Who has received exceptional care at the VA in your personal opinion?

SFC Daniel Faires — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 07:41:02 -0500

I have been following all the VA watchdog blogs, following the questions here on rally point , reading and instructing myself on the VA before and since my retirement.
I am going to state an unpopular opinion. I in my own case have felt I have received exceptional care from the VA. I ask questions of every provider, I have tried the different meds that they have recommended even though I expressed my concerns and in the long run I wish I would have received this same care for my Anxiety/PTSD I have been able to go from three different meds to one now I feel better than I have in ten years. Now I am working with them on my pain management. I have chosen to have the VA as my primary care . Be your own advocate

Response by SGT Benjamin Lindsey made Feb 18 at 2016 7:48 AM

SGT Benjamin Lindsey — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 07:48:37 -0500

I have had no issue with my visits at the VA Clinic in my town or the VA hospital.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 8:05 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 08:05:13 -0500

My only issue with the VA is that I can go downtown and be served cheaper than with the VA. Therefore, I have not used the VA services.

Response by GySgt John O'Donnell made Feb 18 at 2016 8:34 AM

GySgt John O'Donnell — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 08:34:23 -0500

I couldn't agree more, and I have been saying the same thing since I began using VA facilities. In general the healthcare system is on par with any healthcare system/facilities that I've interacted with over my adult life. Now there are times when specialty care make take longer, but with the new VA Choice Option an individual can expedite the process if they are like you say "being their own best advocate".
I think some of the problem in my opinion comes from understanding "how" to be your own best advocate. Our generation was taught to get things checked out when it hurts so they didn't get worse, and adequate records exist to prove service-connected status, which aids getting the healthcare needs met. Previous generations were taught to "suck it up", which makes it much more difficult for the Veterans Administration to determine whether or not the injury/ailment was service-connected, which in turn effects the priority of treatment.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 9:21 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 09:21:52 -0500

Honestly, perhaps I am biased, but most VA centers have women's health centers, which are seperate from the rest. Our primary doctor is also our womens health doctor. Our wait times are definitely less, simply because there's far fewer of us. My experiences have been very favorable.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Feb 18 at 2016 9:55 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 09:55:26 -0500

I think the key to exceptional care at the VA is entirely dependent on the Primary Care Doctor/Nurse assigned to you. I have had several Nurses and Doctors as my Primary Care Provider at both Palo Alto CA & West Roxbury MA over the past 20 years. The Doctor I have now is excellent and providing me with very good care.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 10:28 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 10:28:51 -0500

In my experience the doctors I have seen were quick to prescribe medication without getting to the root of the problems. I expressed my desire to find alternate methods of care without having to take multiple pills on a daily basis but they never seemed interested. I understand that they see probably hundreds of veterans a day and to spend long periods of time with each patient is probably not possible but quickly prescribing medication is not the answer. Especially pain medication that can cause internal damage or addiction. I selected my own doctor to see using my insurance and she told me that she believes I was being over medicated. We have formulated a treatment plan and while it is still work a in progress I feel better knowing that there is at least the possibility of managing my issues without being medicated for the rest of my life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 10:43 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 10:43:45 -0500

I have been coming to the same VA for over 10 years, and I have always received excellent service! There are those that complain about the VA, but I for one am grateful for the VA. I appreciate all that they do for me!

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Feb 18 at 2016 10:45 AM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 10:45:34 -0500

Because I live out here in the Thule's I receive treatment at an outreach clinic(PCP and PTSD) which is sometimes spotty, from a medium sized hospital in Bonham, TX, which has always been outstanding and get referred to Dallas VA hospital for services not available at the other two facilities. Dallas VA is the home of surly service from admin staff, variable levels of medical service(vision is always the worst, followed by radiology(I once went for an MRI on my head and, having my legs prepped, had to tell the technician he was working on the wrong end), dermatology is fine, generally poor maintenance and really poor parking. Plus it's three hours away. Thank God for the Choice program. My major complaint is with the VA claims processing. They've been processing an emergency room claim since last March with no resolution in sight. The provider calls me about the delinquent account every 60 days. I contact the VA claims processing folks, they tell me to tell the provider they are processing the claim, I do that and the provider tells me they will reset the timers on the account. Sixty days later we all dance again. That's irritating.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 10:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 10:46:58 -0500

I had to do physical therapy at the VA back in 2005 after back surgery. I had the surgery performed by a civilian surgeon. The physical therapy dept was top notch.

Response by 1SG(P) Charles Graeser made Feb 18 at 2016 10:53 AM

1SG(P) Charles Graeser — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 10:53:26 -0500

I have had a half and half care, I hate pills but that seems all they want to do. I have injuries to my neck that 2 MRI's found before I retired and I was being treated for. I tried to get into a pain clinic with the VA and they wanted to do another MRI before I went to a pain clinic, well there MRI results showed nothing wrong. I went to my family doctor and he ordered another one and to no surprise the MRI found the same thing the Army doctors found. This is not the only issue I have had with the VA, Needless to say I use my tri care for everything now.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 18 at 2016 10:53 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 10:53:54 -0500

I only had one brush with VA and it was a good one. When I first got tossed off AD in 86, I had no insurance, no job, and needed surgery. The only time delay was in getting that "Magic Card" of eligibility. So the surgery was done at VA Sepulveda (now long gone) by the Dean of Urology at UCLA. Funny thing that stuck with me. If you ever want to see the dead come back to life, it's Tuesday night bingo. It was always a stampede.

