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White House Veterans’ Complaint Hotline Now Active

On June 1, 2017, President Trump’s promised White House VA Veterans’ Complaint Hotline went live. The hotline is intended to provide veterans with an avenue to report problems with and complaints about the VA. VA Secretary David Shulkin said that the initial soft launch of the hotline will only have live operators to take some of the calls at first, with a pledge to provide continuous 24/7 live coverage by August 15, 2017.
 
All calls made to the hotline will be confidential. However, depending on the issues involved, some may need to be referred to the appropriate VA department and some information may need to be shared with those departments in order for specific complaints to be addressed.
 
President Trump proposed the hotline during his campaign as a way for veterans to be able to bring their complaints and issues directly to the White House and not get lost in the VA system. According to VA officials, information from these calls will be used to address issues regarding benefits and receipt of care for veterans and their families.
 
Please remember that this is NOT a Veterans’ Crisis Line and is not intended to provide suicide prevention assistance. This is to report problems with the VA, such as difficulty receiving benefits or care, directly to the White House. If you or a family member are in crisis and in need of immediate help, please call the Veterans’ Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
 
If you have an issue or a complaint to report to the White House, you may call the new hotline at 1-855-948-2311. Again, not all calls will be answered by a live operator at this stage since the program will not be fully staffed 24/7 by live operators until the official launch on August 15, 2017.

38 Comments

  • Va requested a C&P exam on 04/14/16. I did the exam as reuquested. In March Year prior, I put in for a claim that pertain to 2 of the issues in the current claim. They supposedly closed the claim in March 16, am but set me an appointment I knew nothing about. The date was cancelled, but I rescheduled and did the exam on the April 14, 2016. I have inquired pretaining to the exam on several times about results, and the answer is always the same. Nothing about the exam that was requested or done. I drove over a 100 miles for this exam. I call 1-800-827-1000 they see the information, but that is all. Nothing about anything being done. How do I proceed in getting this taken care of? What am I dealing with? I can be contacted at regenawr31 @bellsouth.net

  • If they closed the claim in March 2016, then you have to submit a new claim in order for them to have a reason to use the exam results. If you submit a new claim or try to reopen the old one based on submitting "new" evidence from that exam, then it should proceed properly. The issue is that the exam was conducted after the claim was closed and never reopened.

  • I am a vietnam Era 100% disabled Veteran living in the Philippines because of slower lifestyle and less stress.The only Va Clinic is over 400 miles away and i must take a plane to go to.Last year I attempted to go to the Va in Manila and at the airport was told i could not board the flight because i didnt look well enough to travel.9 days later i had a massive heart attack and woke up in ICU in a private hospital.I started trying to check out AMA because i knew i couldnt afford the bill and the va said they would not assist I filed a complainant and the va was contacted and call me to make an appointment and when they did it was 81 days away.I kept telling them i need help but they have their own pace.I POST THIS BECAUSE IF I DONT LIVE TO MAKE IT TO THE VA ON THE 18TH OF SEPT MAYBE THE VA WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS.I REQUEST MY FAMILY BE TAKEN CARE OF AND I REQUEST AN HONOR GUARD AT MY FUNERAL BECAUSE of my disability i lost my youth trying to find help but was denied va connection until 2004. ill never know what its like to have my first and only home.all too late to matter to me and be changed but maybe i can leave something for my children.THANK GOD I LIVED LONG ENOUGH TO SEE AMERICA GET THE PRESIDENT WE SO NEEDED WHO WILL FIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE AND NOT A PARTY OR AGENDA.THANK YOU MR.PRESIDENT
    JAMES F COSSON
    SSN 267271521
    DOB 09-23-1955
    US NAVY
    63-032-490-0594

  • I just called. Got the same damn runaround that I get from the VA office here. They do nothing. They won't help. They offer zero alternatives. They don't care. This is entirely broken and cannot be fixed.

  • The VA is still as corrupt as ever. Even laws, rules, manuals mean nothing to the Regional Offices nationwide. They do as they please, stall appeals so a Veteran will die first. Give incomplete information on both EBenefits and Vets.gov. They don't want us to know the TRUTH. The Baltimore MD RO needs to be shut down, cleaned out and rebuilt but will never be done, Veterans will continue to DIE everyday due to the delays maintained by the VBA, Veterans Benefits Admin. because no investigation will EVER be done to address the corruption there. Veterans will always pay the ultimate price awaiting for justice from the VA, It's is called DEATH, which is what the VA really wants to happen to Veterans.

