On a scale of 0 to 10, how do you rate your V.A. Medical Center?

Cpl Vic Burk — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 19:05:08 -0500

Background: Friday morning I was shaving a deer hide on a fleshing machine when my wrist hit the moving blade and took a slice off my skin. OK, no big deal. I'll clean it up and bandage it (hurt like hell but complaining about pain isn't in my vocabulary with my wife). The slice continued to bleed throughout the day; not a lot but enough to be agitating. Friday evening, we put a new bandage with waterproof tape on the wound. Saturday all day, no bleeding. Saturday evening, I took the bandage off and it started to bleed profusely! I tried to bandage it up again, but nothing held the blood bad. Finally, about 2130 I decided to go to the V.A. to get help. V.A.Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee took care of me in short order and did a superb job. Thank you, Mountain Home V.A. Medical Center! As always, I rate you a 10 on taking care of me. I wish all Veterans had care this good. I have heard horror stories from others in different parts of the country.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Nov 27 at 2022 7:09 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 19:09:25 -0500

Service at my local VA CBOC is great!

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Nov 27 at 2022 7:15 PM

CPL Douglas Chrysler — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 19:15:34 -0500

I have nothing but praise for the medical treatment I have received. Civilian medics is another thing.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 27 at 2022 7:24 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 19:24:18 -0500

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Nov 27 at 2022 7:24 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 19:24:55 -0500

BIG FAT ZERO...GOT NOTHING FOR THEM!!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2022 7:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 19:29:34 -0500

Cpl Vic Burk sorry to hear about your accident Vic. Your V.A. Facility must be a step above the one I go to... even though I'm satisfied with the care they provide... when they are open. They close around 5p.m. but they don't have a walk-in clinic during the open hours. They do provide "Urgent Care Clinic" facilities that are close to me. I also have an excellent Medicare Humana+ plan that covers me. Will pray for a speedy & complete healing.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Nov 27 at 2022 7:44 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 19:44:22 -0500

Considering Our VA, Here In Vegas, Has All But Caused My Death.... But Came Damned Close;(seriously ~ Just 4-6 Hours From It, According To The ER Surgeons,) ~~.. And Misdiagnosed Many Illnesses While Giving Me Medication For The WRONG Ones, Which I Didn't Even Have. They REALLY Fuked Me Up... But Didn't Stop There Either, And Now I'm Disabled Because Of Them....
.... uh...How About a - 34 Or So,?...... I'd Give Them Less, But They Haven't Quite Killed Me Yet....
But They Were SURE Working On It.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Nov 27 at 2022 7:49 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 19:49:17 -0500

I Sure as HELL Wish Ours Was Even NEARLY As Good As Yours.
If Ours Were Any Worse, The Mortuary Would Be Just Outside The Exit Doors...

OH.. My Brother MIKE, Uses The Dayton Ohio VA... Absolutely LOVES The Place.
They Take GREAT Care Of Him.....

Response by Maj William Mitchell made Nov 27 at 2022 9:05 PM

Maj William Mitchell — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 21:05:54 -0500

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Nov 27 at 2022 10:05 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 22:05:22 -0500

I've only used them the last couple of years, but so far, I reasonably happy with them. When you realized the rules, it's a bit bureaucratic but manageable. Orthopedics are very busy with long waits at the VA Hospital here in Kentucky, but they switched me over to Community Care in less that two weeks.

Response by Sgt Diane E. made Nov 27 at 2022 10:48 PM

Sgt Diane E. — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 22:48:52 -0500

I am well pleased with the Wilmington CBOC and Fayetteville VA. My neighbor uses Myrtle Beach and has been consistently screwed over.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2022 11:59 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 23:59:04 -0500

3 IS the best only because of their no gains in healthcare and suicide.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Nov 28 at 2022 12:13 AM

SFC William Farrell — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 00:13:07 -0500

I use Providence, RI and they are great Cpl Vic Burk so a ten for me.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Nov 28 at 2022 1:48 AM

SPC James Neidig — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 01:48:14 -0500

