Can anyone tell us how bad the VA is really understaffed and unprepared for the onslaught of Veterans we have today?

2016-07-29T14:05:39-04:00

There are a lot of RP Members on RallyPoint and can anyone really tell us how bad the situation is with the VA and the Healthcare we are providing today. I've heard from multiple veterans in different areas of freezes on hiring when in fact the VA is understaffed, VA Employees not happy and looking for new jobs, and Veterans starting a new claim over multiple times because of extensive paperwork and constant delays!

Is the system funded enough and big enough to handle the onslaught of veterans from OEF and OIF, along with all our past war veterans from Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and other deployments that have taken place throughout the world?

Can anybody tell us the honest truth about the situation here on RallyPoint without attribution from the VA or be considered a Whistle Blower?

I’ll take private messages from you and relay them to the rest of RallyPoint anonymously on this post.

***IF YOU HAVE POSITIVE TRENDS OR FIXES THAT YOU KNOW OF THAT ARE WORKING PLEASE SHARE SOME POSITIVE INFORMATION AS WELL!***

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2016 2:08 PM

2016-07-29T14:08:34-04:00

There are many problems, but I think many are being addressed and not enough is said about that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2016 2:09 PM

2016-07-29T14:09:09-04:00

This might be difficult to answer unless you're talking about a specific VA.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Jul 29 at 2016 2:11 PM

2016-07-29T14:11:17-04:00

Well, I'm joining the IT team at the Ann Arbor facility, so at least the systems should improve there, lol. But yeah, this isn't just limited to the VA. Medical facilities across the board are losing a lot of people due to understaffing, budget cuts, and inordinately stressful working conditions due to both the former things (because those administrative executives really earned their quarterly bonuses, y'know?). It's a common theme I hear from every single friend of mine that is part of the medical field. Especially among the nursing staff.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jul 29 at 2016 2:36 PM

2016-07-29T14:36:50-04:00

Other than it taking a while to get appointments, I've had pretty good luck up at the Truman VA in Columbia. My Doc has helped me with a couple issues, it just took a while to get in to the specialty clinics .
That said, I also have Tri Care so I get service for urgent care issues here locally.
I like to use the VA for the issues that I was rated as service connected for so I don't have to chase paperwork for my records.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Jul 29 at 2016 3:37 PM

2016-07-29T15:37:16-04:00

My wife worked for the VA and was wrongfully terminated. What we found out was the superiors were united in the wrongful termination. Nobody helped her, G1, EO, CoS, nobody. This tells me that the leadership is capable of promulgating wrong and sponsoring it.

Response by SGT David T. made Jul 29 at 2016 3:51 PM

2016-07-29T15:51:26-04:00

I'm much happier now that I have washed my hands of the VA. All they ever did was try and medicate me without figuring out what was wrong with me. As far as being underfunded, I can see that. They are funded through normal appropriations and that money has been getting less and less every year. My last job was funded the same way and we had a 3:1 ratio to back fill. In normal people speak we needed 3 vacancies to back fill 1. Throw in the added OEF/OIF vets into the mix and their back is broken. I have no doubt that there are many factors internally that they could address, but since I am not a VA employee, I cannot speak to that.

Response by MSG David Rogers III made Jul 29 at 2016 3:51 PM

2016-07-29T15:51:36-04:00

I have four years with the Hudson Valley VA System, covering most of the area upstate from NYC to just below Albany. The staff is awesome, very friendly and professional. Doctor are the best, very knowledgeable. I have had no issues getting timely appointments. Campuses and facilities are clean and well maintained. So yes, there are some good systems!

Response by Cpl Steve Sweeney made Jul 29 at 2016 4:06 PM

2016-07-29T16:06:28-04:00

I know here at Ft Meade, SD. We mostly all see PA's that report to DR's. And because of my SC disabilities I know they've lost or let go of more than 10 specialists, and DO NOT plan to rehire because the Health Net system is sadly trying to pick up the slack. I say sadly because that program is so over worked its 90 days plus behind in paying docs. So, I think the VA is losing a lot of good folks because of the gridlock obstruction in congress

Response by 1SG Ernest Schmidt made Jul 29 at 2016 5:43 PM

2016-07-29T17:43:49-04:00

Saying Hi, The VA hospital here in Nashville, Tn has to be one of the best, sometimes it gets a little testy when you have to wait for your appointment. They have done me great if not for them and the VA clinic in Clarksville, Tn i would have never been treated for my PTSD. They have been a big help my wife became 100% disabled and we lost our home. The VA was there for me each time. I am also Tri-Care Prim. I find it harder to get appointments with them then the VA at this point. There are a lot of Drs out there that no longer take Tri-Care Prime plus you have to wait and have an approval first before you can see a Dr.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2016 6:01 PM

