i know theres plenty of veterans and retired veterans on here, wanted to let you know my recent experience, i was in the infantry 25 years and a paratrooper for 19 years of that total, i recently asked for a increase and re eval of my disability rateing, it was really painless i appiled online the appts were through a contracted doctor service and the whloe thing was smoth and quick and painless. i did get an increase in my rating. i only send this out to my brothers and sisters to let you know if you think you should get a re look its easy and not a long process hope you think about it banchee

Good deal, that surprises me especially with everything that is going on now. Great to hear though and hope it will help other I wish the medical system would change for not handy especially in very rural states like Wy.

danvee, its a whole new va since trump , i know you may be remote but they are really trying hard to take of the vets now and it really shows i got my appts to see 3 different docs on a couple weeks and got my decision from va in less then 3 motnths darn good service for a goverment agency banchee

My dad fought in WW2. He was in the veterans hospital in NC. He told the doctor, that he would give anything to have a picture of his old unit. A few days later the doctor brought a folder stamped with declassified with pictures of his old unit. I am grateful for the way they treated him.

wow that friggan awesome

That's awesome to hear !

What hospital was he in? Dad was in a convalescent hospital at Butner, NC. He left there September 6, 1945 recovering from cold induced damaged to his feet while fighting in France.

Good to hear banchee.

Chris

Good for you Banchee, and really nice of you to share your experience with others.

Thank you for your service.

Moosetrot

My experiences with the VA medical system has been really good as well. I sustained a back injury while serving as a mechanic in the Army in the early 1990's. After over 20 years of dealing with problems with it, I finally listened to my veteran service officer and had an evaluation done. Not sure why I waited all those years. I mostly didn't want to be seen as a hypocrite - claiming a "disability" even though I was otherwise really healthy. I ran a marathon when I turned 40. I've hunted and packed out elk. I trap. But, about once a year or so my back would "go out" and I couldn't hardly even walk for a few days. I shared all of this with the Doctor who did my assessment and they assigned a disability rating percentage.

After a few years, my back started really acting up again and my VSO suggested that I get re-evaluated as he was surprised that the rating they'd assigned me. Once again, I was surprised at how smoothly that process unfolded. They upped my rating. I've been able to access local chiropractic care, physical therapy, and they even got me one of those nifty TENS units.

My dad is a Vietnam Vet and he's been through stage 3 throat cancer due to his exposure to agent orange. The VA system has been remarkable to him.

I know the VA has gotten a bad rap for a lot of stuff, but I think it's important to acknowledge the good stuff they're doing as well.

Mr. Dobbins. I don't know the name of the hospital, but it was not far from Ashville. My dad was in his late eighties and my sister was helping taking care of him. She rented him a small apartment not far from the hospital and so he could be close to his buddies. He was tough even at that age and would not say a bad word about anyone and went out of his way to be kind to people.

Vietnam was rough on my body. Served Army Infantry with over 60 combat assaults. My back and knees caught heck.
I did not file a claim for injury until 11 years ago. My VSO said I could have when I left the combat zone.
It took a couple of years to sort everything out, but I cannot speak highly enough of the VA Eastern Nebraska / Western Iowa VA district.
They are always there and go out of their way to assist veterans.
My father served during WW2 in both Europe and the Pacific. His experiences with the VA were the same as what I am seeing.
Roy Greenfield

I got hearing aids at Ft Gordon in Augusta about 10 years ago. Now allergic to silicon in the ear pieces. Also allergic to silicon in CPAP mask.

Mom’s brother was in the Pacific in WWII. Came home mentally disturbed. Lived in VA mental hospital for about 20 years. Underwent electric shock treatment. Finally a medicine was developed to “sedate” his mind and he came to live another 20 years with mom. VA paid for his care and his disability income was invested in Treasury Bonds by his bank.

A waisted life. He had a fear of the VA.

A friend brought some pictures to work after his uncles funural. He was always the weard uncle. Amoung those pictures were pictures of his uncle sitting on piles of bodies and wearing a neckless with ears strung on it. Story was he was in some bad combat watched his buddies get blown away and was the only surviver, then their replasements as well. At some point he became a disturbed and very effective and twisted hunter. He just was nit quite right when he got home.

I dont agree 100% on this as I had lots of trouble getting seen. One example was I showed up for my appointment and the doctor didnt So they said
he would be there in a few minutes this after waiting an hour ,Asked again and told 20 more minutes another no show finally they said we have a nurse who will see you .That amounted to nothing as she wanted me to bring in all my meds .Never went back .

The VA and associated clinics here are just wonderful with vets. They make sure every vet gets fast, and the best treatment , whether major surgery or small things done. From the office staff to the docs. They welcome new vets with smiles and friendliness. There are good programs to choose from to get the best care .

Taking good care of our veterans is the best use of tax dollars bar none.

Nice subject and encouraging, banchee.

snowpa sorry to hear about your experience ,not sure how long ago this occurred but i would give it another shot you deserve and earned this don't give up try it again ,there is also plenty ways to let them know your not being cared for ,thanks for your service banchee

I have dealt with the VA for over 25 years. In that period of time I have seen great improvement in their services and care over the years.. Hopefully they will contine to improve.

I had lots of bad experiences with the Va. I finally found a Veterans Service Officer that cared and between her and the changes Trump made to the Va I finally got help. I never set foot in the Va hospital except to get my ID, everything was private practices that contract with the Va and the service was awesome. I spent alot of time with my father in and out of the Va hospital in Durham NC and that was also numerous bad experiences, but like I already said, things have changed for the positive. A good VSO is priceless.