View Full Version : The Phoenix VA, you'd receive better care in the warzone
Team Sergeant
04-10-2017, 10:07
This is what you have to look forward to when you ETS or retire from the military. I have written the VA Inspector General's Office (OIG) with no response. I've written Senator McCain and when that letter reached his office I had an appointment that day.
Hurt or wounded in the military, no one really gives a shit except you, the doctors and nurses at the VA and your family.
The VA staff and federal gov, doesn't give a shit. And the VA Inspector General's Office (OIG) is a joke.
Veterans Affairs whistle-blower faces punishment for revealing alleged harasser, email shows
By Tori Richards
·Published April 10, 2017
· FoxNews.com
An employee at the embattled Veterans Affairs hospital in Arizona is facing a punishment ranging from “reprimand to removal,” Fox News has learned, for publicly revealing the name of a colleague he claims harassed him after the whistle-blower exposed exceedingly long wait times for patients at the Phoenix facility.
In a letter dated March 30, the VA accused scheduling manager Kuauhtemoc Rodriguez of violating “privacy standards you are expected to enforce [and] breaching your responsibilities as a supervisor,” by sending the media a copy of an email he wrote to the hospital director that detailed alleged harassment and included the name of a colleague as one of the top offenders.
The VA claims divulging the name of a fellow employee violates its policy prohibiting release of “Sensitive Personal Information” (SPI) without permission. This includes “education, financial transactions, medical history, criminal or employment history, and information that can be used to distinguish or trace the individual’s identity.”
Rodriguez acknowledged his email named an assistant as someone who had criticized him in front of veterans and others -- but said he didn't disclose any personal information.
“Just reporting someone's name shouldn't be secret -- we are government employees,” Rodriguez told Fox News. “They are trying to twist anything they can to punish me.”
The Phoenix VA hospital was the epicenter of allegations ranging from lax care to misconduct in 2014 when a scheduling clerk became the first whistle-blower to disclose that a secret appointment wait list existed and dozens of would-be patients had died.
In a report released in October 2016, the VA Inspector General's Office (OIG) found that 215 deceased patients had open appointments at the Phoenix facility on the day they died.
Rodriguez complained to the VA inspector general last November that 90 veterans still were waiting more than 400 days for care and five had died without seeing a doctor. In February, he filed another complaint alleging more than 4,000 veterans had their appointments inexplicably canceled by the Phoenix VA after they already had waited more than 180 days, documents show.
cont:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/10/veterans-affairs-whistle-blower-faces-punishment-for-revealing-alleged-harasser-email-shows.html
The current VA needs to be abolished and started from scratch. The entire system has become corrupted and rotten. There is way too much bureaucracy involved to fix the mess we have now.
Divemaster
04-10-2017, 14:15
Start draining the swamp right here.
The Reaper
04-10-2017, 14:18
Socialized medicine and a union-protected staff who couldn't care less about veterans.
Welcome, America.
TR
bblhead672
04-10-2017, 15:28
Makes me sick that the government, especially the agency who is tasked to care for vets, has such disregard for the health and well being of the people they are paid to take care of. Such bullshit.
frostfire
04-10-2017, 15:38
union-protected staff
don't have to look as far as VA for that. I don't know about other medcen, but the union at Womack is notorious for many progress-impeding bureaucracies
rsdengler
04-10-2017, 15:44
The VA and our Government are there to help our veterans, and our military. It is sickening to think that the task that they were given to uphold is basically ignored, and swept to the side. We need to clean them out, hold them accountable, and start kicking some Political Ass. :mad:
bblhead672
04-10-2017, 15:46
The VA and our Government are there to help our veterans, and our military. It is sickening to think that the task that they were given to uphold is basically ignored, and swept to the side. We need to clean them out, hold them accountable, and start kicking some Political Ass. :mad:
Hang em high until care improves!
The VA and our Government are there to help our veterans, and our military.
I wish I had faith in that statement.
I would say that the VA does NOT exist to "help" our veterans. That government bureaucracy exists to administer a program in the best interest of the government - not necessarily the veteran.
I think it is more like an insurance company - they want you to BELIEVE that they are there for you. They want you to believe that they have a claims adjuster on strip alert with a blank check waiting to put money in your bank account.
