How do Veterans receiving Monthly Medications for Severe Chronic pain from spinal injuries Travel extended time still get the meds needed?

SrA Marcus Frey — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 15:55:05 -0400

I am a Retired/Disabled Veteran who has to receive my meds Monthly from the VA for my Chronic Pain due to Spinal chord issues and surgeries. I would like to travel with my wife to visit Grandkids across the country. These trips will take several Months. I need to ask if anyone knows the way to get my meds without having to return home every month to get them from deldelivery service. Does anyone have knowledge of what to do and if I am able to get the meds from local VA clinics or Bases close to areas I am staying. (The Medications are Opiods for Chronic Pain). Anyone know any answers?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 9 at 2019 4:09 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 16:09:59 -0400

Honestly, that's a really interesting question...seriously, I'd actually call all three mil/vet local Congress office staffs, send them in Privacy Act (PA) requests, and explain the whole thing to them...then, I'd actually call VHA directly, at VA Central Ofc (VACO), and ask to speak with one of the senior admin staff...I truly don't know whether you'd be able to use other installations and/or VA hospitals, however, if you're being scripted them for obviously legitimate reasons, I should certainly think there oughta be a way to allow it somehow, since there are probably really tight restrictions on how such stuff might be forwarded...I'd most definitely get a letter from the VA hospital staff by you about your clinical basis for such meds to take with you, as well as ask those staff there where you are to speak with VHA at VACO...then, too, I'd most definitely ask the patient ombudsmen types assigned to social work at all VA hospitals, which youre must certainly have as well if they could possibly intercede, to get you some help from the senior admins at the VA hospital where you are, as well as maybe from their Chief of Staff, who's gonna be a physician, most likely...to my mind, the more thoroughly you document the whole thing, as well as the more physical paper you bring with you, as well as have notes added to your computer files, by both VA, as well as maybe TRICARE, depending on your circumstances, with the help of VA and the Congress local ofc mil/vet staffs, the easier you're likely to find being allowed to get such help elsewhere around the country, wherever you and your wife would be traveling to, however, I'd most definitely start early, get everything in writing on official letterhead, before you'd both leave to go on all the trips, honest...those, truly, are the thoughts that basically occur to me, at least honest, hope those were all of at least some use, if you'd care to chat more, no rush, whenever you'd want, just lemme know, OK? Have good trips, obv, as well, of course....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2019 6:21 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 18:21:57 -0400

If you can't get something in writing from VHA (not VBA's lane and they'll just refer you to VHA) you may want to consider having it delivered to a trustworthy neighbor who can then FedEx (or other express delivery) it to you.

Response by SGT John Creager made Jul 9 at 2019 8:34 PM

SGT John Creager — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 20:34:06 -0400

I have spinal injuries, went through the VA pain clinic, worked for several months figuring out what works.

Then Damned if the local out patient clinic did not start changing things. Oh you might become addicted to codeine. Hell if I was going to become addicted it would have happened in the Army.

What makes the Dr. think he knows what will work better than I do?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2019 10:19 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 10:19:20 -0400

Found this:
Note the reference to contacting the "Traveling Veteran Coordinator." Seamless Care for Traveling Veterans
VA wants to ensure your health care is coordinated and seamless, whether you are seen at your local VA health care facility or at an alternate VA health care facility as you travel or have a temporary change of address (for example, if you live in one state during the winter and another during summer). If you know you will be traveling, your experience can be enhanced if you contact your VA PACT or Specialty Care Provider(s) four to six weeks before traveling, or as soon as possible. If you see a VA provider while traveling, that care will be recorded in your electronic medical record for follow-up treatment options with your PACT. When you contact your PACT, be sure to have the following information available:

Travel destination(s) and temporary address(es)
A valid telephone number
Arrival and departure dates
Specific care concerns
For more information, contact your PACT or a Traveling Veteran Coordinator at your local VA facility.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 10 at 2019 1:23 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 13:23:55 -0400

Speak to your physician and Patient advocate. I have received large amount for travel, but it takes time to set up. The Opioids are the real challenge. You will have to be prepared to think out of the box to come up with a workaround. Thank you for your service.