U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Avis 34

I hardly know where to start. I've been using the VA for about 17 years now. It was very good for the first 5 to 8 years. Of course, I was healthier then, but from the 9th to the 17th, I started to go rapidly downhill.

As soon as you get away from the people that actually operate on you, even at one level, something starts to develop, and you can see it, and that thing is a lack of empathy. I repeat, a lack of empathy. When it finally gets down to the primary care side, the lack of empathy is gigantic. I don't necessarily blame the doctors, PAs, and the people who do the administrative work, but I do blame the top-level administration for piling so much work on the primary staff that they can't maintain empathy.

It's just a meet-and-greet-process ----NEXT patient please. I can't tell you how many times I've been on the primary side, and I'm talking to the doctor, and he's looking down at his watch. He hasn't listened to me at all, which is why I gave a 3.

@ Carl T. Hayden VAMC (Phoenix, AZ) Bureaucracy and politics seeped into actual patient care. Particularly apparent in certain therapy programs they run. They blur boundaries between political ideology and therapy by affirming certain delusions instead of challenging them. They conform to woke ideology and expect their patients to do the same, which is antithetical to therapy.

As an ACCREDITED Veteran Service Officer, I know first hand how to maneuver through many of the pitfalls that other veterans repeatedly report as unsatisfactory. The key, in my opinion, is to identify a VSO who is willing to spend the time necessary to support the Veteran's claims.

I AM A 100% DISABLED COMBAT VETERAN AND HAVE BEEN SEEN IN 16 VAMCs!!! TE BLACK HILSS IS BY FAR TE WORST VA IN TE US!!! IT IS STUPID TO HAVE HOT SPRING VAMC UNDER FORT MEADE VAMC !!! THOSE IDIOTS BUILT A NEW USELESS CLINIC IN RAPID CITY INSTEAD OF PUTTING THE MONEY IN HOT SPRINGS VAMC WHERE IT WAS NEEDED!!!! I HAVE BEEN LIVING HERE IN FALL RIVER COUNTY SINCE 2019 AND HAVE YET TO SEE ANY VA SPECIALISTS FROM HOT SPRINGS VA!~!! i AM HOUSEBOUND AND ONLY GET PHONE CALLS EVERY SIX MONTHS!!!! I HAVE 5% LUNG CAPACITY DUE TO WAR INJURIES AND A TOTAL BLOCKAGE OF MY LEFT BUNDLE BRANCH AND HAVE ARITMIAS CONSTANTLY ALONG WIT AN EXTENDED S-T WAVE AND BRADICARDIA!!! I USED TO BE A PARAMEDIC AND A COMBAT MEDIC SO I KNOW WHAT MEDICAL CATRE SHOULD BE!!!! I HAVE COMPLAINED TO MY CONGRESSMAN 8 TIMES FOR 8 DIFFERENT REASONS AND THE DIRECTORS AT HOT SPORINGS AND AT FORT MEADE LIED AND FALSIFIED RECORDS SWEEPING THE SO CALLED INVESTIGATIONS UNDER THE RUG!! OF COURSE OUR CONGRESSMEN HERE ARE RINOS!!!! THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SO I'M HAVING TO MOVE TO TEXAS FOR BETTER MEDICAL CARE. IT COST ME 300,000.00 FOR A HOUSE AND $200,000.00 LOSS ON TE SALE OF MY HOUSE IN SOUTH DAKOTA AND MOVING EXPENSES AND TRAVEL AND LIVESTOCK SALES LOSSES!!!! I'M 77 YEARS OLD AND A VIETNAM VET!!! THE MOVE WILL SAVE MY LIFE FROM THE OMISSION OF CARE BY MALFEASANCE.

Unfortunately, the VA can only be described as a disconnected clown show in many ways. I signed up a week ago for a GI Bill webinar for today...guess what, the link doesn't work and there is no one to answer basic questions of why. Typical.