Right up until that point when you file a claim - then they tell you "thats not covered"
...it isnt part of your plan
The VA is the same way except they tell you "thats not service related"
...it wasn't in your medical record
The VA doesnt give two Indonesian Rupiahs about veterans.
rsdengler
04-10-2017, 18:12
I wish I had faith in that statement.
I would say that the VA does NOT exist to "help" our veterans. That government bureaucracy exists to administer a program in the best interest of the government - not necessarily the veteran.
I think it is more like an insurance company - they want you to BELIEVE that they are there for you. They want you to believe that they have a claims adjuster on strip alert with a blank check waiting to put money in your bank account.
Right up until that point when you file a claim - then they tell you "thats not covered"
...it isnt part of your plan
The VA is the same way except they tell you "thats not service related"
...it wasn't in your medical record
The VA doesnt give two Indonesian Rupiahs about veterans.
I think you are correct in your statement, regular Insurance Companies are the same way. They care only about themselves, they approve nothing, they think your claim is "not necessary" and you end up paying the majority of everything. It gets to the point that it feels like a scam, and when you finally get to talk to a "real" person after all the BS telephone prompts; you actually feel happy when you ream them a new one. Except you realize it does not help in the end, and you now have a freaking ice pick to the brain headache....
Guillotine worthy they are. :mad:
Here is a crazy fuckin idea. Shut down VA clinics hospitals etc and let people go to a private MD or hospital and VA pays for it. They do that now with some folks not sure the criteria but why not everyone?
That works, except that there are limited number of 'civilian' spinal cord injury/disease centers in the country staffed, trained and equipped to handle patients with those problems. Most private hospitals lack the staff and expertise to handle the issues that often accompany SCI/D. The DOD has a very large percentage of that patient demographic in the US, and they're spread all over the country, so most states have a VA SCI/D center or one is relatively close by. Farming those patients out to private care could become problematic.
Question...most guys here are retired SF types...I've never been to the VA, not once...I use my Tricare for life with the same Dr. I've seen for some years now....you guys use the VA?
I'm not here to defend the VA in any form but does the VA not spend most of it's time/resources working outside of its original charter?
Locally, guys that spent a few years in service use it for lifetime support....and dental too. These are not service related issues in the most part. They simply believe the VA owes them lifetime medical support for their one tour.
I suspect if the VA operated by it's initial charter these things could be fixed.
Service related injury.
Retiree's.
Divemaster
04-10-2017, 20:30
We still use Tricare.
Question...most guys here are retired SF types...I've never been to the VA, not once...I use my Tricare for life with the same Dr. I've seen for some years now....you guys use the VA?
I'm not here to defend the VA in any form but does the VA not spend most of it's time/resources working outside of its original charter?
Locally, guys that spent a few years in service use it for lifetime support....and dental too. These are not service related issues in the most part. They simply believe the VA owes them lifetime medical support for their one tour.
I suspect if the VA operated by it's initial charter these things could be fixed.
Service related injury.
Retiree's.
Team Sergeant
04-10-2017, 20:35
CSM,
I didn't use the VA for the first twelve years of my retirement, I used my ex's health plan. After I got divorced I had no plan except Tricare. So for the last few years I've used the VA and for the most part have been happy. That happiness ended recently (last 2 years) when I tried to book an appointment and had a civilian female appointments supervisor "lie" about contacting me about my request to make an appointment. This piece of shit (and tomorrow I will post her name) lied to me and her VA bosses about contacting me multiple times. I will post a copy of the letter she sent me on a couple of occasions stating she tried to contact me to make a VA appointment.
See funny thing is, I have only one phone number and if she or her office tried to contact me my phone would have had a record. She never called, not once. And the letter I wrote to the VA OIG and Senator (fuck it) McCain I told them the same thing I'm writing here. There's no records of the VA EVER trying to call me to schedule an appointment. And I'd be happy for the VA OIG to have a look at my phone records, you know the ones that would show no one at the VA ever called me to schedule an appointment.
This is what you lads on active duty have to look forward to..... a federal system that doesn't give a shit about you. (the doctors and nurses excluded for the most part)
The care you were promised is a half truth.