I Use The VAMC Martinsburg And I Will Give Them An 11 , Primary Care Doctor Is Great, Specialty Clinics Are Just As Good,
Been To The ER A Few Times Sometimes A Little Busy But A Lot Faster Than My Local ER,
Plus They Have All My Medical Records There,
So I Don’t Have To Spend 10 Minutes Telling Them All The Meds I Am On

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Nov 28 at 2022 6:26 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:26:55 -0500

I understand the VA Center out in West Virginia that Steve Ford uses is very good. Our DC one is awful and one reason why I NEVER use the VA. I keep private insurance, in an emergency I might use Ft Belvoir but I will not cross the entrance to DC VA.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Nov 28 at 2022 7:05 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 07:05:12 -0500

The facility I visit is the Hospital in Martinsburg WV. The facility is great, the care I receive is very good. They are responsive, professional and caring.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Nov 28 at 2022 11:07 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 11:07:52 -0500

Glad your experience with Mountain Home was better than mine. There is a reason (several, actually) I no longer use them and opted for civilian providers.

On a more interesting note....I didn't realize you were that close to my location. One of these days I'll have to make the drive to Johnson City and buy you a coffee.

Response by CW4 Anthoney Lowry made Nov 28 at 2022 11:24 AM

CW4 Anthoney Lowry — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 11:24:56 -0500

Huntsville, AL VA i give a 7.
they didn't do jack for me when i got covid except to tell me to go to an emergency room but other than that, i haven't paid a medical bill in a couple years, get to see my same doctor every year, got new glasses cheaper than civilians. overall not too bad.

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Nov 28 at 2022 11:58 AM

SSgt Richard Kensinger — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 11:58:59 -0500

The Altoona VA covers 13 PA counties. Medical services are above average (8) and behavioral health care is below average (4).
Rich

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 28 at 2022 1:23 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 13:23:09 -0500

I’ve had mixed results. I currently live in Missouri and have had very good results at the Columbia MO hospital. But I was previously in San Diego and can say that the VA Hospital and it’s satellite clinics need serious work to raise their low quality of service

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2022 5:44 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 17:44:00 -0500

The VA wouldn't be my first choice if I couldn't stop the bleeding. Not that they wouldn't do a good job but I would go to the closest ER and unless I got in an accident within a block of the VA there would be another ER closer. My VA is an hour away and right next to another hospital.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2022 8:21 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 20:21:17 -0500

Pocatello VA Clinic (CBOC) is great. My provider and the support crew there are awesome. I just started working at the Idaho Falls VA Clinic (CBOC), so I don't have a basis for judgement yet. Salt Lake City VA folk....they're......interesting

Response by PO1 John Johnson made Nov 29 at 2022 6:24 AM

PO1 John Johnson — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 06:24:46 -0500

My confidence level for VA Hospital James A. Haley (Tampa, FL) was shaken to the core about 6 years ago, when I was woken up in the middle (all the gear still inside me and actively still on mission) of a colonoscopy. After a few minutes of intense discomfort, I asked the anesthesiologist why "they" woke me up and she stated "in case the Dr. has any questions for you". I will not assign a numerical value to my rating but I still have legitimate reservations to this day about ANY type of care or procedure offered there.

Response by SPC Troy Garrison made Nov 30 at 2022 6:14 PM

SPC Troy Garrison — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 18:14:13 -0500

Memphis and Nashville VAs are trash. 100% P&T and can't get necessary meds refilled. Trying to talk to someone is torture; when you do, they fail to listen.

The VA: "Putting veterans [in the ground] first!"

Response by HN Derrick Hilll made Nov 30 at 2022 6:28 PM

HN Derrick Hilll — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 18:28:55 -0500

The CBOC in Katy, Texas is hands down the best I've been to. The staff love to be there, they want to help, joke around and make you feel like a person instead of a patient. I would give them a 10 every time.