2016-07-29T18:01:05-04:00

i have had no bad experiences so far

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2016 6:07 PM

2016-07-29T18:07:55-04:00

the only problem i have with is the constant changing, i just found out my psch dr is leaving soon, so know what, start over

Response by PFC Donnie Walters made Jul 29 at 2016 7:40 PM

2016-07-29T19:40:44-04:00

The VAOC here in Evansville I have had multiple issues with. The entire VA system as a whole is very difficult to navigate without assistance. I have had claims take over two years before a decision was made. I have filed appeals and never received responses. I've even tried going through our county veteran service officer to know results. The VA is disappointing.

Response by PFC Donnie Walters made Jul 29 at 2016 7:43 PM

2016-07-29T19:43:14-04:00

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Jul 29 at 2016 9:09 PM

2016-07-29T21:09:38-04:00

I must be the only one whose VA is awesome! I never have to wait for an appointment and if it's going to take too long to get one, the VA calls me and asks me if I want to get seen faster by going to an outside source. I check in...and never wait more than 15-30 before the doc see's me. I get my medicines mailed to me and call on the phone for automated system for refills. Seriously, I don't understand why my VA is run like a well oiled machine and other VA's are not.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 30 at 2016 10:15 AM

2016-07-30T10:15:12-04:00

Mountain Home here in E. TN seems to be doing fine as far as the actual healthcare is concerned. They do many things right. like free valet parking and reasonable wait times. The problem with the VA in my opinion is primarily on the front end, that should be the focus. I let my time lapse and was dropped from the system. It took months to get anyone to talk to or get an answer by Email. They run you around the loop. In one instance the only person I was referred to was on a long vacation and had a recording that no one was backing him up. I'm now back to my civilian Docs using Medicare and TFL for a variety of reasons.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 30 at 2016 11:19 AM

2016-07-30T11:19:15-04:00

I personally have no experience other than for GI Bill which is pretty slow service.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2016 11:44 AM

2016-07-30T11:44:04-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, I began going to the Houston VA in 1999. In the first year I found out what it takes, as a veteran, to get along with the staff. I've never had a serious issue with my doctors, except my PA, which I took care of last week. The only long waiting time is with my dental and oral surgeon. That's because I've been getting implants over the last ten years and before they can put a crown on, it takes a year for the implant to heal. Other than those two things, I'm very lucky to have good doctors. I've had heart surgery, kidney stone surgery, glaucoma implants, a severe UTI, and awesome Psychologists, who treated my PTSD. I've had electro shock therapy, which helped my severe depression. All in all, I've had it good at the VA. All a person has to do to help themselves with the VA system, is be polite, have the necessary records needed for a claim, and don't be in a hurry. You're not the only vet filing a claim or waiting on an appointment. Those three things will go a long way in getting through the system.

Response by MAJ David Potter made Jul 30 at 2016 1:27 PM

2016-07-30T13:27:21-04:00

I started treatment at Providence RI VA then moved to Boston. Overall appointments were timely except initial PT. PCP's mixed bag. One negative experience with LPN. Psych overall is great! I would rate VA 68 out of 100 overall. It took 18 months for 100% rating with PH. I think bigger issue is processing and documenting paperwork at unit level. Took me 3.5 years to process permanent profile. Actually got permanent profile and MEB referral 8 months after 100% VA with 15 service connected issues (yes 15 started touring attached to line units at age of 37). One year later still processing first LOD at unit level. Bottom line, you will put a ridiculous amount of time into both processes for free. Hard to be broken and do all of this but hang in there and get the help you need.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jul 30 at 2016 5:56 PM

2016-07-30T17:56:57-04:00

During my only appointment I waited for 15 minutes in the exam room. A medical person comes in and said "John Smith" (I'm making up the name). I said no, I'm Raul Rovira. "Ups, sorry, i read the wrong charts, I'll be back". About 15 minutes into our session which the medical person is now winging, someone opens the door (no knocking) into our exam room and said "I'm sorry, wrong room". My date of birth was also wrong in their database. All in one day. I can't say it is awesome service. They do have room for improvement.

Response by Cpl John Mathews made Jul 31 at 2016 8:21 PM

2016-07-31T20:21:47-04:00

Over the years I have been treated at the VA hospitals in Ann Arbor, Syracuse, Phoenix, and Washington DC. I have had major surgeries at AnnArbor and Phoenix. My experience has been almost comletely positive. The people I have dealt with have been friendly and professional. Almost all have been MDs and RNs, although a number of times I have first been seen by residents (which makes a lot of sense).

