Did you know that, even in small towns, there are problems with the VA?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 17:58:37 -0400

http://www.idahostatejournal.com/members/va-system-frustrates-iraq-afghanistan-vet/article_a0e9df66-7181-11e5-a52d [login to see] 24.html

Big city folks aren't the only ones with VA problems.

VA system frustrates Iraq, Afghanistan vet

POCATELLO — Five tours of combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken their toll on former U.S. Force Recon Marine Casey Cornelius and Veterans Affairs isn’t making his life

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 13 at 2015 6:01 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 18:01:19 -0400

That is very sad news to learn MSG Private RallyPoint Member. I hope that Casey Cornelius gets much better care from the VA soon. I get excellent care and have for the past two years from the VA.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Oct 13 at 2015 6:10 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 18:10:27 -0400

Seems as though he is struggling because a lack of values he is witnessing....the Army Values really sum it up to what this Marine is expecting from our country, this Marine that served selflessly for five combat tours! Loyalty; Duty; Respect; Selfless Service; Honor; Integrity; and Personal Courage.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Oct 13 at 2015 6:24 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 18:24:40 -0400

As we say - mah nishtana - how is this day different from any other...

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Oct 13 at 2015 7:59 PM

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 19:59:05 -0400

Curious why he hadn't reached out to his congressional folks and push the Veteran's Choice Act? Also curious why VA hadn't offered him the non-VA care, it appears he's over 40 miles away???

Response by Cpl Chris Rice made Oct 13 at 2015 8:29 PM

Cpl Chris Rice — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 20:29:58 -0400

He really went and saw the neurologist at U of U and had an MRI out of pocket, this was probably at least a $5000 appointment. Sounds like he will need a spinal fusion because of an injury in a gym (His story is complicated, otherwise I am not very sympathetic to non-service related injuries complaining), even so I have seen much older men come out of this injury without needing surgery. Pocatello has a small outpatient clinic so that was within 40 miles, and when I worked a Portneuf the hospital literally ½ mile from the clinic they did not have a neurologist on staff at the time, so it would have been pointless for him to go out of system at least 6 months ago.

Congressman would be the next step, never had great luck hearing from the ones up there. It will piss people off, but if you live in Nevada and have a veteran issue Senator Reid’s office is really good, and most forget to write him because they hate him for other things.

Hopefully things get worked out for him.