Veterans, we are conducting a nationwide poll to see if you guys think the VA is doing a good job caring for vets. Please submit your answer below, thanks for voicing your opinion!
Veterans, we are conducting a nationwide poll to see if you guys think the VA is doing a good job caring for vets. Please submit your answer below, thanks for voicing your opinion!
They need to replace these civilian workers out of the VA and replace them with veterans and active duty military personnel. The civilian workers are so nasty in most of the VA hospitals, that one day, one of these civilian workers will probably end up injured by a War veteran who is not having a good day! What’s not told to civilian workers when they apply for a VA hospital job is that the veterans/War veterans were programmed to go into the military but “Was Not” de-programmed with they were released back out into society amongst civilian citizens! They should tread lightly! In addition and in my personal opinion, it seems that there are more spouses/wives on here looking for benefits more than the veterans themselves! You didn’t serve in the military and I feel that you shouldn’t be entitled to nothing! My late husband swore me down that half of my disability benefits belonged to him and I told him to “Show me “OUR DD-214” spouses get too carried away with business that I feel is their own after all, the spouses wasn’t fighting besides him/her in the trenches! 🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️
I went to the emergency room on 2/2020 for my diabetes would not come down when I was seen by the Doctor, came in and asked why I was there told him my sugar was high. He instantly became agree and ask did I know what a the emergency room was for, then began to eat my pants off about diabetes was not an emergency and he was not treating me when I told him my pharmacy personal I talked to about my prescription told I should he then stated that whoever I was talking about should do there job and return to med school because they didn’t know shit about what she talking about and walked out without treating my high sugar. I called the head of the VA hospital and never heard anything back besides being called a lair since 2018 when I gave them all my medical records and they lost them. Know for a fact hunted nurse I gave them to she started I sit them down and then they where gone.
I would get ahold of the hospital administrator and report the doctor and the nurse that you gave the records to.
There is a hotline for vets to call the White House to report VA complaints. But I would call the ” Patient Advocate ” first to get resolution. . The Patient Advocate has 24 hours to 72 hours to respond. Also, you can email the ” Director of that VA. I had a family member spoken to inappropriately
during her hospital visit so I contacted the ” VA Director ” That Dr. personally called to apologize. I am a Vet and a VA employee. Most Veterans don’t know VA policies on Patient care and Staff conduct and VA staff who are rude and negligent need to be reported. The White House Hotline number is 855-948-2311.
I called a complaint in one morning and I received a call from the VA Patient Advocate flto address my concerns the same day.
When our country takes care of all the homeless veterans living on the STREET ! The hassle of getting a disability . Every veteran that was exposed to Agent Orange should be awarded with a 100% disability rating !
There are other problems that the government should investigate such as impotence among sexually active Vietnam GI’s
Not to take anything away from those that were awarded Purple Hearts, but there are thousands of us slowly dying from the effects of AGENT ORANGE. and no Purple Hearts. Come on what about us that are suffering from the war in Viet Nam? Forgotten again!
Same here and it takes forever to get a appt to see a Doctor or a dept
If this response is not read by the “brass.,” stop putting out this brainless accumulation of vets’ responses.
The VA which came to life in 1930, has not progressive as it should. For example, PTSD should have been cured decades ago. However, the VA has not the slightest idea about moving forward. Mental health issues are rampant and not solve for the health of millions of veterans throughout this country’s history. Without medications, I and many others will go to our graves without a day of peace. Literally, when one joins the U.S. military, he/she has given away everything that could have been a reality.
Do not kid yourself, the people who keep this country in of a dire state of misery are also the people who can stop this misery. It is not the President, he only has eight years; it is not Congress and yes some have long terms but not for life; it is not the least powerful entity in this country–SCOTUS; it is the folks in the Joint Chiefs of Staff and its non-military minions, i.e., the weapons industry, the fossil fuel industry, and every other entity that can get a dime from the American taxpayer. Yes, this country is ruled in part by the military complex. BECAUSE WAR MAKES MONEY!!!
We agree
My husband has severe PTSD, he came home from mosul in 06, and was severely damaged, it ruined our marriage and family life, when I filed for disability in 08-09 they dis not even look over his records, if they had they would have seen all the proof needed to award him with so much more than 1 50% rating, which has severely hurt us financially. When so many others are bringing in enough they don’t even have to work if they don’t want to, my husband does not have the ambition to better his career, he prefers to stay where he is at making a lot less than he could with his bachelor’s degree, but because of his total worry he did not want to take the 1 year to do a internship to be able to get his foot in the door anywhere he wanted, and now since he’s been looking into part time or paid internships over the last few years, there’s nothing out there for him. His head always takes over what is truly needed. While he was in school, our families told us while he does an internship they would help take care of us and our 2 sons. But he refused the offer, and skipped his internship. This is all from his PTSD from the military, and combat. He left and never came home the same. He was a very happy, positive, optimistic, loving man when we got married 1.5 years prior, when he came home, he was complete opposite. The VA has failed him and our family. He went to therapy, but the way they went about it, was ridiculous, and didn’t help him or our family in the least, he did this trying through the VA on his own for an entire year, and not one time did they help him get better, no one wants to even give him the medications necessary to help calm his mind. When he came home he was on Ativan, it helped him, but when he tried getting it again, not even the VA would give it to him. These vets need more than just crappy prescribed anti depressants. Even the anti depressants they gave him, did not help. They give the lowest of the low. Shame on the VA
We recently refined, well I did, he cannot handle doing anything. Even the lady who set up his disability hearing said most the veteran spouses do everything, because the veteran can not handle much. She told him do not feel your alone in having your wife help you, this is how just about every veteran is, and I’m even allowed to speak on his behalf, with him during his disability interview. The DAV told us last Thursday it would take 14-30 days for us to get a call to set up his disability interview, only in rare, rare circumstances has she heard of the veteran being contacted before 14 days, she said that happens only if the VA realized they screwed up big time, well in 2 days from her sending the stuff over to the VA, we got a call from QTC medical, 2 days! When I told her at the DAV, she was like mouth dropped surprised. And told me, with this, don’t you worry. You and your husband are going to come out of this very very well set up. And your family deserves this! If your veteran has not filed, file for them, go through the DAV, they will make sure of the best outcome for your self or your veteran.
The DAV told.me also if you file on your own, no assistance the VA only looks at very little of the records. Where with assistance through the DAV they are forced to go through every single page, every sentence. And the thing is everything my husband is filing for he has all the proof. And if the VA had done right by us when we first filed we would have gotten everything he deserved. However only since the 3M earplug faultness, the 3M company put money into the disability fund. And most veterans who served during the time of the failing of these earplugs aren’t going back and getting what they deserve from this. I was told 1 of 2 things are happening…if they wore these earplugs and were just in field training, they will get 50% disability rating, but if they were in combat/war during the time of the failing of these they will get 100% disability rating. If you served during the years of these go back for this rating, you deserve it. And this is separate from the hearing loss rating as well.
Hi I have been trying to get benefits for hearing loss for at least 10 to 15 years. The VA tells me yes you have hearing loss, yes it’s military related 25% in both ears, also 96% of the words you hear are incorrect but that is not enough to receive any benefits. It just keeps getting worse. These people are not related to the military and do not have hearing loss and don’t realize that it affects every aspect of your life. Being married, work, driving the list goes on but the VA doesn’t care.
I have to agree with Julie. I am a Vietnam veteren . I served 12 months in that war. Got a P/H and from the time I got home never need to visit a VA center. I continued to serve with the N/G and the USA RESERVES. For the total of 35 years between Active Duty, N/G and Reserves. I know now that I have PTSD Mental Heath problems. And the VA has tried to help me but nothing yet. I retierd with the Rank of CSM.
I think the doctors and thous that determines your eligibility are so full of themselves I wish the would field what I feel my breathing problems they had the to say my lung problem wasn’t service related it all in my records but I’m an old marine in my day the g day they didn’t even hint for us to see your Va they just keep it quiet they have done me a disservice my problem got worse as I got older so as for me thumbs down
I agree with you. As a wife of a deseased veteran I can testify to the uselessness of the VA. Lots of red tape. They don’t know the answers.to anything They are mostly a younger generation of civilians that dont even know of the Vietnam war. Don’t know beans about anything and then, want to blame everything on age. Yes some people have been lucky and I wonder who they know. Remember the West Point Blue Line…Good Luck. We were not..
In my experience I think some facilities are “better” than others based on personnel and medical equipment available at any given facility. I’m not making excuses for the VA because they have to perform! I have received both good care and not so good. If you get referred to the “private” sector for treatment it can be the same poor care as anywhere else. SADLY!
I am an Agent Orange Survivor.The VA health system,has been FANTASTIC to me,I have had 2 major operations,and have been hospitalized 4 different times.,(not counting the two hospitalizations,for the AO surgeryI I have NO complaints,sure ,sometimes I have to wait,but overall,The VA hospitals can’t be beat,
I’m sorry to say that I’m a veteran and I know I have been mistreated by the post I have served. I’m a soldier and I never went on sick call for any reason. I’m in excellent shape only 3/6 points await for 300 score on my PT test back to back each year, then I began bleeding from my penis and also represented my army post in a event encouraging civilians in of learning institutions called career day. My interior bleeding never was solved and they released me bleeding to this day I’m still bleeding
Go to a civilian Dr or ER. YOU need to have that checked.
We agree. Some no war time.
I’ve had nothing but excellent service by the VA for over 15 years. Perhaps I am the exception and not the rule..
