With the VA, you are trapped in an endless electronic voiced phone tree that doesn't even point you in the right direction, let alone answer your questions.
I have been waiting since I filed my initial paperwork last July (2011) for an appointment for an evaluation for treatment of some service connected injuries.
They did send me one piece of paperwork, though, a questionnaire form that I have to fill out to ensure that I can pay for my treatment. I'd laugh but I'd probably end up crying.
The real sad part is there are veterans out there missing arms, legs and have other serious injuries that need constant medical treatment. I shudder to think that they are having troubles like I have run into.
It saddens me to think that veterans with severe injuries that they incurred fighting to protect this country find the government agency that is supposed to care for them would rather drown them in bureaucratic red tape. It is reprehensible.
After numerous tries, I finally found a phone tree entry that will allow me to talk to a real live person...by appointment. They will call me. The first available appointment is a week away. Sheesh!
At least I have the time now to wait around for that phone call. :c(
I'm sad to say I have seen too many examples of which you speak. I guess we should be thankful the the military didn't deliver on its mission like the VA does on theirs.
ReplyDeleteIndeed sad; better care for veterans should be a priority.
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding?? Good grief. I have a friend who served 4 years in Vietnam. He is not a retiree and he has never had trouble getting them or getting them to cover everything for any medical service he needs for the past 40+ years. I'm ap-paul-ed at the way you are being treated. Where's the nearest hospital? Go march up there and give them what for!
ReplyDeleteThe sad part is you can go to the hospital all you want, but the hospital cannot schedule an appointment, you must go through a national 800 number to try and schedule an appointment to get an appointment with an operator in another state to get an appointment to be seen.
DeleteYou have no say in when you actually can get an appointment to be seen, they will notify you by mail (if you are lucky enough to get that far).
Wow that is a lot different than the VA near Tampa that I take my father to. I actually just call them for the appointments. They set the time of course and they do send him a notice but they even send transportation to pick him up and bring him back. I have to call and arrange that too of course. But we've been very happy with them. Come on down to Tampa, maybe they will treat you better.
DeleteCheck out the VA facility in South Dakota. You're bound to have better luck contacting a representative in a small town facility. The bigger ones have huge backlogs.
ReplyDeleteThat's deplorable! Those who served our country and put their lives on the line for our freedom deserve better respect and care than that.
ReplyDeleteGeez! I find that just about any government agency (whether State or National) is about the same. It is deplorable.
ReplyDeletePathetic!
ReplyDeleteAfter a minor surgery at a VA hospital 30 years ago, I swore I would never have any thing to do with them again:(
ReplyDeleteI've never understood it. And you're going to be a little pissed with me, since I'm a danged foreigner, but I'm going to say it anyway.
ReplyDeleteWe all get self righteous about "supporting the troops" and all that good stuff, but GOD FORBID we have to do something for them when they're done doing their duty. The Canadian Government sucks at this just as much from what I hear.
For a little while there back in the dark ages I regretted my decision not to join the service. Would have started out as an officer. Had the degree and all that good stuff. As the years have rolled by though, after having seen the way our respective governments sh*t on our service personnel, I no longer think that way. Just as happy to avoid that whole frustrating experience.
Good luck.
I told you how it would be, 6 years and counting.
ReplyDeleteRidiculous! Maybe it would work as far as trying a smaller community. My father used the VA in WI for 60 years. He lived in a very small town and had no problems being seen or getting appointments whether it was fairly close by or in Madison many miles away. Good luck. I feel your frustration.
ReplyDeleteI've found it is easier to just go down and ask the questions in person. On a better note, the El Paso VA Hospital is great both in person and on the phone.
ReplyDeleteThat is too bad. I know I don't have to remind you to make a list so you don't forget anything.
ReplyDelete