Jedmo1961

Thnx for your reply GBArmy. I had been seen by the VA for this problem and even went to the main hospital 80 miles away for tests to figure out my symptoms? They originally thought I had ruptured something internally from recent falls in the shower (twice within 2 minutes apart...long story) anyway, I hit flat on my back twice and they thought my issues stemmed from that. So I made another appt with my local VA clinic. The PCM said she had no choice but to refer me back to the VA hospital 80 miles away? During all this mumbo jumbo trying to figure out my issue, I was dropping weight fast...like 60lbs in 4 months without trying! So while I was waiting and suffering for my VA appt 80 miles away, I was forced to go to our local Urgent Care one day due to extreme pain! The PA took one look and said gallbladder! He knew the symptoms and was able to get me help fast! They scheduled me for gallbladder surgery and I took for granted I was covered since I was grandfathered in from the original program before the Mission Act of 2019 even hit the streets.

I live in Montana and reside 87 miles from the nearest full service VA Medical Hospital. We have a VA clinic locally but I was referred to the main VA hospital 87 miles away for surgery consultation at the main VA hospital? I'm 100% P&T, SSDI and retired. Shouldn't have my local VA clinic PCM suggest community care under the new Mission Act of 2019 since I would have to travel 1.5 hrs for the appt and then again to have gallbladder surgery? Especially with my distance situation? Heck, I could be the foster child for community care? Sec. 142. Veterans Choice Fund flexibility and Sec. 143. Sunset of Veterans Choice Program. I'm a covered veteran but the director of the VA hospital denied payment and I'm more qualified for community care before a regular vet according to the Mission Act? VA not taking care of me as promised?