I know lots of good, caring men and women who work at the VA, many of whom are veterans. The VA lacks people and space. Many facilities need to be expanded, and they need to be able to hire people at competitive salaries. There are always some employees who are slackers in every company/agency/unit but they are a very small minority at the VA in my experience.

Response by SFC Alfred Galloway made Aug 1 at 2016 1:06 PM

2016-08-01T13:06:21-04:00

Col Burroughs, from my POV, I have never had issues with the VA, I have only a 20% disability service connected and the service here at the Indianapolis VA has been exemplary. I have also heard horror stories from other VA hospitals which is sad, as their mandate is to serve the healthcare needs of our Vets.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 5 at 2016 6:38 AM

2016-08-05T06:38:14-04:00

I've talked to several people that go to the local VA by me in SW Michigan, and they are very happy with the service that they get.

Response by SSG Jacey R. made Aug 8 at 2016 1:32 AM

2016-08-08T01:32:14-04:00

In Ironwood, MI there is only 1 doctor that covers 2 counties, she is only able to be there 4 days a week. The rest of the time she has to go to another clinic.

Response by SSG William Egan made Aug 9 at 2016 3:00 AM

2016-08-09T03:00:15-04:00

WOW THIS IS A GREAT QUESTION AND I AM LOVING THE RESPONSES. I HAVE A GREAT TEAM THAT HAS MY BACK AND WILL DO EVERYTHING TO TAKE CARE OF ME. I MOVED AWAY JUST FOR A YEAR BUT KNEW I WAS COMING BACK AND TO MAKE SURE I KEPT MY DR. I DROVE FOR 8 HOURS TO MY APPOINTMENTS FOR THAT YEAR INSTEAD OF TRANSFERRING.

YES THEY ARE UNDERSTAFFED AND WE NEED MORE STAFFING TO HANDLE ALL THE NEW VETS. THE THRESHOLD WAS LOWERED TO 180 DAYS TO QUALIFY AND WITH 2 WARS GOING ON THEY ARE BEING FLOODED WITH NEW VETERANS RETURNING. EVEN THOUGH MY TEAM DOES A GREAT JOB, THEY ADMITTED TO ME THEY DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO SPEND WITH THE VETEREANS THEY ALREADY HAVE. YOU COULD SEE MY NURSE WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THAT AT ALL. SO THE VA HAS SOME GREAT PEOPLE THAT REALLY CARE, BUT WE NEED MORE FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS RETURNING.

ALSO FOR MY VETERAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS....TAKE IT EASY ON THE STAFF SOMETIMES. MOST WILL DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO HELP YOU (the C&P staff is another story). TRY NOT TO TAKE YOUR FRUSTRATIONS OUT ON THEM. THE OTHER DAY I SAW A VETERAN RIP A CLERK APART AND IT WAS NOT HER FAULT AND/OR RESPONSIBILITY BUT SHE STOOD THERE DOING EVERYTHING SHE COULD....SHE EVEN TOOK THE VETERANS NAME, CLAIM NUMBER AND PHONE NUMBER AND TOLD HIM SHE DIDN'T KNOW BUT SHE WOULD FIND THE CORRECT OFFICE AND GET HIM SOME HELP. IN BETWEEN CHECKING THE VETS AND ANSWERING THE PHONE, SHE WOULD MAKE CALLS AND TRY TO FIND THE ANSWER FOR THIS VETEREAN AFTER HE LEFT.

Response by SFC Charles Miller made Aug 9 at 2016 10:48 AM

2016-08-09T10:48:12-04:00

The VA is understaffed in the lower, immediate medical positions. They have a hard time keeping doctors due the the mountains of paperwork and the ever growing patient population. The real problems lie in the upper management. They know little to nothing about the medical side of it and it is filled with government appointed bureaucratic idiots who can't be fired and are in it only for themselves. The doctors, nurses, and technicians work hard to see what they can. Money doesn't filter form the top down. There has been so many scandals over money that's it's not funny anymore. I've been retired for three years and use VA as little as possible because it takes so long to get appointments. And when you do get one they sometimes cancel it the day of, after you've driven there. It took six months to get a Physical Therapy appointment after injuring my shoulder. Do you think it might get worse in that time? Good luck ,

Response by SSG Darrow Dayton made Aug 12 at 2016 9:53 AM

2016-08-12T09:53:07-04:00

VA in the Philippines is not the place you want to go for your first VA appt. Tgey scheduled my first appt 2 months from the call. I went there and they told me they don't complete DBQs used for compensation. Smh.

