My Va Experience

[Big]

I have had back problems for many years.(non service)and had back surgery a few years ago(non Va. hospital.)

I started using Va. medical treatment 21/2 years ago with my bad back being the main subject. Over a two year period I finally got to the MRI stage and was seen by a neurologist

.

He told me there was nothing he could do. I asked my primary doc. for a second opinion and was told I could'nt get one at the Va. and I was sent to pain management.

I went to an outside neurologist and was in surgery within three weeks.

That was just two months ago and now the pain is gone other than the soreness from surgery.

Thank God I have ins. because i will not use Va. medical anymore.

Big

[Josephine]

humor is infectious...and sometimes that is the right medicine to get your through the day

Time,

You are absolutely correct and I am indeed getting off the subject, please allow me to post this.

This is what happened to me yesterday afternoon. I know that the "Rating Supervisor" of the "Rating Specialist" is sending me some important papers which will arrive in the mail today.

Anyway, I am a Sensitive Code 6, and trying to locate anyone that can open my claim for me is a mere miracle.

I called the AMC and the nicest lady a Ms. Jackson answers the telephone and immediately tells me that there is no one there that can open my file for me.

I ask her " How can I sign my comptetency over to my husband"?

By the time she comes back to the telephone, I am hysterical and crying. I am ranting on about filing my form - 9 in Roanoke and being transferred into West Va. and how my Power of Attorney is in West Va.

How my first POA had a heart attack and had to resign and the one that I have now, doesn't know as much as I do and we already know that I don't know squat.

How I am going crazy and how no one can answer any of my questions.

I tell her that I can't take it anymore, that I do not understand the rules and regulations of the VA and that no one will talk to my husband, who does understand.

I told her that I have given the VA everything that I have got to give and that I have given out.

I was 34 years of age, when I filed my first claim, and now I am 63 and trying to back up over all those years with that re-opened claim.

I was feeling sorry for myself all evening and ready to pull in my claim and then last night, when I turned on the computer and saw this post, is the first time that I could find something to laugh about.

I know that this site is no for feeling sorry for yourself, but if the Lord is able for me to accomplish in winning this claim of 30 years.

I will definitely provide a contribution.

If I don't, I will sent money via Paypal as in the past.

With this said, Thank you Liz from the bottom of my heart.

John, I know that I am off track and I am giving you permission to close if you wish.

Thanks

Josephine

(Betty)

[goofycow]

I really am sorry for losing my temper. It's just that I get so tired of VA docs gaffing me off when it comes to pain. Like HELLO.....maybe my personality wouldn't have as much of an edge to it if they would listen to me & stop trying to make fit into the mold of a low life thug.

Just going to the VA for treatment has made me worse. And if there were any real doctors around this area, I would go to them.

Again, sorry for the little outburst.

Liz

[Josephine]

Liz,

I honestly do not believe that you owe anyone an appolegy.

Always,

Josephine

[Testvet]

you do not OWE me one, when I lay the jokes out there sometimes I lay an egg I do understand the frustration of NOT getting VA docs to take what you say seriously about your medical problems, think how I felt the day my shrink told me to quit watching the X Files. And he was supposed to help me? A month later he about chit when I got the FOIA file from Edgewood about my use in the LSD experiment program. He did apologize to me, he still shakes his head whenever he sees me and he gets a new intern and we have to go thru the "experiments" with them to get them up to date on my OCD

Please accept my apology for the smart alec joke I have learned that humor is easier than frustration is all friends?

[jbasser]

folks, Opinions differ from situation to situation. That is where the percentages come in to play.

You can obtain a copy of a C@P examination.

Make sure you have the entire record with you for the opinion doctor to review. (This is impatative)

Make sure the doc follows the Guidelines.

If this is done then the process should go much easier.

[timetowinarace]

Just a note to say I understand the 'VA experience'.

Three years ago I tried over and over again to seek treatment from the VA and was flatly refused. This is for my SC brain injury.

Two months ago, at a regular schedualed appointment with my primary care NP, he finaly realized I need help. Now I'm waiting for Fee Basis to be set up for speech therapy. Private care Doc's have been suggesting this type of therapy (and others) all along but even with ins. I can't afford the co-pay on weekly visits.

In short, I've been going to the VA since '93 to get diagnoses and treatment. In '03 diagnoses was finally accepted. Late '07 and treatment may be around the corner with the help of the private sector. 16 years since the injury and I MIGHT get treatment now.

The VA literally makes me sick. Years of being called a malingerer (lier) has caused severe depression. Imagine that. They all say I "fell through the cracks" and then they drop me through another one.

I agree, go to the VA only if there are no other options.

Time