Myths and Misinformation about the VA

2015-06-22T15:29:42-04:00

I want to first say I am not affiliated with the VA in any way; however, I do receive benefits from the VA due to injuries received while serving. As someone who went through quite a few years of military service, I’ve heard rumors and I want to dispel some myths and misinformation.

Here are a few:

1. Everyone is entitled to VA benefits automatically.
2. Anything over 40% and you get BX/PX and base access
3. Sleep apnea is automatic 50%
4. The VA is bad/slow/non-helpful - insert random insult here as portrayed by the mass media and the voices of the few outweighing the silence of the many.

Now, I'll go a bit into correcting some of the misconceptions and dispelling some rumors that are preached as truth while I was Active Duty and Reserves.

1. Everyone is entitled to VA benefits automatically

There are clauses and items that can get really in-depth on this, and I have seen conversations as well that had truths and myths in the responses. The truth is, if you produce a DD214 for time served and do the proper paperwork, you can get benefits. The real issue here is that people don't realize they need to do the paperwork and work to get the benefits. They just verify, then get you scheduled to get your rating. Don't be the guy/girl that doesn't do your part then complains you didn't receive assistance. If you need assistance, contact me and I’ll help you track down resources!

2. Anything over 40% and you get BX/PX and base access

There is absolutely no truth to this. I thought 40% was the magic number based off all my Sergeants telling me to reach that number. The reality is 100% is needed for those items, and with 100% comes a lot more benefits. I do not get 100% but have done some research on it. Some of the benefits are tax breaks, cheap license plates for vehicles, State and National park free access and many others. Also, various states have additional benefits for different levels of VA disability. The DV tags that you see requires 100%, so if you see a DV “disabled vet” tag, shake that man or woman’s hand and thank them for their service, because 100% means they’ve experienced pain day and night, and few are deserving.

3. Sleep Apnea is automatic 50%

I have sleep apnea and it’s not part of my rating, but there is no proof to this being an instant 50%. There are, however, a lot of documents stating that the percentage of Vets getting out in the last 10-15 years have seen the claims for this go up significantly.

4. The VA is bad/slow/non-helpful

I have been to 4 different VA hospitals for various treatments, including a surgery. I have received top-notch care and nothing but respect. I have given them respect and been extremely happy to receive the free – but earned – healthcare that has been provided. I have always gone in expecting it to take longer. It never has – it has always been fast and friendly.

Have I inspired conversation or provided you with useful information? What other questions do you have?

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2015 3:42 PM

2015-06-22T15:42:41-04:00

I've been through the VA process twice now as a reservist. Each time I come off a title X active-duty stent I have to go back through it. Much of what you say is true is not as bad as many in the media say it is, however I have had my share of poor health care. I would suggest it for anyone meeting routine care or something maybe your civilian insurance will charge a lot for such as a stress test or hearing test. I'm not sure if I would have surgery there but if it's your only option its better than nothing. Call in my late 30s I started to develop exercised induced asthma when I would take my APFT. Three trips to the VA and I basically got nothing for it I even took some weird breathing test. A quick trip to my civilian doctor and he figured it out in 15 minutes. I would suggest anyone that wants to go to the VA to ask around and find a good provider, like any place their good and bad doctors.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 22 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-06-22T15:47:33-04:00

I have never sought medical care from the VA. However, my experiences applying for OJT assistance (via GI Education bill) and guaranteed loan to purchase a home were pleasant. That was, of course, at least three decades ago.

Yes, some experience difficulties, some don't. Your experience and mine are anecdotal evidence, interesting, but proof of nothing. Just as a person who complains of great difficulty is proof of nothing. What we need to look at is a collection of data demonstrating averages and trends.

The preponderance of evidence seems to indicate that times have changed. The greatest agent of change seems to have been the unionization of government workers. Since this happened, they have become a powerful lobbying force with sufficient funds to finance political campaigns. Their tenure now seems determined by their political influence rather than their service.

Thus, while individual government employees may work assiduously to perform their duties to the best of the ability, the system does not support their efforts.

