Daily Caller: Stephen Fisher joined the United States Marine Corps after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. After three tours in Iraq and surviving three roadside bombs, he suffered nerve damage, vision loss and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among many other injuries from his service.
But when he returned home to civilian life, he left one battle in Iraq and began to fight another against the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) bureaucracy attempting to receive healthcare he needed. Fisher filed his first claim in September 2007. Since then, the VA has repeatedly dragged its feet because Fisher couldn’t make all his review appointments for his claims due to working a part-time job as a police dispatcher. His fight for benefits continues.
Fisher’s situation is unfortunately the reality for many military veterans who risked their lives fighting America’s enemies overseas.
The VA has a track record marred with a myriad of problems spanning multiple presidential administrations, such as long wait times, skimping on quality coverage and crumbling facilities that are unable to properly care for veterans. Numerous veterans told the Daily Caller News Foundation that the VA fundamentally misunderstands veterans, and needs major reform in order to stop leaving soldiers behind. more
This is what happens when you have “civil servants” providing “customer service”. Low-IQ and absolutely no incentive to exert themselves. (Have you been in line at a busy urban post office lately? Or tried to get an appointment at the DMV?)
I should be able to show my VA ID card at ANY medical facility in the U.S. and receive whatever care I need. Eyes, teeth, asshole, etc. Then the bill should go to the VA, for them to process. The VA should be administration only for the purpose of processing claims from medical facilities for services to veterans.
It depends on where you are. When I was in Atlanta I was told I did not qualify for any medical/health benefits because I had not done 2 years Active Duty. I was guard and had only one year continues active duty, but I have 4 campaign ribbons. I was in a high deployable career field. I moved south next to Ft Stewart and after a VFW membership I got a 1099 that I had VA benefits for 4 months last year. I am 64, WTF?
20 year retired vet…..
Took 2 yrs for VA physical…..
Got a dental bridge…..
Made too much $$$ in retirement…..
Sent me a bill…..
Didn’t pay them…..
VA took my tax refund.
I don’t try the VA anymore…..
Too much wail time and I’m paying anyway…..
So TriCare and GEHA for me.