Response by MSgt Steven Helm made Nov 30 at 2022 6:50 PM

MSgt Steven Helm — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 18:50:59 -0500

My local clinic is great! I'd give them a 9, there's always room to improve. Iowa City is great, once you get there. Their appointment process sucks

Response by PFC Charles Blair made Nov 30 at 2022 11:18 PM

PFC Charles Blair — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 23:18:01 -0500

Tucson VA Medical Center in AZ gets a rating of 11 from me, on a scale of 0 to 10. They do a fantastic job for me, and have for years. I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 40 yrs and now have artificial knees and radial head in elbow. The rheumatologist, Dr. Bode, is a cut above any other I've seen in or outside of the VA. She takes much interest in my pain, bone spurs, bone growths due to RA. I have been treated really well by all the doctors I've seen there. The pharmacy provides my medications via mail. Because I live 5 hrs away from Tucson, they approve me for community care, sometimes too. I have taken friends to other VA facilities, and there is no comparison as Tucson VA surpasses all others I've been in. My primary care is Dr. Kathlene Holdst at the Safford, VA clinic. She is the best PC I've ever had too. She took lots of time with me after my stroke. I've also been treated in the ER at Tucson VA. I feel very blessed to be able to get medical treatment thru this VA facility. They are not all this good!

Response by SSgt Dan Brink made Dec 1 at 2022 9:59 AM

SSgt Dan Brink — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 09:59:36 -0500

I would give mine a 5. Some of the places I go throughout the system are really good and seem to want to help. On the other hand, some of them treat you like you are a bother to their day and really dont want to see any of us. It also depends on which branch of service you were in. Also the time that you have served. Marine Corp and Army Vets seem to get better attention and a lotta help. Air Force and Navy not so much. The Coast Guard arent even considered. If you were active after May 75 and before Dec 91. You really dont exist. No declared conflicts during that time, so you dont know what its all about. Thats how we are treated. Its not just myself, I have seen others treated exactly the same. I even had my primary tell me that if I have other insurance that I would get better care in the civilian world. Well, there was combat for some during the Cold War. Plus all the obstacles that go along with that for some of us. You cant judge health care by dates of service, nor branch of military. But, that wont ever change and I for one can say that at least I can see the changes that have been made for my Brothers and Sisters who served during the Vietnam war and even some from Korea. It took long enough for them to get their benifits and some just gave up long ago and died. I hope those that are still around are able to find the care they so desperately deserve and need. I pray that some day before I'm dead that we Cold War Vets get the recognition and care we also earned and deserve. It wasnt so Cold for some of us.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Dec 1 at 2022 6:04 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 18:04:37 -0500

VA hospitals are like Congressional Representatives. All of them suck with one exception--the one the veteran get treatment at. Personally, I believe the VA should be insurance [ie, Tricare] whereby the Vet can receive treatment locally.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2022 9:25 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 21:25:11 -0500

IN 1965 I WENT TO THE KANSAS CITY VA MED CTR. FOR A BAD CASE OF FOOT FUNGUS (JUNGLE ROT). WAS TOLD BY A SGT AT OLETHE NAS. THAT THEY HAD A P.I. DERMITOLIST. HE WAS AN EXPERT IN THAT FIELD. AFTER ABOUT 5 HRS OF WAITING, I JUST GOT UP AND LEFT. ILL GIVE THEM A 5. BUT, I RETURNED IN 2006,
ALL TOGETHER CHANGED. GOING TOMORROW FOR MY 5MIN. BAD WATER TEST.
I GIVE THEM AN 8

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Dec 1 at 2022 10:18 PM

1SG Joseph Dartey — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 22:18:13 -0500

I rate the Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center, Huntington WV a 10+.

Response by SSG Gordon Holmes made Dec 2 at 2022 3:58 PM

SSG Gordon Holmes — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:58:04 -0500

When I was injured on Active Duty (USAR), they sent me home immediately as they did not want to pay me to stay on active duty. I went to the VA and it took 2 months to get an appointment. Then they refused to treat me saying I had to have a approved VA disability. This went on from June to December. The California National Guard and Sacramento VA continued this until I had a C&P in December. The C&P doctor stated they were lying and should have been treating me. I finally got to see a Neurologist in February 2008 (I was injured June 2007). I treated with them until they switched doctors on me and the new doctor didn't want to treat me so I went through my private insurance for treatment ever since. I will say that the Audiology department has been great. Otherwise I will not treat with the VA.

