Still Fighting the System After all These Years

Since I retired in 2004 I have been fighting the Veterans Administration (VA) over issues brought on by the abuse my body took after 20 years in the Air Force. One of the biggest mistakes I made was not complaining about physical issue while in the military. Like most military members I was shamed and guilted into not complain about any medical issues, and ridiculed if I did not press on unless the issue was life threatening. I rarely went to sick call or the doctor. When I did seek medical treatment, it was for colds and viruses, seldom for aches and pains from abuse my body was taking. When I did go to the doctor for aches and pains I was given “Air Force candy”, Motrin. I knew the treatment so I did not go, I went to the Base Exchange and got my own Motrin. When I reached my 30’s the physical abuse of my body started catching up with me. I still didn’t complain and pressed on like a good Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO).

When I retired I remember telling my wife, I’ve got to quit being a truck mechanic. I could not continue to bend wrenches and jump off the back of trucks like I used to, it was too hard on my body and the pains were catching up with me. I decided to go back to school so I could get a desk job and stop abusing my body the way I had for 20 years. About a year and a half after I retired, I struggled to walk without severe pain. I was surprised when I was told by the doctor I needed surgery on both knees, I did not think they were that bad. As I get older I find myself falling apart with a lot of medical issues including aches and pains that I believe are directly relate to the abuse my body took while in the Air Force.

After receiving another denial letter from the VA for issues I am suffering, I spent an entire day going through my military medical records looking for evidence to support my claim. I did find some evidence but not enough to show a chronic issue. There was little in there because we were shamed and guilted into not complaining. If I couldn’t do PT, my job, deploy, or whatever it took to get the job done I would be considered weak and dispensable, so I didn’t complain about my twisted ankles, hurting knees, back, shoulders, and any other joints that I have been abusing for years, I just “walked it off” like a good troop. Of course, there’s not much documentation of my issues in my official medical records, I didn’t complain, I continued to do my work through the pain, thus causing more damage.

There comes a point in time to where common sense needs to prevail with the VA compensation section. Almost everyone who has spent time in the military knows that they’re probably going to be physical issues stemming from the abuse their bodies took while serving their country. Carrying 100-pound rucksack, working on equipment, jumping off trucks, tanks, Bradley’s, or whatever plays hell on ankles, knees, back, hips, and shoulders. There is also little doubt that we have a higher probability of developing hearing issues. Most equipment, weapons, explosions, aircraft, and various other loud noises create a high decibel level which can cause prolong hearing loss.

After continuing to fight the system I understand why people give up, it looks to me like the system is rigged. You can’t be awarded a claim because you didn’t complain, you were told to “shut up and color” or considered weak if your body couldn’t take the abuse while serving. I understand there are those who abuse the system, and they should be weeded out. But I also know that if I hadn’t served 20 years in the military I would not be having the body aches and pains I presently have. My body took abuse for 20 years and I could not complain, this has put me in the position I’m in now, no evidence. I have decided I am going to fight the VA until the day I die, if for no other reason, principle. For those of you out there who feel the same way I do, all I can say is don’t give up. Be a good troop and press on.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

Veterans and their Spouses Need to Understand the VA System

Even though I served 20 years in the Air Force and have been retired for 12 years I still did not understand exactly how the Veterans Administration (VA) works. After 32 years I am now on a mission to learn the VA system. I thought I would share some of what I have learned. Being retired I have Tri-care medical insurance and felt I didn’t need the VA medical system. I tried to not use the VA system believing I was taking appointments from veterans who needed them.   I had gotten my disability rating when I retired and believed did not have to set foot in a VA hospital or clinic because I have Tri-care. The one time I went to the VA was about 6 months after I retired and was not happy with the way I was treated, I waited 10 years to go back into the VA. I did not want to deal with the headaches of the VA, so I didn’t go, that was a big mistake on my part. My thought process changed when I filed to increase of my disability claim about 2 years ago. I found I had to start playing their game.