Would I serve again knowing this, no. Would I enlist now, no. We have a really screwed up system and have hired a bunch of union assholes that serve as staff in our VA's. This is your country and it needs fixing.
I'm pretty much done with the VA, I'll go to see them again like I did in Special Forces, when I'm broken or bleeding. Otherwise fuck it.
TS....why not find a Tricare provider and use the same Doc...for general health and referrals.
I've had no major issues but have had some PT after overdoing things etc...and the regular age related check ups and procedures with no issues.
I have one Dr., good guy, see him whenever and get referrals for anything outside of his scope.
sfshooter
04-11-2017, 18:24
Question...most guys here are retired SF types...I've never been to the VA, not once...I use my Tricare for life with the same Dr. I've seen for some years now....you guys use the VA?
I'm not here to defend the VA in any form but does the VA not spend most of it's time/resources working outside of its original charter?
Locally, guys that spent a few years in service use it for lifetime support....and dental too. These are not service related issues in the most part. They simply believe the VA owes them lifetime medical support for their one tour.
I suspect if the VA operated by it's initial charter these things could be fixed.
Service related injury.
Retiree's.
I spent 10 years in and don't have retirement. Was given 0% rating when I got out. Months later the VA sends me a letter telling me of an appointment I have in Nashville to have my back looked at. I was in a school at the time and said screw them. I don't regret that. I have a severe pet peeve over these yahoos that claim they are all fucked up from the war (OIF/OEF) and they all have PTSD. I think there is so many people gaming this system and sucking off the government that shouldn't be! That damn sure doesn't help out the soldiers that are their that actually need the help!! I have met some of these people who I know very rarely left their FOB if ever and now have PTSD.
My neighbors wife is (both ex military) 100% disabled! How the hell does that work?! I see her mow the lawn and drive around just fine. I don't understand what gives her that status and I've refused to bring it up as I know I will go off on a tirade of sucking needlessly from the VA system!
I got to see how crappy some of the service was as I drove a Viet Vet to appointments and hospital trips all the time until he died. Some of those people care and some damn sure don't give a shit!!
The Reaper
04-11-2017, 21:28
The VA largely exists as an employment program for the unemployable.
The techs, nurses, and docs are pretty good, but the admin employees have no respect for the military, or veterans. Lots of racism there as well, at least in the three VA Medical Centers I have visited. It is pretty blatant, as employees refuse to see vets while they chat with one another, socialize, display bad attitude, and take personal phone calls while patients are waiting.
I get an annual physical there, which gives me some things like outside referrals, meds renewable online, etc. Most of the doctors are not Americans and some barely speak English.
I see my civilian primary care provider as well, and he fills the gaps, since my VA doc is not allowed to write scripts outside the VA system.
TR
TOMAHAWK9521
04-11-2017, 22:09
The last time I went to the VA, they did some "work" on my left knee. Afterwards, they informed me that I was missing 80% of my the outer ligament. That was something big army missed for 21+ years after a bad landing in Ft. Campbell. The Indian (call center) doctor's prognosis was that I was delaying the inventible and would have to have both knees replaced. Although that was the Cheyenne VA I went to, and I'm told there are much better ones to go to, I haven't been to a VA since.
Instead, I was able to get a TriCare referral and went to the Steadman Clinic in Vail, CO to get the knees worked on. Dr. Steadman said that considering all this chassis damage had accrued over 22+ years of punching the earth in the face with my body, I was never going to be 100% again. At least I no longer have constant pain and discomfort 365/year anymore. I can barely run but it's still good to know that I am still getting around on the original wheels.
I retired in 2013 and use my local VA for all my medical care except Optometry and Dental. From 2013 to 2104 I had 15 surgeries for service connected problems, with a couple of month long stays in the ICU. In that time, like some here have stated, the admin portion of the VA is horrendous. They just do not give a fly crap about anyone, you see that in how they deal with you and their quality or work. The nurses, techs, and some of the doctors were good, but I did have a couple that will I will never allow them to touch me. Overall my experience at the VA is good.
What I do see at the VA is a large portion of the National Guard soldiers. What I gathered from those whom I have talked to, most have one deployment under their belt and “getting hurt” during drills to build up their medical record. This same sentiment is what I hear from the more senior people in the Student Veteran Organization on campus and some of the veterans in some of my courses.