Response by SSgt Ron Kilpatrick made Jun 22 at 2015 4:16 PM

2015-06-22T16:16:03-04:00

I have had a few problems... 1st off, I have not had a primary care person for over 4 years now. I get to see,"who ever can squeeze me in", and they don't have much time for me. I had an incident last March, where I could not breathe and felt like I had a ton on my chest. I called the VA and was told a nurse would call me back.... 3 hours later, I got the call back. All we have here is a clinic, with no walk in care.... she tells me to get myself to the hospital, call an ambulance. I had a driver and was taken in...they kept me in for 4 days. My oxygen level was at 77 % and I never smoked in my life. They gave me nitro and put me on Oxygen for 3 days and ran all kinds of test. Today I get a letter, from the VA, saying they will not cover my emergency room visit and stay at the hospital.....they were the ones who sent me there... Now I have to get an appointment to appeal this and go thru more crap. I do like the VA, but sometimes think they are not working with me as much as I would like.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-06-22T16:21:59-04:00

CPT Jack Durish, Thanks for the substantive discussion on a day when it seems everyone else just wants to talk about race, guns, and political bullshit! For all of the horror stories we hear and read everyday about the VA, one would think that there is simply no way this bureaucracy is capable of meeting it's mission and caring for our nation's Veterans. Yet it has been my firsthand experience, as well as that of 48 of my Soldiers from the Company I commanded in Iraq with whom I am in regular contact with, that not only has the VA been there for us when we needed it for everything from mental health to prosthetic limbs to aftercare for severe burn injuries, the VA has actually provided us all with exceptional treatment, surgeries, and care. Nobody in my group (and we are dispersed across the country) has ever experienced any of the lengthy waits to get an appointment to be seen or to get a necessary surgery or treatment scheduled. In fact, the VA has actually exceeded our expectations by arranging appointments and surgeries at local hospitals and clinics if the wait to be seen by the VA specialist was too long or if the procedure was more effectively handled by a specialist in the community. The only annoying experience one of my former Soldiers encounters is when his body was still healing and adjusting to his prosthetic leg, he went through a period where he needed to replace it about every 3 months with a new one. And every 3 months, the VA would order an x-ray of his amputated leg, to "substantiate the validity of his claim." WTF? An x-ray of a leg that isn't there? Really? But, like I said, that's the only story out of hundreds of firsthand positive encounters.

Now, the Compensation & Pension process, that's been a mixed bag for us. Some got their benefits started almost immediately, with little hassle, others had to wait nearly 3 years in the backlog, it really was contingent upon which Regional Office you fell under and the competence of the personnel working at that office. Aside from that, I am quite satisfied with my experiences with the VA, and so are my Soldiers.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-06-22T16:34:11-04:00

Good discussion TSgt Trevor Vander

I don't use the VA. I am retired and live close to an AF base and use those facilities and doctors.

Response by Capt Phil Williams made Jun 22 at 2015 5:12 PM

2015-06-22T17:12:23-04:00

When I received my Medical Discharge from the Marines in 1977 it was for "non-combat" related Type I Diabetes. As a 160 lb Marine Captain (see Dress Blues picture...still same size as in 1977) the doctor said that he could find no reason for my Diabetes. I fought to stay on active duty but lost that battle. I received a lump sum payment from the VA and except for education and home loan was told by a VA adviser "don't call us we'll call you". From 1977 until 2012 I did not obtain any VA medical services from the VA Hospital in Atlanta. Then in 2012 a friend told me to go back to the VA for an evaluation for Agent Orange exposure. As an enlisted Marine I was a Combat Engineer/Heavy Equipment Operator who "played in the dirt" a lot when I was in Viet Nam in 1966. By this time the VA was treating Agent Orange and was very helpful during my evaluation period. In 2013 I was given a 50%+ disability for heart disease (open heart surgery in 2006) and diabetes due to Agent Orange exposure. I now get most of my medicine from the VA and go every 4 months to the VA for my diabetes. I have been very happy with the quality and timeliness of the services I receive although the lines are long. The VA Staff is very respectful. However, I still consider the VA an out of control organization but from what I have seen with my interactions it is getting better.
Semper Fi

