US Dept. of Veterans Affairs Customer Service Issues

The VA is reducing my disability payment by $[redacted] per month due to my thyroid removal, which still affects my levels. They did not review my blood work. This cut may lead to losing my home. On another note, I sustained injuries in Afghanistan including right shoulder and left thumb issues, PTSD, sleep apnea, and migraines. The VA attributed 10% disability to my left thumb separate from my shoulder injury, causing CRSC ineligibility. This decision disrupts my life, and it feels like they want less of us around. I am ready to advocate for fairness. Regards, Diana E.

Since January [redacted], I have been homeless. After contacting the VA, I was assured I would have a home before the month ended. However, almost a year later, I am still without a home. When reaching out to the Kosciusko County service officer, I was disheartened by their response denying veterans any rights. Feeling frustrated, I hung up on them. The VA connected me with Bright Point, but the process was futile, wasting both time and government resources. Reaching back out to the VA only led to further complications, with suggestions to relocate to a bigger city. This discrimination is perplexing. I am in dire need of assistance to secure housing, away from homeless shelters and bustling cities that do not suit me. It is disheartening to question if the VA is failing to support veterans in need.

I was discharged on Sept. 11, [redacted], from the 7th floor of the VA Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, after a mental breakdown. I've been off work for over 4 months and haven't received any emergency financial assistance for rent from the VA. I feel lost without any directions or helpful resources. My experience with the VA staff has been disappointing and unprofessional. Despite calling the suicide hotline multiple times for referrals, the follow-up from the Cincinnati VA has been inadequate. My attempts to reach out to the suicide prevention coordinator went unanswered, causing distress. My therapists have expressed concerns about the impact of the VA's actions on my well-being. I have evidence of the lack of support and care I've received, including recorded conversations and logs of calls. Seeking help from various channels, including the CEO and patient advocate, has been futile. I've even reached out to the White House hotline for assistance. The Cincinnati VA seems to be failing its veterans, with cases of malpractice and negligence. All I'm asking for is some support to help me get back on track. It's disheartening that the VA, which should assist veterans, is causing harm instead. At this moment, I still lack a social worker or a dedicated person to guide me through this crisis. The resources provided to me have been unhelpful, leading to dead ends. I am in need of help to navigate through this challenging time.

Dear Forum Members, I recently received information from my Primary Care physician at the Bakersfield CA VA clinic that I am no longer eligible for the Choice Program due to a change in distance measurement method from actual mileage to geodesic (straight line) distance. The new geodesic measurement policy has put me just short of the 40-mile limit, despite the actual distance being 43.7 miles. This change seems to have happened without prior notification to veterans, and I am seeking clarity on whether the mileage requirements have officially shifted from actual miles driven to geodesic miles. I have drafted a letter to Congressman Kevin McCarthy to address these concerns and need to ensure my information is accurate before sending it. Thank you for any insight you can provide promptly. Best, D.B. (based on the original message shared)

I am Jane Jones, a caregiver for my mother, Lucy M. Edwards, who has dementia and requires full-time care soon. I am looking for a facility that can provide her necessary care. Lucy's income is solely from Social Security, $1,[redacted] monthly. I am inquiring about benefits for her as the spouse of Sergeant S C Edwards, a deceased World War II veteran since March 30, [redacted]. Are there funds available to supplement her income for her care expenses? Most facilities start at $2,[redacted] monthly with additional fees based on required care. Any information regarding financial assistance for her care would be greatly appreciated.

I have received a bill for Vitamin D3 [redacted] IU [redacted] tablets from the VA that costs $24.00, but I noticed the same medication is priced at $7.82 at Walmart. It would be beneficial if doctors at the VA could inform veterans about potentially lower-cost options for their prescriptions outside of the VA system. Given the high cost of medications, it seems important for the VA to consider more affordable alternatives for their members. The significant price difference between $24.00 at the VA and $7.82 at Walmart appears concerning, as it may give the impression that the VA is profiting from veterans, which is not acceptable. I am hopeful for an explanation or clarification on this matter.

