Do women have greater difficulty getting help from the V.A.?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 00:53:15 -0400

Female veterans are having problems getting the services they need from the V.A. in part because of their gender. Most V.A. programs are set up for men due to the V.A. originally being set up to support men. (Not pointing fingers here or being feminist) The increased number of female veterans has led the V.A. to begin to seek medical services and to open support groups specifically geared toward women. I have heard from male counter parts stories of having great difficulty in applying and receiving help from the V.A.. Some women say it is more difficult for women, because they are not recognized as being veterans in the firs place. The V.A. is trying to respond to these needs but funding is always an issue and the items that are going to get funded first are those that help the greatest majority of veterans, thus creating a vicious circle because women are in the minority. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/16/opinion/sunday/the-vas-woman-problem.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0

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Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Aug 17 at 2015 4:57 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 04:57:35 -0400

Sorry ... I'd have to see a whole lot more data on this to be convinced that this is really an issue.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 8:00 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 08:00:37 -0400

I say "yes" only because the limited amount of resources allocated to women as opposed to men and two, because most people still do not see women as frontline warriors and we know that is slowly becoming a thing of the past.

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Aug 17 at 2015 9:11 AM

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 09:11:48 -0400

Not sure how to answer the question. There are pockets within the system that there is very little problems. Then there appears to be other facilities that have horrid stories. My WM wife has been able to get all that she needs and in a relatively timely manner. Many years ago, our facility as many if not all facilities put a Women's clinic into the Primary Care structure. As the population grew, women were then reassigned to the general population. The challenges for VA was dealing with obstetrics. Not all facilities had plans in place to follow a woman who was child bearing. At our facility my staff was tasked with obtaining an obstetrics instrument tray. Not an easy request as there isn't just one surgical tray. There are many. And since we didn't have the capacity to deliver a child, why would we invest in the multiple trays? So typically a female veteran who is pregnant is "fee'd" out, meaning allowed to seek her care in the private sector and VA pays the bill. If I recall correctly, pays until about 1 month after the birth (the first well baby care visit). VA doesn't assume the responsibility of the child after birth. But don't quote me on this.

Response by TSgt David L. made Aug 17 at 2015 10:45 AM

TSgt David L. — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 10:45:35 -0400

I haven't seen any numbers either way, but I guess if you are basing this on a female provider for a female patient, that makes sense. I might even go so far as the saying that male providers trained in female specific areas might be a short fall. Otherwise the VA is short on providers PERIOD. It's hard to get an apt within a month for everyone I know.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Aug 17 at 2015 11:06 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 11:06:00 -0400

I say no because women have their own clinics in many VA locations that men don't have access to, since women can use every resource men have this acutally gives them more resources to exploit.

Response by PO3 Helen Hill made Aug 17 at 2015 12:30 PM

PO3 Helen Hill — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 12:30:41 -0400

I feel that women Vets do have a bit of a harder time getting the proper care at a VA Medical facility because many of the facilities are not fully or properly equipped to give the kind of medical services for our female Veterans. When I was living in North Carolina I was going to the local VA Hospital and needed surgery and since the VA I was going to did not have the surgeon there that was needed to do the kind of surgery that I needed, I had to travel over 100 miles to a facility that had the kind of doctor I needed. Many of the VA's do not have OB/GYN doctors and the women have to travel great distance or be outsourced to a civilian facility to get the type of care they need.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 17 at 2015 4:51 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 16:51:10 -0400

For certain aspects of care it seems so...

Response by SSG Donald Halcomb made Aug 18 at 2015 12:51 PM

SSG Donald Halcomb — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 12:51:59 -0400

I have never really thought about it but I see women at the VA when I'm there. Always just dismissed them as VA employees. Sad if it's true but I havent seen the chart for it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 10:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 22:47:52 -0400

Generally agree. I think that it's assumed that women wouldn't see the kind of service that men do, so they would consequentially need fewer services or be taken less seriously.

Response by SGT Allison Churchill made Aug 19 at 2015 12:39 PM

SGT Allison Churchill — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 12:39:55 -0400

I'll start with the disclaimer that at the Erie, PA, V.A. I was treated very, very well. I only waited a few months to hear about disability claims testing, the women's care office sent me out for a ton of consultations about a problem I had at the time and my nurse practitioner at my local outpatient clinic was outstanding.

