[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

ATTN: VETS
DO NOT TRUST THE VA

This past Feb the local VA Clinic told me they could not treat me for a serious eye infection because I was not in the local system. They made me go 90 miles (one way) to the nearest regional VA center. The regional center could not treat me and sent me (after making an appointment for me) to a local private eye clinic. This required a 2nd follow up visit, which the VA authorized. The VA told me at the time as long as they (the VA) authorized the visits they (the VA) would pay the eye clinic.
NOTE It took the VA almost 3 weeks from the 1st time I called them to actually get me to an eye clinic that could treat me.
NOTE2 At the time of my enlistment I was guaranteed medical care if I ever needed it.
NOTE3 In Feb I was told the only way to get into the local system was to get a physical at the local center and was advised the waiting period is just about one year.


TODAY I received a bill for the full cost of the eye clinic exams and treatment with a note that said the VA would not pay and I had to pay the bill.
So what the VA did was to force me to go to a clinic they picked and then stuck me with the bill.

I guess someone decided that since my Las Vegas based personal business (and only source of income) is all but destroyed by the events of 9/11 and the recent terrorist threat to Las Vegas on 7/4 that this would be an excellent time to stick me with a bill that the government was supposed to pay.

Now if I was an illegal alien or owned a large corporation the government would help me.

But I'm just a vet and a small business owner so the government has no help for me.

< / RANT>

[SpookBrat]

Oh you poor thing. ((((((Tonkin)))))) What can we do to help? I'm sorry you had such a rotten day.

[WVNan]

Just a glimpse of socialized medicine folks. Still think we need a national health care system? The blinking gov. can't do anything right.

[SAMWolf]

You deserve to rant. Any chance at all on reimbursemennt?

[Jen]

Tonk, call your congress critter or Senator and ask for their help. The VA will take him/her seriously. This is outrageous!

[RadioAstronomer]

Oh damn! I am sorry to hear this!

[HiJinx]

Man, that's just not right.
It'd be worth the trip back to the Regional VA center, just to be able to present the bill to the BOZO that sent you to the civilian eye doctor!!!
(And warn him not to need Coast Guard help!!!)

[The Mayor]

Who's your congressman? Call him, call your local legislator. It's election year they want your vote..

[Snow Bunny]

These VA hospitals make me soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Furious!!!!!!!!!!!

They LIE, LIE LIE LIE LIE LIE LIE LIE LIE LIE LIE LIE LIE

I am sooooooooooooooooooooooo sorry Tonkin!!!!!!!

A Vietnam Vet in Florida drove his truck right through the window of a VA hospital in Florida, just out of pure frustration.

I wish I could make things right!!

You served our country and should not be treated this way.

We sleep safe in our homes because of those who served our country and serve now.

We don't have bombs going off down our streets because our Veterans and those serving now fought and fight to keep us safe.

Veterans should have the BEST Care and FREE. totally FREE care their entire lives.

[LadyX]

TONK - there is a Veteran Liaison person in VA Med Centers in EVERY STATE whose SOLE job is to handle snags for their vets.

Mine here in Augusta is a doll, and you wouldn't believe the lengths he goes to to help.
He himself is a vet and performs miracles.
He is a representative paid by South Carolina to help all SC vets who go to Augusta GA (his office is there in GA) because it is closer for us than Columbia.

Your nearest Regional VA Medical Center will have one.
DO NOT pay the bill until you consult yours.
What you do or do not make is irrelevant - you ARE entitled to this if they authorized it and made the appointment.

If not, you have a right to complain higher in the hospital!
Keep me posted, dear Brother, and let me know if you need more info.....

[MistyCA]

That is just awful, Tonk! The VA Clinic here has given my brother and my husband both excellent care and treatment with no waiting for appointments, especially if it is something like an eye infection! You need to complain UP the line and complain to your Congress person (hopefully you have one responsive to Veterans!).

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

That is such BULL CRAP from them friend!!! IN 1999 Congress passed a bill regarding Vets. Here is just a small tid bit from the VA site regarding eligibility:

Am I eligible for the VA Health Benefits Package?

Any person who was honorably discharged from the military prior to September 1980 is an eligible veteran. If you were discharged after September 1980, you must meet the following criteria:

You were honorably discharged and

You completed at least 24 consecutive months of active duty (exceptions include discharges for medical reasons, or discharges for hardship) or completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty. For further information, contact your local VA Medical Center Enrollment Office.