Veterans, what is your experience with the VA?

I've had two views of the VA. One as a veteran I've used the VAMC for medical services (as little as possible, I maintain insurance so I don't have to). I've not had a truly bad experience but the OKC VAMC is a good facility and yet still manages to have poor services. If you go to the ER and you aren't bleeding out, you will be there all day in the waiting room.

Then I've seen it as a relative of a patient. My Mother is a 100% disabled vet. I once had to stand in front of some jackass at a desk for 5 minutes before he acknowledged my presence with a "yeah?" and a disgusted look for my presumption of interrupting him I suppose. I was trying to find out what they'd done with her after a surgery because all the departments either didn't have her or hadn't received her yet. She was in some limbo I guess. Anyway I've seen both good and bad there. Mostly the equipment is fine it's the personnel who are malfunctioning. They know it's not like your going to go next door with your business so they don't care, it won't affect their jobs anyway.

I am posting from my phone so apologies for any typos I won't be able to edit...

I have been using the VA for a little over a year. So far I have had no issues. I did however have to outsource and go to a civ chiropractor for a service related issue because the government doesn't do chiropractic. And dermatology is an incredible wait. I may have to go to a civ dr for that as well. Besides that, not too bad.

It takes forever to get recognized in the system, even longer to get appointments, and the disability compensation process feels like a criminal trial. But, when I am actually in VA centers they are very nice.

I'm pretty bad about seeking treatment, but I opted for Tricare and have a military treatment facility nearby. The only time I experienced VA treatment facilities was for my Compensation claim. I've been recognized at a 40% rating and already received notification that my retirement check has been reduced, but haven't been notified from the VA that they will indeed be making up the difference as they are supposed to.
I'm hopeful for no hiccups in this process, otherwise, paying my rent could be an issue.