But when I enrolled at the Bronx, NY, V.A., oh Lordy. I am 100 percent sure that had I been a male veteran's dependent, I would have been treated a million times better. I went because I was between jobs and needed a new prescription for my hypothyroidism medication. I spent almost two hours at my intake appointment, first talking to a med student/resident and then with the actual doctor. While the doctor did order the labwork I needed to have done, she didn't record the reason, and when I called to ask if she'd ordered the prescription, the nurse said she wouldn't write it without seeing me.

Never mind the fact that all the records should be digitized and accessible nationally, this doctor apparently didn't take any notes during my appointment! That's such an incredible waste of time.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Aug 19 at 2015 12:45 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 12:45:47 -0400

As a retired VA employee I would definitely say yes. Some VA facilities have gone above & beyond to assist female vets where others remain quite lacking. Where I worked they had a sign on the door saying women's health & that was about it. Then they progressed but with very spotty care. Now they have a full time women's health specialist. As far as mental health, PTSD, & MST, still quite lacking. I remember one combat veteran who was so brutally injured from a rape downrange she had to be discharged & still had worsening health due to a stroke she suffered from it. The VA couldn't seem to separate the rape & the combat part of her experiences in Iraq. I tried to hook her up with people who could up her VA claim & get her more help since she was young & could barely care for herself due to brain damage. The VA referred her for mental health & turned her down for TBI since it wasn't in a combat role. They just couldn't get her situation. The culture in many VA facilities & even in the claims depts hasn't adapted yet. How long will that take? It's been 14 years now & they still haven't gotten their shtuff together.

Response by SSG Red Hoffman made Aug 19 at 2015 12:57 PM

SSG Red Hoffman — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 12:57:01 -0400

I am a little embarrassed to admit that I never paid attention to this problem. I go to the VA, I have tunnel vision. I see my doctor, I get my script, I manage things on MyHealtheVet and life goes on. Having read your attached article, I can see how things might be a little more difficult for female veterans when it comes to getting treatment. I personally have not witnessed such problems...but then again, I haven't been paying attention. I wont say 'No' on your survey and sicne there is not an 'unsure' option, I will go the safe route and say 'yes.' I hope all soldiers get the treatment they need. Regardless of gender.

Response by SGT Stacy Moody made Aug 19 at 2015 2:20 PM

SGT Stacy Moody — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:20:00 -0400

I work out here in California for the VA at the Santa Maria Clinic. We are an outpatient clinic therefore many specialty clinics are not offered here, but even at this little clinic, we have numerous avenues, groups and opportunities for Female Veterans. Being one myself, I work here and am also a patient here, I can do group PTSD/MST appointments, have one on one appts, whatever I choose and whatever works best for ME, not the VA. If this is an issue VA wide that our Female Veterans have less services. I completely disagree with the article written here, and I feel the author needs to check his/her sources better. What are your sources anyway? One disgruntled female Veteran? I am sorry I just cannot agree with you, if anything I feel the VA as a whole has gone out of their way to ensure good programs for ALL Veterans, but extra care to ensure services for women only are available. I was a Veteran before I was a VA Employee, and I will ALWAYS speak up for Veterans and go above and beyond to help my brothers and sisters in arms. So trust me if I felt there was any truth to this article Id be like where? Who? Give me names!! grrr!! This time, nope not happening.
Alcon, have a great and blessed day.

Response by SGT Ronald Audas made Aug 19 at 2015 2:36 PM

SGT Ronald Audas — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:36:55 -0400

I would hope that the care is equal.Saying that,it is known that the VA facilities have fallen very short for male and female veterans.I can see where a Primary Care clinic could possibly not have specialized female care.A VA Hospital ,on the other hand,should be equal in all aspects of any General Hospital.All the employees (that I know)at my care clinic are veterans.

Response by SGT Kevin Gardner made Aug 19 at 2015 4:37 PM

SGT Kevin Gardner — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 16:37:27 -0400

I am not a woman so I wouldn't know but I am a Veteran so I hope that the VA would treat my sisters the same as they would my brothers, that being said wish the VA would treat us all better than they do.