My claim was denied for lack of documentation because I had chosen to not use the VA system. I retrieved my civilian medical records and took them to the VA believing that would give the VA the needed documentation for my claim. After waiting about 2 hours at the VA records department I was unable to add my personal medical records to my VA medical records.  I needed permission from a VA primary care physician, which I did not have. I was required to sign up for a primary care provider at the VA, taking an appointment from another veteran who only has medical insurance through the VA. I received an appointment in a shockingly quick time. I now have 2 primary care physicians one from the VA and a civilian doctor from Tri-Care. I quickly found I did not understand the system. As I have learned the hard way the VA has 3 separate sections and they don’t talk to each other. The VA’s 3 sections are Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and National Cemetery Administration.

The VHA healthcare system is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. What many do not know is each VA healthcare facility is managed as a separate entity. Every VA facility is different and offer different services. Often one of the biggest issues is the different VA facilities or entities not talking to each other. The VA runs more than 1,700 hospitals, clinics, and other facilities spread throughout the country. I have heard of several instances where a veteran goes to a different VA facility than their normal one and the visiting VA facility has no access to their medical records. Veterans need to be aware their VA medical records are not available when they travel unless the veteran registers to share them.  

The benefits section of the VA the VBA covers a multitude of items for service members, veterans, their dependents and survivors. The benefits section of the VA covers disability claims, education, training, home loans, and life insurance for qualifying members. The important thing to remember is the benefits section might not talk to your VA primary care provider for information about your claim. While talking to my VA primary care provider I found the information from my VA benefits claim, filed by a VA benefits contract doctor was not added to my permanent VA medical records. I had to tell my VA primary care doctor my diagnosis from a VA contract doctor. You have to stay on top of your information and claim. The people reading your compensation claim utilize all documentation, but you need to make sure all documentation is there. If you went to your VA primary care or civilian physician after the claims section has pulled your records for review they do not have your most recent information. If you have been diagnosed with a medical issue by a VA contract doctor do not assume it is in your VA medical records for your VA primary care doctor to see.   

The third section of the VA is the National Cemetery Administration. Many veterans and their families do not know that veterans and spouses can be buried at any of the 134 National cemeteries if they qualify, and most veterans do. Your local Veteran Service Organization (VSO’s) Should be able to help you. Your Funeral home should also be aware of the requirements for VA death benefits.   

In the end, you as the veteran or family member must stay on top of your documentation and claim. If you understand that the VA sections do not talk to each other it makes it easier for you to work through the system. It is in your best interest that you not assume the VA benefits section has all of the needed information for your claim. Make sure you understand how you can control the speed that claims get handled by understanding how the system works. For your health don’t assume your VA primary care physician has all of your needed information. Follow up to make sure the right section has the documentation needed to file a successful disability claim and your VA primary care doctor has the needed information to save your life.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

Still Fighting the System After all These Years

Since I retired in 2004 I have been fighting the Veterans Administration (VA) over issues brought on by the abuse my body took after 20 years in the Air Force. One of the biggest mistakes I made was not complaining about physical issue while in the military. Like most military members I was shamed and guilted into not complain about any medical issues, and ridiculed if I did not press on unless the issue was life threatening. I rarely went to sick call or the doctor. When I did seek medical treatment, it was for colds and viruses, seldom for aches and pains from abuse my body was taking. When I did go to the doctor for aches and pains I was given “Air Force candy”, Motrin. I knew the treatment so I did not go, I went to the Base Exchange and got my own Motrin. When I reached my 30’s the physical abuse of my body started catching up with me. I still didn’t complain and pressed on like a good Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO).

When I retired I remember telling my wife, I’ve got to quit being a truck mechanic. I could not continue to bend wrenches and jump off the back of trucks like I used to, it was too hard on my body and the pains were catching up with me. I decided to go back to school so I could get a desk job and stop abusing my body the way I had for 20 years. About a year and a half after I retired, I struggled to walk without severe pain. I was surprised when I was told by the doctor I needed surgery on both knees, I did not think they were that bad. As I get older I find myself falling apart with a lot of medical issues including aches and pains that I believe are directly relate to the abuse my body took while in the Air Force.