  • Pointless. I call and they say they will get back to you in 14 days. I call back oh they didn't call you back, let me open another ticket for you and someone will call you back in 14 days. Cant make this stuff up.

  • Served on USS Pittsburgh SSN 720 during Desert Storm. We had SCUDS land within 4nmi and 7nmi of our position. Had chemical leak on said USS Pittsburgh I was extremely vulnerable to at the time but did not know it. Worst anthrax vaccine reactions on record again typically after 4 or 5th shot in military my blood enzyme condition. When I was in there was 3 such shots. Base I served on super fund clean up site due to toxic soil and water samples. Told by VA I am not Desert Storm veteran they will never service connect me. Tired contact various veterans organizations and told they will not represent me. They refuse to consider my enzyme condition that makes me 100 to 1000 times more vulnerable to certain chemical weapons and medications including vaccines. It is rigged system were a veteran cannot get a fair trial by jury. If jury seen my evidence VA would have hard time defending deciding against me. To add fuel to this fire VA closed my case while I was burying my dead dad (a retired Navy chief). VA is dishonest and dishonorable. They exist only to push political decisions for service connection.

  • I'm so sorry to hear about your case. Without all the information, I can't recommend the best way to proceed. However, a lawyer may be able to help you out. There are some great ones that specialize in the disability system. They can review your case and see if there is anything they can do to help.

  • Hello Dr. Johnson, thank you for your info here. Wanted to ask you a question regarding a proposed reduction received 7 months after receiving an 50% award. Have called the VA Complaint Line and supposedly, there is a pending outcome through VBA. WHy would VBA challenge their own decision 7 months after making it?
    Any thoughts???

  • Called and within 2 weeks case resolved which was that VA had put my appt out for 11 months. I have two cracked molars. I am 100 % P&T. Depending on your particular case , this hotline works!! VA in Orlando told me "we received an email" I said from who. They said "from White House." All it took. Thank you White House VA staff.

  • Taken 5 years to resolved Disability Claim and the last comment for the disability board was that we didn't prove he was exposed Agent Orange 2 years later and still nothing. The rule says you don't have to prove that it is assumed. Also, had letter for up Staff that has gotten disability for Orange in that me place. Stupid! Gone through 5 surgeries and cancer heart is failing!

  • Hi CD –

    As long as you meet all the requirements for Agent Orange exposure, you should qualify. If, however, you can't show proof that you had boots on the ground in Vietnam during the specified time period, etc., then they will deny it.

    So you are correct that you don't have to prove that you were directly in contact with Agent Orange, but you do have to prove that you meet the requirements for Agent Orange exposure on the Presumptive List:

    http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vapresumptivelist.html#herbicide

  • I have an issue with the VA and Dr. Young . For the past 35 years he has been their go to guy for agent orange. Dr. Young was also a paid consultant for Dow Chemical. I was boots on the ground . I was exposed and I can prove it . He has claimed for years there was no causal relationship between agent orange and health issues of vets exposed . Everyone one is different . What effects one may not effect another . For the VA to claim agent orange only has an effect on a very short list of medical issue is outrageous .