Response by SFC Patricia Tucker made Aug 19 at 2015 4:41 PM

SFC Patricia Tucker — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 16:41:34 -0400

Fortunately for me I have had no problems in getting any sort of needed services from VA for the 10 years I have been retired. James A. Haley, Tampa, FL, has a wonderful Woman's Clinic and staff that help me with any concerns I have. I even have some friends that come from out of the area (state) to utilize the facilities.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Aug 19 at 2015 4:42 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 16:42:06 -0400

I've been going to the VA Audie Murphy Hospital here in San Antonio since .....well I can't remember it's been so long. I've never ever ever ever had a problem or any problems...as a matter of fact...for years now I get an appointment card in the mail every year telling me it's time for my annual check up and I get another that tells me it's time for my annual FEMALE check up and a third one that tells me something I dread...yep...it's time for you to schedule your annual mammogram. I'm seriously hounded by the VA to make these appointments and come in and see them once a year.

If I'm sick...not feeling well...have any type of problem...I pick up the phone and I schedule an appointments with my primary care physician....if she can't help me and I need a specialist, she refers me and I get an appointment almost right away...

I do not know why some people seem to have so many problems or issues with the VA, but here in SA...we do not...not only do we have the VA hospital, but we have many VA clinics around town....
It could be because we have so many bases here in one place...like 6 of them...and we have a TON of retired military and or VETS.

Also, if the VA doesn't have a doc for a speciality they give you an outside consult. You have to find the doctor and ask the doctor if they'll take the consult. I had to have female surgery and at the time, the VA didn't have a doc on hand to perform it. They gave me a consult which is good for ???something like 6 months...I found a outside doc who agreed to take the VA Voucher and she performed my surgery and few follow up visits....it went really well....a smooth transaction...I cannot complain at all for the all of the VA care I've received....I have a few friends who go to the VA too and they love it....and meds....my doc gives me a choice of going to pick them up at the Frank Tejeda Clinic or Audie Murphy or have them mailed to my house....I have them mailed and always get them in 2 to 5 days. It's awesome!

Response by SFC Jon Vandeyacht made Aug 19 at 2015 5:49 PM

SFC Jon Vandeyacht — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 17:49:54 -0400

As a county veterans service officer, i will brave a statement in that the topic of this board might have been more true 20 years ago, that said, i dont care what kind of veteran you are, all have the same bit of difficulty as each other unless you or your representative have put together ALLof the required items. As for actually seeing a doctor and such, for the first time ever, most of the big VA hospitals are actively seeking female only medical issues..doctors. For those specific things, sure, women have an increades challeng due mostly to there not being a big demand until more recently and the lack of specific specialized docs. Times are changing as well as the VA. Personally, in my book, any vet is a vet and therefore a brother/sister. Keep the pressure on the VA to get those services that you earned .

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 5:54 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 17:54:17 -0400

I'm obviously not a female veteran but I am married to one. I can say this much: The VA has taken far better care of her than it has of me. She gets regular female specific care, ranging from supporting the birth of our child to her annual exams. She even gets regular mailings from the VA about female specific programs and care available. It took me 2 1/2 years to get a simple claim through. All Veterans are having difficulty getting the care they earned. To me focusing on female care is simply a way to draw attention away from the larger problem.

Response by PO1 Sojourner "Chancy" Phillips made Aug 19 at 2015 8:28 PM

PO1 Sojourner "Chancy" Phillips — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 20:28:35 -0400

I don't think being male or female matters. The VA is a mess across the board. It seems to be more dependent on whether or not you live in a an area that has well ran VA hospitals or clinics. The worse the management the worse the facility.

Response by SN Earl Robinson made Aug 19 at 2015 10:27 PM

SN Earl Robinson — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 22:27:48 -0400

I'm a man so I don't know what a woman goes through but I would hope not because that woman served just like I did so she should have the same level of treatment.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Aug 19 at 2015 11:59 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 23:59:48 -0400

This is a rewrite of an original post that I had trouble editing. I find it most difficult to believe that female military members would receive V-A treatment anything less than their male counterpoints. Maybe it's just me, but my limited experience in this topic has me believing that any veteran would get --->equal<--- and good quality treatment for their specific circumstance.

Response by PO2 Frances Smart made Aug 20 at 2015 12:07 AM

PO2 Frances Smart — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 00:07:41 -0400

I have been trying for years to get my PTSD listed as a military-caused disability. When I filed for my hearing deficit, they told me I listened to too much rock and roll when I was younger. When I filed for my bad feet, they told me it came from wearing heels. None of this stuff is true, but they are hoping I will give up.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 20 at 2015 11:28 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 11:28:18 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I would have liked to pick other but since that it not a choice I went with no. I expect the answer varies around the country's VA facilities. In the VA facilities I use in Martinsburg, WV, Washington, DC, and Fort Detrick, MD men and women veterans are welcomed and treated similarly with respect. Granted I am referring to treatment not to the benefit application process. That process took years for me even after I was confirmed to be service-connected disabled. I don't think that women veterans are targeted any more than men in general and I hope and pray that the benefits determination and treatment processes are improving for all disabled veterans.

