Missing Work Coverage For Va Exams?

[F22F35Avi]

Hey ya'll!

I should have looked for a place like this a long time ago...well I will get right to the point. Is there any coverage, rules, or regulations governing work absence to go to a VA appointment? I hate nickel and diming my time off to go to appointments, but I need to get on the ball with this stuff. I am in the process of appealing one of my claims and I need to make appointments to go to the Dr to be re-evaluated, and also because of the riduculous pain in my back, which is the claim I am appealing. The closest VA hospital is almost 2 hours from me, so a quick trip there in the morning doesn't cut it. I work 2:30pm until 11pm, and getting up at 7 to get to DC by 9, if I'm lucky, then sitting and waiting... then being seen... then getting back to work by 2:30 doesnt happen. And I'm using up all my times off work for this...Are there any rules that cover us in any way for these appointments from missing work?

Thanks!!!!

[Pete53]

Its the same as going to any Medical or Doc appointment. If you need to see a Doc your work pretty much needs to accommodate your absence.

Good Luck

[Vync]

Some areas may have a VA outreach clinic which services your area and may be a lot closer to you. This tends to work for basic care. If you need some special labs or other procedures, they'll route you back to the VAMC.

You also can ask the VA if they will cover the expenses for you to see a doctor closer to where you live. Of course, they will need to approve this in advance.

[bandido60]

Hey ya'll!

I should have looked for a place like this a long time ago...well I will get right to the point. Is there any coverage, rules, or regulations governing work absence to go to a VA appointment? I hate nickel and diming my time off to go to appointments, but I need to get on the ball with this stuff. I am in the process of appealing one of my claims and I need to make appointments to go to the Dr to be re-evaluated, and also because of the riduculous pain in my back, which is the claim I am appealing. The closest VA hospital is almost 2 hours from me, so a quick trip there in the morning doesn't cut it. I work 2:30pm until 11pm, and getting up at 7 to get to DC by 9, if I'm lucky, then sitting and waiting... then being seen... then getting back to work by 2:30 doesnt happen. And I'm using up all my times off work for this...Are there any rules that cover us in any way for these appointments from missing work?

Thanks!!!!

[carlie]

Hey ya'll!

Is there any coverage, rules, or regulations governing work absence to go to a VA appointment?

And I'm using up all my times off work for this...Are there any rules that cover us in any way for these appointments from missing work?

Thanks!!!!

Welcome to Hadit,

As Pete posted, this would be happening even if you were seeing medical providers in private practice,

of course tho you would probably choose someone much closer.

I suggest you check with the HR department where you work and see if you can utilize

the FMLA for the time you need for medical appointments.

Also, are you getting any travel pay each time you go ?

I have not noticed if you are currently SC'd for anything.

carlie

[F22F35Avi]

I havent REALLY started going to the VA for my issue, since the hospital is so far. I went to a private practice twice and it was expensive since I needed another MRI. My old one was a couple years old. I have talked with my VA rep and there is no closer place....so being reimbursed for travel hasnt happened because I havent gone yet. I dont want to keep paying hundreds of dollars for specialists, MRI's, X-rays, pain prescriptions, etc... Im service connected for my lower back, mid back, knees, shoulder, neck, GERD, hearing,...I think thats it.

Guess I'll ask work what they can do for me.

[carlie]

The closest VA hospital is almost 2 hours from me, so a quick trip there in the morning doesn't cut it. I work 2:30pm until 11pm, and getting up at 7 to get to DC by 9, if I'm lucky, then sitting and waiting... then being seen... then getting back to work by 2:30 doesnt happen. And I'm using up all my times off work for this...Are there any rules that cover us in any way for these appointments from missing work?

Thanks!!!!

F22,

Sorry, I took this to mean you were already actually going to appointments at your VAMC.