How would you improve the VA?

2016-07-25T00:29:55-04:00

So we all have our gripes ... What are our answers?

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jul 25 at 2016 12:30 AM

2016-07-25T00:30:41-04:00

Tear it down and rebuild MSG Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SSG Trust Palmer made Jul 25 at 2016 12:35 AM

2016-07-25T00:35:45-04:00

Give EVERY veteran what's due to them with question or a bunch of red tape.

Response by SPC Michael Griggs made Jul 25 at 2016 12:41 AM

2016-07-25T00:41:53-04:00

Give vouchers to see which ever doctor they wish.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 25 at 2016 12:46 AM

2016-07-25T00:46:06-04:00

That's actually a very complex question...I quite honestly need to reflect on that, to be able to think how I'd answer something like that properly, honestly. I'd like to give a satisfactory answer without being unduly long-winded, I'd just need some time to think it out properly, honest, that's all I'm trying to say, hope that is adequate, at least for the moment, I'd just really need to give that some really serious thought, that's all I'm trying to explain.

Response by SPC Craig Miller made Jul 25 at 2016 1:21 AM

2016-07-25T01:21:11-04:00

Very simple. Get rid of 30% at least of the fluff (administrators) and hire some more doctors. It is the only way wait times can be reduced, and services can be provided.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 25 at 2016 6:59 AM

2016-07-25T06:59:40-04:00

Clean house, start new, hire vets that are trained up in admin, and in the medical field.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 25 at 2016 8:10 AM

2016-07-25T08:10:16-04:00

Get people that will do their jobs correctly the first time so veterans do not have to wait for a claim. IMO they decline claims to see if you have the patients to put up with their BS and file another claim or an appeal.

Response by SPC(P) Patrick Westbrook made Jul 25 at 2016 9:13 AM

2016-07-25T09:13:41-04:00

Allow veterans go see a doctor of their choice for examination, one that's a specialist in whatever, hearing, back, trauma, PSTD, etc. Not one that's a VA specialist that's two hours away, when you have a top 10 rated doctor in the state that actually lives 5 doors down from you, and has a practice 30 minutes away...yes that was me...moving on. Get collaborating evidence from a second doctor for confirmation, have a VA doctor who is familiar or specializes and review the case without the vet actually having being there and going two hours out of the way. And then deciding on the rating...the vet can then appeal for a higher rating which would require him to goto a VA specialist and go through the horrendous trials and tribulations that is the VA. 9/10 the vet has a hearing related issue that hasn't been resolved...or has back issues and is documented for the past 5 years after a training exercise. Or a broken limb, fractured..etc...you get what I am saying, stuff that's documented. Getting out you have 180days of tricare prime...once you go to a doctor for a VA related case, you keep the insurance until the claim is closed to prevent the vet from paying for it that would prevent vets from paying out of pocket for the duration. Once the 180 days pass you can say you had your chance, you had a brief(oh did I forget to mention institute either a packet or a brief saying 180 for claims, do that, yeah that...or during out processing a doctor talks to you and says what do you want to claim, 'x','y', and 'q') and now you're submitting something? If they have a reason why they didn't file, a good reason, not one like I had a cold...my mother passed or something detrimental to them...in a coma(extreme one, I know). After 180 days we could say, you had a chance for free where its on the GOVT bill, but if you want to file for something, pay out of pocket and you have to go to a VA medical official, if they find its service connected we will reimburse you, if not, you get notta and pay your bill. That creates funds for the service on non connected and false claims, ensures vets actually goes to the VA either shortly before they get out to get the process rolling, or after to do it if their unit are being dicks and saying they have to go to JRTC when they will get out shortly after the rotation, or during the rotation...

Whats tying everything up are these false claims, IE PTSD straight out of basic, people who get out immediately trying to get everything they can without doing anything for their country, right off the bat 50%. We have people falsifying claims, tying up the system. Give incentives for people to go to another VA facility when one has 0 appts for 90 days, or even 30 days...

There are numerous ways to deal with how the VA is failing us. Every response has drawbacks and problems, Civilian doctors can be friends and boost the rating, etc... Allowing a vet to claim whatever would be disasterous, everyone claims 100%, no longer a reason to retire when you can claim 100%, my elbow feel funny...Serve one year, service connected disability and out picking up a paycheck..No way, we couldn't support being a country, and would go even deeper in debt.