Response by PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln made Dec 2 at 2022 5:49 PM

PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 17:49:58 -0500

Cpl Vic Burk I go to the VA in Poplar Bluff MO, I give them a 9, hasn't always been easy but you have to advocate for yourself. Mostly now I ask for what I need and usually get it with no problem.

Response by MAJ Janet Fox made Dec 3 at 2022 1:05 PM

MAJ Janet Fox — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 13:05:57 -0500

I would rate my experience with the VA in Upstate SC as excellent...a 10. I have a wonderful doctor, Nannette Streck, at my local VA Outpatient Center and have been able to make use of the Community Care network.
Thus said, I am getting leery of my own civilian network. Maybe it is my imagination but, because the VA reimburses providers so poorly, I feel like my own care gets put on the back burner. Longer takes to get an appt and even longer waits at scheduled appts. When a provider comments that I have VA health insurance and states I could get the same exam at a VA provider, I know something isn't right.

Response by Sgt Joe David Jacques made Dec 4 at 2022 10:54 PM

Sgt Joe David Jacques — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 22:54:10 -0500

Delete

Response by Sgt Joe David Jacques made Dec 4 at 2022 11:04 PM

Sgt Joe David Jacques — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 23:04:35 -0500

Gotta go with a 10. I have never had a headache in my life but over the space of 3 weeks I had developed a humdinger. Went to the VA ER and explained my situation. They sent me to have a CT scan. Within a few minutes a couple guys with a gurney showed up and I was on my way to a local hospital's ER. Ended up in ICU. Had an aneurysm. Saved my life. I rest my case.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 6 at 2022 9:50 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:50:14 -0500

Thank you my friend and brother-in-Christ Cpl Vic Burk for posting a pertinent question.
I rate my primary VAMC, Martinsburg, WV VAMC at 10. Thank you my friend and sister-in-Christ Lt Col Charlie Brown for mentioning me.
I have been to their emergency room many times and each time I received excellent treatment
I had a PET Scan there recently and recieved excellent treatment
Images:
1. Martinsburg, WV VAMC Campus Map
2. Martinsburg VAMV Picture
3. I had a PET Scan on NOV 10, 2022 at Martinsburg, WV
4. I have had many pharmacological nuclear stress test’s at Martinsburg, WV VAMC

FYI SPC Jon O. SFC William Farrell SPC Gary C. SGT Jim Arnold CSM Charles Hayden SSgt Kelly D. SGT Mary G.SPC Michael Terrell SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D SPC Deb Root-White SPC Nancy Greene SGT Paul Russo SPC Private RallyPoint Member PO3 Edward Riddle SGT Mark Anderson MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen SSgt David M.

Special Care / Buffalo Springfield
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQC1-HFs1yY

Special Care / Buffalo Springfield

Special Care Buffalo Springfield

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Dec 6 at 2022 10:36 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 10:36:11 -0500

Can't comment, I've never used the VA.

Response by SPC Rob Smith made Dec 6 at 2022 11:52 AM

SPC Rob Smith — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 11:52:16 -0500

I' ve just about lost my rt thumb using steelwool to clean a chair.
a piece of the steel got lodged even after i pulled it out ..so i thought the
tiny piece of steel embedded in my tendon and bone.. causing a huge infection..
12 days and three surgeries later
the thumb is still attatched, works pretty good..a little smaller but i dont hitchhike ...lol
then 6 months later i fractured my right.elbow needing a open reduction internal fixation... same doctor who did surgeries on my thumb..
Audie Murphy V.A. hospital is the best
they took care of me in the poly trauma center ..excellent 10+..

Response by PO3 Edward Riddle made Dec 6 at 2022 11:06 PM

PO3 Edward Riddle — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 23:06:07 -0500

My VAMC has ranged from 0 to 10 on different occasions. I have to take Thyroid medications for the rest of my life because of them. I had Prostate surgery by them and have had nothing but problems from this since 1990. Some things went trouble free. So, it's either a hit or a miss.