I agree with you. With a few minor exceptions, I have nothing but good things to say about the staff at the Pgh.. PA facility.
I agree. Blessings to you.
America’s moral obligation to genuinely care for her defenders is being egregiously
violated, dismantled, at the National Home for Disabled Veterans at West Los Angeles, CA.
Veterans are dying as the result of land-use policy, influenced by non-veteran special interests, and mental meltdowns are commonplace because of the controversy that Secretary McDonough is facilitating.
The closure and privatization of Veterans assets, paid for by the taxpayers, is at its worst at this location, the Capitol of Veteran homelessness.
Contributors to this publication support this position but no sense of urgency exists in the Halls of Congress or at “Joe’s desk”. Lip service has been the order of the day while advocates have managed to hold their ground in opposition to UCLA. a private school, and big oil enjoy the land, including beachfront property, that was “permanently” deeded to be “maintained as a Home for Disabled Veterans”
If you are a homeless Veteran you are a Disabled Veteran.
The underlying truth is NIMBY neighborhoods refuse to acknowledge the principle represented by this uniquely deeded land asset.
Therein, lays a larger matter.
Is WLA the tip of an iceberg that, under the waterline, is part of a movement to change our founding principles?
“A nation that does not honor its Veterans will not long endure”
Abraham Lincoln
Furthermore,Veterans deserve care for a miriad of issues BEFORE WE ALLOW THIRD WORLD migrants get one cent after coming here legally or illegally! Those men and women coming home maimed blinded or missing limbs should have homes available available for them,if we can support countries that hate us then we can DAMN WELL TAKE CARE OF OUR DISABLED VETERANS!!!! Wake up AMERICA call or write to your Representatives or Senators to remember who THEY WORK FOR we don’t work for them! Unless SOCIALISM is OK with you, It’s not what I fought for!!!
I applied for VRE program right after I recieved my disability rating g of 100%. Because I did not move fast enough or do what a very young idiot wanted me to do that she had assigned me to do, I, NOW, have been denied my benefits. All of this occurred during the pandemic as well as, this young idiot did not want to meet in person nor did she want to zoom. She also was aware at the time that I did not have access to a computer or a FAX machine. Moreover, when I informed her that I wanted to go to Universal Technical Institute for diesel mechanics, OH YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGBT THAT I WAS COMMITTING MURDER. My disability is not of her concern ONLY the training for which I am applying for. She is not my doctor nor my psychologist. She is in a role of career counseling, nothing more. It urks me to no end that the VA would like to say they are helping veterans, then hire people that have some type of common sense and at least are aware of what we have been through and don’t try to tell the veterans that we can’t do something, Because We will Go Out of ,OUR way to prove that ignorant lazy idiot differant.
Yes, I have applied for my husband, again orange deceased, and they denied me, I don’t understand how can you pay him said he had it when vocal cancer came, and we he died, now you tell me he”s not eligible.
See what I mean.? Government doesn’tcare. Big liars full of themselves.. Just vote for me!! Liars. Homosexuals. Wife beaters. Womanizer. Those are the people in control of our lives. Amèn
I’m sorry Mike to hear that,please don’t give up try try try again and again you must because you deserve your rating, Get your Congressman-Woman on the case they work for US not the VA!
While in Vietnam I was exposed to Agent Orange,it showed up in my medical records and I was never made aware! I found it in my records when I requested a full printout of my records. Don’t stop trying!
I hope you are getting the rating or ratings you deserve, you can get more than 1 rating. If you have not reapply for your benefits go through the DAV, the DAV usually only.goes upto 5 ratings max. But most veterans, I was told the average disability they bring in is 7,000-9,000 a month. Go for it if your not getting that.
I have been in pain for over 20 years and my VA Doctor tells me to eat mustard seeds. Do I really need to say more?
Got into argerment with pain doc that he was over medicating
Me. He cut me off cold turkey. Said how you like that now plus I’ll put you down as a
Morphine addict . now you’re screwed because you will never see a pain pill from the VA. I’m 100% permently disabled unemployable. . the VA won’t even look at my ailments 16 months and counting for an ortho eval. So much for serving my country that has now failed me and many more.
Go to the DAV, pain management Dr’s are total screw up, how dare they do that to you, you were speaking up for your health. I promise give me a couple years max, and I will be standing up for all pain patients, getting rid of all those horrible.drs. give them to prisons. Getting politics, out of.medicine, getting the government out, getting ins. Companies to take all their rules and whatnot shove them up their asses. I’ve been sick since I was 10 with severe endometriosis, it has run and ruined my. Life as well as my husband who is a veteran with severe PTSD, and together our family.lofe has been put through hell, he’s worked 2 jobs, min. Wage, now he is doing much better in the job he has been at for 6 years, getting his VA disability rating upped and adding to it. Thanks to the help from.the DAV. My own health, I have been put through the ringer from Dr’s, and medical facilities and hospitals, I am writing a book and it will not only pertain to my health, but everyone in the US and around the world. I have 1,000 followers just waiting for me to finish my book, and give them the thumbs up to rally for change in medicine, ins. Politics, lawsuits in medicine. We should have the best medical care in the world, but we don’t. Those who have better our country needs to learn from, and go even better than that country. I’m looking for as many people to stand with me, to change medicine for the better, for ever. Everyone deserves compassion, care, good treatment. And if those Dr’s can’t do that, then they lose their licenses to never practice medicine again. Such as that pain dr. Believe me, just give me a bit of time. And I will go for change in all of medicine. Remove the bad ruining it for everyone.
I’ve had nothing but great care at the Seattle VA, American Lake VA and the Puyallup VA Clinic. Just keep in mind, the VA is not National Health Care. If you don’t like the care you get at the VA go somewhere else. There is no mandate that you have to use the VA for your health care.
Michael do you really believe that? I had the “pleasure’ of being treated at American Lake for 5 years prior to changes that allowed us to use the private sector. I didn’t have the same experience as you!
You are correct the isn’t national healthcare,HOWEVER our veterans deserve the same healthcare that OUR elected “officials” receive don’t you think? Wake up America we are not sheep!
Medically speaking when I can get into see someone they are great, however the wait times are extremely long to get an appointment, I understand that this is because there are more veterans needing help than there are medical providers so the docs and nurses are overloaded. the area that I have the most trouble with is the non medical staff. They seem to be very slow and inefficient, case in point I had a sleep study done by an outside agency ordered by the VA because they did not have the staff to do it. This study was done in 2021 but when I went to check the records the results had not been posted to my records. When I* asked about this at my yearly checkup the only thing that they found was the original consult, so I went to the outside provider and got the results and then sent this to my VAj PC via secure messaging. Hope that it gets in put to my records now.
When I have tried to do my disability claims always wrong things written down,and they can’t find my service record books and my medical records, stuck with a pension that I am a Little gratefully for but it hurts me more than it helps me
The VA has. Left me behind by not assigning me a veterans advocate to help me do the right moves as far as my benefits of entitlement.😒😒
Yes, I have applied for my husband, again orange deceased, and they denied me, I don’t understand how can you pay him said he had it when vocal cancer came, and we he died, now you tell me he”s not eligible.
Go through the DAV for the help, you should be getting his disability benefits, I was told even if my husband passes I will continue to receive his disability until the day I pass.
What service I truly believe they should close the VA and let our medical doctor provide for us veterans. I am a Vietnam veteran I have cancer in both legs from agent orange and I am also a type 2 diabetic .and the VA does not help. I truly believe that the VA doesn’t have any knowledge of agent orange or the folks just don’t care about the veterans. Close the VA and let the medical care be accomplished by our medical doctors. Vietnam Veteran
Mike get your congressperson involved!
When my husband was alive he went to the VA for mental health and they sent him out of town, without my permission it’s taken me two days to find where he was, and I had to pay for transportation to get him back home from Lake Charles, Parish, I had to submit an invoice to VA for reimbursement for my payment never received its, and I was told if the patient just have VA insurance that they was responsible for the bill
I feel that the VA is doing an average job fulfilling it’s responsibility to the American Veteran. It would be nice for the VA to be more proactive in advising all Veterans of their rights and benefits instead of leaving them hanging to fend for themselves. I am a Viet Nam veteran and it took me 52 years to get my disability rating for Service Connected PTSD. I suffered for 52 years. If the VA was more proactive my life would have been mush better. Don’t place too much trust in the U.S. government for taking care of the victims that their war has created. All veterans should be made aware, by the Veterans Administration, of all benefits they are intitled to.
You are so very right. The VA told my husband and I that veterans didn’t suffer from any of those problems. He left his hearing there, and suffered with PTSD for so many years trying to kill me in his sleep so many times from his damn nightmares and I knew what they were about because he also talked about places in Nam while dreaming. I worried that he might succeed and go to prison for something he had no control over. And no help. He died of lung cancer – no doubt left from Nam. He was USMC and continued to serve our country for the next 24 years in the Air National Guard and Army National Guard. He spent most of his time at the front. We buried a pilot friend who got doused with Agent Orange from a bladder and he suffered terribly. And yet our country thinks we are taking care of our vets when they aren’t
Sue
I have been treated for prostrate cancer twice and given 100% compensation. Then after treatment they reduce it to 50% compensation stating I was cured. If I was cured how come I was treated twice and my PSA tests are on the climb again..
