Can you take a diagnosis from a civilian doctor to the VA and be treated by the VA system?

2017-06-09T17:01:55-04:00

I've been seeing a civilian doctor with my civilian health insurance for an injury stemming from a deployment to Iraq. I have a diagnosis but now they want me to do physical therapy 3 times a week, which equates to $240 a pay period in co-pays. Can I take the diagnosis to the VA and deal with them from here or will I still face the same financial hurdle?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2017 5:13 PM

2017-06-09T17:13:16-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member I would say "yes", but my answer may be skewed as my VA is directly connected w/ the University of Missouri Hospital. Isn't a part of the Choice program that this can occur?

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jun 9 at 2017 5:20 PM

2017-06-09T17:20:46-04:00

You might not match the financial one but there are other hurdles, by the time the VA processes your information, do their examinations, run their tests, conduct their own diagnosis... you may have long since finished the therapy from the civilian doctor...

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Jun 9 at 2017 5:47 PM

2017-06-09T17:47:35-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, you can certainly bring your diagnosis from a civilian provider to the VA; however, there must be a linkage to a service-connected disability you have. VHA is there to serve your service-connected disabilities - ones for which you have a rating from the Veterans Benefits Administration. If you aren't rated, then the VA likely won't assist with your physical therapy; however, if the VA verifies the necessity of your treatment, then I'm confident they will work with you to get the necessary treatment; albeit in a VHA facility if they have the means to provide the treatment. Hope this helps.

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Jun 9 at 2017 5:48 PM

2017-06-09T17:48:15-04:00

yes you can I do it all the time

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Jun 9 at 2017 6:03 PM

2017-06-09T18:03:59-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Your unit should be doing an LOD on you if you were injured in country. Were you diagnosed over there or did you refuse to report it when you returned? It will be determined if the cause was in the line of duty or not- have you been through that process?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2017 6:42 PM

2017-06-09T18:42:02-04:00

Don't worry the VA will give 5% disability.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2017 10:38 PM

2017-06-09T22:38:36-04:00

I've done it back and forth both ways. But both PCMs wanted to perform their own confirmations. Just a waste of time, but it's 90% about money, anyway.