General F*cking Red Tape

[Sighs]

Sooo... On Monday we have an appointment to drive for 2.5hrs for a review by the surgeon. We've known since 1 August that he would need the cast removed and a brace applied at that appointment. Today the surgeon's rooms call and say "you'll need to pay for the brace at the appointment and claim the cost back from DVA". Nope. That is not how the f*cking system works. You need to either get the brace through an approved DVA supplier or you need to get prior approval from DVA. So my poor vet who has a stress cup which is already pretty much overflowing has to call DVA and they are going to call the surgeon's rooms and try to sort it out.

Some of you may remember last year when I smashed my fist into a metal filing cabinet over trying to get the right paperwork for a knee brace.

Why does the Co-ordinated Veteran Care Program not apply to TPI vets with PTSD? Why are they left to deal with this shit themselves?

 

[Stickler]

http://www.recycledmedical.com/listings/buy-used-medical-supplies.php

Aw hell, didn't realize you're in Oz...:(

 

[Sighs]

Appreciate the thought @Stickler.

It'll work out. DVA will pay - they always do. Just added stress neither of us need.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I am sorry about the hassles you have to wade through. I think that you are managing probably better than you think. It is like untangling knots to me whenever something similar happens to me. Very frustrating and so many hassles.

I am very glad that you are getting help, keep on keeping on.:hug:

 

[Sweetpea76]

If they're anything like the American VA, it's because they suck Satan's nuts.

Hugs girl, you've got this.

They need to give out medals for dealing with veterans health care bullshit. There's a saying that the VA gives vets a second chance to die for their country :mad::mad::banghead:

 

[Sighs]

Supplied. But with a snarky remark from the receptionist about how it would have been much better if we had paid for it upfront and then claimed it back, rather than her having to chase DVA. :banghead::banghead::banghead: Not how the system works. Sigh!

 

[Sweetpea76]

I'd bronze that thing and hang it on the wall!