Response by Sgt Darlene Wilson made Aug 20 at 2015 12:00 PM

Sgt Darlene Wilson — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:00:44 -0400

It is the wait time to get the appointments needed. I have to schedule my annual appointment at least three months in advance. The care is pretty good when you can get in.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Aug 20 at 2015 12:45 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:45:24 -0400

Personally, i have zero problems. The benfits and health side have been pretty seemless. I just spent 2yrs back to school in voc rehab -- along with being 70% disabled. The VA has a womans health rep on campus a couple times a year working to get eligible women vets into the system. I can think of two female classmates, both USAF vets who were CURRENTLY NOT taking advantage of the resources they have earned. Another USAF vet, a classmate of mine and security forces cop, needed me to go with her to get enrolled. She was immediately enrolled into the OIF/OEF priority health care program. I am like PEOPLE WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 20 at 2015 12:46 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:46:05 -0400

I don't see any difference between men and women veterans. I certainly received my disability pension fast- as I recall. And I am treated with the utmost of respect and honor at the VA Hospital.

Response by SSgt Gerry Martin made Aug 20 at 2015 12:47 PM

SSgt Gerry Martin — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:47:04 -0400

I believe it depends on where you are located. When I was going to Bay Pines VA in FL, I received outstanding care in a timely manner. Here in GA, not so much. When I broke my leg and ankle I was told that none of the V.As in GA could see me. They were either booked up or weren't equipped to do orthopedics.

Response by MSG Judith Schiavone Ramirez (Bemis) made Aug 20 at 2015 1:27 PM

MSG Judith Schiavone Ramirez (Bemis) — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 13:27:57 -0400

If you are not receiving the care that you need, demand to see the Women Veteran's Program Manager. I'm a member of the Women's Healthcare Committee at my facility in Massachusetts, and the push for better treatment of female Vets has pretty much guaranteed that myself and fellow female Vets get faster, better treatment than male Vets. That's not universal and I understand that, and depending on the female vet population you may not have onsite access to mammograms, etc. You can also demand a female PC and if none are available they have to send you offsite. Ensure your provider knows if you have MST and related issues to justify that.

Response by SSgt Sharron Nolley made Aug 20 at 2015 2:06 PM

SSgt Sharron Nolley — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:06:27 -0400

All the women vererans I know that need help have gotten it ,
Theres even a complete womens clinic at Loma Linda VA Hosp ! theyll even take Champva spouses !
I dont think this duscussion is warranted , if they meey the VA requirements they will get help nation wide even in Alaska And Hawaii

Response by SGT Felicia King made Aug 20 at 2015 2:59 PM

SGT Felicia King — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:59:46 -0400

I wouldn't think so, but then again I haven't had a big need. The few times I needed to make an appointment I received one and was seen fairly quickly.

Response by SGT Felicia King made Aug 20 at 2015 3:05 PM

SGT Felicia King — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 15:05:04 -0400

No. Why should I feel somebody owes me. I served my country, and am proud of my service. Many people complain how the military doesn't get paid much. They do in fact, when you add up all the benefits, it is a lot. Also, you wouldn't want the military to get too big of a paycheck. Then you would get people enlisting for the wrong reasons, like mercenaries. Someone only protecting their country for money wouldn't have their heart in it.

Response by PV2 Alaina Norman made Aug 20 at 2015 3:09 PM

PV2 Alaina Norman — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 15:09:00 -0400

you know, i might have been one of the lucky ones because for most part i have never had any issues when it comes to my medical and va and i have heard some horror stories too. I didn't realize or understand them till i was stuck one day waiting for medication. Im currently at seattle clinic and they have taken great care for me but as stated i might just have gotten lucky

Response by SGT Felicia King made Aug 20 at 2015 3:10 PM

SGT Felicia King — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 15:10:11 -0400

Uh, no. It counts for experience and training. That's what matters. Otherwise you're going to get those deployment chasers getting promoted when they shouldn't.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 3:17 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 15:17:11 -0400

I think it depends on your geographic area. When I lived in Illinois and accessed care through the West Site VA Medical Center, it was horrible. I switch my primary care to Middleton VA Hospital in Madison WI with a primary care clinic just 30 mins from me and all was good. They didn't have a women's clinic then but I got good care nonetheless. Now that I live in the Metro DC area, I use the DC VA Hospital. They have a Women's Clinic and it's wonderful. I love it.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Aug 20 at 2015 3:24 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 15:24:14 -0400

I think if everyone is having problems, everyone is having problems. It would be nice if we were at least to the point where we were trying to fine tune the system to take better care of specific groups?