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2015 6:18 PM

2015-06-22T18:18:54-04:00

Personally, for me of course, it has gone both ways. I went through the VA process once I came off of active duty, went to the VA in Temple, TX. It was a very depressing facility to go to, there was no one in my age group (peers), it was very much older vets. It seemed as if coming off of active duty, everything was processed faster with greater concern for my continuing care.
Now, I've gone through the VA process twice as a Reservist, and just submitted my third claim. My most recent reserve claim was entered in February 2011. I got the results back from that in May 2014, while I was deployed. Three years to settle my claim, just seemed like a long time, I had actually forgotten about it, it took so long. The VA paid up with back pay to the date of my claim, but still, I feel as if I got caught up in the huge backlog of actions pending.
I'm now at a new VA facility in a new state, California. The facility seems much newer, and tey are actually building a new Behavioral Health Clinic; they've just updated the Outpatient Clinic to a more user friendly system. Upon returning my deployment, I had a case manager set me up with appointments there before I ever got to my home. I've been going there since January 2015. It takes so long to get an appointment. I've requested 2 appointments with my PCM and for both I have had to wait over 30 days to get in to see her. I have to get referrals and that's what takes the longest time. She sends out the referral, then the specific clinic has to triage the referral, then the clinic calls to make your first appointment and they try to give you first available but that's been 30-45 days away because they're always booked up.
It's a painfully slow process, and I've been in and out of the VA since 2004, despite all the news and rhetoric, nothing seems to have changed, at all, for better or worse, it's exactly the same as it was 11 years ago. Same VA, different state.
That is my experience, that may not be your experience. As I said, the system seems slanted towards active duty. Only about 17% of all active duty folks ever make it to the 20 year retirement point. Reserves and NG have been called to active duty on a regular and consistent basis since 2001. Why can't the VA system be fair and balanced towards ALL service members?

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 22 at 2015 6:34 PM

2015-06-22T18:34:04-04:00

TSgt Trevor Vander thanks for the information. I too received VA Benefits and I have experienced nothing but the best care and respectful treatment here at the Oceanside, CA VA office and the San Diego, CA VA Hospital. Some days it can be slow, but for the most part when you make appointments they are pretty much on time. It’s a great benefit and I'm happy I have it. Every healthcare organization is going to have it best day, its worst day, and just a plain ugly day. It happens. I believe the good out ways the bad days by a long shot. Just my opinion and maybe the two of us TSgt Trevor Vander and myself have been very fortunate.

Response by PO1 Mike Edgecomb made Jun 22 at 2015 7:42 PM

2015-06-22T19:42:22-04:00

I have had a positive experience at my local VA. My word of advice is to submit any and all claims through a Veteran Service officer - VSO. They do it everyday, and know what they are doing.

Do not try and go through the claim process yourself. Yes, there are those that have self filed a claim and succeeded, but many more have wished they had gone through a professional.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 22 at 2015 10:18 PM

2015-06-22T22:18:49-04:00

The narrative about the VA has such a snowball effect: whenever bad news comes out, people pile on relentlessly and spread the word, sometimes without even doing the diligence to determine accuracy etc. But then when GOOD news comes out, many veterans don't spread the word at all -- they just think "Well, this must be a rarer case...the norm is bad." I often wonder to what extent the larger population of veterans/retirees actually decides on the narrative (bias?) as opposed to focusing on thoughtful proposed solutions. Not saying I'm right...I'm just speaking aloud.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 22 at 2015 11:28 PM

2015-06-22T23:28:22-04:00

I have documented sleep apnea and I DID get 50% for it.

Response by SSG Stacy Carter made Jun 22 at 2015 11:58 PM

2015-06-22T23:58:45-04:00

I agree that the rumors about the VA being bad are, in my case, totally false. In my case I am receiving better medical care than when I was in the service. If I need to have a medical procedure I talk to my primary care provider and they set me up with a Letter of Authorization to receive the procedure. Case in point... during my time in the Army I had kidney stones quite often, and the Army hospital never once analyzed the stones to figure out what was causing them. I received my disability rating a year and a half ago and I have already found out the cause of why I have the stones and had a procedure to get rid of the ones I currently had.

I have sleep apnea as well. I received the 50% rating not because I have sleep apnea, but because of the type I have. I have severe obstructed sleep apnea that requires me to use a CPAP and sleep with a mask on every night.

I think the most important piece of information you stated is to put in the work. If you do not put in the effort to get benefits you think you deserve than you dont think you deserve them very much. No one is going to hand you a rating based on the nothing you give them. If you do not dig into your medical records and find everything that can get you a rating then you will not get a rating. If you are where I am (Philippines) if it is not a service connected disability then you will not be seen by the VA for that reason period.... dont be afraid to put something into your claim that may not get you a rating. My advice is to claim everything.. cuts, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, surgeries, colds that last longer than a week, bronchitis, pneumonia, headaches, ED, sleep issues, vision issues, etc... as long as you were treated during your service for it, claim it.....and remember a zero rating is a rating it guarantees coverage on that for life. Also if you do not agree with the findings of the review board you can always appeal the findings.