After receiving another denial letter from the VA for issues I am suffering, I spent an entire day going through my military medical records looking for evidence to support my claim. I did find some evidence but not enough to show a chronic issue. There was little in there because we were shamed and guilted into not complaining. If I couldn’t do PT, my job, deploy, or whatever it took to get the job done I would be considered weak and dispensable, so I didn’t complain about my twisted ankles, hurting knees, back, shoulders, and any other joints that I have been abusing for years, I just “walked it off” like a good troop. Of course, there’s not much documentation of my issues in my official medical records, I didn’t complain, I continued to do my work through the pain, thus causing more damage.

There comes a point in time to where common sense needs to prevail with the VA compensation section. Almost everyone who has spent time in the military knows that they’re probably going to be physical issues stemming from the abuse their bodies took while serving their country. Carrying 100-pound rucksack, working on equipment, jumping off trucks, tanks, Bradley’s, or whatever plays hell on ankles, knees, back, hips, and shoulders. There is also little doubt that we have a higher probability of developing hearing issues. Most equipment, weapons, explosions, aircraft, and various other loud noises create a high decibel level which can cause prolong hearing loss.

After continuing to fight the system I understand why people give up, it looks to me like the system is rigged. You can’t be awarded a claim because you didn’t complain, you were told to “shut up and color” or considered weak if your body couldn’t take the abuse while serving. I understand there are those who abuse the system, and they should be weeded out. But I also know that if I hadn’t served 20 years in the military I would not be having the body aches and pains I presently have. My body took abuse for 20 years and I could not complain, this has put me in the position I’m in now, no evidence. I have decided I am going to fight the VA until the day I die, if for no other reason, principle. For those of you out there who feel the same way I do, all I can say is don’t give up. Be a good troop and press on.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

Veterans and their Spouses Need to Understand the VA System

Even though I served 20 years in the Air Force and have been retired for 12 years I still did not understand exactly how the Veterans Administration (VA) works. After 32 years I am now on a mission to learn the VA system. I thought I would share some of what I have learned. Being retired I have Tri-care medical insurance and felt I didn’t need the VA medical system. I tried to not use the VA system believing I was taking appointments from veterans who needed them.   I had gotten my disability rating when I retired and believed did not have to set foot in a VA hospital or clinic because I have Tri-care. The one time I went to the VA was about 6 months after I retired and was not happy with the way I was treated, I waited 10 years to go back into the VA. I did not want to deal with the headaches of the VA, so I didn’t go, that was a big mistake on my part. My thought process changed when I filed to increase of my disability claim about 2 years ago. I found I had to start playing their game.

My claim was denied for lack of documentation because I had chosen to not use the VA system. I retrieved my civilian medical records and took them to the VA believing that would give the VA the needed documentation for my claim. After waiting about 2 hours at the VA records department I was unable to add my personal medical records to my VA medical records.  I needed permission from a VA primary care physician, which I did not have. I was required to sign up for a primary care provider at the VA, taking an appointment from another veteran who only has medical insurance through the VA. I received an appointment in a shockingly quick time. I now have 2 primary care physicians one from the VA and a civilian doctor from Tri-Care. I quickly found I did not understand the system. As I have learned the hard way the VA has 3 separate sections and they don’t talk to each other. The VA’s 3 sections are Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and National Cemetery Administration.

The VHA healthcare system is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. What many do not know is each VA healthcare facility is managed as a separate entity. Every VA facility is different and offer different services. Often one of the biggest issues is the different VA facilities or entities not talking to each other. The VA runs more than 1,700 hospitals, clinics, and other facilities spread throughout the country. I have heard of several instances where a veteran goes to a different VA facility than their normal one and the visiting VA facility has no access to their medical records. Veterans need to be aware their VA medical records are not available when they travel unless the veteran registers to share them.  