I am a type 2 diabetic with medication, nerve damage swelling legs every night feet always hurting and can’t stand for long period of time, feet always burning. The doctor that tested for nerve damage said it was bad, and being diabetic will make it difficult to fix. Put in a claim and get rejected because on has nothing to do with the other. Are they saying my doctor is a lying. The review board are not even military doctors, and what do they know about agent orange caused problems. They give you travel allowance and take a $6.00 deductible on your first 3 payments each month, why?
My question to you is does state have you totally disabled? I’m not sure but I think that matters.
Hello Frank…I’m not a doctor, but a lot of what your going through, well, I been there. I was and still am type 2 diabetic, just not as bad… I was on Lantus and Novolog, twice/day, my weight was 270/lbs… My weight worked upward for over 30 years and wouldn’t decrease no matter what I did. No diet, working out in the gym or anything else helped. When I was 65, a friend, about 3 years ago suggested I look into Bariatric Surgery… so I figured what do I have to lose. After the initial interview with the doctors at the Boston VA and passing all the tests they wanted me to take, they turn me down because they considered me too high of risk because of a heart attack 10 years earlier. Even though I had no trouble since. My VA cardiologist had given me a clean bill. When I explained it to my heart doctor he suggested I go outside the VA and find a bariatric surgeon that would give me a look and be willing to do it. It took 3 months to find one, but after she looked at my file, said yes, she didn’t see any problems. 2 months later the surgery was done. 70% of my stomach was gone and I just had to keep following my diet and still do to this day. I have lost 100/lbs, my waistline has gone down from 46 to 34… I had to get rid of just about every piece of clothing I had. I no longer take take any insulin and haven’t since just after the surgery… I am still taking some metformin, but I’m still slowly reducing those levels too. There are certain pills I have to take over the short time and some I have finished… I still have neuropathy in both my feet, but not as bad as they were. This surgery was my last hope… I know how your feeling and if I can help in any way I’d be more than happy to share my experiences with you… and I been told I listen pretty well too. This diabetic stuff can be beaten! Drop me a line anytime!!!
I love the doctor at VA I love ❤️ my they’ve taken care of me eye doctor all of them I have no problem with any of them 💜 love them all
The VA in Togus, Maine are outstanding… at least the ones I have dealt with. They don’t offer everything here, but don’t hesitate to send you outside to get help. And fortunately the outside doctors I been sent to have been good too!
I was rated 100% back in 2012. I was assigned to the warrior transition battalion at Fort Bragg NC and recieved this rating while there. I suffered a parachute accident and it resulted in 3 spine surgeries, Traumatic Brain Injury, permanent nerve damage. I was in a wheelchair for 18 months because of this, I still have nightmares to this day about the fall, I was also outsourced by the medical side of the military to an off post provider for mental health care and was diagnosed as bi-polar. The military refused to even look at my diagnosis from that provider even though it was being outsourced by them and Tricare paid for those visits. This diagnosis was not put into my military medical records. They had me on 22 medications at one time and I ended up addicted to pills. I was cut off of these medications cold turkey. 5 of these meds were pain killers and more were antipsychotics. I ended up self medicating with alcohol and marijuana to stop my anxiety and curb my nerve pain and my emotional pain of having my career come to a screeching halt. I almost committed suicide because of the depression and the fear of not being able to care for myself or my family. I came up dirty on a UA for marijuana. The Army tried taking me to courts martial and I was being threatened with 4 years in a military prison, a bad conduct discharge, and I would be branded as a convicted felon. The evidence the military used to take me to trial were 3 rehab ordered UAs. Total violation of AR 600-85 ASAP. The military actually tried to force me to go to my preliminary hearing without representation by legal counsel. I was forced to take a chapter 10 in lieu of courts martial and recieved an Other Than Honorable Discharge, I was a Sergeant at the time that had worked for the WTB as a company training and operations NCOIC, I obtained and Maintained a TS/SCI clearance, wrote continuity books at the brigade level, supported my soldiers as my oath as an NCO described, I have letters from my Commanders and Immediate command recommending me for Counterintelligence positions, letters stating how much of an asset I was to the Army and to the Brigade under which I served. My attorney in JAG told me that my case was the first case in the history of the military that a soldier was taken to courts martial with this type of evidence and under these circumstances. The WTB also violated their own policies for soldiers who had already received their ratings and signed their DA 199 accepting the proposal by the VA. I was denied open door policy with my Brigade Commander due to “conflict of interest”. I was badgered and my permanent profile was violated by the same Battalion that gave it to me. Forced manual labor while I am walking on a cane and barely doing that. I have seen many soldiers get lied to, lied on, and screwed out of their careers. When I stood up for them and put their welfare before my own, (Oath of the NCO) I was crucified for it. I was told that “I care about my soldiers to much and I needed to worry about myself instead”. WTF OVER!!!! I still to this day suffer pain and addiction. I have lost everything I worked for, house, vehicles, my relationships with my kids and my marriage of 28 years. All because the Army and the VA didn’t do the right thing. See I have two terms of service. The VA says that if you have more than one term of service and any of those terms of service were under honorable conditions You are entitled to your full benefits. Then why in the hell did they take my medical benefits just recently. I now get nothing and have gotten nothing for the last ten years. Except for a mouth full of rotting teeth because all of the dental work the Army did has failed. They knew this before my discharge. I also get a life long disability that my records say will only get worse. I can’t hold a job, I have been homeless, and I have been addicted to alcohol and meth up until recently. I still smoke pot for pain and anxiety. So what? I am not getting my mental health or medical care as I should be so I have to do something. I have been getting the run around on this from day one and 10 years later still have gotten no where except for more run around. My discharge was illegal and the practices of the VA are not accommodating by any means. I have had to get on Medicaid for health care and struggle with work and social anxiety. The fact that I will not be able to socialize in any work or relationship environment is in my records in black and white and honestly my life is shit. Who is gonna help me? Only Me. No one else is willing and this is me now after serving 7 years to this nation and serving honorably only to get fucked over by Obama’s answer to “what do we do with all of these soldiers coming back from the 30,000 troop insurgence we sent to Iraq? We have no jobs back in Garrison for them. So they fuck us over and they get to recoup all the big bonus money they gave out for enlisting. Chapters them for behavior problems and they get no benefits either. Yes we signed a contract voluntarily but they seem to forget that they made promises in that contract as well. I say class action lawsuit against the DoD and the VA all at once for those who they put out in this same fashion. I am not the only one this has happened to.
Dan my name is H given to me by US Army, birth name Howard. Come from military family, I’m 65 and things have changed over the years, I come from similar circumstances and there’s a lot of hatred amongst other soldiers, I spoke of a VA rep in Pa that bragged about beating a African American while a police officer in Con and I went off on him telling him he’s a soldier to help others and should be color blind to any race, as I was attempting to aquire help myself, he tossed evidence, had others refuse to help me, when visiting Colorado called VA there they said 2-3 week wait, I told my story they asked can I come next morning, i concurred and about 10 minutes later I get a call from Pa it’s that rep and he threatened to kill me, I never went to VA in Colorado but as soon as I got home I went to his office and said don’t let anything but fear stop you!! He said what and I stated I pinned you, he said I’ll see you soon, I said I’ll be waiting!! He never showed. Then after that one Veterans Day I attended a ceremony in the next county and spoke of real estate taxes and exemption for certain vets and during this was acknowledged by the tax collector with hatred, well after ceremony was approached by residents and told she knew by her reaction to your comments and watched people loose each other there homes and she just watched. When they took our pictures for the paper I was asked my name and I knew I mistakenly poked a hornets nest, when asked my name I stated the unknown soldier as was printed in the paper and about a month later a veteran killed everyone of those township officials at a meeting one night for taking his farm for real estate taxes. For some of us it never ends, ive gone through everything you described and more, but my family came back together by the grace of god I believe. Live well and you’ll be well!!! After speaking of a interrogation course I went through, it was years till I could remember the details, but being in a MI unit in Korea and having knowledge of what was going to be and not cooperating with interrogation personnel during coarse didn’t help my situation and resistance only brought water boarding and lifelong issues!! When challenged remember our oath to defend against all enemies both foreign and domestic, you may be considered a samataform disorder or worse, so remember it’s only a test don’t fail!!! Good luck Dan Godspeed brother ✌️❤️🙏😎 H here
I am so sorry this has happened to you. This is inhumane of the DOD, VA Government. You deserve everything to be over turned, and your benefits given to you. I wish I knew of a way to help you get all this fixed. God bless you, and may something good happen that things find a way to be overturned and given back to you. All I can say is find a way to fight for what you deserve. This is the fault of the DOD, VA, Government, Dr’s.
Have been trying
To get into The local VA because I was diagnosed by military Dr at camp rapid in Rapid city, SD and nobody can find the records. The Dr gave me a waver and I was able to get back into the Army natural Gaurd and retired with 21+ years in the Gaurd and now the say they can not find my records my hearing still getting and I have to keep buying hearing aid how do I try to get some help
VA Health Care has always done good by me. The Hosp. in West Haven is always busy . Staff is as attentive as they can be even with some I’ve observed not being so kind to the care givers. Doctors , nursing, orderlies are tops in my eyes. Give them the respect and cooperation they deserve.
Very satisfied with our clinic.
In Texas, We have clinics that are not part of the VA! They are rental medical people! We can not keep a doctor for any length! They quite frequently! They cannot give you an aspirin! But you can get a flu shot, but they didn’t have one for elderly people! You have to go to Walgreens to get one! Dallas VA is pretty good at taking care of Veterans! I have to drive 45 miles to get there! Overall, I think the real VA Hospitals give you good care here in Texas!