  • Cincinnati, VA
    Out Of Balance and Broken
    HERE MY PAIN, PLEASE
    You know, some years ago, I would defend the VA if any Veteran would say anything negative about their services. Even call them a liar if they said that the VA wasn’t helping them. Throughout the years until 2012 I had no problems with the VA.
    In fact, I felt that the VA was well balanced with very little cracks, which was able to do their job to make me whole on which they did.
    I was able to take the reins of my life and didn’t visit the VA until my PTSD put me back on the 7th floor at Cincinnati VA Medical Center on September 3rd, 2018.
    Now, I’m living in a horrific nightmare on trying to get the proper help from the VA. I just can’t believe on what I am going through.
    The day I was discharged I have been asking, crying, begging for the proper help to make me whole.
    There is no way I should have been discharged from having a breakdown on my own to try to get back on my feet.
    Here is one for you: I called and left a message to the Suicide Prevention Coordinator begging for help. They never called me.
    I literally had to rock the boat to get the help I have today. That help is only keeping me from going back to the 7th floor or committing suicide, while I’m trying to get the proper help from some of the VA other Departments. I have used the chain of command, that didn’t work.
    The out-come from Inadequate care, negligence, dereliction of duty that the VA has done upon me, is as follows:
    – Became suicidal several times where my therapists MAIN focus was to keep me alive instead on what she should be doing and that is helping me heal from my traumas
    – From not being at risk, to being at-risk-homeless to homelessness. The shame I live in.
    – I am more lost, more confused, more scared than ever not knowing if I am able to pull out from this crisis and able to take charge of my life again.
    – My other therapist that was helping me with my PTSD was taking away from me because on how much stress was being caused from not getting the proper help with some of the departments at the VA.
    – My mental and physical health has been deteriorating little by little over this nightmare.
    – My family and friends stay away from me.
    – Every day I forced myself to get out of bed to battle this nightmare, so I don’t sink deeper in despair.
    – I’m not able to move ahead with anything in my life, because I am always in extreme survival mode.
    – I feel alone trying to get back on my feet, with no help.
    – I feel hurt and abandon from the VA not doing their part.
    – I feel that the VA don’t really care about me or the rest of us veterans. We are just a number.
    – I see my whole life deteriorating where I’m afraid I won’t have the strength to get back on my feet to take charge of my life.
    What doesn’t make sense is that the VA motto is to make the “VETERAN WHOLE” and by looking at the above list you can clearly see that is not, what is going on.
    I pray that this letter gets in the right hands, not just for me but for the Veterans that will be going down this same path.
    P.S. Do me a favor and for one minute imagine your son or daughter going through on what you just read. Thank You
    Signed by: A SCARED LOST VETERAN

  • I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. You're right that while the VA system works for many, it fails too many at the same time.

    In your case, if you've explored the various programs offered by the VA to no avail, you may want to try the other government mental health programs offered.

    https://explore.va.gov/health-care/mental-health

    https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/veterans

    Have you reached out to NAMI? They also may be able to help.

    https://www.nami.org/find-support/veterans-and-active-duty

    Again, sorry to hear about your situation. I sincerely hope one of these programs will be able to help you.

  • Doctor, I see you are on the review board. How can I get there. When I filed for VA disability over seven years ago I made several claims, including TDIU. The VA prevaricated to deny me initially. After I tracked down a doctor who treated me in service, they then gave me a 30% rating, forgetting my other claims and TDIU. Just had a DRO hearing three plus months ago, and that was certainly an adversarial hearing because she would not let me talk about the denial of TDIU. But I cannot work, and I really need to get to this board. Any comments would be appreciated.

  • Sorry to hear about your frustrations. I am not currently on any Board, so I don't personally have an inside track for you, however, I am happy to offer advice.

    I'm not completely clear about where you are in the process, but I'm assuming you are in appeals and waiting for the appeal decision.

    With only a 30% total rating, you can't even be considered yet for IU, so until your ratings are increased, there isn't a point in arguing for IU. If your appeal is successful and your ratings are increased to levels that then qualify you for IU, then that is the best time to reapply for IU. They correctly denied that based on having only a 30% rating at the time.

    So for right now, I suggest you focus only on appealing your ratings and getting them increased. Once they are, and you officially qualify for IU, then pursue that issue at that time.

    http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/permanentandtotalunemployability.html#iu

  • Thank you for your advise. I certainly will consider what you said. However, I must point out, primarily because others might read this, that you are not entirely correct.
    In your advice you discuss what is commonly called a 'scheduler TDIU rating'. And the threshold for a scheduler rating, is perhaps one disability at 60% and a second at 40% (I think). A scheduler rating for TDIU is handled primarily by a DRO and/or the BVA. But that is not the only option.

    There is also something that is called an extra-scheduler rating, which is governed by 38 C.F.R. Sec. 3.321(b)(1). This is a consideration done by the office of the Director of Disability Service, located in Washington, D.C. In theory, a veteran can have a 0% percent rating on a service-connected disability and get TDIU if the evidence before this Board shows it is warranted. You might want to read that legal citation.

    I, apparently inadvertently, though you were on that board that hears these exceptional cases.

    Now you are correct that I am in the appeal stage, specifically waiting for the DRO to issue her edict. But while I am wound up let me give a short explanation of not just where I am, but also where I have been.

