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Community care remains available to Veterans based on certain conditions and eligibility requirements, and in consideration of a Veteran's specific needs and circumstances. Community care must first be authorized by VA before a Veteran can receive care from a community provider.

Thank you for sharing your concerns and experience. If you are not currently service-connected for your cancer, we encourage you to file a claim for disability compensation. You could potentially be eligible for special monthly compensation. Another reason to obtain service-connection for your cancer is if the cancer eventually causes your death, then your spouse and/or children could receive survivor benefits. We encourage you to contact our national call center at [login to see] or your local VA regional office to address your concerns.

Pain medications include many different classes of medication, and some are more appropriate for acute pain and others for chronic pain. Opioid medications are primarily used for severe acute pain. They may be prescribed for severe pain that does not or is not expected to respond sufficiently to other treatment options alone. VA providers have a variety of treatment choices at their disposal, including both medication and nonmedication approaches. A treatment strategy that involves multiple approaches is generally recommended.

While opioids have an important role for acute pain that is severe, guidelines advise against prescribing opioids for chronic pain management due to evidence suggesting that, for most patients, the risks often outweigh the benefits. When opioids are used over a longer period of time, the risks of side effects and harms increase, including deaths from overdose and development of opioid use disorder. Meanwhile, the benefits tend to reduce over time as well, and some patients may even develop increased hypersensitivity of pain due to opioid medications. Providers must carefully weigh these considerations and regularly reassess the risks and benefits throughout the treatment process. This process should involve shared decision-making, focusing on treatment goals that prioritize functional improvement and quality of life, based on what matters most to the Veteran.

The response I received was that for MOST people pain meds aren’t ok for chronic pain, that’s my point and was point of Va Dr that was carefully using them to restore my Quality of Life. We’re not all the same and after 34yrs of trying everything else it should be ok as the last result. If anyone in Va really cares just look at progress reports etc from TBI 2008-2009. I’m an individual, we all are ,start treating us like we are

Yes, there are times when opioids may play a role in managing chronic pain, but only after a Veteran has fully explored multimodal, integrated, Whole Health-oriented pain care. This approach focuses on evidence-based treatments that address the biological, psychological, and social factors unique to each Veteran. We’ve learned that the best outcomes often come from combining Whole Health strategies with traditional care. These strategies empower Veterans to take charge of their well-being through self-care, mindfulness, and non-pharmacological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy. Complementary approaches, such as acupuncture, yoga, and nutrition counseling, help address factors that contribute to pain while improving overall quality of life. When opioids are necessary, their use is carefully evaluated, and strict guidelines ensure they’re used safely and effectively to improve function and well-being. The VA provides these resources to support Veterans at every step.

Unfortunately, there is insufficient information provided for VA to address this question. Please contact our national call center at [login to see] or your local VA regional office to address your concerns.

Unfortunately, we cannot assist with the state benefit programs. However, we recommend reaching out to that program office directly or contact a local accredited Veterans service representative who may be able to assist.

Eligible Veterans can receive reimbursement for travel to VA-authorized appointments at either a VA facility or an authorized non-VA provider.

I want to see all who are involved in this jailed for no less than 5 years and any medical practitioners involved lose their licenses. This abuse of funding is unacceptable. Drastic change must be made now!