Response by LCpl Alexander Janczak made Aug 12 at 2016 11:43 AM

2016-08-12T11:43:19-04:00

I was once told "im sorry Mr. Janczak, it appears youre file fell through the cracks" yep.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Aug 12 at 2016 1:03 PM

2016-08-12T13:03:20-04:00

I've never had a negative experience with the VA, so my observation isn't personal-I just want to state that upfront.

Let me begin by asking about the premise of the original question, is the VA really "under staffed"? As of March this year, OPM reports the VA employs 368,109 people. By comparison, that's about DOUBLE the size of the US Marine Corps at around 183,000! The FY16 budget request for the VA was $168.8 billion; $182.3 billion proposed budget for FY17.

The problem isn't raw numbers of employees or budget, its that they make poor use of the resources they have. Why do we keep blindly accepting that such a bloated agency with such a massive budget needs more, more, and more? Better budgeting and staffing priorities, that's the answer; not more, more, more!

It's the nature of bureaucracies to work for the benefit of the bureaucracy and less for their stated purpose. My God, it was recently reported the VA spent tens of million of dollars on ARTWORK(!!!) over the last few years for various facilities. Much of that money, if not all of it should have been budgeted towards getting vets the help they need. I like an esthetically pleasing building as much as the next guy, but if I have a choice between buying a "Hang in There" cat poster for the wall of the waiting room so that a physician specialist can be hired by the VA for the same amount of money as a static glass sculpture piece (as the Palo Alto VA did), I choose a doctor and cat poster over someone's expensive idea of "art".

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2016 4:31 PM

2016-08-12T16:31:02-04:00

I think the VA needs to be completely reformed, COL Mikel J. Burroughs. If you serve until retirement or sacrifice your physical or mental health for your country, then by God your country should take care of you. If we can waste millions on over priced products, we should, as a military, nay a country, be able to support our them. I'd happily give a few dollars a pay check to ensure that there is better health care available for retirees or those who are injured. I believe those two groups should be able to receive FULL coverage from any hospital. For your standard veteran, maybe some restrictions should apply. If you serve a few years and get out in full health, than perhaps not full coverage. However, again, I truly believe we need to revamp our VA and health benefits and coverage for retirees and injured veterans. The country as a whole should stand behind this.

Response by PO2 Pete Haga made Aug 12 at 2016 4:58 PM

2016-08-12T16:58:29-04:00

Granted the VA has problems but the only people you see are the ones that slip threw and get overlooked or records lost the media doesn't want to talk to happy people that doesn't make for a good story. find the disgruntled person and stick him in front of the camera makes for a better story. most of the Vets on RP seem to have a good handle on the VA.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 20 at 2016 4:17 PM

2016-08-20T16:17:30-04:00

Where I live there are a few shortages such as dermatology doctors COL Mikel J. Burroughs. Generally the VAMC system which supports me has sufficient primary care and specialty care on hand for the capabilities they should. When discussing serious heart surgery I understood that I would need to travel to Baltimore, Maryland to have internal heart surgery - although bypass surgery could be conducted locally.
Generally as in most national systems periodic shortages appear from time to time and some are usually understaffed in particular specialties.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 13 at 2016 1:35 PM

2016-09-13T13:35:47-04:00

Sir,
This is hard to answer.

The "Dept of VA" as a WHOLE is not bad off. It "AS A WHOLE" is probably running at a B+ (Subjective assessment, outsider looking in). However, we must realize that it is running in a District/Regional Setup.

As such, some locations (like school districts), are better than others. Some are running at A+, and some are going to be D....

The real issue we have is that of Bureaucracy. This is NOT a knock on the PEOPLE. Government is a MACHINE. It likes it when every "input" is the same. Unfortunately, when dealing with People and Health, that is not possible, which means that the Machine bogs down. That makes the Machine more resource intensive. Especially with our older vets (Vietnam, Cold War, Gulf 1). Both from End of Life, but also from Technology related issues. When you combine that with "overlapping" size issues (basically we surge up) we have more vets than the system can reasonably support quantitatively. At least until the Vietnam vets are out of the system.

Specific locations are "hotspots" highlighting potential systemic issues. As our Vietnam vets get older, and our OEF/OIF seek more treatment, other sites are going to start to "stress." Basically, the system is bursting at its seems for the next 10~ years, and then will be fine.