The benefits section of the VA the VBA covers a multitude of items for service members, veterans, their dependents and survivors. The benefits section of the VA covers disability claims, education, training, home loans, and life insurance for qualifying members. The important thing to remember is the benefits section might not talk to your VA primary care provider for information about your claim. While talking to my VA primary care provider I found the information from my VA benefits claim, filed by a VA benefits contract doctor was not added to my permanent VA medical records. I had to tell my VA primary care doctor my diagnosis from a VA contract doctor. You have to stay on top of your information and claim. The people reading your compensation claim utilize all documentation, but you need to make sure all documentation is there. If you went to your VA primary care or civilian physician after the claims section has pulled your records for review they do not have your most recent information. If you have been diagnosed with a medical issue by a VA contract doctor do not assume it is in your VA medical records for your VA primary care doctor to see.   

The third section of the VA is the National Cemetery Administration. Many veterans and their families do not know that veterans and spouses can be buried at any of the 134 National cemeteries if they qualify, and most veterans do. Your local Veteran Service Organization (VSO’s) Should be able to help you. Your Funeral home should also be aware of the requirements for VA death benefits.   

In the end, you as the veteran or family member must stay on top of your documentation and claim. If you understand that the VA sections do not talk to each other it makes it easier for you to work through the system. It is in your best interest that you not assume the VA benefits section has all of the needed information for your claim. Make sure you understand how you can control the speed that claims get handled by understanding how the system works. For your health don’t assume your VA primary care physician has all of your needed information. Follow up to make sure the right section has the documentation needed to file a successful disability claim and your VA primary care doctor has the needed information to save your life.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

Still Fighting the System After all These Years

Since I retired in 2004 I have been fighting the Veterans Administration (VA) over issues brought on by the abuse my body took after 20 years in the Air Force. One of the biggest mistakes I made was not complaining about physical issue while in the military. Like most military members I was shamed and guilted into not complain about any medical issues, and ridiculed if I did not press on unless the issue was life threatening. I rarely went to sick call or the doctor. When I did seek medical treatment, it was for colds and viruses, seldom for aches and pains from abuse my body was taking. When I did go to the doctor for aches and pains I was given “Air Force candy”, Motrin. I knew the treatment so I did not go, I went to the Base Exchange and got my own Motrin. When I reached my 30’s the physical abuse of my body started catching up with me. I still didn’t complain and pressed on like a good Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO).

When I retired I remember telling my wife, I’ve got to quit being a truck mechanic. I could not continue to bend wrenches and jump off the back of trucks like I used to, it was too hard on my body and the pains were catching up with me. I decided to go back to school so I could get a desk job and stop abusing my body the way I had for 20 years. About a year and a half after I retired, I struggled to walk without severe pain. I was surprised when I was told by the doctor I needed surgery on both knees, I did not think they were that bad. As I get older I find myself falling apart with a lot of medical issues including aches and pains that I believe are directly relate to the abuse my body took while in the Air Force.

After receiving another denial letter from the VA for issues I am suffering, I spent an entire day going through my military medical records looking for evidence to support my claim. I did find some evidence but not enough to show a chronic issue. There was little in there because we were shamed and guilted into not complaining. If I couldn’t do PT, my job, deploy, or whatever it took to get the job done I would be considered weak and dispensable, so I didn’t complain about my twisted ankles, hurting knees, back, shoulders, and any other joints that I have been abusing for years, I just “walked it off” like a good troop. Of course, there’s not much documentation of my issues in my official medical records, I didn’t complain, I continued to do my work through the pain, thus causing more damage.

There comes a point in time to where common sense needs to prevail with the VA compensation section. Almost everyone who has spent time in the military knows that they’re probably going to be physical issues stemming from the abuse their bodies took while serving their country. Carrying 100-pound rucksack, working on equipment, jumping off trucks, tanks, Bradley’s, or whatever plays hell on ankles, knees, back, hips, and shoulders. There is also little doubt that we have a higher probability of developing hearing issues. Most equipment, weapons, explosions, aircraft, and various other loud noises create a high decibel level which can cause prolong hearing loss.