I m a traveling veteran, and I can honestly say it depends on what part of the country your in, through 2016-2020 it was getting a lot better, after that it’s back to the same old thing, shuffle you around till your just to darn tired of all the red tape and run around, I’ve found the southwest is the worst…
The reason that the service is bad, is we do not have enough military personnel to assist or have the time or knowledge to help. Often times you are left feeling that those, that do try and assist are only doing the job to get paid . And you are left with the feeling that they are in a hurry to get off the phone or send you anywhere so they do not have to help. You are left with the feeling that you are a burden and not given the respect we have desired for making our country what is is. No we are not perfect, but being one the youngest nations, having at one time fought against each other, to come as far as we have with GOG’s blessing is truly awesome. People do not understand America is nothing without the service our veteran’s have paid. People give more importance to entertainment and not understand where that the answer than we all need to break out in song dance or make a movie. There is just no respect!!!!
I have stood in line and have heard first hand the anger that the staff has in refusing to answer the phone. Also I have 3 fused discs in my neck, my symptom are back and have been waiting for months for an MRI to see if their is further damage. Now my doctor tells me that I must have blood work drawn before considering my MRI on my neck. Where do you get these so-called professionals ?
White River Junction, VT VA. The medical facility is great! It may take some time and calling to get them moving but they have been on target and helping me tremendously. I find the phone system is horrible and the VA for claims is just about impossible. I have been trying for almost 30 years now, since desert storm to get a disability. I ended up obtaining an attorney last month. Back to the VA hospital…..The best way I have been successful is to email my PCP through “my healthy VET” I get a response that day or at the most, the next day. A lot of veterans think highly of the WRJ, VT facility. There are veterans that drive all the way from MA, CT, NH, NY and ME due to they receive excellent treatment. Are there some flaws, of course, but they all mean well and are 100% supportive of the veterans-MEDICALLY!
I believe the VA is really trying but they don’t have the resources. Only one per cent of Americans are defending our country today. Only 8% of the U.S. have served.
Before we spend money on foreign aid or benefits for illegals or Saving the Whales or whatever, our country’s priority should be to provide for the needs of EVERY veteran. There should not be even ONE homeless vet. The VA needs to have the resources necessary to compete and attract the healthcare workers needed, the facilities, equipment and supplies to help veterans.
As a marine it brings tears to my eyes every time I remember Ira Hayes. He helped raise the flag on Iwo Jima for that iconic picture that has become the symbol of The Corps. Our country let that hero die in ditch! LET THERE BE NO MORE IRA HAYES’
Afternoon Mr. Ott and Name is Tony Platerio of Elko, Nevada and a Former United States Marine and Honorable Discharged and I have Two Uncle’s that we’re there with Ira Hayes and other Marines that Great Day in History and it’s Very Sad that Back then they didn’t call it PTSD & There was no help for Veterans back in WWII Or WWI. But our country can let immigrants here into USA and pay them and housing & They get Treated better than U.S. Veterans. I’m a Fifth Generation Western Shoshone Indian and Disabled Marine Veteran and Missing both Feet! I’ve been to Salt Lake City, Utah VA Hospital December 2021 and March 4, 2022 And Travel Pay is The Hold Up! None Yet and they Me! 425 days from getting Payed. Amazing! My Uncle’s Navajo Indians from Arizona Many Farms said America is Not The Same.
Good Day! It’s April 25, 2022 @ 02:27am and my comment about VA System if it’s working! System for Travel Pay is Crap and OLD SYSTEM WAS VERY GOOD! How could VA SYSTEM Change when it was GOING GOOD. The Person WHO CHANGED THIS SYSTEM Should be Fired and Face Federal Charges Put In JAIL. STILL WAITING ON TRAVEL PAY SINCE DECEMBER 4, 2021 AND WHAT A DAMM JOKE! I LIVE ON FIXED INCOME! $100 FOR ONE MONTH.
I’M A DISABLED MARINE VETERAN AND MISSING BOTH FEET.
hoorah I agree wholeheartedly. Instead we have ignored our veterans like so much trash. Not right.
They’re doing an average job since this Covid Plannedemic! The Mask Mandate in the facilities is ridiculous! They don’t work! The peoples attitude seems to have changed! The care was much better in my opinion before the WOKENESS entered the ADMINISTRATION!
It all depends on where you are, what State you are being serviced in. During the 12 years that I lived in Louisville, KY, the VAMC there was about average when it came to Medical needs but was doing a Great Job when it came to Mental Health needs. Their PTSD programs and support groups were great, but when I moved to the Atlanta, GA area, things went down hill very quickly. The attitude of the Staff, the slow appointment process and the all day waiting to see seen is just below what Veterans deserve. Atlanta is so bad that I decided to move all of my Medical and Mental Health treatment to the Augusta, GA VAMC which is much, much better. There is still a disconnect when it comes to Community Care with providing timely approvals for Referrals and actuate information for clinics outside the VA system, but overall Augusta is doing pretty good. If there is someone out there that has visited the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX VAMC, you may find it good in some areas and poor in others. During my stay with my Mother, it too me eight months to be seen by a VA Physician. None of the VAMCs run off of the same infrastructure. It is like that are independently own and operated. Now this is where the Department of Veterans Affairs need to step in and put every facility on the same page. So the question, “Is the VA Doing a Good Job Taking Care of Vets?” should be considered by location. Atlanta is not. Their service is below poor, but many across the Nation, like Augusta and Louisville are about average. You can’t lump every VA facility into one basket.
That a Bad question. V.A does a great job. It’s the Department of Veteran Affaire.. That the foot stop er..I been fighting 50 years for my rating…Digging into there Bonuses. 20 years they have said I was never in the Army ( RA). Only reserve Air-Force. So on and on. When a VA Dr say I see you problem and think I can operate .They move me to another DR. and It’s like Taboo. Second part The Ass Director said decades ago I never see a ratting. Yes I have it in my foot notes 1988-87 or so. For Helping my P.O.W Dad get a higher rating.
Agreed
I served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard for 8 years and got my honorable discharge 1988-1996 but because I was in the guard I don’t get help.
Exactly I love how they say not service connected like they were overseas with me
The exact same thing is happening too me
Veteran V.A. REPS is not fully trained to represent us. The ones that can help are the outside attorneys that charge you a percentage if you receive you get some compensation You have to keep up with the V.A. rules that can change at any time.
For the most part I get adequate care thru my current VA here in Texas and most folks at the VA are caring. I used to live in Arizona and had my care taken care of at the CBOC clinic in Henderson. I found that they were reasonably incompetent. I went a few more miles into Las Vegas the the VA Hospital. No problems there but I has an ENT doctor who seemed more concerned about himself then any Veterans. I was exceptionally happy with the Neurology Dept. at the North LV VA Hospital and the doctor and her nurse were the best I have ever dealt with.
Medically there doing a good job on myself. I’m a cancer agent orange patient. So far I’ve made a lot of progress and am on my way to some recovery. The job they’re doing poorly is going to outside Doctors, the approval for those services takes months. The question is WHY can’t the local V.A. Hospital make that decision I’ve been waiting for Dental work done and recommended by the V.A. Dental Dept for 3 months now. Other than that I get good Dr. care and medications.
I feel va reps think they have power to deny veterans there due benefits. My personal experience is a VA rep in Arizona who reuses to grant me a VA home loan benefits, due lack of searching the truth.
The VA is doing a great job giving me great care and time. I go to Anderson and Greenville South Carolina. The staff are friendly and takes the time to answer questions.
I go to the Minneapolis VA, medical is great, however the dental clinic is another story
You are absolutely correct why have dental I guess to deny veterans I’m very upset with them
So it is hard to get dental treatment?
At 86 years old I’m in excellent health and don’t use the VA for much. I would like to have a “thorough” exam once a year rather than a “you look good” appointment. I feel guilty being healthy when I see my buddies with no arms or legs and I appreciate that professional staff is hard to come by. I would also like to get my drugs from the VA and I have insurance that would reimburse the VA fore some of thewir expenses.
Tell me how I can help!!
David Sabre, LT USAF
We have found health care at the VA in Washington, DC and the Ft Belvoir Community Hospital very satisfactory… and the people more than fine.
Regardless of the subject there are always pros & cons. In today’s situation with the politically correct nonsense, handouts so people don’t have to find a job, the discrimination situation, I can go on all medical care facilities are hurting for staff personnel. For those who are not satisfied with the VA care, go on the outside and see what you will get! The VA is trying to get all facilities on the same track for medical care. I have found that the vet who complains about everything is the one that makes it a point to visit the VA daily for the most minor situations. The VA is not a babysitting service. These vets are taking up space and time from others who are in need of medical/dental care. The VA facility at Martinez, Travis AFB and Mather in northern California are superior in all respects. I’ve found out that for routine care I call a month in advance. For the complainers, do yourself a favor, stop whining and work with the system instead of against it!
In some areas I feel the VA is doing a very good job. My biggest complaint is the time to here back on a submitted claim to the VA. it has been 5 months and still no answer.
Many Vets are having a very difficult time due to the above problem. We need answers do not excuse.
Great that says how it in my opinion Scott &White is Miillitay. Is Great place for ant person in need and do have Veterans , work there also
Need to get rid of the rediculous and useless masks!!!!
Even the science says they are useless.
One can always go to the Emergency Room
for care. Stay in touch with your PCP and/or
use the internet portal.
