Overall I would give the VA a B- Generally the wait is only 10-20 mins, occasionally an hour to wait to see a Doctor or Specialist! My “WORST encounter” was mid Nov. 2020, when I was driven 1 hour for a 2PM apt at the Raleigh VA clinic. Five minutes after checking in a female staff member called me to the door, and stated the Doctor was not in
Even before Covid, the VA was manipulating the scheduling. They would book appointments as far out as they can then send you a cancellation letter to you within a week of the appointment stating that they have been trying to reach me (they had not) to reschedule my appointment. This puts the rescheduling responsibility on me. When you call to reschedule they do pushing the date out as far as possible (again). Rinse and repeat…
After receiving care from various VA facilities for the past 30 years I had to transfer my services to UNC from the Fayetteville NC VA when Covid-19 happened because all my appointments were canceled. I have several chronic health issues, and I had 2 surgeries scheduled. All my appointments were canceled as were my surgeries. The Fayetteville VA never rescheduled my appointments or surgeries.
They are screwing with my credit because of medical bills not paid to community care providers
I was told that I couldn’t make an appointment and have dental work done because I wasn’t active duty or disabled. I’m a Vietnam vet, and had no problem getting dental work done in Milwaukee, Wisconsin back in the early 70’s after being honorably discharged. I don’t understand what has happened to my full GI Benefits between then and now. But because of the VA Hospitals lack of medical care my situation got so bad that I had to have two teeth removed. And I had to have it done at a private dental office and pay out of my own pocket. I am highly disappointed in how the VA is treating our brave men and women who served honorably and are constantly being treated so unfairly. We have all made our sacrifices and don’t deserve this kind of lack of treatment after our loyalty and service to this country.
I’m now using my private insurance and paying a $30 copay every week just to get the care I need because the VA was incapable or unwilling to get care for me