Response by SPC Nanette Hyland made Aug 20 at 2015 5:25 PM

SPC Nanette Hyland — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 17:25:08 -0400

If a female veteran needs to go in to the hospital it takes around 10 hours to get them in a room. Mainly because all the rooms are for the men and they have to move everyone around then clean the room. Also there is no full time gyn on staff. To them a full time gyn is once every two weeks. There is a lot more. This is just a few things.

Response by Cpl Arwen Bernard made Aug 20 at 2015 6:15 PM

Cpl Arwen Bernard — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 18:15:13 -0400

I had problems until I got my Senator involved. Once I did that boom everything fell into place. Before that it was like pulling teeth to get anything done or to get seen.

Response by COL Lawanda J. Holliman made Aug 20 at 2015 7:58 PM

COL Lawanda J. Holliman — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 19:58:10 -0400

This is an interesting article. The work that the Veterans Administration is doing to help women has improved. There is stil work to be done to bridge the gap in addressing and meeting the needs of female veterans.

Response by MSgt Laurie Kline made Aug 20 at 2015 9:55 PM

MSgt Laurie Kline — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 21:55:08 -0400

As a woman Veteran, I am having a hard time understanding where you got your information. The care I get at the VA is better than what I received at any miltary treatment facility. The VA created women Veteran clinics to cater to the different needs we have both mentally and physically. They even have programs to continue the care of women who are pregnant when they separate. As with any Veteran, access to care is based on service connection and income. If a Veteran is not service connected and had a high income they will not receive priority when scheduling services. It's always best to get information directly from the source, not speculate and rely on hearsay.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 10:23 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 22:23:12 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member My wife is an Air Force Veteran, She had no problem. The VA at West Palm Beach has a department for Woman Veterans, we really thought this was VA wide.

Response by SPC Dave St.Andrew made Aug 21 at 2015 12:40 AM

SPC Dave St.Andrew — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 00:40:59 -0400

Sounds like more feminazi propaganda to me, Just because a Medical Facility doesn't have the resources to handle OB/GYN issues doesn't mean they are doing it on purpose, there could be many reasons as to why, funding, no avaialble specialists, etc, etc.

Response by SPC Geoffrey Smith made Aug 21 at 2015 2:57 AM

SPC Geoffrey Smith — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 02:57:12 -0400

Being female is a sex characteristic, not a gender role.

Response by SFC Timothy AllBee made Aug 21 at 2015 9:56 AM

SFC Timothy AllBee — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 09:56:19 -0400

The VA has specialty clinics for women and Women's Program Manager at Regional facilities to assist them with their care. With that being said it is like with all scheduled appointments male or female you have to keep your appointment and show up on time. If you have a scheduling conflict just call and reschedule in a timely manor and you will have no problems. The VA has a multitude of assets to assist women and female doctors and nurses to assist female Veterans. There should be no issues at all. Use the systems as it is set up to be used, do not try to buy pass or circumvent the system just to get what you think you deserve, that is what slows the system down for everyone. There is care for every Veteran at the VA male and female, we must do our part to make it work properly so that everyone receives the proper and timely care.

Response by SGT Amanda Cray made Aug 21 at 2015 10:16 AM

SGT Amanda Cray — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 10:16:07 -0400

SGT MOODY from keene NH. The VA here is definitely bad about how they treat women vs men. My ex husband and I would go to the VA and they catered to him and there was a few times he would have to tell them my wife is here to be treated not me you should probably pay attention. There is a huge difference with the treatment and care at the white river junction VT VA facility. I will not even go there anymore because of 10 years worth of miss treatment

Response by SGM Robin Johnson made Aug 21 at 2015 11:20 AM

SGM Robin Johnson — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 11:20:46 -0400

Inadvertently posted this in the wrong place earlier:
I think one of the major problems is right at the door. When veterans feel that they are not welcome, they are reluctant to seek services. And when the PRESUMPTION is constantly that I am NOT a veteran it starts to feel apparent that I am not wanted. And after spending THIRTY-TWO YEARS in the Army I feel that they have had time to get used to the fact that there are women veterans. I'm tired of hearing that excuse.