Response by SPC John Adams made Jul 25 at 2016 9:28 AM

2016-07-25T09:28:17-04:00

At this point, I think we should shut the clinics down and replace it with the voucher system they use for veterans who live further than 40 miles from a VA clinic. The VA as it is now is unsustainable. There are too many patients, and not enough personnel to help us. I was having a rough time transitioning, and needed help when I first got out. It took three months to get my first appointment, even after telling them certain things that should have put anyone at the top of the list. The following three appointments were rescheduled at the last minute. I ended up paying out of pocket to see a civilian doctor. On top of that, some of these clinics are nightmarish. Felons in prison have better medical facilities than they provide for us. The VA is a complete failure and an embarrasment, and the only option I can think of to improve it is a government VA card that gives access to real doctors who have time to see their patients in real hospitals.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jul 25 at 2016 10:06 AM

2016-07-25T10:06:04-04:00

I would issue vouchers to veterans. That way they could receive treatment in a timely manner from a non-governmental source. It will be cheaper than the overhead involved with maintaining medical facilities staffed by the government. Private sector medicine would be an answer that would best serve the veteran and the tax payer.

Response by SMSgt Roy Dowdy made Jul 25 at 2016 11:08 AM

2016-07-25T11:08:14-04:00

Overhaul the Senior Executive Salary (SES) management system for starters. Fire Macdonald and his stooges to establish real accountability standards!

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jul 25 at 2016 12:03 PM

2016-07-25T12:03:02-04:00

FIRE THE ENTIRE LOT OF THEM and replace every one of the with Disable Veterans.

Response by CW3 James Bradley made Jul 25 at 2016 12:09 PM

2016-07-25T12:09:42-04:00

Simple. After working 20 years at the the. VA. Change the rules so federal workers who screw up can be fired w/o going through 2-4 years of appeals, etc. the rule in the VA is fuck up ... Move up. That's how they handle bad employees. That's why it's bad

Response by LTC Sonya Friday made Jul 25 at 2016 12:32 PM

2016-07-25T12:32:35-04:00

Develop new systems and tracking capabilities for veterans (all areas), improve outreach programs, Audit/inspect organizations who say their mission is to prevent veteran homelessness. Just to name a few

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jul 25 at 2016 1:17 PM

2016-07-25T13:17:11-04:00

1. #firebob Bob MacDonald has insulted Veterans by participating in Stolen Valor and has compared wait lists to lines at Disney. Whatever his past service record was, he has tarnished his current position and has insulted Veterans. He also has not busted the status quo and helped to fix the VA. It's time to go.
2. Stop undercutting Veterans' claims. Assigning 0% to injuries and forcing appeals wastes time, causes a larger bureaucracy, and contributes to the negative image of the VA. If Veterans were assigned a fair compensation percentage in the first place you might see less appeals and would have less overhead tying up the appeals in endless wait times and costing money in salaries that could go to Veteran's claims.
3. Stop restricting job openings to hiring from within only. Force every job to be eligible for outside competition with normal Veteran's preference. While we're at it, the VA should have X5 Veteran's preference. All turn over should be replaced with Veteran talent unless there are no qualified Veterans that applied. Veterans may be hard nosed, but they have been through the situations other Veterans have.
4. Don't be afraid of competitive outsourcing. In fact, encourage it.

Response by SSG Ray Mailloux made Jul 25 at 2016 2:21 PM

2016-07-25T14:21:25-04:00

The Dept of Veterans Affairs is a system and learning to navigate that system is just as necessary as it was once necessary to actually know how to use a map and a compass. We as veterans often misrepresent our larger organization of veterans when there is an angry outburst at a VA treatment facility. Some of my fellow veterans feel as though the VA is working against them, and as it is a governmental organization it is also believed that there is a larger conspiracy to under treat (or underpay) veterans for the sake of saving money. Veterans must learn that when there is an outburst you are alienating yourself from the internal system which you are dealing with. Additionally, if you were to act/ react in such a manner at a private healthcare (or even public) you would find yourself on your ass without any care whatsoever. It's the bees with honey instead of vinegar analogy. Additionally, I understand that the level of frustration which is displayed with an angry outburst comes from a feeling of vulnerability with a lack of other outlets. My fellow veterans, utilize your patient advocates, fill out blue comment cards, talk to your providers and last but not least pursue your veteran's service organizations.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jul 25 at 2016 3:51 PM

2016-07-25T15:51:36-04:00

Hire all Veterans.