Be patient. There are too many of us and not
enough Health Care workers to take care of us. They are doing their best. Be proactive, stop eating junk food, exercise, an drink plenty of Water. Stay away from sugar, alcohol, tobacco and harmful drugs. Talk to a nutritionist. You’d be surprised what you eat is bad for your health..
I have to fight Tooth and Nail to get care from the VA.
The only department in Atlanta, Ga, that answers their phones is the Eye Department.
Most of the time, I have to go thru the Patient Avacey program to get in touch with the Dental; office, then it is two months before I get an Appointment. It is also customary to wait two months between all Dental appointments.
The Orthopedic department is hard to get an appointment in. I fell and have broken a piece of my Knee cap. an X-ray was taken at the local VA Clinic. The Main Orthopedic Department told my Doctor that I should lose weight; the broken piece of my Knee Cap is still there.
Support for my PTSD stopped at the beginning of the Covid. I went to my local Vet Clinic, and They could not get me an appointment when I was there and would contact me by Phone. That was 3 hours ago; no call as of now. I have been given different telephones numbers, and rarely do I get ansers. I routinely drive to the VA Clinic to get service.
I have had no contact with the CPAP unit after Covid.
I live about 50 miles from the Atlanta VA Hospital and depend on VA Transportation. WE arrive at the
Hospital at the back 10 – 1030 and are told the bus leaves around 2 PM. I have to remind the staff that I am a Van rider and need to be done by 2. I fell rushed. one day, I was left behind and did not get home until about 9-930pm
I spend at least 3 – to 5 hours a day on the phone when I start calling the VA. I am tired and upset at the end of my contacts. I try to remain calm as I understand it is not the people on the other end of the phone. It is the system and administration to who the fault belongs. But at age 84 and at the end of hours trying to solve an issue with my health. I come away immensely frustrated.
As you can see, my experience with the VA System is less the what one would expect from their Health Care Provider.
I have rated 100% disability and am a Vietnam Veteran. I have had five knee operations.
no they aren’t .most veterans can’t even sign on to the VA .because they are told that we make too much money. When I was discharged back in 1968 I was told that I made too much money ,I didn’t even have a job after being discharged yet..It wasnt’ until after I had retired in 1998 that I qualified too group 8 if I had medical insurance.
I’m a Vietnam Vet and I put in a claim for my thyroid and was denied after they told me to put the claim in the doctor I saw on the outside said I had Grave’s disease but how did I get it I have agent orange in my in which caused for me to have the disease but they are saying since I was denied back in 2010 their decision stands I’m 73 years old and they can’t get my claim right I’m wondering why they sent me the paperwork to fill out and by the way no one in my family had Grave’s disease so you tell me where did I get it and they destroyed my thyroid and now I’m on medication for life now you tell me is this right
I find it very difficult to have a VA advocate assigned to help me navigate my needs and benefits that I am entitled to.. I desperately need help with getting my DD214 properly reworked, my health benefits,, PLEASE HELP ANYONE!!!
Mental Health clinic, I had my visit on video to my PTSD doctor and she told me at that time, she is leaving the practice and I would be reassigned another doctor at that time, that has been 4 months ago and have tried to call the clinic and they always told me that someone would call to assign another doctor, well, running out of my medication and still no doctor to have them refill them. Have no idea what is going to happen when I run out!!!!!!
The VA is losing the competition for workers. They can’t compete with the private sector for already scarce healthcare workers of ALL occupations. The fauci flu has done a lot of damage to the system.
Firing the unvaxed was far BEYOND shortsighted in fact, it borders on criminal.
I would have fire everyone of them
For myself I have had Fairly Swift accommodations for my existing problems, I was awarded a percentage of disability, I’m grateful. I applied a cream for p t s d, it was denied. I will pursue. You’re coming on being vaccinated or not and losing a position. Outrageous not understanding our right, scary that coming from our government.
My wife and I are both vets and have had some of the best care with the VA in Boise, Idaho. They are a caring and helpful facility.
After reading some of the comments left by others it is clear to me that those who feel Trump is anti-military are playing the liberal political card. This is what continues to keep our country divided. Will you ever let the Trump card go? We are all Americans. Lets try to work together.
Well said!
Right on point!!! 👍👍
I am a retired medical worker and I have been receiving VA medical care for over 20 years. Personally, I am satisfied with the care I have received. Thru my work I have traveled extensibility thru out the western parts of America and I will need to say that location does make a difference to the kind of care received. I have received care in Washington, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, and Colorado. The care I received in Arizona was mediocre at best. But the care I received while in the other states was good. After President Trump was in office, the VA care I have received has greatly improved. I have had several surgeries and my VA pre and post surgical care has been very good. When I order prescriptions thru the VA Mail Order Pharmacy, I receive all medications within 10 days. Presently I live in Colorado Springs, and over all, I am satisfied with my VA medical care. I have a good Provider and I feel she really cares for me and my medical needs. As a whole I feel that physician assistants and nurse practitioners provide the best care. I feel they are more empathetic than the male medical professionals. But over all I dont have any real complaints. I do think the phone triage system sucks!!! I have waited over an hour just to finally talk to someone on the phone. But over all, I am happy with the actual VA medical care I have received.
I was very satisfied with VA healthcare until the last few years. I have not had a Primary Care Physician in over two years, instead a revolving door of physician’s assistants and nurse practitioners. And because they are constantly changing, there is no continuity of care. No one is really in charge of refilling my prescriptions, or renewing my ongoing skin cancer surgeries. (I’ve had two melanomas and countless basal cells so this is no idle matter.) I’m at least two years overdue for a colonscopy that had been ordered by my last PCP, but was on hold due to COVID and now there’s no one to order it or a facility within a reasonable distance. AND the VA billing system is nightmarish, with no idea what’s really owed or what’s been paid. The VA just seized my federal tax refund ($193.) over billing I’d never seen, that’s not reflected in any billing I’ve received, and with no advance warning or opportunity to dispute. No appeal, no recourse except the expense of filing a lawsuit.
You don’t have to be smart to know the VA has many, many problems providing medical services. The Vet is lied to and falsely quoted. I heard someone say I was pleased but no one ask ME if I were pleased.
Did the VA provide good services after I waited a year for an appointment and then had the appointment changed the day before to make me wait another month.
Did the VA provide good service when they provided a NEW doctor who had little to no knowledge about my problem but prescribed a treatment. A treatment two other doctors said should never be prescribed as a first treatment.
Some VA doctors are great but many more are under trained and not interested in the heqalth of the Vet.
I haven’t heard a word from the VA in 3-4 years. They don’t give a damn about us veterans! At least they don’t for me.
I had to call them to get blood withdrawn and a urine test after waiting for over 2 1/2 years for tests to be done. That was over a year ago and I haven’t heard a peep since then. The VA here in the Atlanta area is the worst in the country! Why can’t they take an interest in veterans and show they give a damn! I served in the United States Navy but the VA gets an “F” grade as far as I’m concerned. My name is Frank Gonzales, and my phone number is (770) 425-3132, which I answer 24 hours a day. I just want to see if they will call me! Thank you.
I feel that the VA is doing a fantastic job. They have always treated me with respect and cared for me when I needed their help. The Community Service office has provided me with care that has save me a large amount of money. They are swamped at this time but I have always heard back from them when I need their help. I have only talked to one Vet who has said that he does not like the VA and will not have anything to do with them. I feel that some of the problems may have to do with the attitude of the Vet. I always go to the clinic with a positive attitude and a smile on my face. All I can say is: Thank you Veterans Administration for all that you do for me and other Vets. I am sure that there are more Vets that appreciate what the VA does for them than those Vets that do not. Thank You for serving us.
The VA rated me 100%, I have received GREAT care from them since I retired in 1984..
Thats great but my husband has to wait 2-3 hrs to have his lab work with appointment. An hour to see a NP to see a specialist 3 months. This is unacceptable!! His meds are always late He has gone 2 months without life saving medication. He has bad arthritis and cant get the doctor to prescriy pain medication.
I was diagnosed with bone cancer and “Quote There is no cure! Here are some every expensive pills cut them in half. They will suppress the symptoms but is no cure. We are monitoring you so we will make appointments every three months”. Thanks! So now I have to get labs week before my appointments. Woopy thanks VA. I went to civilian Cancer treatment centers of America and they will not interfere with VA. VA IS USELESS
I retired in 2006 from the United States Navy. I received 100% disability in 2013 which included unemployability. I continued to work on the appeals that the VA continued to deny, but finally (because of my persistence) I was awarding the disability I deserved. I live in South Texas and I have experienced the best VA clinic in the United States. It is the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. They are caring, professional and extremely concerned about the welfare of the Veterans in the Rio Grande Valley. They will go out of their way to make sure every veteran is taken care of. Everyone in every position go beyond their job titles to make all the veterans feel special in their medical needs. Thank you to all the professional at the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System in Harlingen, Texas. They are second to none.
They are doing a poor job with my husband who served in the Navy 4 years. They postpone appointments constantly. He’d like to claim his hearing loss as a disability he’s had since then but doesn’t know who to call to claim. He keeps getting forwarded around to different VA workers but gets nothing accomplished. He feels since this wasn’t documented upon an honorable discharge, he’s not sure at 62 years old that this can be claimed.. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Go to the local Veterinarian administration and they will file for him
If he worked around loud noise in the performance of his duties he can be served in the Audio Department and it is s disability
.