After continuing to fight the system I understand why people give up, it looks to me like the system is rigged. You can’t be awarded a claim because you didn’t complain, you were told to “shut up and color” or considered weak if your body couldn’t take the abuse while serving. I understand there are those who abuse the system, and they should be weeded out. But I also know that if I hadn’t served 20 years in the military I would not be having the body aches and pains I presently have. My body took abuse for 20 years and I could not complain, this has put me in the position I’m in now, no evidence. I have decided I am going to fight the VA until the day I die, if for no other reason, principle. For those of you out there who feel the same way I do, all I can say is don’t give up. Be a good troop and press on.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

Veterans and their Spouses Need to Understand the VA System

Even though I served 20 years in the Air Force and have been retired for 12 years I still did not understand exactly how the Veterans Administration (VA) works. After 32 years I am now on a mission to learn the VA system. I thought I would share some of what I have learned. Being retired I have Tri-care medical insurance and felt I didn’t need the VA medical system. I tried to not use the VA system believing I was taking appointments from veterans who needed them.   I had gotten my disability rating when I retired and believed did not have to set foot in a VA hospital or clinic because I have Tri-care. The one time I went to the VA was about 6 months after I retired and was not happy with the way I was treated, I waited 10 years to go back into the VA. I did not want to deal with the headaches of the VA, so I didn’t go, that was a big mistake on my part. My thought process changed when I filed to increase of my disability claim about 2 years ago. I found I had to start playing their game.

My claim was denied for lack of documentation because I had chosen to not use the VA system. I retrieved my civilian medical records and took them to the VA believing that would give the VA the needed documentation for my claim. After waiting about 2 hours at the VA records department I was unable to add my personal medical records to my VA medical records.  I needed permission from a VA primary care physician, which I did not have. I was required to sign up for a primary care provider at the VA, taking an appointment from another veteran who only has medical insurance through the VA. I received an appointment in a shockingly quick time. I now have 2 primary care physicians one from the VA and a civilian doctor from Tri-Care. I quickly found I did not understand the system. As I have learned the hard way the VA has 3 separate sections and they don’t talk to each other. The VA’s 3 sections are Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and National Cemetery Administration.

The VHA healthcare system is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. What many do not know is each VA healthcare facility is managed as a separate entity. Every VA facility is different and offer different services. Often one of the biggest issues is the different VA facilities or entities not talking to each other. The VA runs more than 1,700 hospitals, clinics, and other facilities spread throughout the country. I have heard of several instances where a veteran goes to a different VA facility than their normal one and the visiting VA facility has no access to their medical records. Veterans need to be aware their VA medical records are not available when they travel unless the veteran registers to share them.  

The benefits section of the VA the VBA covers a multitude of items for service members, veterans, their dependents and survivors. The benefits section of the VA covers disability claims, education, training, home loans, and life insurance for qualifying members. The important thing to remember is the benefits section might not talk to your VA primary care provider for information about your claim. While talking to my VA primary care provider I found the information from my VA benefits claim, filed by a VA benefits contract doctor was not added to my permanent VA medical records. I had to tell my VA primary care doctor my diagnosis from a VA contract doctor. You have to stay on top of your information and claim. The people reading your compensation claim utilize all documentation, but you need to make sure all documentation is there. If you went to your VA primary care or civilian physician after the claims section has pulled your records for review they do not have your most recent information. If you have been diagnosed with a medical issue by a VA contract doctor do not assume it is in your VA medical records for your VA primary care doctor to see.   

The third section of the VA is the National Cemetery Administration. Many veterans and their families do not know that veterans and spouses can be buried at any of the 134 National cemeteries if they qualify, and most veterans do. Your local Veteran Service Organization (VSO’s) Should be able to help you. Your Funeral home should also be aware of the requirements for VA death benefits.   

In the end, you as the veteran or family member must stay on top of your documentation and claim. If you understand that the VA sections do not talk to each other it makes it easier for you to work through the system. It is in your best interest that you not assume the VA benefits section has all of the needed information for your claim. Make sure you understand how you can control the speed that claims get handled by understanding how the system works. For your health don’t assume your VA primary care physician has all of your needed information. Follow up to make sure the right section has the documentation needed to file a successful disability claim and your VA primary care doctor has the needed information to save your life.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

Politics is a Part of the VA Mental Health System

Jose was discussing his dealings with the VA during one of our sessions. He is a Vietnam veteran with a Purple Heart and finally sought help after 30 years of self-medicating with alcohol to relive his Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD). Vietnam veterans are starting to age and the wounds are becoming more prevalent and life altering so they have finally started seeking help. Jose was one of many Veterans that is trying to get the help he has earned.     

