Veterans Administration Pro & Con

T

TennVet

Member
Before I retired I always had excellent health insurance that provided everything I needed. As a Vietnam veteran upon retirement I pursued my VA health care benefits. And contrary to things I have read, I will say that care has been very good for me. I use their apps to keep up with things and have access to details like my lab reports and providers comments in a record that I can refer back to anytime I feel the need. Like many things we encounter I do encounter points of frustration.

For what seems like a mystery I have been faced with sudden changes in providers on two occasions. One was my primary care doctor who I had a great deal of confidence in. One day I found out that wasn't my doctor, when I was sending a message of a symptom that concerned me. No explanation was offered and just as abruptly I was told that a new doctor would be assigned, kind of like it wasn't any of my business who that would be or if I was comfortable with the assigned physician.

Because the symptom I had reported was of a serious nature I was able to cut through the red tape and actually get some face to face interaction. First I wanted to know why the change was being made. Still don't know why that is, other than the doctor is not with the VA anymore. Disappointing but certainly a final answer. The next and going forward more important point was that I fully intended to have a voice in who my new primary care doctor would be. In the civilian world that was simple you look around, do research and then contact the doctor that you feel drawn to.

It took a some effort but I finally got a list of potential new doctors, along with recommendations related to the specific concerns that I had voiced as being very important to me as the patient. Like you I consider this a very personal matter, and I engage with question and answers with my doctor. I did my research and narrowed my list of options ranked by the recommendations and things that I found in my online research.

Yes, you can research a VA doctor on line, but again it takes effort. Fortunately, the one I had ranked at the top of my list proved to be a compatible choice for me. I told the doctor about this in detail, and I think it went a long way in the care I receive from his care. So fellow veterans, here's my advice. Ask questions. Do your research. Openly discuss concerns and opinions with your doctor. I've learned that VA doctors care about the treatment of their patients.
 

I worked ten years in a VA hospital, and about 30 years in other hospitals. I'd say the level of care was about the same in all of them. Of course, I didn't have anything to do with the hassle of getting "benefits". The main problem with the VA is Congress. They are the true owners of the VA. And if you don't think they play politics with the VA, leave your wallet outside your door tonight, so the Bunny Rabbit cane stuff it with $100s.
 
fuzzybuddy said:
I worked ten years in a VA hospital, and about 30 years in other hospitals. I'd say the level of care was about the same in all of them. Of course, I didn't have anything to do with the hassle of getting "benefits". The main problem with the VA is Congress. They are the true owners of the VA. And if you don't think they play politics with the VA, leave your wallet outside your door tonight, so the Bunny Rabbit cane stuff it with $100s.
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I don't bet on dead horses. You are correct about the political aspect of the VA oversite. Sadly, it should not be that way, because the veteran has earned the care requested, not an entitlement but an earned benefit. Getting the benefit is not so difficult, just present your DD214, the difficult area is in seeking disability beyond medical care. I looked at area the same way that I have many things in my life.

Seeking disability benefits, is a process. I will ad that I'm offended by the glitzy ads offering legal assistance as a disguise for soliciting legal fees. There are instances when that legal assistance is genuinely needed. On the other hand, if you read the requirements and work within the system you can get there. I know, I did.

In reference to civilian hospitals vs the VA facilities, there are good ones and some not so good in both segments. I am very fortunate to in proximity to the Alvin C York Medical Center in Murfreesboro, and I have been the recipient of very good care. In addition, I find that I have excellent online access to all my medical records to include details of my laboratory reports and caregiver's comments. I study that information just as I would a business document. Why? Because it is my health. I pay attention to my wife's civilian medical care because I feel responsible for her daily.
 

TennVet said:
Before I retired I always had excellent health insurance that provided everything I needed. As a Vietnam veteran upon retirement I pursued my VA health care benefits. And contrary to things I have read, I will say that care has been very good for me. I use their apps to keep up with things and have access to details like my lab reports and providers comments in a record that I can refer back to anytime I feel the need. Like many things we encounter I do encounter points of frustration.

For what seems like a mystery I have been faced with sudden changes in providers on two occasions. One was my primary care doctor who I had a great deal of confidence in. One day I found out that wasn't my doctor, when I was sending a message of a symptom that concerned me. No explanation was offered and just as abruptly I was told that a new doctor would be assigned, kind of like it wasn't any of my business who that would be or if I was comfortable with the assigned physician.

Because the symptom I had reported was of a serious nature I was able to cut through the red tape and actually get some face to face interaction. First I wanted to know why the change was being made. Still don't know why that is, other than the doctor is not with the VA anymore. Disappointing but certainly a final answer. The next and going forward more important point was that I fully intended to have a voice in who my new primary care doctor would be. In the civilian world that was simple you look around, do research and then contact the doctor that you feel drawn to.

