re: Yet another reason why this vet doesn't do the VA....

My Dad will go and will say certain VA locations aren't too bad, but all really depends. In general, it's definitely not the best system.

I use the VA for menial shite; pharmacy, physicals and shite like that, nothing serious like a cold.

Can’t speak for him but I have VA and Private doctors because I’m over 50% disability from them and it’s free. Use them if I don’t wanna pay a deductible or because it’s simply more convenient at that time to do a quick tele health 10 min appointment.

I have experienced the best and worst of the VA. They have been my health care provider for almost twenty years. The large facilities like San Antonio and Dallas RE miserable. Yes, treated like a number with no respect.

The other side is the NOLA VA. On a first name basis with most of my physicians. I see a primary care physician at least twice a year and six specialist quarterly. The staff is courteous and respectful from the time I enter to exiting. I get X-rays, cat scans & labs on a regular basis and visit the eye clinic twice a year.

Urgent care is available 24/7. If a procedure is needed that they cannot accommodate in a timely manner, I get an outside referral.

I would have been gone a long time ago without the VA. This Vet has nothing but praise & appreciation for the VA. My kids & grandchildren are all in TX and really want me to move closer. The main reason I resist is the NOLA VA.

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Try to find good neuro, CT, ortho, vascular surgeons, or interventional cardiologists

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I agree with that. My comment wasn't directed at the physicians as much as the administrative and nursing staff. Trying to find some person to lift a finger at the behemoth Dallas VA is a nightmare.

I quit going and use the Mission Act because there are a type of employee that really makes you feel like shite. I even went to the Patient Advocate to complain about a specific employee trash talking vets. The advocate knew exactly who I was talking about and said there have been numerous complaints but their hands were tied.

Retired ANG and Federal Employee. I have never used the VA and hopefully never will. Between Tricare and Federal Blue Cross, I don't see how I can benefit from going to the VA.

I'm not like so many veterans these days chasing a VA disability rating, many times for things not related to service (more due to poor lifestyle choices), so that is not an issue for me.

I am ashamed for many of veterans I know personally (and served with for many years) who are scamming the VA.

I had an ex-bil that lost both legs at the knees in Vietnam. Each time I helped to take him to a VA Medical facility it gave me the creeps how everyone was being taken care of.

if you think that doesn't happen in the private sector too..... i got news for ya

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And theres that universal health care progressives want so bad.

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Still want UHC as a base with private supplementation. Base health insurance tied to an employer is stupid.

Reimbursement levels would have to change drastically to make it work though.