I have had Bay Pines VARO lose my paperwork multiple times. Ive had them bold face lie to me. There is one thing they've never done though in all my visits to the office and that's actually help me. The va administration side is the most broken system I have ever seen. Zero leadership and even less accountability. While I was serving I was proud to do so. Now, im still proud I served but I regret it because of dealing with VA in general. Just an example of their super efficiency. It took me 6 phone calls to get my address and phone number changed. In the mean time they set a C&P exam for me in Oregon. I live in Florida. The number of degusting experiences I've had far out weigh the positive one. The system doesn't need a retooling. It needs to be rebuilt. Rating decisions are up to individual raters and they can not PROVE they arent, but I can PROVE they are.That should not ever be the case in either direction. Today I filled a claim for anxiety. The only source of anxiety that I experience is dealing with the VA. Not everyone at the VA is terrible at their jobs but during a HLR the gentleman doing the review did state to me that bad haters, and most are, keep him employed.

Could care less about our Veterans.
The Va will fight you every way and then ask you to relive your tragic events because thier records are not clear...
As a Marine in Vietman era I'm terribly disappointed in this broken down system that is in desperate need of repair.
It is quite clear why Veterans commit suicide evey day due to the Non-Sence of this poorly run organization.
Semper-Fi..
Fight For Your Freedom Pray For Peace...

My father served his country for 4 years on the USS Dewey during the Cuban Missile Blockade. He was exposed to asbestos and now suffers from COPD emphysema, but his PACT act claims were denied by the VA. He was also exposed to above ground nuclear fallout in Southern Utah as a child, something our government begrudgingly compensates to a selected few. We seem to have billions and billions of dollars to ship to Israel and Ukraine, and billions to fight endless wars that kill our sons and daughters, not to mention the billions spent on funding the healthcare of millions of illegal immigrants, but nothing to help our Vetrans in need. Our government is a shameful disgrace that has zero accountability to the people they claim to serve. I am more than disgusted.

First, as a Veteran, I must note that—apart from a few instances where things fell through the cracks, such as missed or delayed appointments, lab work not being completed on time, issues with the timely release of information, scheduling mishaps, and procedural oversights—the VA in Grand Junction, Colorado has generally provided a positive experience.

However, as a former employee, I have to say that the facility is one of the most toxic places I have ever worked. While functioning as the Staff Chaplain from April 2020 to recently retired as of December 31, 2025; it came to my attention in 2022 as someone to confide in that employees were sharing playful or meaningful nicknames they received while growing up. Amid this lighthearted exchange, Tim Guyne unexpectedly entered their workspace and mentioned the topic of plantations, which was unrelated to the ongoing discussion about childhood nicknames. One of the staff present, was African American. This abrupt shift in conversation created discomfort and confusion as the subject of plantations can carry significant historical and cultural weight, especially in a setting where the tone was previously friendly and personal. Also, a staff member was pressured to validate the presence of a newly hired employee who was scheduled to attend New Employee Orientation (NEO). There was a proper process in place to confirm NEO attendance but the Staffer at the time wanted validation of attendance void of the required/process. Such situations raise concerns regarding ethical conduct and the integrity of official records, as staff experienced being coerced into providing new employee attendance outside of the validation process/protocol. I am glad that staff refused to be involved in such shady conduct.

Next, since my tenure (2020-2025), the practice of subjecting VA Providers/Employees to detailed fact-finding investigations based solely on the word of a single individual raises significant concerns about fairness and due process. Such actions are a form of cruel and unusual punishment, as providers/employees face professional and personal distress without sufficient evidence or balanced consideration. I know from my own personal experience what this is like upon dealing with Marnie Bingham (ADPCS), the former so-called director Richard Salgueiro, and their counterparts (that sixth floor) who should have put an end to this nonsense. However, this is much bigger than what I endured. As a now-retired Staff Chaplain, countless coworkers confided in me about their unfair treatment. I draw the line when one expressed he “almost committed suicide.” The abuse and misuse of authority is a significant issue and concern as the facility is lacking the approach that all parties are treated equitably and that investigations are thorough and impartial is essential for maintaining trust and integrity within the VA system. Someone shared that this nonsense would cease if any person bringing any allegations against another person was also detailed and put through a fact-finding investigation themselves and should evidence lack thereof, that individual would face consequences. I totally agree. Too many cliques and nepotism!