I hope this helps.. good luck to everyone seeking a disability rating.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jun 23 at 2015 12:12 AM

2015-06-23T00:12:02-04:00

I'm not saing the VA is a model of efficiency, but they are not the cause of all our troubles either. I had the NASTIEST opinion of the VA because I spent 3 years in the Phoenix system. I know I beat that horse to death so I'll move it along......
When I transferred to Tucson, it was like a huge burden was taken off of me. Just today, I got labs done (please join the 1 million veteran campaign btw), saw an ENT specialist, and had enough xrays to make my nose glow red. They also made me follow on appintments and I see my primary clinic tomorrow, get med refills, and another referral for neurosurgery. That much work would take Phoenix, well, that horse shall remain dead. We have been in units where the time just stood still and we have been in some that we would volunteer to deploy to get back to. The VA is alot like the big green machine. Directors come and go and policies change. Hang tough and remember that if you have to wait 30 days to see clinic X, you can get them to approve you to go on the economy now. Use that service! I promise that someone is crunching numbers and looking at that intel. Hopefully our future experiences can be ones that don't start with "No s!@#, there I was at the VA........"

Response by SSG John Arp made Jun 23 at 2015 2:22 AM

2015-06-23T02:22:33-04:00

This is a long read, my apologies, but wanted to address the issues....

I have learned after years of going through the VA processes that it depends on the Dr you are seeing (PCP) and the folks at your regional office. On item 2 in your message, I had base privileges at 40%, and they are actually available at 30%, IF you medically retire from the military, which I did, and received my blue (retired) ID card. If you are not retired from the military then you need to get 100% from VA to get privileges.

As per the 50% for sleep apnea, that is correct, but the way that they count percentages is like this, they subtract the largest percentage from 100% first, so 50% for apnea with 50% remaining, then that is subtracted by next highest percentage, repeat per rating until you reach 100%, but they round down not up. If you just add all my percentages normally, I hit 230% before I got 100%. Also it has to be service connected, if its diagnosed after you get out of the military, they may treat it, but it may not get added to your rating. I was diagnosed well before my MEB, I found out I had it during my first surgery, the nurse brought it to mine and my wife's attention after I came out of anesthesia.

I never got treated for, or diagnosed by active duty or VA for all the numbness and tingling in my limbs after deployment, but after getting fed up with the army and the VA not providing a diagnosis for 10 years, I decided to start seeing my civilian family Dr for everything last summer. And after just 2 months going through my family Dr., and being referred to a specialist, after a series of tests, positively diagnosed me with nueoropathy and damage to my C3,4 and 5 with DDD and severe narrowing between the 4 and 5, and damage to my L4. But I guess that could be easily overlooked for 10 years.

I requested appointments for a year or more before getting some of them, like PTSD, and screening for TBI and Cognitive Memory Disorder (CMD), you would think that with a shrapnel wound to the head and multiple concussions from explosions (one from 15 feet) and vehicle collisions they would be on that right away but they weren't (policy is mandatory PTSD screening within 30 days of enrollment for combat wounded veterans).

I had requested the TBI and CMD screening since Jan 08, but didn't get screened for 2 years, and then after getting a full diagnosis from the specialist in writing the VA still denies me service connected for TBI and CMD and has said its is just anxiety.

In every attempt I have made to speak with the hospital director I have been intercepted by lower staff and brushed off. I plan to go see my Congressman but currently have a torn meniscus in my right knee, actually it has been that way since before I got out of active duty, but it usually is controllable with a cortisone shot but don't think that will suffice this time.

Also, bureaucracy has gotten involved in the schedule of rating, even though the ratings are written in black and white, they have taken upon themselves the ability to cut down a ratings percentage at will, both Army and VA. Also, I did not receive credit for the other 4 ratings I had during my MEB, they only allowed me one rating (pre WTU). My rating per the schedule of rating was 80%, but they cut it down to 40% because they said they didn't think it should be that high of a rating, no kidding... I also did not receive my back pay from SSD, when I found out I should have a year later, they said they screwed up and I should have gotten a year of back pay, but they listed me as a civilian not a wounded warrior because I was not assigned to the WTU, when I explained I got out before the WTU opened, they said they still would not give me my back pay (in the area of 30K) even though the fault was theirs not mine. They won't grandfather in the vets that got out pre WTU.

