VA Appointment and meds

[JimFitz]

Originally Posted by frogsandhogs

We have found that in the northern states the VA care is far superior to the care where we winter. The McAllen, TX VA is sadly understaffed and most of the employees just don't seem to care. My husband transferred his main care from here to Green Bay, WI and it was like night and day. He has an ongoing issue, and in Texas he can not get a return phone call or get a message thru to the psychologist. He has to go to the clinic and sit there until someone can talk to him and answer his question. In Green Bay he can contact a doctor or nurse and get an answer within an hour. Green Bay is great with mailing out his meds, and will do a temporary double fill while we are on the road.

Your point is well taken. Not all VAs are the same. We moved to Portland (my wife and I are both Vets) from Roseburg (3 hours south) because the care at the Portland VA is outstanding. I realize that a lot of people can't (or don't want to) just up and move, but, like cities and states, there are differences between VAs.

[extxn]

I can't say anything about the VA in any of the other states as we don't travel much (as yet). Have been here in Northeastern Vermont for quite a few years after retiring from the Navy. I travel to the VA Hospital in White River Junction, VT (Exit 11 off I-91) for appt's with any specialist and to the VA Clinic in Littleton, NH for my primary care visits. I can say that we have some very good providers at both facilities, many of the specialists actually dual practice between the VA Hospital and Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital in Lebanon, NH which is just across the CT River.
It does sadden me when I read about the health care out in the western states and how many are treated. In Arizona, many of my CVMA (Combat Veteran's Motorcycle Association) Brothers actually go into the desert finding homeless Vets and bring them in for health care.
I have my own thoughts on PTSD and our new generation of Vets. Yes, it's serious ~ but I'm thinking many are milking the cow. Some found out how easy it is to get attention and start freeloading. Don't get into an argument over this, it's just my opinion and what I see. I came back from the Tonkin Gulf and was told to get over it, get a job and rejoin civilization. That's what I did, no one hand fed me...paid my bills...or patted my head and said it'll get better. Now, I walk with a cane and still put in 40 hrs. a week.
To each and everyone out there ~ Thank you for you sacrifices and time served!

[JimFitz]

Originally Posted by extxn

I can't say anything about the VA in any of the other states as we don't travel much (as yet). Have been here in Northeastern Vermont for quite a few years after retiring from the Navy. I travel to the VA Hospital in White River Junction, VT (Exit 11 off I-91) for appt's with any specialist and to the VA Clinic in Littleton, NH for my primary care visits. I can say that we have some very good providers at both facilities, many of the specialists actually dual practice between the VA Hospital and Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital in Lebanon, NH which is just across the CT River.
It does sadden me when I read about the health care out in the western states and how many are treated. In Arizona, many of my CVMA (Combat Veteran's Motorcycle Association) Brothers actually go into the desert finding homeless Vets and bring them in for health care.
I have my own thoughts on PTSD and our new generation of Vets. Yes, it's serious ~ but I'm thinking many are milking the cow. Some found out how easy it is to get attention and start freeloading. Don't get into an argument over this, it's just my opinion and what I see. I came back from the Tonkin Gulf and was told to get over it, get a job and rejoin civilization. That's what I did, no one hand fed me...paid my bills...or patted my head and said it'll get better. Now, I walk with a cane and still put in 40 hrs. a week.
To each and everyone out there ~ Thank you for you sacrifices and time served!

I do see where you are coming from brother. Since they loosened up the 'proof' part of the stressor for PTSD and other mental health conditions, it is easier to get rated. That being said, I was a VSO for Oregon, and for my county. I have told people, and I firmly believe, that I would rather have 9 people get rated who don't 'deserve' it than I would have one Vet get denied who truly deserves it. I had Vietnam Vets say "I don't want to file...there are Vets who need it more than me." I told them all.....you EARNED it, file for it. IF you don't need the money, pass it forward to a Vet who does. And most of them did. My wife and I are both combat Vets, and I know many others. I'm a member of CVMA 29-1 here in Oregon. I thank you and all of my brothers and sisters for your service to our great country. Fitz

[CaptnJohn]

PTSD ~~ a very controversial subject. I know one vet that never left the US but is 100% due to PTSD. Another, no longer with us, was a classic example with many symptoms but refused to see a psychologist. It is all over the map.

[Big Bill]

2 yrs ago in Harlingen Tx I was told I was a seasonal vet and couldn't make a appt I had it wait in line like others now I'm back and hope things are better

[KMANUEL74]

Originally Posted by extxn

I have my own thoughts on PTSD and our new generation of Vets. Yes, it's serious ~ but I'm thinking many are milking the cow. Some found out how easy it is to get attention and start freeloading. Don't get into an argument over this, it's just my opinion and what I see. I came back from the Tonkin Gulf and was told to get over it, get a job and rejoin civilization. That's what I did, no one hand fed me...paid my bills...or patted my head and said it'll get better. Now, I walk with a cane and still put in 40 hrs. a week.
To each and everyone out there ~ Thank you for you sacrifices and time served!

My wife always says I don't know when to shut up, so here it goes.

You are right. Many guys come back with little to no psychological problems and live a great life after.

But not all do. Vietnam Vets came back and we're given little to nothing. Almost 2% of Vietnam vets have committed suicide. How many more are homeless, alcoholics, or addicted to drugs? At some point we have to recognize our failures and fix it.

This is not directed at you, but in general, Saying, I was not treated right when I got back, so nobody should be, is sighted.

If you have not recognized part of my avatar, SGT USMC. The other part is for the guys who recognize it.

[spock123]

I came back from Nam and was told if I had a problem with my health the VA would take care of me. The first time I went in I was told I was to far down on the list to get health care. Next time I was told I made to much money. Anyway I finally retired from the Army and then found out I could get in the VA through Agent Orange. Now I have TriCare for Life and Medicare and I don't need the VA. But I can see that a lot of ex soldiers use it which is a good thing.


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[extxn]

Originally Posted by spock123

I came back from Nam and was told if I had a problem with my health the VA would take care of me. The first time I went in I was told I was to far down on the list to get health care. Next time I was told I made to much money. Anyway I finally retired from the Army and then found out I could get in the VA through Agent Orange. Now I have TriCare for Life and Medicare and I don't need the VA. But I can see that a lot of ex soldiers use it which is a good thing.


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I hear ya spock, I'm the same situation except that I use the VA for my health care. Reason for that is that they have everything on file I've been thru and have had done, including all meds. Copies of my old med records when I retired are completely worthless now. Also, too many of the professionals who accept Medicare place other patients way before the senior citizens and we still wait. The choice is ours, but I'll take the VA Clinics & Hospitals.

[JimFitz]

Originally Posted by extxn

I hear ya spock, I'm the same situation except that I use the VA for my health care. Reason for that is that they have everything on file I've been thru and have had done, including all meds. Copies of my old med records when I retired are completely worthless now. Also, too many of the professionals who accept Medicare place other patients way before the senior citizens and we still wait. The choice is ours, but I'll take the VA Clinics & Hospitals.

I'm in the same boat. I have Tricare for Life, but I choose to use the VA. I suppose it depends on which VA you have access to...some are better than others. And your old military medical records are not worthless. They serve as the basis for your disability claim (I was a VSO), and can make filing (and getting) your disability claim a lot easier Fitz.

[spock123]

I'm not knocking the VA, I use tricare for life and maybe another veteran can use the VA. I just like to choose my own Doctors and the hospital to use


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