Retired Chaplain Raymond Williams

VA has incompetent Computer System Managers who let the VA fall decades behind the private sector. Encrypted file system is unusable with email forms. Impossible to open super secret documents on smartphones that is the normal for today's workplace

I’ve been sitting 4 hours just to see someone about filing for disability! VA is terrible! It’s only gotten worse not better! Don’t join the military you have no value when you get out! Tavares FL

Completely useless. they don't do anything accept give complicated instructions, then tell you you're doing it wrong. When you ask how to do it right, they send you to an AI or someone who can't help.

This a reaction response to a tragic life who, took his life,recently, in front of the AUDIE MURPHY, MEMORIAL PARK, WHERE VETERANS SIT AND TRY TO FIND SOLACE,IN THEIR PRIVATE WORLD. THE NAVY VETERAN WAS ACTUALLY INVOLVED WITH HIS FATHER IN CALLING OUT,BRINGING ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT MANY OF OUR WOUNDED WARRIOR VETS, AND THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED IN ICONFLICT,ARE BEING OVERLOOKED IN MANY WAYS. IN MY CASE. RECENTLY, I JUST WANT TO MAKE PEOPLE AWARE, LIFE IS A CHALLENGE,THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO VENT,OR TO FIND A MEDIUM ,WHERE THIS SHOULD MOT BE THE FINALITY OF YOUR PERSON. THE MEDICAL STAFF, AT AUDIE MURPHY,HAVE ALWAYS BEEN KIND,PROFESSIONAL AND DOWNRIGHT LOVING,IN MANY ASPECTS. BUT ,THE MANY OVER THEM,THE ADMINISTRATION AND OTHER HIGH ECHELON BUREUCRATS, CIVILIAN WISE,DO NOT REGULATE THEMSELVES. LOSS OF APPOINTMENTS,CHANGE OF APPOINTMENTS,ETC. ARE JUST SOME PARTS OF INDIFFERENCE. WHO IS TO BLAME??? PROBABLY A HALF AND HALF ISSUE. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP WAS THE ELECTED PRESIDENT, ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE. APPARENTLY CAREER OBSTRUCTIONISTS KNOW BETTER THESE ARE THE ONE THAT PERMIT INACCESSIBILITY TO GOOD HEALTH CARE. TOO MANY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES...FOR ONE. ONE YEAR, AS THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS INCOMING,THESE UNSEEN ACTORS CANCELED MY APPOINTMENT, 3 DIFFERENT TIMES IN ONE DAY. ANOTHER TIME,iI WAS SCHEDULED FOR A FOOT SURGERY 4 MONTHS IN ADVANCE. I SAVED UP VACATION TIME,MONEY AND A REALISTIC OUTLOOK ON HOW TO CARE FOR MYSELF,SINCE MY ONLY HEALTHCARE BENEFIT IS ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE. NO MONETARY BENEFIT. A CLERICAL ERROR IN SOMEONE ELSE'S NAME DENIED ME THE SURGERY.THE GREAT VOID LEFT BY THE YOUNG VET,IS A GREAT LOSS, TO ALL, AS HIS CHOICE OF PROTEST, IS AT GREAT COST TO HIMSELF. HE WAS BRINING AWARENESS TO THOSE PARTS OF VA MENTALITY,THAT DENIES VETERANS GOOD MANAGED PAIN CLINICS FOR SOMEONE,WHO HAS REAL PHYSICAL INJURY PAIN. PSYCHIATRY AT BEST IS NOT SUFFICIENT. THEY USED TO HAVE THE DRIVE UP TO THE ENTRANCE AND THERE WOULD BE PERSONS, TO TAKE YOUR VEHICLE,PERSONS AT THE READY FOR WHEELCHAIR NEEDS, BUT NO MORE. ONE DAY, WALKING UP TO THE ENTRANCE,I NOTICED 2 FAMILY MENBERS STRUGGLING TO HELP THEIR MOTHER WHO HAD SLID OFF THE CHAIR, SHE WAS SO WEAK. NO ATTENDANTS TO RACE TO HELP THIS FAMILY. AT THE COUNT IF THREE WE PUT HER BACK IN HER CHAIR,BUT IT WAS PRETTY OBVIOUS THIS FAMILY WAS DEALING WITH HER LASTS DAYS OF LIFE. NO ATTENDANTS. WHERE DID THEY GO? MY OWN CARE,AND THAT OF OTHER VETS WAS SHIFTED TO CIVILIAN CARE,BUT THE DOCTOR TREATING ME AFTER 4 OUT OF 15 VISITS INFORMED ME HE HAD NOT BEEN PAID FOR MYSELF,MY APPOINTMENTS NOR THAT OF OTHERS IN MY SAME OUTSOURCING GROUP THEY WERE NOT PAYING HIM,BUT SAID IT WAS HIS OWN FAULT, A CLERICAL ERROR, OF HIS. NOT TRUE. THESE THINGS HAPPEN AS READILY, AS OFTEN AS BUREUCRATS GIVE THEMSELVES RAISES FOR THEIR STERLING CONTRIBUTIONS. THIS VETERAN, WE NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT,AS WELL AS ALL OUR FRIENDS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS. ONLY THE BUREAUCRATS PAT THEMSELVES ON THE BACK FOR JOB WELL DONE. I AM NOT TRYING TO BE CRITICAL. OF ALL .IT HAS TO DO WITH POLICY, THAT MANY TIMES DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. KUDOS, TO THOSE WHO DO THEIR ,JOB PERFORMANCEWELL. I THANK THEM ALL. BUT SO, MANY OF THE CREATED ADMIN JOBS HAVE TO GO IN. FAVOUR OF 5 STAR HEALTHCARE FOR OUR VETS. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND FRUSTRATION,ASK ME. I WAS RECENTLY LISTED ON THE CRISIS LINE SIMPLY,BECAUSE I WAS INQUIRING ABOUT ADVICE FOR IRS MATTERS. THEY TREATED ME,LIKE I WAS IN CRISIS. I TRULY WAS NOT. I E MAILED THE NEW VA. , THE OBSTRUCTIONISTS EMAILED ME BACK,SAYING THEY HAD NO, RECORDS ,NO RECORD OF MY 6 YEARS IN SERVICE. 👄 TALK ABOUT SEVERE ID THEFT. I AM THAT PERSON. THEY ACTUALLY EMAILED ME,SAYING I DID NOT EXIST WITHIN THEIR ORGANIZATION, ALTHOUGH, I HAD BEEN A PATIENT FOR 14 YEARSAT AUDIE MURPHY. MY CONDOLENCES TO DR. MILLER, AND HIS FAMILY. I HOPE HIS BOOK GETS PUBLISHED. THANK YOU TRUST PILOT. REMEMBER,THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE WHO DO CARE. JUST NOT ENOUGH. OUR GETS NEED MORE THAN THEY GET RIGHT NOW.