One thing that the VA needs and does not address. It needs more veterans working there.
My experience is roughly the same. I sic'd my (useless) congress critter on them. I don't know who is more incompetent and incapable of reading: the VA or my congressman.
miclo18d
04-12-2017, 04:54
Upon retiring you are supposed to go to the nearest VA and get your physical for service related injuries. I did.
That was the last time I've been to the VA and hopefully I will never step foot in one again, except to volunteer.
I was creeped out about the whole process and was super pissed when I found out I was charged $11 dollars for a 2oz tube of hydrocortisone that I didn't really need and had the impression that it was free.
The whole place seemed like a death camp with zombie veterans that were just waiting in line to die. Maybe because I only saw one doc but my confidence level in the professional staff was not very high.
Ret10Echo
04-12-2017, 06:16
I've never been... Filled out all the paperwork as I prepared to retire and just couldn't convince myself to go. I figure, I've got all my original parts with limited modifications, healthcare coverage from work and just didn't want to clog up a system that was already struggling to keep up.
That's been since 2005.
At some point I may wish I had, but thus far no regrets.
TOMAHAWK9521 aka Lawn Dart. :D
Team Sergeant
04-12-2017, 15:23
TS....why not find a Tricare provider and use the same Doc...for general health and referrals.
I've had no major issues but have had some PT after overdoing things etc...and the regular age related check ups and procedures with no issues.
I have one Dr., good guy, see him whenever and get referrals for anything outside of his scope.
I tried that, cost me quite a bit. When I go to the VA I do not get charged for the visit, tests, blood work etc. And very few physicians take Tricare, very few. I now live off my E-8 retirement and as we all know that ain't shitte.
TOMAHAWK9521
04-12-2017, 21:13
TOMAHAWK9521 aka Lawn Dart. :D
But I always grabbed grass, so I'm still here. That's the key. It's the second hit after you bounce that kills you. Always grab the grass upon impact.
Some suggestions to correct the horrible state of affairs at the VA:
They need a no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners leader for the VA - and for ALL of the bureaucratic garbage to be FIRED! There should no longer be "bonuses" for doing the job that they are being paid to do. That crap has got to stop ASAP!
Why doesn't the new VA leader go outside - to the millions of those who are unemployed or under-employed. I can assure you there will be an incentive to do good work. Hire some of those unemployed or under-employed veterans - those who know what fellow veterans are going through.
Get RID of the obligatory "college degree necessary" if that is what is standing in the way. There are many, many people out there with a lot more sense, as well as a decent work ethic, who do not have that indoctrination certificate.
Also, NO UNIONS!!!! Unions do nothing but encourage mediocrity and punish those who wish to excel. You do your job as you were hired to do it or you are gone, simple as that.
Just a few suggestions that may provide food for thought for someone who is willing and committed to service U.S. veterans, who deserve a hell of a lot more than they have received so far.
Roguish Lawyer
04-30-2017, 19:01
I recently contacted reporters I know at Fox News and the NY Times trying to get them to interview a rather prominent and highly decorated member of this board who is having problems like what many of you have described. No interest. :mad:
Oldrotorhead
04-30-2017, 19:38
I use the VA for Wellness. An annual exam, blood and urine tests. I also get all my standard meds from the VA. I order online and that is fairly error free if the damn Doc renews as she said she would.. I have had both very good and very bad primary car MDs. The Current Doc is Puerto Rican, very young, very pretty and very lazy. Her English skills are limited. I look much tougher than I really am so I use intimidation to get her to perform as she should.
I have found the VA Hospital in Atlanta GA much better run the Shreveport, LA. Both hospitals have some very good Medical help IF you can get an appointment. Other than Primary care I use Drs outside the VA, it has just been impossible to do all my care through the VA even if I chose to work that way.
I recently contacted reporters I know at Fox News and the NY Times trying to get them to interview a rather prominent and highly decorated member of this board who is having problems like what many of you have described. No interest. :mad:
In your AO contact KFI's Brian Suits. He's a war vet having issues with the VA also and joins FOX Business almost weekly (not just about the VA).
Pat