Question regarding Dr visits

[NissanDriver]

Currently I receive 30% disability for Exercised Induced Asthma. For the past several years I’ve been seeing the VA doctor once a year which they continue making me appointment year after  year.

Recently I went to my VA appointment and my doctor asked how I was with my condition. I simply said I’m surviving and managing. The VA doctor now wants for me to see what a Pulmonologist in the VA can do to improve my health.

Is it mandatory that I go to referral appointments? And if I don’t go what happens?

Edited September 19, 2018 by NissanDriver
Typos, made corrections.

[brokensoldier244th]

PCP's and regular healthcare providers in the VA system are not part of the benefits granting arm of the VA- there is VA Health and VA Benefits. C and P doctors are part of the benefits arm of the VA. PCPs and PA's notes can be used in VA benefit proceedings, but PCP's dont get an email or phone call every time one of their patients applies for benefits. The two systems are different things. If you want to try to get better, or get some relief, go to the appointment. If they can help, great, your quality of life gets better. If not, then nothing happens. A referral is not a requirement, though if you told them you would go, and at least don't cancel, then you have wasted the time of whatever specialist they sent you to and made it so another veteran doesn't get that time slot. It makes sense that they would request a new pulmonary function test- the results of your last one are a year and a half old. Its no different than having to do blood labs before some appointments, because some things change. Maybe for the better, maybe not, but if you aren't a medical professional than you are are taking a risk because while you may know your body there are still things that you can't determine based on lay-person evidence and how you feel. 

 

I empathize with you that you don't want to lose compensation, but honestly, Id rather have my health than the money. 

[broncovet]

Amen to broken soldier.  You really dont want to base your life around ANY worry.  And, this espeically means not persuing treatment because you worry the doctors will think you improved and cancel your benefits.  

I see people worry about their social security all the time.  I had a relative who was 96 and "worried" that she would outlast her retirement.  She had at least 200,000 in savings, and only spent less than 10k per year.  

She died a worrier.  Maybe you need something in your life to believe in, stronger than your VA benefits or social security.  You see, these are both more secure than any of our jobs were...and worrying that our health improves enough to get over va benefits makes no sense.  

I hope I wake up tommorrow with the body of a 30 year old, no disabilities and ready to go back to work.  Im smarter now, and will be exceedingly greatful if my disabilities improve enough to go back to work.  

[NissanDriver]

Thank you both for the feedback.