I recently took my father to the his PCP which is at the Pontiac VA Lexus Building, I had some questions and concerns regarding my dad. Ebony McDaniel was so helpful answered every question/concerns I had. She went out of her way to make sure that all of my concerns were addressed. I just want to say Thank you to her she has an amazing way to make you feel heard and that your needs are met.

I am awaiting a decision for a remand and order that was late August 2024, homeless and over 75 gives me some help but it is not making sense that it would take the RO over 6 months to get things done, my mental health team which I receive only because I’m getting through the grace of the Lord is what keeps me going. I’m past the point of believing that this is personal but it hurts to be a MST survivor and a vet from the Viet Nam war and relive how we were treated all over again. But I still love my country and am honored to have served each time another vet thanks me for my service. Ronald Beecher

Traci coultin mt Home is the best thank u for her

The people answering phones know 0 customer service skills they don’t wait for you to finish and talk over you it’s a shame they treat veterans and families like trash, it’s a shame horrible people got jobs servicing veterans. These people would not exist without us and not good hearted folks I’ll be finding out from my command team where to complain to for real but this works for now.. I really hope whoever is giving those responses is really from the va because the responses are disgusting just like them

I’m a retired Naval veteran and I haven’t used VA - but I have walking problems with my ankles and poor back. I requested transportation to VA - Carl Vincent Hospital in Dublin, GA. I m a not combat sailor but served my country honorably. But I don’t qualify for transport because my health isn’t service-connected. Does it make a difference that I’m still a Veteran

Piece of **** they make you go through all kinds of sign ins just to go in one big Mary go round right back where you started