Do you use VA Clinics? Why do you go there?

[Heartland Patriot]

Do you guys receive disability compensation?

Not at the present time, since I've just started the process. I've been told they give various amounts of disability ratings from 0% to 10% based on how bad your hearing is, by their measurement, of course. I'm not really looking to get anything out of them right now, just want it documented in case it gets worse later. I've got Tricare that I pay for and that is fine by me, for now.

[C247]

My hearing loss wasn't sever but I received a 0% rating for just the hearing loss. They said my hearing was at a normal level for someone in their mid 20s also. (I don't think a lot of 20 something's know what a VBIED sounds like )

[tallmike]

I must be lucky, my VA doc and his team are quite good. They take an interest and always return my calls quickly. I can't get the medicines I want for some stuff, so I go to my private doc and use my regular insurance for them.

Other vets I know who use the Austin clinic generally seem to like their docs too.

[Valk]

I had to cancel and reschedule an appointment a few months back. I received a 2 day notice via automated phone for my appointment. We had planned a trip to Phoenix (sister-in-law surgery on her carotid artery) and we were leaving the next day.

I called to cancel my appointment and reschedule a new one. While in Phoenix my heartbeat went to 146 and I ended up in the emergency room. When I returned home, I tried to call the clinic and see when my appointment was. They never scheduled a new one. All of my meds were expired.

I left 5 voice messages over 5 days. No one called me back. The pharmacy understood my problem and did all they could. They finally transferred me to some lady. I did not know who she was, but I spoke with her on a Friday and she asked if I could come in Monday. I think they may call it “Patient Advocates”. I believe the advocates are there to cut down the number of congressional inquires.

I have noticed a change in my doctor and his nurse. The nurse gave me a very cold shoulder. The doctor explained to me if I had a problem, I should call. Now when I call, the doctor himself calls me back.

I don’t know that it would help someone not in the system .

[MoJo]

Do you guys receive disability compensation?

In November of 2010 I filed a claim for compensation for Agent Orange Exposure. I have Prostate Cancer and Tipe II Diabetes, two "presumed" diseases; meaning if you have it and were in country for one day they are supposed to take care of you. Both diseases were found by my private doctor and are being treated by him. I get to go to the clinic but, little else. My financial compensation claim is bouncing around in the system somewhere maybe they will get if finalized I could use the money to pay my private doctor's bill.

[saltydog452]

I have escorted my Step-Dad there and found the reception to be blunt, almost to the point of outright rudeness and the wait times excessive to the point of requiring all of an available day. The dr. (notice the lower case letter) was more blunt than the VA employes.

Seriously folks, the level of concern is waaay higher in the Parkland EM Room than the VA. At the Veterans Administration Hospital,, the remaining WW2 Vets are mid 80s, and a dying breed of self-reliant individuals. The Parkland Waiting Room is quite a contrast in apparent entitlement expectations, has way more votes and the count is growing.

I would suggest that, if our DC lawgivers were required to use VA facilities, the treatment would improve considerably.

salty
63-67

[Valk]

I see it every time I go there. I see young people taking their paw paws and also middle age folks taking their older parents there. The wait is very long and is certainly the worst part. Although not following “their rules” is a close second.

When you check in for an appointment at the front desk, is where you begin your long twisted journey and find discourteous VA employees. Even the new faces at the front desk don’t help. I experience the skin color rule EVERY time I go.