Please contact your local Veteran Service Officer to have them help you file a claim. The Veteran’s Benefits Administration (VBA) is separate from the Veteran’s Health Administration (VHA) as is the Cemetery Benefits. They are 3 different organizations. Claims for disability go through the VBA. Your healthcare would go through the VHA. Please reach out the local service officer – they can help you file your claim.
Here in Seattle VA and all throught the PNW they have this thing called “passive aggressive” additude. They also make you jump through a hoops with that additude. They also are very arrogant and threat us vets as if they own us and they think they are better than us. They don’t treat as humans and don’t care. I had three Doctors who did not give me the proper respect and wanted me to jump through hoops to get care and life saving meds. One several cases I came very close to death because of their arrogance. You ask the Sentor here for help and it is like the police investgating the police nothing that I see with this works.. Then that just makes matters worst for you as a vet. They blacklist you and do even less for you when you complain. My health is at risk of death with a simple procedure because of this. I have PTSD and depressed all of the time I am almost ready. They make life, in my case, very hard to have a good life so I stopped going to the VA and don’t care any more. This is how they stop people like me and we all wait foe my end.
I have gave up on the va I served honorably from 1990-2006 i was envolved in many campains going where no one should ever go. In 2006 i was medicaly discharged. I am currently rated at 90% with 70% being PTSD. When I had a issue with ptsd there only solution was medication without even trying to find the ROOT cause of the problem. I soon began to have chest pains from the meds. I called to get an appointment with va but was put on a wait list for 5 months. During this time i went to a private doctor and was advised to see a cardiologist that was rated as one of the best in the nation. He advised i had an 80% blockage and needed imidiant surgery. I was taken to the Er so he could perform the surgery and va was notified for billing purposes there response was to place me in an ambulance and send me to the regional hospital 3 hrs away. I told the hospital no keep me here and i will pay for it if i have to. The Dotor preformed the surgery and on discharge told me ” you would not have made it to OKC for that surgery”. Since then i have tried to get VA appointments but they are at best three months out to schedule. I am still waiting for a test to be scheduled from 2018 for sleep apnia caused by nightmares. I also am supposed to have yesrly check ups in march but the last one was 2019 again due to scheduling.
Service is rediculously slow. Often a mix up.
Medicine they send the wrong meds.
Cancell appointments after waiting 4 months.
If it were a civilian hospital it would be on the news.
Although I and my spouse have had excellent care with the VA, I gave them an average rating based on what I have heard from other veterans. I wish I had a better platform in which to express the ups/downs of the VA experience. I thank God all of the time for being there for us.
Hi my name is Richard I retired in 2009 from the US Army right before I retired I had a shoulder with a torn rotator cuff they did one surgery but they didn’t repair the rotator cuff so they did another MRI and the technician found that I had an aneurysm on my lower aortic 3.5 cm. I retired got into the VA system complainted a doctor there hey this isn’t this so she had me do another MRI but for abdominal pain. The technician says oh there’s no aneurysm there’s nothing there we don’t see nothing. Bounce forward till 2020 The doctors that had been monitoring the aneurysm since 2009 repaired it in March but yet still the VA is saying oh you don’t have that and that did not happen when I’ve got medical proof.
I’ve found that the V.A. Doctors don’t take me serious when I have a complaint. Several times they have misdiagnosis me. 12 years ago I started complaining I couldn’t mow my yard without breaks every ten minutes, they said I have heart burn and treated me for that for 2 years and then we got a new P.A. that sent me for a stress test and low and behold….. I had a quad drewpolo by pass surgery with in weeks. I’m a diabetic and started getting pancreas attacks nitey this went on for 7-8 years and right before Christmas of 2017 I told my wife I’m not taking this medication any more, guess what my life changed over nite , I was down to 127 lbs and after I quit the medication, I couldn’t eat enough, never had another attack gained about 20lbs in 3 months. So I did a internet search on the drug Metformin and the first thing they said was causes PANCREATITIS and I had seen at least 8-10 VA doctors about this and not ONE connected the 2. So I suffered unGodly pain and suffering for years cause the Doctors didn’t do there JOB. They actually want to do surgery on my pancreas 2 different times but I never let them thank God. Next in line was my leg pains, I complained for about three years and the VA doctor told me it was diabetic nerve pain, so I went and talked to every diabetic I knew and not one had my kind of pain going on, Went back to the VA and told the Doctor that no one I know has this kind of pain from being a diabetic, He jump up outta his chair and yelled at me and said I”m not going to argue with you over this, well guess what with in the year my toes and foot turned black and now he had to listen to me, I had a blockage in my frigg’n leg for those 3 years . So they finally operated on my leg and things went great for about 4 months then I get a letter from the VA saying they have me scheduled for cataract eye surgery, so I go see the Surgeon for that and she says you need to talk to your VA doctors about taking you off your blood thinners before i can operated So I talked to the VA doctors and they say yes you can have it but you need to quit taking the blood thinners for 2 weeks before the surgery and get back on them as soon as you have it, SO I did what I was instructed to do and about 2 weeks later got a major blood clot in my leg. the Surgeon who operated on my leg months before was pissed that they would take me off the blood thinners so soon and guess what this lead to my first amputation of my right leg. weeks later when it became infected with ganggreen they remove the rest of my right leg. To this day the VA claims no responsibility for my lost of my leg when in fact they were directly responsible for it, If I had a real doctor instead of some 80 something year old fart maybe I could still walk with 2 legs. Some people say they never had a bad time with the VA while others say they were experiments for the VA doctors. All I can says is if I had real Doctors at the time I’d still be walking with 2 legs
I am a 35 years Vet, server from 1968 to 2003 in Vietnam called .for Desert Shield/Storm and E
Freedom/E Freedom. When I call my doctor at the VA, I”m told to leave name ,phone and last 4 of SSN they will call me back in 24 hours .but most time it 4 or more days. I live in a diff city then the INDY VA. When I call the travel office, sometime I can get a ride and sometime I have to cancel my appointment.. I think the VA at INDY is over work, they need more people. I had to use Medcare for some server and operation.
I feel very blessed to have health care at the Loma Linda VA and can’t say enough good things about the staff, quality of care or the genuine concern for veterans health both physical, mental and spiritual.
Thank you Loma Linda.
I have gone to the Charlotte VA, the Salisbury VA, both while living in North Carolina, in addition to now living in Texas, I am now going to the Dallas VA. What I have experienced in all of these so called Veterans institutions is the lack of caring for us as Veterans.. What I have noticed and experienced is we are treated more as an inconvenience than patient. We are not given the well deserved, not to mention, WELL earned respect given to a Soldier. We are rushed through visits and shoved out the door via the pharmacy to be seen in 3 to six months. Now don’t get me wrong there are some excellent, caring, nurturing and very attention to detail doctors, nurses, and receptionist, but are overshadowed by the many who are not.
I’ve been with the VA since 1998 & was 10% with a gunshot wound from Vietnam in 1967. I put a claim in for Diabetes and a Heart Condition but denied for my Heart but was denied for my Heart.as it was not one of the conditions from Diebeties. I was then put at 60%. I then got raised to 60% which I put in for Unemployable which I then was raised to 100% due to Unemployable. In 2ooo. Thanks all to the DAV for helping.. In 2009 I was raised to 100% due to my Heart Condition alone. I must say that for me the VA has been Excellent with all my issues. No appt problems and have been very Happy with all my Medical care.
I have been told since I do not have a service rated disability I can not use the VA. I am a retired from the armed forces. The VA needs to overhaul the system. Some VA hospitals are great others are bad from the comments I read. I have no faith in the VA.
As a Disabled Vietnam Military Veteran I go to the Beaver Dam VA Clinic in Wisconsin. Well in the last year or two MD Doctors like Gregory Shultz and the New Doctor will not be their anymore. The issue is You just started to know the MD Doctor and for some reason I feel the VA has issues to try to get them to retire., because the MD Doctor takes more time them alloted to see the Patient and the Doctor hears about it from the VA. I know this because as I sit their and listen to the Doctor bring up my VA Record talking to himself saying I wish this Computer would Boot up a little faster. I am going to hear about it because I an taking longer with the Patient. So all that is left are APNP’S to make an appointment with. AFTER GETTING USE TO YOUR MD DOCTOR AND HE KNOWS YOUR HEALTH RECORD YOU ARE LEFT WITH AN APNP TO DISCUSS HEALTH ISSUES. I was always taught to discuss my Health Issues with a MD Doctor.
I have been a disabled vet for over 50 years and I have never had a problem with the VA.
for the ;most part some people feel like the VA i s doing ok, well with my experience for getting my meds from the VA for free since i am 70 disabled, i had to go to my Congressman for help;, started back in July 2021, did what was told of me to do and as of today. i have one left NOT filled. totally dissatisfied with my VA clinic.
I think the V.A. is overwhelmed
They’re not accustomed to seeing the types of injuries that comes from a 2fronted war.
The PTSD for those returning still being investigated so as to HOW do you deal with it.
I am 100% service connected I have been dealing with the VA for a number of years. in 2008 my cousin a Vietnam era veteran went to the Sacramento VA Emergency room with severe chest pain and trouble breathing, when someone has these kinds of symptoms there suppose to be seen immediately. He was not after being there for several hours he looked through in where the nurse station is and saw several people screwing off around said station. he then proceeded to confront the people at the nursing station and they had him removed from the hospital. he died a month later of a heart attack. so as far as im concerned the Sacramento VA murdered him. The va has also screwed more than once with my health care more than once. but it wasn’t Sacramento it was the LV VA the Fallon medical clinic and the Lil rock va i have been dealing with the va on and off since 1985 The best va as far as my experience is in little rock the hospital on the hill . I will say the Va has improved allot during Donald Trumps time as President . however now i see its going back to its old ways now that he is out of office . if i had good insurance i would not use the VA the private sector is better by leaps and bounds.