This goes beyond access to care for me because regardless of the capacity of the system there will be patients who choose NOT to use it (feeding into a faulty premise that there is adequate capacity) if their perception is that they are unwelcome or will not receive good quality of care. (This is not unique to the VA, the same holds true in military medicine although to a smaller degree since military members do not have the option to go elsewhere for care and family members often do not have other insurance.)

It isn't just the care providers, it is everyone from the people at the coffee kiosk to the information desk to the last provider seen. My presumption is generally that those working at the VA are themselves veterans, until they say otherwise, then I guess family member, and if neither of those is the case then I am generally curious about what inspired them to a career in service at the VA. To have my own service cavalierly dismissed without apparent thought is galling.
I am entitled to care within both systems, so since the VA is so overtaxed I get care through TRICARE to leave access room at the VA to those who need it, for the most part now. When I AM there, or anywhere in the VA system, sometimes when I hear my rank and name called, I get up and head for them, and while I am clearly heading there, the person is STILL looking around, calling my rank and name as though I am invisible!

Response by SPC Duke Young made Aug 21 at 2015 12:29 PM

SPC Duke Young — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 12:29:13 -0400

I believe that will all veterans, the quality of service depends on both your PCP and the hospital. Physicians are restricted by what's available to them. However even the best facilities may have horrible uncaring doctors. I've personally seen both cases. If the services are available and you're not getting them, men or women, you need to speak up and/or change doctors. Noone is going to hold your hand to take care of your health issues for you. You need to research and be educated in your condition and speak up if something doesn't seem right.

Response by SGT Chad King made Aug 21 at 2015 1:02 PM

SGT Chad King — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 13:02:35 -0400

No. Men are the vast majority of the U.S. Armed Forces. Men do over 90% of the dying and literally ALL of the grunt work. That is the reason the VA is more focused on men's health. Still women get their own separate clinics how is that not enough?

Response by SPC Kerstin Janney made Aug 21 at 2015 2:07 PM

SPC Kerstin Janney — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 14:07:04 -0400

Yes, at least at the VA facilities my husband and I have been to. Yes, there are special services and clinics set up just for women specific health, but I still have a harder time being seen for my primary problems. He gets seen much faster by primary care and other specialty clinics. I had a surgery scheduled a couple years ago . I went for the pre-op and the nurses told me NOT to have the surgery done.....told me they weren't set up for females. Since I was having surgery on my breasts they weren't even going to finish the surgery which normally would include placing drainage tubes, reconstruction and plastic surgery. The day of my surgery, I get there a little early, sat around for hours waiting, just to have them come out and tell me I was bumped off the schedule because they were going to do "plastic surgery" on a male veteran. HUH? The nurse came up after and told me that the male veteran was scheduled THAT morning so that they wouldn't have to do my surgery! Now, I'm actually glad. I still desperately need the surgery, but at least I'm not all mangled.

Response by SFC John Birks made Aug 21 at 2015 11:38 PM

SFC John Birks — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 23:38:52 -0400

Don't feel bad, I'm in the same boat. I have to drive 2.5 hours to receive my substandard treatment..

Response by SrA Troy Barber made Aug 22 at 2015 1:29 PM

SrA Troy Barber — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 13:29:55 -0400

I know that in Charlotte's VA, they have a women's health area the director of it is Dr. G. She was my first Doc at the Salisbury VA and moved to Charlotte to take over the women's health services. Loved Dr. G and hated to see her go but she is one great Doc and a Hell Of A Person.

Response by 1SG Christine Tron made Aug 22 at 2015 4:14 PM

1SG Christine Tron — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 16:14:48 -0400

The issue I read on social media concerns the woeful lack of childcare at VA medical facilities which makes attending appointments a challenge, to say the least. It actually denies some women their treatment because children are not allowed to bring their child/ren with them in the treatment area.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Aug 22 at 2015 11:43 PM

LTC John Shaw — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 23:43:47 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I have to believe that female veterans are going to run into issues just based on the OBGYN and other medical specialty shortages the VA seems to have. In the Columbus Ohio clinic there is a area set aside for Women, I have no personal experience to say if this area is effective or not.