    I became disabled before I ever heard of VA disability. But when I found out I applied. I was initially denied because of a 'false statement'. (Ask General Flynn about this federal felonious offense!). I figured it would be easy to have this false statement corrected, as mandated by 38 CFR Sec 0.601 (e) but alas, I was proven wrong.

    I filed a NOD and demanded a hearing. In the interim I tracked down the location of three doctor's who treated me in-service, getting a sworn statement from one.

    Rather than go through some mundane procedure such as a hearing, they decided to then give me a 30% rating, and then claim that was the total benefit claimed. (That was another false statement.).

    So another NOD, and once again I demanded a hearing. The DRO did not want to have this hearing, and in time it proved to be certainly adversarial. She would not even let me discuss many important avenues.

    I had hoped to record the hearing, but she had a VA Police Officer there and the two of them told me it was a violation of law to record the hearing. I suspected that was false, but was not positive, so I waited until we were on the record to put my objection there.

    This woman had the audacity to tell me the standard of review was going to be 'de novo'. Sounds great. But no sooner had she uttered this fact, when she then informed me of the limitations for the hearing. Obviously she does not understand the term 'de novo'.

    So as I wait, I have a couple of Privacy Act/FOIA requests in, I have filed a Privacy Act/FOIA lawsuit with the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia, I have filed a letter to the Director of the RO putting her on notice of certain criminal acts, and I await the day I finally get my appeal to the CAVC.

    In closing let me state what bothers me most. Our illustrious congress, years back, decided to relax the 'Federal Rules of Evidence' to help facilitate the processing of VA disability claims.

    However, the VA has convoluted this process so much, that this relaxation of the rules works to the detriment of most veterans. Sad but true. And so I wait, seven plus years since I applied, no apparent end in sight.

  • You are correct that the VA has the right to make decisions outside of the basic laws. However, extraschedular ratings are usually only awarded by the highest review Boards and usually only with the approval of the Under Secretary or Director.

    As such, these are not the norm, and so we usually do not discuss this along with our general advice since the majority of extraschedular ratings have only been awarded in cases overseen by lawyers. These are by far the rare exception, not the general rule, and it usually takes many years and levels of appeal before they can be achieved.

    Instead, while we do acknowledge these opportunities, we focus on educating veterans on the schedule itself and how it works so that they can best achieve their deserved benefits within the system.

    In your case, they did correctly determine your IU as they are not at that level granted authority to make extraschedular decisions. The appeals process is similar. It isn't until you reach a higher Board that those considerations can be made.

    I am sorry to hear about your frustrations and hope that you receive a fair rating for your current conditions. You absolutely deserve it just as much as every veteran who has served our country. Once the appeal has been determined, you can continue to pursue IU. Just be aware that unless your ratings have been increased so that you qualify, there is potential for your case to still take many years before it will be granted.

  • James I'm in the same boat as you .I had to get records It took 7 months and then they did not send all of them .I call and was told I had to resubmit and it would be another 6 months .I know they hope we die first .That way there is one less they have to deal with . I hear its better than it used to be .Its still not what it should be . I'm so tired of this BS . I write my senators and congressmen am always told I need to fill out a form for a complaint form , I guess fire everyone and shut it down there no help anyway .

  • Now that CDC has made it clear the guidelines for Opioids were misconstrued by doctors and not meant to cause harm; when will the VA CHANGE their policy? I'm a 100% unemployable 80% rated disabled veteran. I have multiple Degenerative and CHRONIC pain conditions that were misdiagnosed by the VA doctors for several years and now will require long term pain medication. I also need MORE surgeries and will required pain bmedication stronger than Tylenol. Which is ALL the the VA doctors here at the clinic in Columbus OH offered! My stomach lining has been DESTROYED from nsaids that were prescribed by the VA, yet they were not punished, fined or fired. Yes I filed several complaints and nothing happened to the sorry and pathetic pretending doctors. I have screws, bolts and plates in my body what makes the VA think this new policy vis sufficient? I'm currently paying out of pocket to see a civilian pain specialist for the MEDICALLY NECESSARY life sustaining pain medications. Why are these doctors able to prescribe the medicine I need but the VA doctors can't? The answer is because they treat EACH PATIENT condition and they have A BACKBONE and honor their pledge to the "Hypocretic Oath" DO NO HARM! This is an unfair financial burden for me, which the VA refuses to reimburse! I'm not insensitive about the opioid pain crises and the deaths that are a result of drug abuse. I was injured in 1983 during basic training, yet I have NEVER abused drugs, alcohol drank or smoked marijuana! I only go back to pain medications when needed. I fell and broke a Transverse Process bone in my back last year and I needed something stronger than OTC pain products. The VA is so pathetic and has NO TRUE LEADERSHIP!! If they did their jobs and SERVE the veterans they would NOT have allowed the harm this new bill has cause. Instead someone would have grew a pair and advocated for change. No other country punish their veterans like this! Thank you for your service my ass!