Response by CMSgt Mike Esser made Jul 25 at 2016 3:54 PM

2016-07-25T15:54:38-04:00

Select senior leaders that are or were wounded warriors, have dealt with PTSD and had to use the services they oversee.

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made Jul 25 at 2016 3:54 PM

2016-07-25T15:54:58-04:00

Fire those in charge.

Response by LCpl Todd Houston made Jul 26 at 2016 8:15 AM

2016-07-26T08:15:03-04:00

I would offer vets a special debit card that only works at medical facilities, but on a few conditions. 1. They would still need to have biannual checkups at the va 2 they would have to agree to share with the va their medical records electronically and 3. They would forfit any travel pay unless they are going to a va facility.

Response by SFC William Adamek made Jul 26 at 2016 11:20 AM

2016-07-26T11:20:32-04:00

To those that encouraged using the voucher system for all veterans, or the choice program, its not working everywhere. Some areas cant get any medical facilities to accept "choice" because of the payment problems (slow and low) and we have better luck putting as many as we can on Medicare and getting the vets seen that way. Currently the voucher system is not the way to go, at least in all areas.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2016 6:32 PM

2016-07-26T18:32:20-04:00

MSG Private RallyPoint Member Put myself in charge. :)

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2016 12:06 AM

2016-07-27T00:06:11-04:00

I have a wonderful relationship with the VAMCs I visit. I wouldn't change a thing, as it relates to the treatment I receive.

Response by CPT Topher Murphy made Aug 2 at 2016 10:58 AM

2016-08-02T10:58:09-04:00

1. Eliminate the unions - I have seen the unions protect those who violate various laws i.e. HIPPA
2. Utilize a new scheduling system, not a DOS based system
3. The voucher system is flawed for this reason: when a vet goes to an outside provider, that provider is being paid the medicare rate (one of the lowest rates), and therefore most community providers don't want to deal with medicare rates
4. many, many C&P claims are frivolous. As a C&P examiner I see a multitude of asinine claims i.e. I have PTSD b/c my DS yelled at me; I had an ingrown toe nail in 1977; and the list goes on. C&P is based on functioning and not on whether or not something happened, so I could have a concussion in service but and doing well now so I would most likely get 0%.
5. the "hire vets" is a good idea, to a certain point. Where are you going to find mental health providers with military/combat experience? The Army has about 200 psychologists at any given time, I know in my cohort of 30 that about 5 work in the VA and the other 25 are either in the Army or not working with vets at all.
6. properly inform those getting out of the military that the C&P process is a LEGAL process and subject to the presentation of evidence. Unfortunately I know that being a paratrooper is hard on the back/knees, but if a vet shows up and never went to medical it is hard for a forensic examiner to say: this person has XYZ issue due to his jumps, but I have no medical evidence/jump logs etc. to back it up your honor"

Response by Col Dona Marie Iversen made Aug 8 at 2016 7:21 PM

2016-08-08T19:21:21-04:00

I believe all the horror stories I read and hear about the VA. I resigned from my civilian position therefore lost my health insurance, now a patient @ the New York Harbor VA (Brooklyn).

The care, service, compassion, professionalism and ease of making appointments etc. actually shocked me based on the negative press.

This site is a 5 Start facility, from the appearance, to the technology , timeliness and follow up...absolutely the best. Surpasses any civilian facility I either worked in or was a patient at

I was so impressed I sent a letter to NY executive leadership & DC. Apparently the letter went 'viral' within the VA system. A former flight nurse now works for the VA, received the letter via VA intranet & thought it was me but was confused as the letter changed my gender from SHE to a HE.

That's ok! Still highly recommend this site. I also enjoying flirting with all the Vets:)