Response by PO3 Tesondrae Olsen made Aug 24 at 2015 10:42 PM

PO3 Tesondrae Olsen — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 22:42:38 -0400

I was diagnosed with DDD and was rated at 10%. I re-opened my case and was still reared the same. I sent in my NOD and it shows online that my case was closed! Since then, I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and sciatica...but I get the pleasure of starting over AGAIN! I first applied in Augusta, ME and I'm in Arlington, TX now!

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Aug 25 at 2015 4:20 AM

Maj Kim Patterson — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 04:20:56 -0400

I believe this is another one of those geographical problem areas. I had a wonderful female group leader for a closed females only group in Prescott. The group even called me up after I had moved back to Kansas when their group was in session. I gave the men's PTSD group in Wichita a shot, the participants lobbied for me to stay. The group administrator kicked me out due to my sex. I still see the guys around and we chat. They began a female group which I attempted to join several times but felt like I had lost hours coloring and closing my eyes so I could feel the chair. I started in KS with a male provider who made statements that made me uncomfortable and fortunately, soon, I got one of the best female therapists there. Summer we spread appointments out, SAD gets me in the winter. one stay over as an inpatient (cardiac) the only pjs available were men's and I felt that frontal brisk breeze. They have solved that problem by acquiring one size fits all standard hospital garb with the breeze in the back. Also, we have a contracted ob/gyn who comes once a week and mammograms are contracted out to a very nice facility. Amongst the veterans, I rarely get disrespected even though I have no hat. I look lousy in hats....

Response by LCDR Gabriel Helms made Aug 25 at 2015 2:15 PM

LCDR Gabriel Helms — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:15:02 -0400

I think it would be very difficult to find the real answer to this question. Even as a male rated at 90% disabled from service connected injuries, I have an extremely hard time getting seen by a VA doctor. My wait list times aren't measured in hours, days or even weeks; its measured in years. I've been on the wait list for primary care for four years, neurology for 4 years, pain management for 3.5 years and another specialist for 6 years. In a nutshell, if I didn't have health insurance through my wife's job, I wouldn't be able to get healthcare at all. Because of DoD policy to, at least initially, deny disability retirement benefits to personnel unless their disability can be seen with the naked eye, (as told to me by a former senior medical officer in the Air Force) I don't even have access to Tricare. The whole military/VA healthcare system is broken. I'm not sure how it is in other parts of the country, but in Sacramento you have to call the VA and make an appointment with a scheduler (my last wait list time for the scheduler was over three weeks) in order to make an appointment for a doctor. It's insane.

Response by SSG Lonny Self made Aug 25 at 2015 4:17 PM

SSG Lonny Self — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 16:17:06 -0400

yes but I find why to be that most female soldiers tend to go it alone when it comes to there health issue I think because they are female issue and male soldiers tend to be not so touche feel y in this area as it can get out of hand with respect to rank and so forth so on that is why they tend not to socialize with the old dudes running VA and they needs to hear the call for intermediary to help the social barrier and get them talking and get them help I was Sargent in first combat arms mos to get female soldiers in the 80"s long rang missile systems So have some back ground in this area from there to supply field where my unit was 75% female I was in charge of no less than 20 female soldiers in the field for many years , and as to the mess at va there are issues with appointments and the way they try and mange it all but there is a lot of us and the system was not meant to be a day clinic for everyday cold but now that Obama care is in place and this is acceptable care for VET we will just have to deal with it till all us old vets go away to the big command center in the sky or they just give us a health stipend to go out side the system, but it is still all about numbers not care when it comes to Congress and the money

Response by AN Carolyn L. made Aug 25 at 2015 5:05 PM

AN Carolyn L. — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 17:05:38 -0400

while it's nice that the VA's are becoming more "female-friendly", they have a long way to go. Years ago, I had a serious repro issue. They female womens clinic doctor was extremely patronizing. I went to a regular OB/GYN and had surgery. I showed the pathology report to the VA doc and she refused to discuss it. I will never go to a womens clinic within a VA. I have found a good (male) doc but they come and go.

Response by PO3 Chantal Newell made Aug 25 at 2015 8:01 PM

PO3 Chantal Newell — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 20:01:26 -0400

I have personally had no problems at several different VA hospitals and clinics. While I've had the joy of waiting forever for appointments it is no different than a male veterans' frustrations. I have never had a problem not being considered a Veteran at the VA. I don't really know where the information is that you are using to support this. The VA needs a makeover period, let's not separate medical gender issues as more or less important .