The "cultural" and "administrative" issues are all contributing factors, but the root is the QUANTITY of veterans. We must remember that from 1955-1976 (Korea/Vietnam Era) we had a significantly larger Force size. That force is now aging, and experiencing "end of life" care issues. We're responsible for that until they "age out of the system" (die). When you combine the AVF (Cold War) and the Gulf 1 and OIF/OEF vets.... we have unsustainable numbers. Basically a LOGISTICS issue.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2016 5:00 PM

2016-10-18T17:00:00-04:00

Had my first VA appointment today and can say that I was not impressed. I went in being as optimistic as possible, hoping my experience would be different, you know, because.... this is me. Just not the level of professionalism I've grown accustomed to in my 20 years of service.

Response by PFC Donnie Walters made Oct 24 at 2016 8:53 PM

2016-10-24T20:53:39-04:00

This was originally posted on FB by Clif O'Brian CSM Ret. 160th SOAR.

I hope everyone can take time to read this because it is about a young man that served his country and now the Veterans Administration is screwing him over. Sergeant (Retired) Glenn Earl served as a MH-47 Helicopter Crew Chief in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment(Airborne). He was a true professional and set the standard for everyone he worked with. Early in the war in Iraq SGT Earl was shot in the head while conducting a high risk mission. Our medical people did not expect him to survive and in fact none of expected him to live. He was in a wheel chair, down to 90 pounds but wouldn't give up. After two years of intense therapy and physical therapy he learned how to walk, talk and eat on his own again. He never gave up. In the time since then he has become an accomplished wood worker that makes beautiful items for friends, family and military units. it is incredible what he has accomplished and he is a positive role model for all of our wounded warriors. Not too long ago the VA determined he no longer had Second Amendment rights even though he has never, ever proven to be a threat to anyone or himself. But what is even worse is the VA has now declared him incompetent which could result in him losing his home, his disability and everything he has worked for. I talked to him today and he has no idea how this judgement was reached. he has never been late paying his bills and his credit score along with his FICO score is enviable. He is within three years of having his mortgage paid off and his truck is paid for. Glenn Earl is bright, engaging and as intelligent as anyone I have ever talked to. How the VA could consider him incompetent is beyond me or anyone that knows him. No way should this be happening to him and it is a travesty. He has an appointment with Senator Mark Green and hopefully a lawyer will take his case. This is a great example of the care you get from your country in a single payer system that has too much power and control over you. Please write your Congressman to support Glenn. This should not be happening to him. He deserves far better. Thank you.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2016 11:49 PM

2016-11-01T23:49:06-04:00

It varies according to patient to provider ratios. I have had experiences from outstanding to marginal in dealings with 2 different hospitals, but I'd rather not name them. One had massive numbers of patients and it was frustrating. The other had lower numbers so wait times were much lower. None of the care I've received has been substandard. They have some great equipment and decent facilities and with a few exceptions they mostly try hard. You have your 10% bad element everywhere in life and I have encountered a very few that fit the classic civil service mold. That being that they are next to impossible to fire, don't care about the level of care, and don't mind you knowing it. I had gall bladder removed many years ago and it was flawless from beginning to end. It was a young head of same day surgery and he was sharp as a tack. I was only in hospital a couple of days after it and it all went very well. Waiting for appointments is frustrating but the Vets Choice Program has alleviated most of that by outsourcing to private sector if they can't see you in reasonable timeframe. The HealthEVet online program has been a big help also. My biggest gripe is distance to hospital being 2 hours. There are clinics closer but any tests, consults, or major stuff is an all day affair due to distance. Second concern is staffing. The clinic has been getting by with 1 Dr. and I think they rate 3. They are not able to recruit enough MD's, PA's, NP's or RN's and vacancies stay unfilled for around a year minimum or even more. Their pay is not competitive so they mostly get folks that can't afford malpractice insurance costs of going private or foreign types that need a place to build up credentials. I have no doubt there are some horror stories out there but I have been VA patient since 1998 and have not been exposed to what I've read about. For the most part they have done the best they could with what they have to work with. I should add that I can usually tell which providers are Veterans, just by their sense of urgency, attitude, and work ethic. There's a special bond between USN Corpsmen and Marines and apparently it's the same with other services because the providers that are Vets just seem to treat you differently. I may just perceive it that way but perception is reality to the beholder. Best Wishes to all.

Response by PO3 Ricky Foster made Nov 28 at 2016 7:23 PM

2016-11-28T19:23:29-05:00

I do not make use of my VA benefits. My uncle and Grandfather and step Uncle had such horrific experiences that I refuse to go.

Response by PFC James Craft made Nov 28 at 2016 7:26 PM

2016-11-28T19:26:56-05:00

The major problem is they took the $300 million Obama fmgace them and bought office furniture for the medical staff not to hire employees that care about veterans. The employees they have now in Dallas act like they are union employees who can't be fired.