Jose discussed his mental health experience with the VA and was not happy. After waiting 2 months he was finally called for a counseling group at the VA. He started group sessions and completed a 16 week program but felt he needed more. It is improbable to expect someone to become whole after years of living with PTSD or multiple deployments in 16 weeks. But that is the VA system they said he was done and was removed from the group. He started working with me because he was still struggling with his PTSD and the firefight where he was wounded and lost 2 buddies.  He lives with this every day and his memories have become a bigger part of his life as he ages.

Jose is not alone. Recent combat veterans as well as Vietnam veterans are coming forward in droves seeking mental health help. As a counselor at a local college veteran center I hear a lot about the Veterans Administration (VA). The complaints and skepticism have increased since the exposure of the systemic problems in the scheduling system a couple years ago. The disclosure of the VA issues has managed to piss off veterans more than they already were. The fact that the VA had problems was not a shock, the severity of the allegations was the shock. Part of the backlog in the mental health field at the VA is their hiring policies for mental health professionals.

The VA is having problems getting psychologist and mental health professionals to work there because of their hiring practices. Because of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) lobby in congress the VA has limited their pool of doctorate level psychologist to just over 28% of licensed and licensed eligible Psychologist. The VA requires all psychologist to attend an APA school and have an APA internship. Even if you were an Active Duty, National Guard, or Reserve psychologist you could not work for the VA if you did not attend an APA college with an APA internship. Under the VA requirements 72% of all licensed and licensed eligible psychologist do not meet the VA requirements. These jobs could be filled if the VA would hire qualified licensed psychologist and stop bowing to the APA lobby.     

In 2014 less than 2,500 positions were available for APA internships in the US and Canada. These internships are one year in length and are located throughout the United States. The APA estimates there are 8,700 doctorate level psychologist who graduate each year. For these 8,700 psychologist there were only 2,474 APA internships leaving 6,226 psychologist annually without APA internships disqualifying them from working at the VA. According to the APA the expectation of increasing APA internships is not promising. It cost and enormous sum of money and red tape for those that apply to become an APA internship so many internship sights don’t even try. The same can be said for the Social workers. Like psychologist the social workers lobby have used their political capital the same way the APA has.  

 For a Social worker to be hired must have attended a college that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), this accreditation is limited to 231 LCSW Schools nationwide. Just like psychologist, if you were an active duty social worker but did not attend a CSWE school you are ineligible to work at the VA. Again the VA is limiting their resources to a select few. Both the APA and CSWE use their influence to ensure that those that pay to be a part of their organizations can work for the VA. The VA is having trouble filling the open mental health positions while our veterans are waiting weeks or months in many cases to receive help because of the APA and CSWE influenced lobby on congress and the VA.

With an average of 20 veterans committing suicide each day many find it unethical that the VA is not employing those that are qualified and licensed. Many licensed clinicians who are veterans can’t work at the VA, this is a real concern. I am aware of 2 veteran psychologist and multiple veteran Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) that the VA will not hire. Instead they hire peer counselors with little or no training in psychology, their requirement is they have had to be in the VA system as a patient. This is a good first step for veterans having someone who can help navigate the VA system but it is not the answer to the problem with veteran’s PTSD. The VA will hire minimally trained peer support specialist but not licensed mental health professionals, this makes no sense.     

