Ask Your VA Claims Questions | Read Current Posts
Read Disability Claims Articles
Search | View All Forums | Donate | Blogs | New Users | Rules
VA Medical Centers Navigating through it
To assist the veteran by providing assistance in navigating through the Veterans Affairs Medical centers.
307 topics in this forum
-
- 2 replies
- 1.9k views
I was given the "Healthwise For Life" 466-pagen book last week at the local VA Outpatient Clinic. On page xiii, II, INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND CONFIDENTIALITY, reads as follows at third bullet: "...You have the right to information in your medical record and may request a copy of your medical records. This will be provided, EXCEPT IN RARE SITUATIONS WHERE YOUR VA PHYSICIAN FEELS THE INFORMATION WILL BE HARMFUL TO YOU." What the heck is this supposed to mean....am I not privy to my COMPLETE medical record? Why would MY information be withheld from me? This sounds totally illegal. Can someone please chirp in about this...
Last reply by buzzard, -
- 8 replies
- 37.5k views
What should I expect at my initial va physical exam at the local VAMC?
Last reply by buzzard, -
Like the intro says, I'm completely stuck. I have 70% SC depression and have been seeing my social worker for 3 years but we hit a brick wall in treatment. I just had a few deaths in the family that really set off my depression. I've been asking the social worker for help with social anxiety for 3 months, also - but she couldn't do it. I asked her if there was a psychologist available at the VA and she said "there might be one in mid september when they get off rotation but I'm not sure". Can you find out? "I have no way of doing that, I've never done it". This line of questioning seemed to frustrate her. The patient advocate is literally on vacation. I tried…
Last reply by Tbird, -
- 16 replies
- 4.4k views
Okay the intent of this post is to get folks to chime in with suggestions so this letter can be revised with some logic and objectiveness. However keep in mind this letter is going to be sent out by the veteran who had this experience and is trying to get help for his condtion. He is service connected but when doctors make false statements they can injure you for the rest of your life. So he feels he needs to set the record straight and help him self. We are our best advocates and I am trying to help him as well to finish his letter. So feel free to make suggestions. Thank you in advance. There are some very good doctors at the VA. So this is not saying that there isn…
Last reply by john999, -
- 5 replies
- 2.7k views
VA lost me in their system and so im having to go through eligibility again. The letter I got shows 2 appointments. One for L/Laboratory (NC) Clinic on one day and one for L/PC Ward Clinic the next. <br style="min-width: 0px; "><br style="min-width: 0px; ">Is "Ward" part of the clinic name, or is it the name of the person they assigned as PCP for me? This is the Lincoln, NE VAMC if anyone local is around to comment. Thanks! CAS
Last reply by brokensoldier244th, -
- 3 replies
- 2.3k views
I called the medical director's office today to meet him/her to discuss the care I am getting for my chronic pain disorder. I was told by the staff that I could not meet the director, and that I had to write a letter. Of course, I believe this is a lie, but I wrote the letter anyway. I can talk to my congressman face to face, but not the medical director of the VAMC in my town? I was shuffled off to the patient advocate's office. I found out I had been dropped through the cracks, and that I did not have an appointment with the pain clinic until September. I would have been out of medications by then and pissed off. The care I am getting is inadequate and inconsistent. I a…
Last reply by Wings, -
- 2 replies
- 2.3k views
I work at the VA in Maine. There is a hiring freeze right now because of the budget. The VA I'm at is short two people to draw blood. The VA is not going to hire any new people until the vets start complaining about the wait. This probably goes for all departments. If you have any long waits for medical care, make sure you stop by patient advocacy or call to complain, this is the only way vacant positions will be filled.
Last reply by Pete53, -
- 4 replies
- 2.4k views
Hey Vets, I thought I had this clear but I read something that makes me unsure. I was 60% SC and then granted TDIU Which of course is 100%. I also know that I'm in category 1 for VA benefits. My question is can I now get care from the VA for non service connection health issues and perscriptions for non SC conditions with no co-pay? Any answers will be appreciated, Blackbird
Last reply by blackbird, -
- 3 replies
- 2.8k views
I found this link with the help of fellow member, JonesZen. http://www.facebook.com/board.php?uid=15408433177 (typo edit)
Last reply by halos2, -
- 7 replies
- 21.2k views
Just noticed there are posts on what to expect for C&P exams, but not for regular VA doc appointments. Actually, I see some information added to individual messages, but to be honest, Va medical appointments 'ARE different!' Case in point, VA calls me to set up annual checkup appointment, the VA told me I had to do blood tests in advance in order to get the appointment. Private doc sees the patient, then has patient do blood tests 'afterwards', saying I'll send you the results or call you if something else is up. Va doc or np types about 15 minutes first, then physically checks or 'sees' patient 3 minutes and rushes out.. Private doc sees paitent, asks how i…
Last reply by carlie, -
- 5 replies
- 3k views
Hello Vets, My claim for VA benefits was effective May of 2004. I won my claim in August of 2009, retroed back to May of 2004. In Jan 2007 I was also diagnoised with Parkinson's Disease. My tremor is mild and on medication, it's very hard to tell. When I had my C&P exam since I wasn't being seen for Parkinson's I didn't mention it to him and he didn't notice. My question; Now that I'm going to the VA on Friday to enroll in the VA health system, should I mention it to them now? Will it cause any problem if I do or if I keep it to myself? I will have to continue to see a private neurologist for the Parkinson's and I'm sure he will be writting the medicine prescriptio…
Last reply by LarryJ, -
- 0 replies
- 2k views
Last reply by blackbird,