Last week, I contacted the VA crisis line during a difficult time. I believed our conversation was confidential, but shortly after, I found myself facing serious legal consequences. As a result, my current struggles have increased, exacerbating my PTSD. Losing my license has left me unable to work, and I am now burdened with legal fees and the possibility of imprisonment. My trust in the VA, especially the suicide prevention line, has been shattered. I feel abandoned and unsupported in getting the help I truly need. The situation has shown me that the legal system prioritizes my charges over addressing my mental health issues. I am seeking accountability from the VA regarding this breach of confidentiality and the impact it has had on my life.

Hello, how are you? I am a spouse with a child of a veteran who is still alive but is currently not receiving VA benefits. Even though we are still married, we are separated, and I am facing significant hardship right now. I find myself homeless and have been selling my belongings to afford staying in a motel. Tomorrow is my last day here, and I have nowhere else to go. I urgently need assistance to find a place for myself and my child. I receive disability payments, but a family member took my money and then evicted us once I ran out of funds. Is there any way you can provide help for me and my 6-year-old daughter?

I have resided in Chapin Mansion in Holyoke, MA under the Valley Opportunity Council for two decades. Being a disabled Vietnam veteran, I have encountered disturbances from a non-veteran neighbor who does not understand when I address the noise issue due to a language barrier. Despite reporting the problem to Valley Opportunity Council and their assurances, the noise matter remains unresolved. The ongoing disturbances have severely affected my sleep, frayed my nerves, and as a 65-year-old, this situation is challenging. Knowing that the council receives support from Veterans Affairs, I am hopeful that some resolution can be found to address this ongoing issue. Thank you for your attention to my concerns. Kevin F. Showers

Hello, I recently discovered that I am the successor trustee of my parents' trust. My father, MSGT Leno A. Gallardo, served in the Marine Corps for over 30 years, including WW11, Korea, and Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart. I was his caretaker in his final year, alongside my sons. Now that both my parents have passed away, I am seeking information on any benefits my father may have for me and my children. As his assigned caretaker, any assistance you could provide during these challenging times would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration. God bless and stay safe. Respectfully, Maria Gallardo.

For the past 18 months, I have experienced issues with the VA losing one of my prescriptions each month. The method of ordering, whether through my doctor or the online VA site, does not seem to make a difference. Despite reaching out to the White House hotline and lodging multiple complaints with the VA pharmacy in Iowa City, the response remains consistent. Approximately a week later, I receive a call acknowledging my medicine complaint, only for it to be closed without a resolution. This recurring problem of missing medication is frustrating, and I am concerned about the potential consequences if I am left without vital medications for an extended period.

I've been waiting 1.5 years for an appointment. Finally got one on 6/8. The nurse said I need a mental health evaluation before seeing the doctor. I declined since I believe it's unnecessary for a nurse to inquire about my mental health. Wondering if they screen everyone now or just targeting certain demographics. I'm eager to see a doctor, not answer questions from a nosy nurse. Thanks, Greg M.

As an Army Veteran, I have been obtaining my glasses from the VA in Bath for many years. Normally, I get them in August to coincide with my birthday. Due to COVID, my appointment got pushed to January this year. I have a medical exemption from wearing a mask, which the Bath NY VA did not honor, preventing me from getting new glasses. Despite reaching out to various VA offices and Women's Veterans, I was informed I could qualify for Comfort Care, allowing me to see a local Optometrist with the VA covering the costs. I have an upcoming appointment on August 12th, but no resolution has been provided yet. I am experiencing constant headaches, and my current glasses prescription is inadequate, making it challenging to read road signs while driving. I am hopeful for assistance in resolving this matter.

The Alaska VA's current conditions raise concerns about the lack of professional care and possible patient abuse, affecting veteran brothers and sisters subjected to subpar healthcare. The Veterans Choice Program is criticized as a failure. The Anchorage VA is described as a training ground for inexperienced staff, impacting the quality of care. As a patient for 25 years, with 19 in Alaska, the treatment plan changes since [redacted] have been detrimental. The writer emphasizes the importance of having doctors rather than nurse practitioners for better medical expertise. Advocating to end the Veterans Choice Program due to its flaws and potential risks to veterans' lives, urgent action is requested before more harm occurs.