Response by 1SG Michael Poirier made Dec 11 at 2022 7:20 AM

1SG Michael Poirier — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 07:20:48 -0500

Mine here in Jackson, MS is hit or miss.

Response by SPC Cindy made Jan 7 at 2023 8:48 AM

SPC Cindy — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 08:48:36 -0500

I have had nothing but excellent care at my VA doctors appts, Emergency Department, surgeries, etc. Yes, I have had negative moments but Fayetteville, NC VA on Radford Road, Ramsey Street, and Durham, NC would receive a 10 for taken care of me. I'm grateful and thankful.

Response by LTC Anthony Monroe made Jan 11 at 2023 10:42 AM

LTC Anthony Monroe — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 10:42:37 -0500

Always a 10 rating with William Jennings in Cola. SC and Ralph H Johnson in Charleston SC and all there clinics

Response by SP5 Dennis Hall made Jan 31 at 2023 8:15 AM

SP5 Dennis Hall — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 08:15:01 -0500

Response by COL Victor Hagan made Feb 1 at 2023 2:46 PM

COL Victor Hagan — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 14:46:07 -0500

The VA Clinic in Huntsville Alabama is great.

Response by SGT Tim Tobin made Feb 3 at 2023 9:40 PM

SGT Tim Tobin — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 21:40:01 -0500

I rate mine in Rochester NY as a solid 10. They are attentive, engaged and seem to genuinely care about everyone. I just hope I get the same care in my new town!

Response by SrA Mark Cheney made Feb 5 at 2023 3:44 PM

SrA Mark Cheney — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 15:44:40 -0500

I'll give my Buffalo VA maybe a 4 overall. The communication between patients and clinics is by no means the best. The administration leaves much to be desired. The patient advocate is great unfortunately if the administration doesn't like the truth they'll just ignore the concerns you put to them.
Had a situation where I had become quite sick and had a fight with my primary care doctors who didn't want to listen to my comments of ill health. After dealing with this attitude for seven months, oh yeah I guess you do have health concerns we need to address. It was only an ulcer that was causing my duress. That was 2020 and I'm still dealing with the impact the delay in treatment caused. Thankful I've access to private care.

Response by CDR Marjorie Wytzka made Feb 8 at 2023 6:25 PM

CDR Marjorie Wytzka — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 18:25:37 -0500

10! Military medicine could learn a lot from the VA!

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Feb 14 at 2023 5:47 AM

SSG Harry Herres — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 05:47:39 -0500

For 50 years I got the run around from the VA. I said to hell with them decades ago. At 73 I needed hear aids. On a fixed income, who can afford $3000 for them. Thought I would try the VA again. Same same, only my wife got angry and contacted our Senator. All of a sudden the VA had me set up with th VA clinic in town. WHAT, 50 years can't find my records now a full physical. My medical team is first rate. The Clinic top of the line. VA wow 10% for hearing loss, oh ya, 6 months later still no hearing aids. Before you start with, you should, I did , and still don't! As a side note, my dad the Col. Paid for me to be a life member of the VFW. I even have my metal life time member card. 10 years ago I got a notice from the VFW that they had no record of me being a member. I guess its a veteran thing, Thank you for MY service, now go away and don't bother us, you are old who cares! Sorry but 16 years as an Army Brat, 6 years elisted, returned to Nam 69-71 13 years after the Col. Came home in 56. Not happy!

Response by GySgt Jack Wallace made Feb 14 at 2023 7:54 AM

GySgt Jack Wallace — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 07:54:21 -0500

For me, 8.5..

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Feb 14 at 2023 1:36 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 13:36:04 -0500

I find that the VA in Massachusetts is very good but them also Massachusetts and Boston also have some of the best hospitals on the entire planet Earth. People come from all over the world for the great medical facilities in Boston. I tend to use a primary care Doctor though outside the VA so both Me and My Wife are covered under My Tri Car for Life plan.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Feb 14 at 2023 8:28 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 20:28:34 -0500

EASY AS ALL "L".
Based On The Scale Of 0 To 10?,
This Is SO Simple; Out Here In Vegas,
It's VERY Close To -165....
Give Or Take A Few Deaths.
..One Of Which Was Damned Near Mine!

