Champ VA

[Julie B]

I have ChampVA. I was in a car accident, rear ended at 74 miles per hour by a guy texting and driving on express way. I suffer from migraines and neck pain.  I have been to a spine specialist for many injections. I have 3 herniated discs in my neck. I was wondering why acupuncture is not covered by ChampVa?  My husband is a disabled Veteran, and I am his care taker. It is difficult to take care of him when I am looped on pain pills. I feel acupuncture would be cheaper than meds, and doc appointments just to get refills for meds, not to mention the damage happening to my stomach lining from the meds. Can some one tell me why ChampVA will not cover Acupuncture, It is covered by the VA choice program for our Veterans...?

[bleggett29]

From what I was able to find doing a google search, it that CHAMPVA covers Acupuncture. BUT finding an Acupuncturist that accepts CHAMPVA is going to be difficult.

[broncovet]

Well, no, I cant tell you "why" but I can tell you that Champva is the best insurance money cant buy.  

Have you spoken with your local VAMC about this?  Some places let spouses eligible for Champ va, get treated at the local VAMC.  The decision is made by each local hospital.  My VAMC permits my spouse to get medical care here.  

I "think" the VAMC allows chiropractic care (ie accupuncture), at least that is one Vets have told me.  

[Shotlife]

Probably because acupuncture is voodoo medicine. 

[broncovet]

I thought accupuncture was voodoo medicine, too, until I tried it.  I had sprained my ankle and my nephew insisted I go to chiropractor because I was working for him and he needed my help.  I was on crutches going to chiro.  

Once there, the chiropractor asked me if I was afraid of needles.  I responded, "no".  

The next thing I knew there were about 20 needles in my knee and leg in different spots.  I realy did not even notice the needle sticks, the needles were so small.  

I completed the treatment, got up and left.  Then I realized I forgot something in the chiropracters office.  

Yes, I forgot my crutches, as I no longer needed them.  On crutches into the doc, off crutches out the docs office.  

There was no "placebo" affect as I was unfamiliar with accupuncture and did "not" expect it to help me.  (Sometimes people take a sugar pill and get better, because they believe it to be a powerful medicine, and the mind is a strong thing.  Its called the placebo effect.)  

Im a believer in accupuncture, now, but it does not work for everything.  It sure worked for my ankle sprain from a motorcycle mishap.  

Edited April 29, 2018 by broncovet

[Shotlife]

I can definitely appreciate different point of views.  I have never found these reliefs and am jealous of those that do. I'm genuinely happy for your success with it. 

[broncovet]

Again, they are specific to not only the type of injury, but to the person.  For example, I noticed some pain killers work well for some people, and do nothing for others.  

I have a daugther in law who is an md, and she would agree with that statement.