Response by Cpl Chad Perry made Feb 18 at 2016 10:55 AM

Cpl Chad Perry — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 10:55:42 -0500

I had a herniated disc when I got out of the Marines. After several years it got to the point where that disc was pinching a sciatic nerve. I was in excruciating pain all the time, even on pain meds, and lost some use of my left leg. At that time I had never used the VA except for my initial comp claim. When I finally decided to get surgery I tried to go through my private insurance. That ended up being a 2 year battle that included a couple appeals, because they refused to cover it. They kept telling me my back wasn't that bad. That's when I went to the Minneapolis VA. I got an appointment with a surgeon within a couple weeks and they got me in for surgery pretty quick. They did an excellent job even after my surgery dealing with all the residual nerve damage. I now get all my health care at the VA and they've given me the best care I've ever had.

Response by PV2 Robert Bowne made Feb 18 at 2016 1:09 PM

PV2 Robert Bowne — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 13:09:55 -0500

I have just recently received my VA benefits and just from what i experienced in the C & P portion of the system and having talked with fellow veteran about the level of care received, I am very pleased to have the VA as my primary provider of Healthcare services as they are second to none and available where ever one may travel or relocate.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 18 at 2016 1:52 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 13:52:11 -0500

Yes I have many times.

Response by SR Terrilynne Porst made Feb 18 at 2016 1:57 PM

SR Terrilynne Porst — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 13:57:32 -0500

I would have to say I have had exceptional care from the Cleveland VA and the Parma CBOC. I have been utilizing them since 2012. As a veteran with PTSD due to MST, they have always gone above and beyond, although I don't go to Wade Park VA unless I absolutely have to (like for my surgery in Dec.), because of all the guys that sit in the Atrium and make comments about the females.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 5:33 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 17:33:56 -0500

mine has been a roller coaster ride. I get decent care on certain things, great care on other issues, and then almost have to argue with my main healthcare doctor to be seen by her or even to speak to her through email or on the phone.

when I ETS'd I did not get to see a dentist, I cannot afford to see a dentist. I asked if the VA could send me to their's.....nope, been out too long.

I have other health issues and they either address them or totally ignore them.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Feb 18 at 2016 8:01 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 20:01:44 -0500

My Dad was a WW 2 disbled vet. He received great care from the VA. My son-in-law for the world can't get an appointment on time no matter what. The VA is going down hill and I fear that this is medical care of the future. Me as a retired vet I don't use the VA.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Feb 18 at 2016 8:56 PM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 20:56:48 -0500

I have been going there off and on since 2010. I will cover what I think of the care I got.
1. Medication refills. Top notch.. I give it an A+ easy to order by phone or online.
2. Sleep Behavior/ Disorder Counseling Class.. again Top Notch A+ I still use sleeping meds but I understand how to regulate my sleeping patterns.
3. Sleep Apnea. The VA subcontracted a local office to do the testing and provide the CPAP and replacement parts. Once again Top Notch A+, probably because the VA has nothing to do with it other than an annual followup to read the chip to check my usage and number of leaks.
4 Neuro-follow-up. Not very good D.. never really explained any damage to me and havent scheduled me for followups.
5. Physical Therapy and getting rehab equiptment. A+ for the gear and D for the actual therapy. Therapists are not aggressive, not engaging and seem to just go through the motions.
6. Mental Health. The Mental health Specialist is about a C. Pretty much document, medicate and leave things up to you. The Depression Specialist and the group sessions he held were A+. Learned a lot of coping skills.
7. Regular visits and clinic Doctors. About a C. Would rather use medicare than wait around to see VA Doc. Ive had three Docs. Two were As and the other one was a D,, a real pompous prick.
8. Pain Management Total failure F... Tried a pain management class, which is all they offered. Ended up using medicare to address that issue. It seems they either do nothing or shove Oxy down your throat, no in between.

Response by Sgt Sherry Taylor-Bruce made Feb 21 at 2016 12:05 AM

Sgt Sherry Taylor-Bruce — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 00:05:26 -0500

My experience with the VA began in Dec 2014 it's been very good so far! I had Florida Blue Cross when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 so I went to civilian doctors and had $15,000 out of pocket expenses for radiation after my surgery. When I could no longer afford $450 per month premiums I enrolled with VA. I had a cataract (side effect from cancer drug) removed at VA, I see Oncologist every six months, I see Psychologist every month and have x-rays, mammograms, dexa-scan... etc all for free because I am a low income widow. I would say the VA is taking good care of me!

Even if I had a higher income the co- pay for Dr visits are $15 for primary care and $50 for a specialist, meds are $8 VA pays 100% for service connected issues, I can't get that Downtown!

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Feb 22 at 2016 5:03 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 05:03:48 -0500

Here's a humorous story about the VA in San Jose that actually happened a few years ago.

A former Army Paratrooper went to the VA Hospital in San Jose a few years ago. He was also one of my clients when I was a Fitness Trainer at Gold's Gym in Mountain View. When his number was called he went to check in with a desk clerk and she said "Ok now just what is your problem" Apparently her greeting just rubbed this old Paratrooper the wrong way; so he said "I can't get an erection"...The clerk went ballistic and called her supervisor who then read the riot act to the Old Paratrooper. So after being called out for several minutes the Old Paratrooper told the VA Supervisor that he was a wounded combat vet and did not appreciate being disrespected by a Administrative Clerk and if this Supervisor didn't do something about it he would write a letter to the VA . Btw this old Paratrooper is also an attorney and is a Purple Heart recipient .. I thought his story was so funny that I got the Old Paratrooper a Cap with the Purple Heart insignia on it..