Was Almost As Though The Bass-Turds Were TRYING To Kill Me.

Response by CPL James S. made Feb 15 at 2023 9:26 PM

CPL James S. — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 21:26:50 -0500

OK, so my feedback about the VA is continually changing as my VA improves (or fails to improve). Overall, I'll rate my VA a solid 7 out of 10 and for the following reasons:

1- The VA itself is a slow, cumbersome bureaucracy that is painful to navigate and causes more problems than not. The Civilian clinics that work for the VA in my area are f*cking awesome, with some caveats, such as the fact that they got rid of my last doc during the COVID outbreak because he wouldn't toe the CDC line and tout the benefits of an experimental mRNA vaccine. That doc found out the VA was screwing the pooch and called them out for it.

2- The VA doesn't understand that there are a f*ckload of jobs in the military that are *not* combat arms but still can seriously f*ck with your head and give you PTS, like cops, firefighters, EMS workers and just about everyone in the ER. I've been pushing for a First Responder PTS group but the VA refuses.

3- the referral system is always bogged down and, probably because of the bureaucracy, fails to present the requisite approvals for the veteran's timely treatment.

When I first started using the VA it was horrible. At best you could call it a 3. The staff treated the veterans like they were an inconvenience and like the veterans should worship the ground the staff walked on because they were there, weren't they? It took 14 years to get a pair of glasses... 14. f*cking. years. not months. not days. YEARS. Moreover, if I needed treatment I had to wait till it was available at the VA, which sometimes took months (or years).

So all in all, our VA has improved a great deal in the last 10 years, but it has things it can improve. I'm constantly sending out messages to our VA, Senators/Representatives and Governor to improve the system, and it's working. Slowly.

Response by SSgt Donna Coffin made Feb 23 at 2023 8:10 PM

SSgt Donna Coffin — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 20:10:26 -0500

I’d give mine about an 8.5. If it wasn’t a teaching hospital, I’d be higher. We get all of the Brown students. Most residents rotate every 3 months. Psychiatry is every year, but depending on when you start, it could only a few before you have to start over with someone else. I have found they like to skip to right in with the next resident, so I’ve started requesting what doctor or better yet NP. While I know the new doctors need to learn, some of my issues are more complicated than they seem to be able to handle. Guaranteed Ortho is late. First day and the new resident is 90 minutes late for my 10:00 appointment. There’s absolutely no need to read about my cancer treatment when I need surgery to remove a foreign object in my finger, that he tried to say was a bone spur. And with urology rotating every 3 months, no one ever seems to know what my treatment plan is or my medical history regarding the issue. Like please read before you recommend an implanted medical - that I ALREADY HAVE! Other than that, it’s good. They have no issues sending us out to the community if appointments are backup (which had increased with the shortage of staff since the covid fiasco). But seriously, if you get a survey, do it. They will call you back if you check the box. And providence appropriate (anonymous) feedback, if necessary.

Response by SSgt Donna Coffin made Feb 23 at 2023 8:18 PM

SSgt Donna Coffin — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 20:18:58 -0500

Oh… and -.5 because they can’t seem to get community care appointments (except the first one of a referral) linked into the system. BTSSS (travel reimbursement system) is a nightmare because of it. When you call the National Community Care to get help, they just tell you to contact you comm care doctor for a letter with proof of the appointments you went to. BUT that National phone # is actually the number to OPTUM, the insurance provider that sends the explanations of benefits (EOB). No one can seem to figure out how to get these two systems talking to each other.
It’s the simple things that should be easy. But totally explains why especially the older veterans get so upset…very frustrating if you don’t know how to work the system.

Response by SFC Larry Jones made Feb 25 at 2023 12:50 AM

SFC Larry Jones — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 00:50:50 -0500

I am and have been enrolled in the Little Rock, Arkansas Veterans Health Care System since approximately 2000. I am 100% service connected. I visit three facilities, including my local CBOC, for care, and have received inpatient care as well. I am well pleased with the care I receive. The staff is invariably courteous, respectful and helpful.