The income differential between the public sector and the government sector is also a problem. In California the starting salary for psychologist who works for non-profits pay more than the VA in most areas. Why should the 28% of licensed psychologist work for the VA for less pay? For veterans that are waiting for services, qualified licensed people are available if the VA would hire them. The only way we can make a change is contact our local politicians, and national veterans groups and voice your opinion. The VA needs to hire the people who are qualified and available. Until this change is happens I will have to keep getting pissed off about the 20 veterans a day that commit suicide and thousands waiting in line for help. It is unethical to maintain the status quo when there are qualified therapist available.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

Here We Go Again, Talks of Privatizing the VA

As you can tell with some of my writing, I do not love the Veterans Administration (VA) nor do I hate it. I try to accept it for what it is, a huge bureaucratic system that can be difficult to navigate. There are some veterans that love the VA, and some that loathe it. As it stands right now top leaders of the VA and many congressional representatives are moving forward with plans to put more veteran’s medical needs in the hands of private sector healthcare. They are attempting to replace the veteran’s choice program designed to cut wait times for veteran services in areas where the VA was too far away. Where this can be good in rural areas where the VA is hours away, it can be problematic for VA’s and their funding. Privatization of the VA is a slippery slope, generations of veterans will have to live with the decision for the rest of their lives talking about the “good ole VA” and how much they miss it. By placing more funds in private hands, it takes away veterans utilizing the VA, hence cutting the VA’s budget, resulting in less services, producing a death spiral to for the VA. The private healthcare system is not always better, to so many private physicians it’s about money not patient care.   

When greed takes over often what’s best for the patient is not always what takes place in the private sector, veteran will be no different. But what scares me is the possibility of the privatization being worse than the VA itself. The private healthcare system is already overtaxed and some patients have trouble getting an appointment with their primary care provider. There is a shortage of primary care providers because the money is in specialization medication, not being a primary care provider. I have a very close friend who was the Director in a major hospital system in southern California, and what I learned from him is, private hospitals can be as bad if not worse than the VA. He quit a six-figure job because he could not ethically deal with the greed of some doctors and what they were doing for money to some of the patients. The acts the doctors took were legal, but lacked ethics and compassion.

One of the biggest fears I hear from veterans is private doctors do not understand Veterans issues. According to a VA official discussing privatization before congress, the private care physicians under the new program will not be required to complete or attend veteran specific training concerning veterans only issues. Studies have shown that veterans get far better care from healthcare professionals who have veteran centered expertise. Physicians in the civilian sector might not understand how Agent Orange, Gulf War Syndrome, Burn Pits, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, or trouble adjusting to civilian live can affect a veteran’s symptoms and miss something big.  

One of the biggest complaints I hear from veterans is the VA uses interns and physician’s assistants to work with veterans. This is true, but private hospitals use interns and PA’s too, because they can pay them less and make a larger profit. Physicians assistants and interns are not the problem at the VA; the problem lies with the number of veterans the VA must handle. After 16 years of war, the success of battlefield medicine, the competency of corpsman, field hospitals, and improved evacuation skills, more veterans are surviving their wounds. If the VA must be privatized, the best way can be utilizing veterans who understand veteran’s issues and culture as the providers. The problem is there are not enough medical professionals who are veterans to serve the need. There must be mandatory training for those who were not, or have not, been in the military culture.   

Whether you like the VA or not it appears to me the VA medical system has more pro’s than con’s. As I continually talk to veterans many of them think the privatization of the VA is a bad idea. The veterans I have spoken to want the VA to spend its money and focus on training who they have, hiring more people, build better facilities, and fire those who are not willing to conform, not send them outside the system where physicians decisions are made because of money. As Amy Webb of AMVETS stated to congress “Veterans want the VA to work for them” not be destroyed by a “bleed it dry strategy” of outsourcing and underfunding. It is time veterans who want to maintain the VA as an entity need to stand up to the Trump administration. According to some senators, the Trump VA budget is 6 percent larger than last year’s budget, but 33% of the increase goes to utilizing the private sector while 1.3% goes toward VA care. President Trumps budget includes 13.2 billion dollars in mandatory funding for outside care for veterans. Any way you look at it, you need to let your congressman know where you stand on the issue of privatizing the VA. Please contact them!

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

Contact your senators and congressman for comments on privatizing the VA

US Senate    

Dianne Feinstein

11111 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 915
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: (310) 914-7300

Kamala D. Harris

312 N. Spring St

Suite 1748

Los Angeles, CA 90012

(213) 894-5000

US House of Representatives

 Paul Cook

14955 Dale Evans Parkway

Apple Valley Town Hall

Apple Valley, CA 92307