How well is the post military medical support and experiences using VA?

SSG Kali Montero — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 11:12:20 -0500

Notable battles I participated: Tet and mini Tet (mini Tet 1,200 US KIA and 4,000 wounded in 3 wks) '68. ETS in '69. Numerous "atrocities"...Don't ask. Military no help or recognition. All discharge station said was "Next!". SFC outside said "Go out get a job and forget about it". Civilian hospital Psych ward for attempted suicide in '72. Doc had no name for my condition "attempted suicide" except many veterans from Nam coming home w/similar mental problems. Doc said didn't know of any help for veterans except veterans rap group at local park. Attended and found guys carrying guns and knives, smoking weed and talking about killing "gooks". Not my bag. Had enough killing. Took SFC's advice "Buried all memories of Vietnam" and never talked about it.
Fast forward to 2010 (43yrs)...Some guy at gym said he had a cold and had to go to VA??? He told me as long as I served time in military that we were eligible for medical. Went to a VA outpatient clinic Doc said I diagnosed w/PTSD. Referred me to VA PTSD clinic. 2 yrs later...Rated 100% PTSD & 80% Agent Orange. 2) Got caught in VA scandal: took from 2013 - 2015 to get needed operation 3) VA Choice program: Big communication problems w/local VA and Natl coordination center for appts. Both sides gave me the "runaround". Finally contacted Marco Rubio's (he was on VA committee before running for President) office and immediately got a call for an appointment with outpatient civilian doctor...He has always been a VA patient advocate and he has my vote for President. His office even called me to make certain I was being taken cared of in a timely manner.
One final recommendation: I strongly believe all vets in combat rated w/100% PTSD should receive Purple Heart. We fought. Our mental combat wounds CANNOT be healed. The meds cause many of us to become Unemployable.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2015 11:20 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 11:20:27 -0500

The VA is one agency where the old saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" is very applicable. We like to think that an agency whose sole purpose is to service Veterans would be filled with folks who are diligent about every case. Sadly, this is not the case. Bureaucrat guy is only interested in moving enough paper to meet their work quota for the day. So, you have to be your own biggest advocate.
Call.
Better yet, show up there.
They will tell you to fill out online forms. Why? So they don't have to see you. Do the online forms, but immediately follow up and ensure receipt and get a POC.
Stay on it. Somebody else with time and impatience will pass you by if you wait for action.

I do not mean to besmirch the whole agency, as I personally know several people there and they are dedicated individually. But they also tell stories of the mentality in the building.
Do yourself a favor. Take care of yourself.