So, I had to take off from work to go to a medical appointment at a VA clinic. My appointment had been scheduled for months in advance. I had letters from the VA, as well as emails, telling me I was good to go for the appointment. So, again, I took off work, and drove with my wife to the VA. When I entered, showed my military ID, driver’s license, and paperwork, Ashely, the nervous receptionist at the counter, said, “I’m sorry, sir. But our doctor is not in. We don’t have anyone to see you. Actually, we don’t even have a doctor. We’ve had some recent skakeups. Please have a seat.”
My wife, sitting in the lobby, knew I’d received yet another round of bad news via the VA. Listen, let me say this: I’m a patriot. I adore being a career soldier and officer, but my experiences with the VA have created a less-than-yummy taste in my mouth for the level of ‘care’ given.
I’d received no phone call, no email, no text–absolutely nothing in terms of service to say that I was not to be seen today. So, I’ve missed work, driven around the state to a VA clinic where I received zero service, and now I’ve been given more 1-800 numbers where I get bounced around, then finally disconnected.
No accountability. Zero. The VA employees get paid to do (something?), but we vets get turned away and/or pushed aside because the VA can’t seem to get its act together.
In Jasper, GA there was a shooting at their VA clinic this year. There was another shooting at the Blairsville, GA VA clinic. And don’t even get me started on the Atlanta VA. It could have been a circle in Dante’s epic poem about hell.
I’m not a psychologist or a private investigator, so I won’t presume to know the motives of those who ‘snapped.’ However, I think any reasonable person might understand why Service Members (I’ve been in for over 25 years at this point) might be somewhat less than pleased when this is the pattern with the VA.
The 1-800 numbers should be called, “Thanks for calling the ‘No-One-Cares.’ Thanks for your service. This is about how much we care about it. Have a nice day.” Click.
My friend, have you consulted a VSO? I had to go through them before even getting in to see a VA person. I was denied several times before finally getting what I wanted. Of course, every time they denied, my VSO would sent an answer pointing out the information they wanted had already been sent to them in a previous letter. But every time they deny they start over so back pay for the condition could be smaller. All of my conditions are related to Agent Orange. Sorry you are having so much trouble.
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I have not done that yet, sir. I am trying to do things the right way and not be one of those guys who manipulates the system. I just want what’s right. I know there are many who have been done wrong by the VA–men and women who were crushed by the system. I also know some who have been duplicitous and gamed the system. I am not that guy. But I thank you for bringing this up. I hate you endured what you did. The system is deeply confusing and byzantine and staffed by those who never served. So, it is an uphill battle. Note taken, sir. Thank you for your service and feedback.
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