It took a some effort but I finally got a list of potential new doctors, along with recommendations related to the specific concerns that I had voiced as being very important to me as the patient. Like you I consider this a very personal matter, and I engage with question and answers with my doctor. I did my research and narrowed my list of options ranked by the recommendations and things that I found in my online research.

Yes, you can research a VA doctor on line, but again it takes effort. Fortunately, the one I had ranked at the top of my list proved to be a compatible choice for me. I told the doctor about this in detail, and I think it went a long way in the care I receive from his care. So fellow veterans, here's my advice. Ask questions. Do your research. Openly discuss concerns and opinions with your doctor. I've learned that VA doctors care about the treatment of their patients.
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My husband gets mostly good care at the V.A. but he is very proactive.
 
hearlady said:
My husband gets mostly good care at the V.A. but he is very proactive.
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I think being proactive is the key. I feel that my wife is sometimes just to sweet and does not ask enough questions of her caregivers. On one occasion at her cardiologist's office he asked if there was anything else she should tell him. After she said no, I spoke up and asked, what about these three things you told me about. The Doctor then took another look at her test results. Within less than a week she had open heart surgery replacing a valve, repairing the aneurism in her aorta and a bypass. She also now has a pacemaker and I'm confident has many years ahead for herself, and me too.
 
Hey, glad you had good care. Many horror stories unfortunately. Up here in the great white north, when a Vet needs care, they offer to end your life! Have you heard about our lovely Maids program? Vets serve until we can't, get destroyed physically or mentally (or both), and instead of help, they try to off you! I for one am one that has been taken care of like you.
Love reading your story.
 
I know that all of the VA centers are not as good as the one I am going too. Your description sounds like a true horror story. Speaking to other vets when I am there, I run into many who have traveled significant distances to come to this one in Murfreesboro. To me that speaks volumes.
 
I think I used VA twice, mostly just to check it out. Working for United Airlines for 33 years, there was a period in one contract the pilots and flight attendants signed that gave us paid up benefits for life. That's medical, dental and eye care. After that one contract, they took it off the table for the next contract and offered a bit more in wages. People have a love for money and do not think about retirement until they are nearing or at retirement. Any of us that was under the umbrella for the lifetime benefits was grandfathered for life. I finally found a little luck.

My wife also has great retirement benefits from Georgetown University. I can't believe how much of a stress relief it was knowing we have our health benefits paid for during retirement means when you retire. Whew!
 
I understand that the site doesn't want political posts, however Truth demands attention. The VA was improving after 2016. Care was better, The doctors and nurses were being treated better and treatment was improving. After 2020, everything went into the toilet. The VA online websites crashed because they were being "improved" and we Vets went for over 2 months without being able to do anything online (prescription, medical appointments, etc.).

While this may seem minor for those living in a city, for us Vets living in rural America, we need to handle most issues online. Both of the general doctors left, along with the optometrist, leaving many here in south central Missouri with no treatment at all. Multiple nurses also left, so there was no support at the facility. I had to go without my high blood pressure medication for multiple months while the VA figured out where the glitch in their system was, risking a cardiac episode. These issues have yet to be resolved three years after they happened.
 
I have used several VA medical facilities in my state and am well satisfied. They have moved about a year ago from a very small place to a larger newly refurbished facility about 20 miles away with dermatology, optometry, dental, and physical therapy, besides basic physicals. They had authorized me going to a non VA optometrist previously and I still am. I was in for an eye exam yesterday and got a prescription for a new pair of glasses. I called the VA to come in to pick out a pair and they gave me an appointment for this Monday already. But some aspects of healthcare, VA or non VA are a crap shoot. Took me almost 3 months to get an exam at a non VA Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist.
 
Here in Canada our military veterans can go to any Doctor or hospital for treatment, and they can choose who they are cared by. There are a few Veteran's Affairs operated nursing homes dedicated to serving elderly CAF members. Jimb .
 
My B-I-L had severe diabetes. He was being treated by the VA at the time. The left leg then the right leg was amputated and he was so darn depressed without having his legs, I couldn't bring him out of it. He was also in a VA rest home, which is like a regular home where you can come and go as you please and make your own food or have someone there help you or make it for you. It was really a good place for him, not being married.

I would go over as often as I could at first and try to persuade him to go out with me for a beer or to a game of whatever was in season, but he wouldn't budge. Finally, I had enough of his life long pity party. I told him I was coming over at 5 that day and be ready because we are going to the fireman's carnival in the village. He said he wasn't going and I told him that I didn't ask him, so just be ready. I had pictured in my mind of me carrying him out to my vehicle. To my surprise, he was ready.

We went to the carnival, rode a few rides and played some Bingo. He even smiled and laughed a bit. He had his Marine hat on and that sparked a few conversations with other Marines that would walk up to us and talk. He was stationed in Gitmo during the Vietnam War and was in charge of dismantling explosives. Good job, huh?