  • I computerized Arlington National Cemetery, a Contractor Technical Representative (COTR), help to create the internet,advised members of the joint chiefs of staff, secret service, etc.and I'm suppose to be crazy according to the corrupt VA.

    The VA denied service connection for my line of duty injuries. Did not examine my line of duty injuries, said I suffered "hysterical neurosis" and "compensation neurosis" without examination.

    TWENTY YEARS LATER THE VA EXAMINE, SERVICE CONNECT MY INJURIES AND MAINTAIN HYSTERICAL NEUROSIS??

    (A)

    12-4-76 I had a 90% disability rating and the first C&PE examiner wrote, "veteran is not capable of gainful employment". I met and exceeded all the requirements of 38 CFR 4.16.

    The very first VA rating decision 4, 1977 rating decision stated, "back muscle strain, line of duty yes". Inspite of acknowledging a line of duty injury, the VA never examined my back and VA doctors "wrote" there was no examination of my back.

    The VA denied unemployability and denied service connection for my line of duty injuries.

    I filed two appeals and the VA illegally and unlawfully withdrew two appeals without granting the benefits sought on appeal in violation of 38 CFR 20.204.

    (B)

    The VA admitted error in hearing after hearing. The VA also "certified" a second error. Not once have the VA adjudicated my two appeals in accordance with 38 CFR 3.105 and 3.400(k). Without adjudication of error, the VA in fact denying the error.

    (C)

    FRAUD….. A VA hearing officer ordered "an at once examination. Examination conducted on May 2, 1995 ("Neck, not spine").

    The VA did not like the results, ordered a second examination by a different doctor in violation of 38 CFR 4.70 May 4, 1996 examination ("spine").

    VA statement of the case refers to the first May 2, 1995 would have resulted in a higher rating and the May 4, 1996 examination was correct.

    The following VA rating decision referred to the examination date as evidence but, used the diagnosis from the May 4, 1996 examination.

    (D)

    Hahahaha…after Illegally and unlawfully withdrawing two appeals, the VA advised me to file another appeal when the original withdrawn appeals have not been adjudicated.

  • VA committed error in 1977, admitted to error and in the very next sentence said, "however in 1980….". The BVA and CAVA knows the law and confirm this corruption and miscarriage of Justice.

    38 CFR 3.105 the only record reviewed is the record that existed in 1977.

  • Your situation is undoubtedly frustrating. The bureaucracy that governs the VA makes it very difficult to make changes, so progress is very slow. While they are definitely continue to research and come up with a better policy regarding pain management, the physicians are unable to offer treatments outside of the laws that govern the VA. As you note, private physicians do not have the same limitations.

    Many have long called for a massive overhaul of the VA system, but as of yet, nothing has been successful in Congress. Hopefully, change will be possible soon so that our deserving vets are better cared for.

  • Sorry to hear about your case. Because there is so much error on the part of the VA you may be best served by a lawyer who can compile a case showing their error through the years. With the right lawyer and enough evidence, you could receive all the benefits you've been eligible for back to your first claim.

  • Terrible treatment at the VA Southern Nevada Health Care system

    To Whom it May Concern,

    I am a 70 year old disabled American Veteran rated 100% that has been out of my country for close to 8 years. The VA is my only health care insurance and provider.

    I returned to my motherland this year early 2019. The Veterans Administration health care in Las Vegas or Southern Nevada Health Care system thinking I would be able to finally have all my health care needs properly taken care of.

