diabetes Experience with C&P Exam

[VietnamVetSis]

I have got to post that a recent C&P Exam at the Washington DC VA Medical Center was absolutely delightful !  Not what I was anticipating!   Took my brother in for Diabetes Type II (presumptive for Vietnam / Agent Orange Exposure) C&P exam .   First the doctor called at 8 am and said he wasn't busy - come on in anytime.   Waited 2 minutes in the lobby and then he allowed me to accompany my brother back.   Asked a few questions and even said, "if he gets any heart issues to be sure to file another claim".  Wow.   Now we had just had a physical performed by his VA primary care physician a few days earlier and blood tests were back for high A1C, and his primary had noted on his VA medical record that he had Diabetes 2 so I guess this was a no-brainer for the C&P examiner and non-debatable.   The appointment was less than 10 minutes.  So now we wait for the disability rating.   But I can say that since he was enrolled at the DC Medical Center, all of the care he has received there has been quickly scheduled / handled smoothly / and extremely thorough.   Everyone we've come into contact there has been very polite and accommodating.  This includes a physical, blood work, two EKG's, cardio referral, and now this C&P exam.   In light of the negative reputation for VA medical  - thought I would share this pleasant experience.  Hope it continues.

[broncovet]

Its the "beltway syndrome".  The Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Md (near DC) used to be top, top notch.  My son was born there.    It was the same thing in the 1970's...the hospital near the capital had great service, great funding, etc., while the other VA hosptials suffer.   I can see they continue this.  

The facitlites near the government big whigs offices are good, so VA can lie to the government big whigs that VAMC is "the greatest health care in the world" and somebody beleives them.  Its all about VA duping congress, as VA always wants more money from congress.  When they do get more money, they squander it.  Key example:  VA got another 10 billion from congress for "Veterans choice".  A few months later, we found out much of that 10 billion or so was diverted to complete the hospital in Denver.  The contractors held the VA hostage, and VA bought it.  You see, the Denver hospital was about a billion dollars over budget, and contractors threatented to stop working if they did not get an extra billion.  So, they got their money, and Vets got shafted...again.  

 

 

[VietnamVetSis]

I get your drift BroncoVet.   I go to Walter Reed/Bethesda as well as my husband (retired LTC US Army) for specialty appointments they don't offer to retirees/dependents at Ft. Belvoir Hospital.  Pretty nice facility - good care there.   My daughter was born at the 'old' Walter Reed hospital that was pretty grungy 26 years ago.  I tried to get my brother a special "Choice" private physician appointment and could not even get a call back from the VA even after I left 3 messages that it was an acute cardio problem.   They definitely have issues with that program.