Va Is Far From Being Fixed

[19K30]

Just wondering from other members out there how do you feel about the VA? I have heard from many older veterans that they have improved however I think they are still a great injustice for the vets now. Let the conversation begin.

 

[Raven]

Just look at the news coverage about their "lists".

 

[Barberian]

I can't even start because I get too frustrated and angry trying to put it in words.

 

[Friday]

<laughing>

The backstory on this is that while I was a Marine, I was a Navy-brat for the 17 years prior.

Anyhow... So I'm driving down to Oregon yesterday, and as occasionally happens, I find myself giving the 1 finger salute to the VA Hospital sign through my sunroof as I'm on the freeway. The hilarious part? No less than 3 other cars also have drivers or passengers flipping off the VA Hospital sign.

I wish wish wish I had a photo of that moment.

It was all just a very casual thing. In fact, the moment I caught the eye of the driver next to me we both started cracking up and nodded. Yep. f*cking VA.

I'm tempted to go instal a camera on the sign (or camp out for a bit) just to find out how often this sort of thing actually happens. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad we have the VA academically. "As a society" is says a good thing about us. But the military has pure socialized medicine. Our country doesn't. The VA, meanwhile, is like some sort of unholy birth defected monstrosity of a love child between the two systems. All the downsides of each, none of the benefits of either. The VA has the potential to do a lot of good. And sometimes, despite itself it does. But the amazing person, great program, life saving & life changing event are the exception to the rule. Not the norm.

I've been actively avoiding the VA since I was 14.

Younger, if you count parents making sure illness and injury happened "on base" and not off base. My dad is the most straight arrow, justice, by the book man you will ever meet. And even he told his sailors to make sure their kids were hurt or got sick on base.

 

[JarHed]

It hasn't changed a bit, nor will it. It's just like someone that gets caught doing something they shouldn't. First they lie, then they talk about how they're going to fix it but in time their behavior goes back to what it was.

As always, be a good consumer, know what you need, think about how to get that from the system as it exists, try not to loose it or you're lost. It's truly no different than is you go to a civilian doctor or hospital. Know what you're getting yourself into. Don't be lulled into being complacent with all the bs veteran talk.

They're there for only one thing; US. It can be frustrating.

 

[BaMuoiBa]

I'm not sure if throwing more resources and money will cure the culture problems that are very deeply seated in the system. The medical professionals do the best they can with a system overburdened with entrenched bureaucrats. My sister-in-law, a career RN for over 40+ years in the Bronx VA in NYC, said it has to be rebuild from the top down. Vets should have vouchers in the interim for priviate care during the revamping. From my vantage point I tend to agree - we have to start somewhere.

ba