Sorry so long winded, but no short way to explain the severity of incidents, and even if that's one case in 100, or even in 1000, its still to many. The last time I saw my PCP, my shoulder and neck were jacked up again and needing a shot, she would not send me to my ortho specialist, and said she went to med school for 7 years to be a Dr. and therefore could handle everything herself, and didn't need to send me to see the specialists (whom I have seen previously and had shots, but she was referring to all the specialists, not just ortho). I do all my stuff now through my civilian Dr. I tried to fire this PCP and get a new one but got the intercepted shuffle again and did not get to see the director and still am stuck with this worthless PCP. I have met way to many vets with the same kind of issues at this VA Hospital.

But I was a SSG in the US Army after all, I can accomplish anything God willing, so I drive on, adapt and overcome, to spite the VA...

Understand I am not complaining to hear myself complain, but these are the all to many real stories, and trust me, that's just the start of my stories on the VA.

And to my brothers and sisters I served with, we have lost to many to suicide, if your feeling depressed or suicidal, don't pick up a bottle, don't pick up a gun, pick up your phone, call a battle buddy, I am here if you need me, I sincerely love you all, my fellow Stallions, 1st CAV for life

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2015 7:36 AM

2015-06-23T07:36:30-04:00

My husband has been diagnosed with sleep apnea and was given a 50 percent rating. Since we live in the D.C. area, he goes to Walter Reed in Bethesda for his medical needs. Not the best experience. He has had several procedures/operations done there and the care is dismal. I'm not sure if it's the civilian contractors or the military medical staff.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 23 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-06-23T10:40:34-04:00

I haven't had a real issue in the almost 2 years since I retired, I was initially rated at 10% for my knees and had to wait on a decision for my sleep apnea due to the VA needing a "more legible" copy of the sleep test results, once they received that my claim was approved and I am not rated at 60%. It is true that it is not automatic for one to be rated at 50% solely for a sleep apnea diagnosis, you have to be diagnosed with moderate to severe obstruction and have to be using a CPAP for the rating.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jun 23 at 2015 10:49 AM

2015-06-23T10:49:25-04:00

There used to be a plaque at Ft Campbell's "work on your POV garage":
"It takes 100 at-a-boys to make up for one awe-shit."

Words to live by.

I can't compare VA healthcare to commercial healthcare as I've never used VA healthcare, but I will say that I've made extensive use of commercial healthcare over the years and it isn't always a model of four star professionalism either.

Something I have heard (but can't necessarily confirm) is that the VA system has an excellent computer based record keeping system, that has substantially reduced problems associated with mis-prescription or over prescription of medication. That in and of itself is a major accomplishment, as that was the intent of HIPPA, and decades later the commercial health care system still can't seem to get it's act together.

Response by SSgt Josiah Solberg made Jun 23 at 2015 11:42 AM

2015-06-23T11:42:58-04:00

Hey Trev, what's up buddy? Ok, not sure if Texas is different, but you only need 60% to get DV plates...I've got mine and 60% is the magic number here...just wish it was the magic number for dental coverage, lol

Response by SrA David Roby made Jun 23 at 2015 1:59 PM

2015-06-23T13:59:57-04:00

Put in the time do the paperwork and work with the system. Use a Veterans Service Representative like DAV or VFW to help you. If you have an injury on active duty make sure it is documented and you get treated for it. Keep copies of ALL of your military records and make sure they are accurate. When you are filing a claim make sure you read and deliver to the VA EXACTALLY what they are requesting for service connection and proof of medical treatment. I am 100% service connected and it did not happen over night for me.

Response by CMSgt Charles Elliott made Jun 23 at 2015 5:26 PM

2015-06-23T17:26:14-04:00

I agree TSgt Vander, there is a lot of miss-information out there about the VA. I must say in all my dealings with the VA, they are not quick, but if you stick to your guns, get them ALL of the paperwork they require plus additional testimony/proof from other doctor's you will have a positive outcome to any claim.
The Post 911 GI Bill paid for my MBA and I've used my VA benefit to purchase several homes over the years. Most vets don't even know about their home buying benefits. If anyone has a question about their VA benefits and buying a home just ask!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2015 7:31 PM

2015-06-23T19:31:29-04:00

Regarding Sleep Apnea and at what can it be rated at:

38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 6847

6847 Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed):
Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy 100%
Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine 50%
Persistent day-time hypersomnolence 30%
Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing 0%

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jun 23 at 2015 9:48 PM

2015-06-23T21:48:14-04:00

Living OCONUS I receive my care through VA related doctors in Germany. My last request for a physical exam was late due to the back long of over 130 cases in the waiting line. But once I got to a doctor, I received nothing but the best of care. The exam was very good and the doctor knew how to work with the VA, which is very important. It is a little different process for me, and I do thing the VA needs to re-evaluate some of their procedures for us. But once the hoops are jumped I've received good service.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Jun 23 at 2015 10:13 PM

2015-06-23T22:13:11-04:00

After reading a lot of the responses to this post I feel lucky to live in Fairbanks, Alaska !! We have extremely limited VA medical facilities and no VA hospital within 350 miles. But we do have one of the best co-op systems in the US. In case you are not aware, Congress has passed legislation for the a Veteran's Choice program which was modeled after the Alaska system.