    I was first seen by a Dr Zarraga at the SE clinic in Las Vegas in March 2019. He refused to have me treated for a medical problem that could be life threatening, has gone on and persisted for 4 to 5 years. I sent numerous secure messages in my efforts to resolve receive proper medical care. Everyone of my attempts fell on deaf ears. After finding out that the SE Clinic was not the closet VA outpatient medical clinic I had my medical care transferred to Laughlin Nevada VA outpatient clinic.

    I saw a Dr Kim, over a television screen for 30 minutes in June of 2019. to be continued… This site will not allow me to post under my correct name chasaco49 I am Charles Robert is my father

  • Now the VA southern Nevada health Care system wants to force me to see a Dr Kim in Laughlin Nevada. A doctor whom I have tried to resolve a problem with in secure messaging many times. He has wrongfully accused me of being basically a drug addict. Refused to renew prescription 1st prescribed by a VA Repirtaory doctor. As well as, ignored a pulmonary test, medications that were prescribed after the respiratory test at the Phoenix VA.

    Since Dr Kim was informed that a complaint was filed he has ordered psychiatric examination. Which many would consider as Retaliatory, reprisal. Which I believe would be considered as unlawful in the United States by many. I do NOT TRUST Dr Kim. The Southern Nevada VA health care system wants to force me to see him. Hard to believe that a disabled American veteran could be treated as badly as Southern Nevada health care system has treated me. Dr Kim has done everything he can to harrass and cause me as much Emotional distress as he can. After he has been politley informed to please stop. He was told I did NOT want to hear from him or any member of his team. Yet today my birth Day he sends me two messages. Which I will NOT OPEN. Been a real nightmare since my return to my motherland. When it comes to receiving health care in the Southern Nevada Veterans Administration Health Care.

  • At this point I am seeking a knowledgeable doctor. If Dr Kim were, than he would of NOT scheduled a patient with a respiratory disability whom he has seen in June of 2019 30 minute television screen to be seen again in June of 2020. I have been seen twice a year for the past 30 years. He wanted to change that. As for my respiratory disability it seems to worsen in colder weather. If he were knowledgeable he would of known that. Obviously he did not have the time and/or care enough to think about it.

    To my regret he has refused to read my messages with understanding. All of my polite messages, attempts to resolve the problem. When told I had filed a complaint, AFTERWARD he Mr Nimoto attempted at first to trick me in scheduling a psychiatric appointment. Once I found out it was immediately cancelled. Dr Kim was politely told that Emotional distress has a negative affect on my health. He has purposely and intentionally harassed and caused me as much emotional distress as he possibly could.

    At the point I simply have no confidence in him (Dr Kim)and certainly do NOT TRUST him. I do not wish to have to write letters, or pursue this in any other forum. I DO WANT, REQUEST A NEW DOCTOR.. I WAS CALLED BY A Dr. Okechukwu told to fill out a Request to change provider form on the 13th of August. This was done on the 13th of August. Still have not been contacted or heard anything about my polite appropiate request,

  • I have learned that the VA at the white house DOES NOT even have anything to do with a RESOLUTION. What they have done, and do is have a doctor or someone that works their, in this case Dr Okechukwu from the Southern Nevada VA health care system. Write a resolution to the complaint of poor medical treatment in Southern Nevada VA health care system. What a joke. Worthless!

    Since filing complaint they have refilled one medication that I sent numerous Secure messages Explaining what it is used for. All my efforts fell on deaf ears and blind eyes. Obviously medication was filled on August 15th so they could use it for their own written resolution. In addition, since informing Dr Kim of the complaint he acted with REPRISAL retaliation attempting to acquire a Psychiatric exam to add to their written resolution for my complaint.

    I have started to contact different area of the NEWS MEDIA and plan to continue until this filed complaint receive proper attention and is appropriately resolved.

  • Sorry to hear about your case. Have you tried talking to the patient advocate at your Regional VA? They are the ones with the greatest immediate ability to assist you. A lawyer may be the next best option if you are wanting to pursue legal remedies.

