinics and hospitals thus saving money and private doctors quitting causing chaos for those who have waited for their appointments only to be rescheduled because their doctor quit. We are trying to save money and wasted time and give the men and women the best care available correct. It might even open up specialty MOS's to benefit military members.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Feb 23 at 2025 2:40 PM

2025-02-23T14:40:25-05:00

Wow. This is bringing out the worst rather than the best in our Veterans.
Personal experience: I have been treated at the VAMCs in Spokane, WA, Tucson, AZ, Sturgis, SD, Phoenix, AZ, and Prescott, AZ. In every instance I was treated well and in some I was treated excellent. Twice my life was saved by those institutions. The slowness is a problem, but I think that is probably the same in civilian facilities.
I do know one thing for sure: Cutting staff will resolve nothing!

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Feb 24 at 2025 5:59 AM

2025-02-24T05:59:04-05:00

I live OCONUS and am under FMP. When I get any info from the VA which had a time limit on it depending on "the date of the letter", normally 3 - 4 weeks has passed from the 60 days I have to make an appointment or what ever. First thing I must do is file for an extension because time runs too fast and getting appointments and such is a real pain because I live in Denmark and usually have to get an appointment in Germany. Time limits need to be different for us living OCONUS on FMP.

Response by Cpl David Anderson made Feb 24 at 2025 8:43 AM

2025-02-24T08:43:10-05:00

The unbelievably long wait for claim processing and the appeals process.Im starting a second claim based on new information and will retain counsel this go around.My first claim is in the appeals now for 7 YEARS! This comes after their C&P physician gave me a thumbs up only to be denied.I requested a hearing and have been waiting 5 years.UNSAT.
The VA itself needs better doctors and less red tape.It needs much more preventative care and faster access to appointments.Enticing physicians that are highly skilled and qualified that can compete with top tier medical institutions and practices.This is my opinion and it’s not always the case;the VA attracts practitioners who can’t make it in the open private market so they settle at the VA and do whatever they want without repercussions.Dental care is one of the most important aspects of overall medical care and preventing associated illnesses and needing service connection for just that is ridiculous.Im grateful for the VA but I’m just addressing the issues that I know others would like to see addressed.Semper Fi!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2025 1:37 AM

2025-02-27T01:37:26-05:00

Get rid of travel pay for appointments. Insane amounts of abuse with that benefit.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Feb 27 at 2025 6:43 AM

2025-02-27T06:43:31-05:00

To give the very best mental health care in the world.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2025 11:57 AM

2025-02-27T11:57:10-05:00

We could start with providing all active and reserve component service members with the same medical insurance and benefits plan given to members of congress.

Response by Sgt Douglas Berger made Mar 3 at 2025 11:45 PM

2025-03-03T23:45:59-05:00

A significant change is how community care interacts with outside providers. Once an outside provider accepts responsibility for a veteran's care, the provider can not refer the veteran to a specialist without community care approval (Mother May—I method). This delays the veteran's care by weeks or months. Some care is urgent, but urgent is only a word without meaning in the current environment.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Mar 4 at 2025 1:26 PM

2025-03-04T13:26:34-05:00

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines ~ Then Copy The Following & Save It To Your Permanent Files,
Because IF You Need It, You'll Also Need The Proof, As Even MOST Of Our VA Medical Centers Will Only Tell You What They've HEARD ~~ And It's WRONG, Because They've Never Actually READ It In Print: While Doing A LOT Of Searching For Information, I ACCIDENTLY Ran Across This From Either "Benefits.Gov OR VeterransBenefitds.Gov"
~~
QUESTION: ~~ Is A Military Veteran Entitled To Care And Supplies,
Through ANY VA Facility, Regardless Of Where He Resides"?

REPLY~~ YES, a military veteran can receive medical products from out-of-state VA facilities, even if they are not living there. ~~ (The Rest Is If They're Living Over Seas, Etc, But DO Read It.) ~~
However, the veteran must be eligible for VA care without needing to enroll or be enrolled in VA health care 1. The eligibility for community care is dependent upon a veteran’s individual health care needs or circumstances 1. In most cases, veterans must receive approval from VA prior to obtaining care from a community provider 1. VA staff members generally make all eligibility determinations 1. Please note that VA is not authorized to ship medications or medical/surgical supply items outside of the U.S. or its territories 2. If you’re a veteran who lives overseas, you remain entitled to the benefits and services you earned through your military service. Most VA benefits are payable regardless of your place of residence or nationality 3. If you’re moving outside the U.S., you’ll need to sign up for the Foreign Medical Program. Through this program, VA will pay for certain needed health care services received in foreign countries to treat a service-connected disability or a disability that’s making a service-connected condition worse 4.I hope this helps

Response by SSgt Mary Burns made Mar 9 at 2025 5:39 PM

2025-03-09T17:39:22-04:00

The Austin, TX VA clinic while I was there were scheduling Saturday appointments - maybe talk with patient advocacy as to your VA adopting such a program.

Response by CSM Thomas Ray made Mar 11 at 2025 7:40 AM

2025-03-11T07:40:25-04:00

More community care for veterans and more oversight on lawyers representing veterans for increased disability benefits.

Response by 1SG(P) Dean Mcbride (MPER) (SPHR) made Mar 11 at 2025 5:39 PM

2025-03-11T17:39:38-04:00

Why should the VA need to change their hours to accommodate your schedule? Most medical practitioners have similar hours to the VA. People work! They fit their appointments into the schedule offered by their doctor. Veterans are no different than non veterans!

Response by SSG Tom Boudreau made Mar 28 at 2025 10:52 PM

2025-03-28T22:52:23-04:00

Better Dental care

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Apr 8 at 2025 7:00 AM

2025-04-08T07:00:29-04:00

Wait times waiting for appointment with the dentist over six months