Posted on Apr 10, 2019
8 Tips for Veterans Transitioning to the Civilian World
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8 Tips for Veterans Transitioning to the Civilian World
Posted from news.clearancejobs.com
Transition
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Edited >1 y ago
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I have mixed emotions with the VA. I've been retired nearly two years and have VA healthcare as well as Tricare Prime. I use Tricare because I am paying for it and my doctors are in town. I use the VA for issues related to my disabilities (VA is within reasonable commuting distance). However, getting care in a timely manner or at all is difficult. I requested an eye exam and was told an appointment was two and a half months out so they referred me to a local optometrist and I received that exam with no problem. I took the prescription to the VA and was told it would take 6-8 weeks to get my glasses. Nine weeks later I stopped in to see the status and was told my request was lost. It was resubmitted and I was told two weeks which came and went. The day I was supposed to see them again (to raise hell) I was unable and in the mail that day my glasses arrived. Had I known it would take over 10 weeks to get them I would have used my Tricare vision plan and buy a pair while I wanted for the VA to come through.
I have a doctor who is very educational which is great; however, too much time is spent educating me and not enough time on my issues. I've mentioned I need physical therapy for multiple issues but nothing comes through so I use Tricare.
I'm not saying the VA is totally bad but there are some frustrations for me so I am glad I have an alternate health plan. I feel for those that only have the VA for their healthcare.
I have a doctor who is very educational which is great; however, too much time is spent educating me and not enough time on my issues. I've mentioned I need physical therapy for multiple issues but nothing comes through so I use Tricare.
I'm not saying the VA is totally bad but there are some frustrations for me so I am glad I have an alternate health plan. I feel for those that only have the VA for their healthcare.
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SFC Adam Potter
Thanks for sharing your story MSG Kelly. I think the performance of VA Hospitals depends on location. I was in the VA system in Wyoming, and now in Iowa, and have received pretty good care at both institutions. I go there for all my healthcare needs, and use Tricare for my wife & kids. I think when my glasses may have taken 4 weeks, and when I was referred to Physical Therapy, I was in the clinic within a week.
I think in some areas of the country, the system is overwhelmed, which greatly impacts care. Perhaps something for veterans to consider when they transition out of the service.
I think in some areas of the country, the system is overwhelmed, which greatly impacts care. Perhaps something for veterans to consider when they transition out of the service.
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MSG Lance Kelly
I see the VA in Loma Linda/Redlands, CA and they are busy from what I have seen so if I am able to see my Tricare doctor sooner then I go that route to avoid adding to the VA backlog. But at the same time I know I am entitled to care through the VA and need to continue to seek care with them. One positive I have seen is the program that now refers you out of the wait time is too long, that's what happened with vision.
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Network. Look for VA preference jobs. Know how to translate military service to civilian jobs.
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