  • To whom it may concern:
    My name is Ronald J. Haynes and on or about September 26, 2019 we saw the back surgeon and he stated that I needed surgery ASAP for my lower back, both my wife and I asked that I get my knee replaced first and he stated that the knee what not as critical as my back was at the time. I had lost control of my bladder and bowels, and he wanted to operate that Monday. My wife was starting her new job and we knew there would be at least 2 weeks before she would get paid. We opted to have to surgery so that I would not lose the ability to walk. After my back surgery we visited the ER at Richmond several times because my Left knee kept going out. The surgery for my left knee could not be done before January 2, 2020. With my extreme unstableness I could not work at all, so I filled for an evaluation for the VA to look at the secondary condition on October 17, 2019 for my back.
    Due to the neglect of the VA scheduling my outpatient therapy I will be out of work for an undetermined amount of time (see records spoke miss Darcy in ortho begging to get therapy started as an outpatient). In home therapy was done for 9 visits and outpatient therapy was submitted on January 21, 2020. At this time, I had 2 more visits in home which ended on January 24, 2020. After waiting a week, I called the VA and the lady said that it had been approved on January 30, 2020 and it could take another week for them to contact me to schedule outpatient therapy for my left knee. We are now on week 2 with no therapy and no solid answers on when my therapy will start. In the meantime, I can’t work, and I can barley walk because I have not had therapy since January 24, 2020. I have called multiple people begging to get help financially and this is when I found out that my temporary 100 percent was merged together with my back, no letter, no phone call and no indication that they were going to merge the two together. I spoke with Betty, the secretary to the assistant in charge of the hospital and was given the hotline to the white house to file a formal complaint. It appears that after a conversation today February 4, 2020 that my temporary 100 percent may not even be looked at until they decide on my back. I have received notice that we are endanger of being evicted from our home, losing my vehicle and we are unable to keep up with the monthly expenses of having 4 children at home and just my wife working when she doesn’t have to run me back and forth to doctor’s appointments. She has lost many days from work to care for me and this means a lose in pay as well. I don't know what else to do the claims office doesn't have a clue what the left or right hand is doing and I have been called all but a liar from them

    Respectfully Submitted,
    Ronald Jay. Haynes

  • Hi Ronald –

    Sorry to hear about your situation. As a third party organization, we unfortunately can't help much more than offer advice. As far as therapy and further medical treatment, you have to keep pushing your local VA medical facility for that. You may try talking to the Veterans Service Center Manger or patient advocate office about your post-operative care to make sure you get the therapy you need.

    As for your 100% rating, this is standard practice. You can never receive more than 100%, even if your conditions independently qualify for more, since 100% is 100%. It's not possible to be compensated for 2 separate 100% ratings. The VA will, however, extend the period of this temporary 100% to up to 3 months post the knee surgery to give time for recuperation. The only way you can be paid more than the 100% amount is if your conditions qualify for special monthly compensation.

    http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/specialmonthlycompensation.html

  • I still have to wait 2 or 3 months for various appointments at the VA.
    It is not right that so many of us suffer. We are service related disabled vets and the VA will not prescribe anything that help with our pain. Mine has been documented since Feb. 1984. I can no longer work, sit straight up, walk much or stand in a spot for long. My quality of life is bad enough without having to rely on the only healthcare I have since I can't work and that healthcare system is broken. I know there is a war on drugs, but most of us here with chronic pain need more than an aspirin

  • Greetings, I'm 100% T&P, I live in Germany. A drunken german bike driver drove his bike into me. He call ambulance, took me, not him! I had to stay overnight. The VA, has not paid stating that the accident was not my service concerted disability. The Cross medic said I needed to go, the ER doc said I needed to stay overnight. I've been paying the bill. If I did not stay the internal bleeding etc they saw might have got worse. "Don't hesitate call an ambulance" .. per the VA's website, reality is we 100%ers don't really have ANY EMERGENCE MEDIAL PROTECTION!. The bike drive is on welfare, took him to court, judges said he's at fault but can't get any reimbursement from hit
    The FMP has not replied to me, what can I do to GET THEM (FMP) PAY? I was not at fault, I was doing the rehab exercise when he hit me and almost his spouse.
    The FMP has not replied why they have not paid! Who is supposed to be over them? They, advised they where not in the VA system.

  • You are in a tricky situation. Yes, the VA will pay for all emergency care for veterans with P&T status, even if the condition itself is not service-connected. However, this does not extend to emergency care in foreign countries. The VA will only cover emergency care for service-connected conditions when overseas. Since you are overseas and this is not service-connected, they cannot be held liable.

    https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/Emergency_Care.asp#foreign

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