Are you familiar with the Patient Advocate at the VA Medical Centers? have you used that service?

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 16:48:22 -0500

The Patient Advocate may be one of the best-kept "secrets" in the VA Medical care system. I learned about the office last fall when I was asking my primary care doctor how I could best approach VBA. The Patient Advocate (is exactly what the name implies - he or she is your advocate from the VA medical side to the rest of the VA including VBA which conducts evaluations and assesses disability. [NOTE This is a survey question]

Response by SFC Wade W. made Feb 1 at 2016 4:50 PM

SFC Wade W. — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 16:50:15 -0500

I have and it was a good experience for me but I have also determined that my VA Hospital in Prescott, AZ is definitely one of the good ones.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 1 at 2016 4:55 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 16:55:11 -0500

I started using the office of the patient Advocate at Martinsburg, WV VAMC last fall after my primary care physician told me the office existed and what the office does. The PA submitted an individual unemployability packet to VBA on my behalf in October 2015. I was able to talk with him frankly and he recommended IU and Social Security Disability (SSD) for me. He is my advocate with VBA.
It would be great if SSD had a patient advocate office because SSD denied my case and provided no signature of POC to contact - just the national SSA office number.

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Feb 1 at 2016 6:38 PM

SGT Forrest Stewart — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 18:38:28 -0500

I am not disabled, however I have heard of the VA patient advocate. Glad you got a good one LTC Stephen Ford!

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Feb 1 at 2016 6:44 PM

SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 18:44:14 -0500

I will visit the Patient Advocate office any time I feel something is not right or can be improved.
They have been very helpful when it comes to issues that effect veterans
My dealing have been with the Temple VA hospital in Temple, TX

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 7:04 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 19:04:29 -0500

I used the American Legion at first. When they didnt help me, I used the VFW and received my 100% disability in six months.

Response by SGT Christopher Premore made Feb 1 at 2016 8:34 PM

SGT Christopher Premore — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 20:34:49 -0500

I had good luck with a patient advocate from the Richmond VAMC.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Feb 1 at 2016 8:36 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 20:36:16 -0500

LTC Ford, Sir I have heard of that group, and they done great for some vets. From what I know of them they were/are in addition to the DVA (Federal) and your State Organization if memory is correct. I'm not sure if the Vet Center is associated with them, I'd have to see Sir, and get back with you.

Response by TSgt Renona Crowden made Feb 1 at 2016 8:42 PM

TSgt Renona Crowden — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 20:42:21 -0500

The Patient Advocate is there is be a liaison between the patient and health care system (VHA). A VSO is your gateway to the VBA.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Feb 2 at 2016 4:39 AM

PVT Robert Gresham — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 04:39:24 -0500

I have tried to avail myself of the services of the patient advocate, LTC Stephen F.. Unfortunately the Patient Advocate for the Fairbanks and Anchorage areas do not feel it necessary to return telephone calls. I tried for over 3 months to reach my Patient Advocate and/or her Supervisor, and for some reason, they would never return my calls. I finally gave up after no less than 15 calls. It was painfully obvious that any solution to my problems were not going to come from the VA patient advocate. From now on I contact VA directly.