The VA in American Lake WA is doing an outstanding job in optical clinic, however the quality of my eye glasses is not the best. The audio clinic is doing a poor job. And I commute 45 miles one way with a toll bridge . overall I thing the VA is doing well with room for improvement.
I cannot speak for any VA facility except the Robert J Dole VA Medical Facility in Wichita KS. I served 22 years and change as Active Duty Army (10 years) and Active Duty Kansas Air National Guard. My health care was assigned to the Robert J Dole 6 months prior to my retirement from the military, both the 22nd Medical Group at McConnell Air Force Base and the VA did an excellent job providing for my health care needs, I retired in 2020 and have been provided excellent care from the VA since then, the staff is extremely helpful and everyone at the VA will immediately stop what they are doing if they see a veteran struggling in any way in the hallway or waiting room. I don’t know about any other VA facility but thank you to everyone at the Robert J Dole VA facility you make me feel safe and truly cared about…God bless all of you.
I served 71/2 years active and guard and can’t get medical or prescription privileges. Thanks for YOUR service!
The VA on whole is helpful for our VETS.
I have lived in 3 different areas of service to our VETS.
Philadelphia area, Illiana service area in Illinois and now The Temple Texas area.
All the areas do not provide the same services to the VETS. Dental, podiatry made shoes, foot care, ease of access to health care files.
By far the Illiana area was the best service and and the Springfield , Illinois clinic were wonderful.
I have had splendid service from the VA courteous and thorough 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Just want to add my 2 cents . I have complete trust and faith in our VA facilities. Thank you for being there for us .
I Feel I’ve Been Getting Great Top Notch Service att The VA here in Los Angeles California, IT WOULD BE GREAT TO GET “DENTAL” CARE??
WWll vet has to fight to get everything. Needs a hip replaced has to go to an out side doctor. In a lot of pain can’t get anything for it. They sent him to pain management made the pain worse. He is 94 would not abuse the pain drugs. They keep saying well your 94 what do you expect. To get an appointment it takes an act of congress.
I asked my Doctor for some Lunesta. He jumped back and said No Z Drugs. That condemnation. No Sleep disorder treatment available.! The Cure is worse than the insomnia.? I don’t buy that. I am glad to move on this year with Medicare Advantage Part A & B. Thank you Social Security. Have a blessed day.!
That is complete BS. I have had a sleeping disorder for years and am being treated. Go to another doctor or the patient liaison representative.
I submitted for ChampVA upon being awarded 100% disability
The only issue I have, as MOST do, I was awarded 100% in October 2021 after a lenthful wait
We are now into mid April 2022 and yet no word from Champ VA to submit benefits to my spouse ::
Otherwise all is well
They need to allow veterans to make appointments for the next day or so and not complain when we have to go to the emergency room just to get seen.
As a 75 year old 100% military disabled veteran , living, over 60 miles from the hampton virginia va. hospital, they demand that I travel a long ways to get my teeth pulled.. ! WHATS WRONG WITH THOSE people.
I’m a retired Army Veteran of 22 year’s in which I served in Combat during OEF/OIF and OND and I use several VA Hospitals and Clinics here in Missouri to include Columbia, Marshfield and Waynesville. All the VA Hospitals/Clinics for the most part are doing a great job caring for my needs as well as the needs of my spouse who served eight years in the Army which include service in Desert Shield/Storm and in Somalia during Operations Restore Hope/Continue Hope. We both think that the VA is doing well in most aspects of caring for. The only complaints that I have is with the folks in the Columbia VA that deal with Disability submissions/appeals. When I retired in 2013 I filed for an appeal sometime after I recieved my rating for my disability compensation and felt that I wasn’t properly valued as a Veteran and basically ignored for the pain that I still have. Also I filed a DD Form 215 and all supporting documentation to add a unit award to my military records that I received after retiring with the same people and I don’t know if they did it or nothing because the former Marine Sergeant that I dealt with blew me off and ignored my correspondence and inquiries about the subject and when I brought it up with other folks at the Columbia VA they either ignored me or changed the subject. However all of the Waynesville ,Marshfield and Columbia VA Doctors and Nurses bedside manner, professionalism, cander, committment and competence in their perspective fields are above and beyond reproach.
So far not to good
I’m a 73 fully disabled vet;. Here’s my story. I suffer from Agent Orange, had prostrate cancer and beat it without the VA’s help. I was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety disorder and claustrophobia. I finally approached the VA around 2006. Treatment up until 2008 was great. In 2014 I asked for help with my PTSD, tec. Since I live in a rural area we tried teleconferencing. The first therapist was not even in my state. He quickly left and I was transferred to another. I went into the local VA facility and started a teleconference call. This therapist started out with the HIpaa regulations. This takes about 5 minutes normally. I found out very quickly that this one was a Obama headhunter. If you remember during his second term he stated that ALL vets were mentally unstable and should be disarmed. Plus, if they were religious, they must me a zealot. Need proof I can present it. I’m an ex LEO and Dept of State security. The red light went off. Questions of, do you have guns. Are you religious and, if so, how religious are you? This person was exactly what Obama wanted in the VA. Iied to every question. They were only worried about the last 2 weeks of my mental health.. In my mind I thought, I’ve had this for 47 years and, you’re only worried about the last 2 weeks.? Didn’t care what my vocations were or my past. What a way to setup someone. I came out to the car and my wife asked what happened because I was thoroughly shaken. My trust in the VA, what little there was, was completely gone. After taking a couple of weeks to think about this I emailed the VA headquarters in DC. I got a quick response back. from the VA in White City, Oregon. I finally found a VA therapist I could trust. His life was similar to mine. We got along great and I received the help I needed. Didn’t last but, about 18 months. The new head of the dept didn’t like him because he was a conservative. Politics runs strong within the VA. All went well until Biden took office. Now our local VA cannot keep a doctor for long, They change out about every few months. The staff is very cold and distant compared to 2008. Then you have the worthless mask mandate. I could not enter the building without one. I explained my situation and all I got was, “we take orders from a higher authority”. Needless to say, I will never step inside the Klamath Falls, OR facility again. Best I get is teleconferencing. White City has also succumbed to the inane mask mandate rules. It may have change but, they DO NOT accommodate vets with disabilities in the true sense. I’ve never been sick, never wore a mask(claustrophobia) and never vaxed either. Not a chance in hell.
I’ve experienced no continuity of care in this system. MPLS VA was great moved to Texas and I was in different world. Used community care doctors more than the VA. The same ones I used prior to going to VA for care.
Now I have moved to Ocala florida and have tried to info them through the mover site to no avail. It seems I need to call in or walk in to the local VA to get my records moved.
As some of the vets here, I to am a six time cancer survivor. Yet it’s not recognised by VA. I was actually changed to a level nine from a level 5 , because I made to much money when we sold property. Brother in-law is wealthier and is level 1. I don’t get how they rate your application. No consistency at all.
No complaints about the va in East Orange N J
Trying to kill my husband with prescribing medication to him WITHOUT READING HIS MEDICAL FILE!!!!!!
CALLING his physician and she does not call back. Called the Vet Admin in Washington DC and they transfer you back to your state VA! Meantime CRASHED SUGAR THREE TIMES IN TWO WEEKS THAT I HAD TO CALL 911 TO REVIVE HIM.
Still no call back from this quack with the VA. Like to tell my story to a news reporter. Fought for this country. Survived and now have to fight this battle here at home. When does this end?
This my exact point the Washington DC office needs to be closed down it serves no veterans or purpose all they do is threaten to drop your Disability rating and refer u back to your local VA which is ineffective and a big waste of chain of command.
Asking myself the same question as a New York Vet this Va in New York and Washington DC are the worst
As a 100% disabled Vet, the VA in Utah, Montana and Louisiana are just as bad. So glad I have TriCare for life and Medicare
Iam a vet ,I have a va doctor, I’ve been trying to get a appointment for a couple of years,,,each time, I get one set up,they cancel it ,they have done this ,3 times this year….what good is it,,,there is a lot more to the story…..not a enough time to explain….
I really don’t have any complaints. I am 72 years old………good health………..go in for the annual check-ups, etc. I have had a few problems through the years, (broken back….hernia surgery, etc but they have always been taken care of.
No comment.
Hello I think the VA system is great I’ve had the same doctor for 10 years and the same shrink for 11 and I have no complaints and it really upsets me to hear people complain about the VA because they’re great I go to the VA in Tampa Florida and I’m gonna keep going thank you and have a nice day Mike
First I would like to say to all veterans that served I kindly thank you all I’m not a veteran but I am the spouse of a deceased veteran just wondering why the VA don’t help the living spouses?
They do you have to apply the right applications
Don’t waste your Time i tried to Get my Mom my Dads threw an Advocate and Faxed Everything they wanted , They Claim they lost three Times?
It’s just Bureaucratic Crap!
Our Government takes Care of Non Citizens and Others ,but their Own.
The folks here at Minneapolis V.A have taken extraordinary care of me. I am a 2 time cancer survivor.. They saved my life. We need to remember as patients that staff are usually meeting us at our worse. We are hurting, not well and looking for help. Thank you for being here for veterans. I am grateful for my medical treatment at Mpls.
