Are you a military vet?

Yep, 21 years -- 10 years US Air Force, 11 years US Army.

:thumbsup:

 

Vet and it's because I have been treated by VA docs and hospitals that I am dead set against the gov't ever controlling my medical care.

 

Salty, thanks for sharing the information. I served in the US Navy during the first Gulf War. I'm interested in this service...I was looking around the site and didn't see if these benefits are extended to spouses and children of veterans. I did see where the CHAMPVA program is for "surviving" family members of veterans that have died.

I can call my local VA, but do you know if these benefits are extended to Spouses/children of veterans?

In XC
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My experience was in Virginia, Tennessee and Florida. I have frieds who say that it's changed. But I won't take the chance.

 

I am a vet with a rating, and have no problems with the VA. My opposition to the health care bill is not based on my experience with the VA.

 

I agree with you on that. As a disabled vet, the VA health care was all I had when I was out of work. It's better than most "3rd world" nations but I expect not by much. The VA hospital took 2 weeks to get the test results that a private doctor's office will get in 15 minutes.
When I needed pain meds, the first thing they offered me was methadone.

They send you a letter to tell you when your appointment is. You can cancel it and wait for them to reschedule you.

I have not been to the inpatient area of the local hospital in about 3 years but when I was there, it was dirty, the plumbing was clogged, and the building just looked "run down". If they don't take care of the building what does that say about the patient care?

 

I'm a U.S. Navy vet, who appreciates all those Saints at the VA hospital.

 

I find VA care generally good. They are good for basic check ups, medicine and testing. Surgery is another story. Sometimes it cannot be avoided because some do not have any other medical coverage. The quality of care does vary from center to center. The last operation I had, a six way bypass, was done by civilian doctors, but I am fortunate enough to have health insurance from my employer. The VA offers other services also. For example, I can no longer do some the the duties of my last job, such as lift heavy motors, change large bearings, and some types of belts. So, after the VA determines this, they will pay for you to take some courses at your local community college or votec to learn a new trade within your physical capability.

Also, it you develope a condition later in life that is secondary to a service connected disability, you can file for a higher rating. In my case, since I already have a 10% rating for hypertension, I can file for an increase to say 20-30% for it leading to CAD as evidenced by the bypass.

I know there is a seperate facility at Marion, IL that does a great job of helping vets with PTSD. I know several vets that have gotten their lives back in order with their help from as far back as Vietnam. The VA is short handed, so it takes a long time to get all these issues settled, but in general, I have a very positive impression of the VA, and think they have helped many.

I know one vet who was in Vietnam, and is 100% for various reasons, and they help his adult children go to college. They also help with burial expenses. Also, if anyone is going through this, be sure and check with your state government. Some states give breaks to disabled vets of a certain level on things like hunting/fishing licenses, auto plates, and property tax.

 

I have been very favorably impressed with my dealings with the VA ... excellent care so far. Test results back quickly and they give me a paper copy of the results.

 

I was in the Air Force and wouldn't have a VA doctor after working at a VA Medical Center for 28 years and seeing the quacks the government hires. The government gives jobs to "doctors" that no one else will hire.

One "doctor" we had there went around barking at everyone like a dog. He caused me to have a bleeding ulcer with his medication prescription to treat me for back pain I didn't have; it turned out to be stomach problems that his meds made worse. I was in a hospital for 5 days after losing 4 pints of blood. The doctor (not the quack) told me I had just made it there in time.

 

I'm a vet. However, I currently work for the government and get good care. What would be advantagous of VA care and would I qualify?

 

I went to the local VA hospital a couple of times after my discharge. They are (or at least were at that time) understaffed. I remember a patient passing out and collapsing in the waiting area and there was no one but other patients to pick him up. I do think that in the case of a full-scale war they would be needed for all the casualties, but I wouldn't want to go there for routine care.