Unfortunately the VA has seen fit to put our program on hold until it can implement the plan nationwide. It's quite a rip-off, as the plan was already in place and functioning. Now I have been waiting two months for surgery that could have been done, if only I had had the chance to do it 6 months sooner.

Still, all in all, other than a super high turnover rate (Every winter for some odd reason....) of physicians, and PAs, I have always had very good care through the VA system and the nearby civilian hospital. Our Senator Murkowski is hot, and addressing the issue. I just hope we can get back on track soon.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Jun 23 at 2015 10:27 PM

2015-06-23T22:27:55-04:00

I am glad to hear you say that the service provided by the VA healthcare system has changed over the years. My experience in the early 90% was less than impressive. I will have to check on the PX/commissary privileges at 100%. Admittedly, this is one I had never even run into. But then I did not plan on being out by this point, let alone looking at what came with this little unexpected change.

Response by SFC Peter Sherwood made Jun 24 at 2015 9:27 AM

2015-06-24T09:27:22-04:00

Good topic. I am 100%, service connected. I have had very few minor issues with my local VA clinic. I need the VA for monthly durable medical supplies. It too them two times to get things straight as far as ordering (prescription) the supplies, and I had a small cyst removed from my back (size smaller than a pea) that turned into a bigger issue (after care issue). Other than that, I get at least 40 min with my doctor when I need an appointment.
Here is the deal, if a service member has something in their medical history that may rate a percentage, they will get it. The VA can see, through medical review, what is and what is not an item for compensation. There is no need to embellish. ALSO - remember , it all based on employability. "Does this medical issue prevent this person from working?" I had two back surgeries while in, 10% for both. I was "fixed" with these surgeries therefore the low rating.
Good luck all, and thank you for serving

Response by SPC Daniel Joslin made Jun 24 at 2015 9:49 AM

2015-06-24T09:49:51-04:00

19 May 87 I was involved in a jeep collision on Ft. Sill. I suffered a closed head injury (now referred to as TBI) which required brain surgery to stop a bleed on the brain. I also suffered two fractured cervical vertebrae (C6, C7). Brain surgery was performed by neurosurgeon Dr. C. J. Hash (civilian) in downtown Lawton. After a week in the hospital in comatose condition I was sent to my home state to convalesce for 1 1/2 months before returning to active duty to finish my enlistment, on full profile. One year later, I started having severe neck pain and went to a doctor who told me I must have injured myself previously. At that time I went thru my medical records and discovered my fractured neck, but there was no record of treatment. I took this info to the VA and after several x-rays, I was advised that there was no evidence of any neck injury and I was awarded 10% disability for a scar. Fast forward to 2001 after numerous visits and consults with the VA, which still refused to address the problem, I had my first spinal fusion, on my dime. Nine months later, I was back at the VA with still the same issues I had before surgery in 2001. They finally took notice and realized that there was a problem and for the next four years sent me to a neurologist and put me on different medications until in late 2005 they operated and did another spinal fusion. This surgery left me with no feeling in my pinky side of my right hand and I lose feeling in both hands at random. I was then rated a 30% plus the 10% for the original scar. Because of the numbness in my hands, they then diagnosed me with carpal tunnel syndrome, go figure. With all the BS from the VA I have give up on them and am now just living with the pain. I know that there are others who have it worse than I do, so I guess I really can't complain too much, but I have NO confidence WHATSOEVER in the VA

Response by MSgt Leroy Gutierrez made Jun 26 at 2015 8:07 AM

2015-06-26T08:07:26-04:00

Nice post, Trevor! The only item on here I have no direct experience with is #2, but since I'm a retiree, it doesn't really apply to me (the Retiree ID card gives me that access). Everything else I've experienced and can verify that you're spot-on, including the care provided to me. Thanks, for sharing!

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Nov 20 at 2015 3:12 PM

2015-11-20T15:12:35-05:00

So this isn't true?