I have been fighting the VA for almost 50 years I I found out that they rated me for PTSD and put me in a special category for they did not rape anything else and over the years anytime I put a claim in it was automatically tonight I have lawyers on it now and they have made some Headway but the VA here in California is as slow as molasses in the winter time I am currently homeless and don’t make enough each month in my disability since I cannot work anymore so I cannot afford an apartment I have been in and out of Veteran shelters but it seems most of the doctors I’ve talked to tries to dissuade me from filing the claims that I am trying to get through one is an employee ability because of my back injury while in the military they wrote it off as arthritis and said it’s not service-connected even though I had no back problems before the military but I was in a rollover accident in the military. I also have many symptoms of Parkinson’s disease which they never even inform me about I just recently found out that Parkinson’s is an accepted claim. The main problem is whenever I call for an appointment it’s usually 3 to 4 months out I was told yesterday that because my appointment was over 30 days that they were sending me to an outside doctor. I have been to doctors for my hearing which the VA said I was only 3% death and that was consistent with my age yet the outside Doctor Who checked me reported that I was 50% deaf in both ears. I filed a claim for tinnitus which the VA denied. I filed for unemployability due to the accident that I had the damage my lower spine that was also denied. I understand that there is a lot of veterans out there but come on folks let’s get real it should never take a year to get diagnosed and get your benefits even at the busiest hospital and doctors office it don’t take years to get rated, as one of the other people on here mentioned if you’re rich or a high-ranking officer you get in and you get out very fast you take get taken care of if you’re in listed good luck. As far as medication most of the stuff they give me is just about effective as eating a handful of dirt no medication I have ever taken from the VA has made one bit of difference I live in pain 24/7 and it has been that way since my accident in 1973 I worked a total of 33 years for the federal government and all of that in pain, there worse some days I was to the point of giving up on everything but I could not let my family down so I keep fighting and after all this time I’m still fighting
Wow this is real sad what we veterans gotta go through after service and the one’s holding our living away from us are merely Trustees with fiduciary obligation we all need to come together and get our 1099 A 1099 C and w-4 processing also class actions started this is unbearable and we are the Beneficiaries of this trust let’s take charge vets because the VA not upholding to there Fiduciary duties.
Honestly sick of having to beg for what’s I already served for got injured for the whole 9 yards it would be in the va best interest to give me and on and off ledger accounting of the account since it’s inception or a check or my annuity payment tired off the games with the New York VA
After numerous trying to get any benefits I have been refused. I spent 4 years away from family and holidays and been refused benefits they said I made too much money. I am retired and on a fixed budget. I have a service disability but still can’t get any health benefits!
New York VA is the worst New York veterans get treated like shit all day everyday and what’s really funny is the fact that we are BENEFICIARIES OF the Trust that they want to control and give us what they want when they want while funds is running through our off ledger accounts non stop. We the people need a VA reform for New York then speak to us.
Va, Congress needs to address the va disability Math. I’m 80% disabled another 10% does not add up to 90 it’s 83%.we are getting screwed by there math system.Why? So they don’t have to pay you . 80%plus 30% will get you 90% . Yes they help you but you have to fight for it. I was sprayed and betrayed!!vietnam! Wake up vets the math system screws you out of the correct amount you deserve.call your congress man let them know how it is.
I can only speak for myself, I am new to the VA, but so far I have no complaints they have done a very good job.
Arizona VA on Grand is great. No issues takes awhile to get a appointment but that’s normal. The pharmacy in Arizona is excellent always helpful and meds are delivered on time.
Not all veterans administration facilities are the same. Three facilities and Durham North Carolina and Salisbury North Carolina are better than any civilian Hospital anywhere else in the state. These people have saved my life and a Korean veteran friend of mine for over 50 years life also. He has helped him as he is 97 years old and got him a electric scooter and a Electric lift for his car at no charge. They are also installing a ramp to his porch so that he can get right up into the front door. Explore all your options if you want something from the VA you have to do a little bit of research. I have been in the system since 1972 and watched it improve slowly until Trump came along and gave it a huge boost
Hearing aids help could use attention. Have to send aids off to manufacture and wait 2 weeks for return
The VA has treated me extremely well. I have no complaints. Thank you for treating vets with courtesy and kindness.
The VA itself is doing a great job but some facilities are not so great. Some vets are denied their benefits by “comities” as opposed to being qualified for the benefit. This is a matter that needs to be looked into.
Big facts how there a trustee deny a beneficiary this needs attention at all Va
The VA has treated me very well also. I too do not have any complaints at this time.
I agree 100% with you. I’ve been under the care of the VA since 1986. Can’t say I’ve never had a complaint but they’ve been few and far between. But some VA facilities are better than others.
Been going to VA for 24 years. Their doing a great job 👏 👍
Wat the hell is the idoit in washington send VA doctors to Tex border for the law breakers on letting the Vets wait for care
I am saddened to hear about other Vets having problems with the VA.
I personally have had excellent care with them.
I recently had Radiation treatments for Cancer, and I’ve got to say the staff made it easier for an unpleasant situation. I got to meet other Vets going through the same procedure as I, God bless the veterans whom I met there.
Trump didn’t give a f*** about the VA or the veteran that served in the military and willing to give up their life which he never did what a draft dodger.
You need to remember to take your Zyprexa every day.
I feel the VA is not taking care of the veterans or their spouses,if the veteran dies the spouse is kicked out of the system when they turn 65. With a veteran being 100% disabled. I think that the spouse should be still taken care of in the system along with the vets. It puts a burden on that spouse to find new doctors new way of getting their medication. I just feel that our veterans and their families have kept this country free with a Veterans for us fighting for our freedom and their families behind to give them the support they need. BRENDA BROWN
OFF AND ON ,I’VE BE TRYING ,TO GET HEARD , FOR ORANGE/AGENT , FOR ABOUT [2yrs with no luck] I’VE BEEN INTO DANA FIBER, THEY SAY I HAVE IT, STARTING MY SECOND BOUT OF TREATMENTS I AM COVERD W/ SORES NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE. AIRCRAFT/ MECH, 5.YRS 11 MONTHS 17 DAYS
I have had excellent surgery at the VA . Knowing that it may not be the same throughout. They found my cancer, replaced both my hips, and helped me with PTSD. I entered the VA system after my son was in Desert Storm. He has not gone to the VA. Tho I talk about it. From Long Island. Now in Florida.
You are nuts. Trump is the family of draft dodgers. He cares absolutely nothing about ex service personal.
exactly i think the Houston VA is probable one of the best in the country been there for about 10 years now and going to have 2nd cataract surgery may 16 2022
first surgery went excellent and excellent care by them
He cares nothing about current soldiers either. Any Presidential Official who makes a statement saying that he knows more than the “Generals” and has no ZERO military background obviously has no respect for Service Members.
By the way I’m a older Vet. I love my country and will carry that Flag night and day through hell!
I hear all sorts of grumbling about the VA that I can not agree with. The VA has been very very good to me.
I was late for an appointment with the new doctor I was given do to the doctor I had retired. The traffic between my home in Vero Beach was very heavy all the way to West Palm Beach. I left my home in plenty of time to get to my appointment but didn’t count on the traffic. The past times I was at least 45 minutes to an hour. I sat and waited for an hour and a half before the doctor could see me. So I waited an additional 1 1/2 hours more than I should have. I was a hour late for my appointment but was told I wasn’t here on time and would need to reschedule.
Typical of the va…I am a veteran and it makes me sickThe way we were treated..We were willing to give your life for this country only to come back home and to be treated like shit apparently they forgot the sacrifices we need while we were gone
If you’re from a rich family you get treated quite differently the ones that need help can’t get the help how many thousands of veterans or living under bridges because they can’t get help from this fucking government they risked their lives for!!it really pathetic these rich assholes don’t care about us veterans we protected they’re rich asses and they could care less. They should be kissing our ass for keeping them safe and rich!!! But they don’t and won’t
My government hates and won’t help me
Try Fort Miley SF VAMC I worked at for 5 years. They gave excellent care to vets and we worked our butts off – often not getting over time for after hours calls we had to complete when a guy in his electric wheel chair was stuck on Powell Street and we had to call a DME Vendor to assist him after our office had closed. Each VA yes is different, even what is sold in it’s canteen service.
Make false statement, refuse proper medicine, false imprisonment and denied the right to vote. Call a racist police department that has robbed me on several occasions and most of all I own this property not the VA. Don’t have a warrant and then claim they have nothing to do about the situation!!
The VA is now known for taking away your personal weapons if they think a VET is looney, without a warrant sheriff’s Departments can come into your house and take your guns away.
I am very happy with VA services ever since Trump became President.
Trump didn’t give a f*** about the VA or the veteran that served in the military and willing to give up their life which he never did what a draft dodger.
My primary caregiver quit and I have not been assigned a primary caregiver for over 3 years the only Dr care I get it if I go to the emergency
CAN;T GET ANY BURIAL FUNDS FOR A VET.
JOSEPHINE GAMA-LOBO
I am so tired of going in and the doctor not really looking at me or hearing me.
The VA uses doctors from local University School of Medicine Training Programs. They cannot afford full time doctors for VET care. Write the doctor up if you feel your not getting service you need. I got a doctor fired at SF VAMC for wanting to get in my pants and for being critical about my religion. I wrote to VA central office in Washington, DC to get that doctor fired. He liked doing unnecessary prostate exams too!