When I got him back home, he admitted he was being a pain in the rump for a long time and I was so good to him and understanding. That was hogwash. I said to him, "OK, Dave, what is it that you want?" At first he played dumb, but then said he wouldn't mind going to Atlantic City to see a show and gamble a little.

I told him that's a 3+ hour drive from here and you are a 3 hour drive for me to get here. He was living in Scranton, PA. Well, what's a guy to do, so I did it. I put a carrier on the back of my SUV and put his scooter on it so I wouldn't have to push him around. It turned out to be a very good day. I think he even went home a winner. I got a hotel room for the night when I dropped him off.

Sorry for the long story, but I get to rambling and can't stop.
 
I never used the VA. I figured it was for veterans that had service connected medical issues and I have none of those. But I sure milked the Hell out of the GI Bill.
 
911 said:
My B-I-L had severe diabetes. He was being treated by the VA at the time. The left leg then the right leg was amputated and he was so darn depressed without having his legs, I couldn't bring him out of it. He was also in a VA rest home, which is like a regular home where you can come and go as you please and make your own food or have someone there help you or make it for you. It was really a good place for him, not being married.

I would go over as often as I could at first and try to persuade him to go out with me for a beer or to a game of whatever was in season, but he wouldn't budge. Finally, I had enough of his life long pity party. I told him I was coming over at 5 that day and be ready because we are going to the fireman's carnival in the village. He said he wasn't going and I told him that I didn't ask him, so just be ready. I had pictured in my mind of me carrying him out to my vehicle. To my surprise, he was ready.

We went to the carnival, rode a few rides and played some Bingo. He even smiled and laughed a bit. He had his Marine hat on and that sparked a few conversations with other Marines that would walk up to us and talk. He was stationed in Gitmo during the Vietnam War and was in charge of dismantling explosives. Good job, huh?

When I got him back home, he admitted he was being a pain in the rump for a long time and I was so good to him and understanding. That was hogwash. I said to him, "OK, Dave, what is it that you want?" At first he played dumb, but then said he wouldn't mind going to Atlantic City to see a show and gamble a little.

I told him that's a 3+ hour drive from here and you are a 3 hour drive for me to get here. He was living in Scranton, PA. Well, what's a guy to do, so I did it. I put a carrier on the back of my SUV and put his scooter on it so I wouldn't have to push him around. It turned out to be a very good day. I think he even went home a winner. I got a hotel room for the night when I dropped him off.

Sorry for the long story, but I get to rambling and can't stop.
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It's obvious that this experience was good for both of you. Kindness of that nature does come back to you if not at the moment then eventually. In spite of my disability I am still able to do things that many of my fellow vets cannot. That is why I started volunteering at the VA. All I do is help others get from one point to another, but I never fail to meet up with another vet who has difficulties much worse than mine. I'm now 76 and at some time I'm going to need a helping hand, I hope someone like you is around to help me on that day.
 
His Dudeness said:
I understand that the site doesn't want political posts, however Truth demands attention. The VA was improving after 2016. Care was better, The doctors and nurses were being treated better and treatment was improving. After 2020, everything went into the toilet. The VA online websites crashed because they were being "improved" and we Vets went for over 2 months without being able to do anything online (prescription, medical appointments, etc.).

While this may seem minor for those living in a city, for us Vets living in rural America, we need to handle most issues online. Both of the general doctors left, along with the optometrist, leaving many here in south central Missouri with no treatment at all. Multiple nurses also left, so there was no support at the facility. I had to go without my high blood pressure medication for multiple months while the VA figured out where the glitch in their system was, risking a cardiac episode. These issues have yet to be resolved three years after they happened.
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I firmly believe that in many ways the VA is a political football too often helped or harmed by those seeking a selfish motive. I've received my healthcare through the VA ever since I retired. In my working life I was fortunate to have above average insurance coverage for myself and my family. When I take a look at the care I receive at the VA it meets or exceeds care I received with private insurance. My disability rating allows me to have that with zero out of pocket expense. This allows me to provide quality coverage along with our retirement so my wife has the best care available.
 
Shadowman said:
I have used several VA medical facilities in my state and am well satisfied. They have moved about a year ago from a very small place to a larger newly refurbished facility about 20 miles away with dermatology, optometry, dental, and physical therapy, besides basic physicals. They had authorized me going to a non VA optometrist previously and I still am. I was in for an eye exam yesterday and got a prescription for a new pair of glasses. I called the VA to come in to pick out a pair and they gave me an appointment for this Monday already. But some aspects of healthcare, VA or non VA are a crap shoot. Took me almost 3 months to get an exam at a non VA Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist.
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Many of these experiences are more a product of where we live than the institution itself. As a rural resident I drive 35 miles to one full service facility or 47 miles to another. I much prefer the closer one, not because of the distance, but because of the atmosphere. I firmly believe that it has much to do with the management and staffing of one over the other. I have experienced the same with big box stores, a closer one provides absolutely the worst possible service, while one further away is welcoming and helpful. Guess you know which one I purchase from.
 

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