Polytrauma/pain Clinic Limited Only To Returning Oef/oif Vets?

[scscrewed]

I am 100 percent service connected disabled. I went to my occupational therapy appointment today, which is in the polytrauma/pain, I get several accommodations arranged --wheelchair ramp, shower chair, etc. I am asked if I am a OEF/OIF veteran. No, I answer. They review my record, and say they're are going to call someone. They did. The person explains I am not OEF/OIF --i knew this-- and the terms refers to individuals who were "boots on the grounds"

I am then told that polytrauma is being limited solely to OEF/OIF veterans. I explain that I was in the program before, and that I should be in it now. They agree. But because I am not OEF/OIF I cannot receive treatment.

Please advise.

I mean I am priority group 1 polytrauma is covered in the VA health book. Why the heck does it matter where I was injured at I am still dealing with the 100 percen service connected disabilities, and the treatment in clinic is for service connected disabilities.

What about all the older vets. I was told there is such an influx from the OEF/OIF that they take precedence.

[Chuck75]

First talk to the 'patient advocate".( which may go nowhere.)

I'd then ask in writing via certified letter to the appropriate VAMC director, and if you don't get satisfaction, to the VA secretary and your congressional representatives.

If they are refusing to provide proper treatment, there are also other options, particularly if failing to provide proper treatment cause your conditions to become more severe.

Refusing to provide proper treatment to a 100% SC'd veteran can cause a lot of waves.

I am 100 percent service connected disabled. I went to my occupational therapy appointment today, which is in the polytrauma/pain, I get several accommodations arranged --wheelchair ramp, shower chair, etc. I am asked if I am a OEF/OIF veteran. No, I answer. They review my record, and say they're are going to call someone. They did. The person explains I am not OEF/OIF --i knew this-- and the terms refers to individuals who were "boots on the grounds"

I am then told that polytrauma is being limited solely to OEF/OIF veterans. I explain that I was in the program before, and that I should be in it now. They agree. But because I am not OEF/OIF I cannot receive treatment.

Please advise.

I mean I am priority group 1 polytrauma is covered in the VA health book. Why the heck does it matter where I was injured at I am still dealing with the 100 percen service connected disabilities, and the treatment in clinic is for service connected disabilities.

What about all the older vets. I was told there is such an influx from the OEF/OIF that they take precedence.

[Pete53]

You need to appeal this it is a decision and you only have 30 days to do it.

[scscrewed]

This morning, I received a phone call, and I am going to be given an exception and allowed to continue in the program. BUT an exception isn't the terminology that should be used. I have the right to have my service connected injuries treated at the VA. I am receiving treatment for those injuries at this clinic.

The problem is not limited to me but to every veteran that isn't OEF/OIF. I understand the influx of veterans is straining the medical care, with the law that says that post-deployed veterans get five years of medical care, but their medical care doesn't supersede my medical care. At most they are my equal, in regards to waiting for appointments in a pain clinic.

How can a VAMC legally establish a policy that voids my right to adequate medical treatment?

Hopefully, I can get my final TDRL evaluation done and over with in march and get tricare, and just go private. I don't need to fight over healthcare.

Once the VAMC posts the policy in paper I will post it on this site. It goes into effect in January. I already talked to the Director's assistant, did that yesterday.

[john999]

The local VAMC's just make these rules up and then try and bluff you. It is just about money. My VAMC went over budget and started making cuts.