Veterans Choice Card

[Vandor]

I have cancer. I have been lied to by the VA. A month ago I was told by my PCP that my request to use the Choice program had been denied. Today I found that a request had never been submitted. I contacted Choice. They informed me that they are not responsible for determining whether or not a person is eligible to use the program. I was told by them that the my local VA clinic does that. I then called the local clinic and they told me that they do not make the determination, that the VA in Cleveland does. I called them, they told me that they don't do that and that someone else does. I called them...etc. till I have made a complete circle, back to where I started. No one will take responsibility, therefore no one is accountable. So much for the Accountability Act. In the meantime, I guess it is my problem, according to my primary ' nurse. I have done the calling and contacting. It doesn't work because they are not accountable.

[Vandor]

Here is my story: I went to the local VA clinics because of pain in my throat and ear. My primary found nothing, upon examination, and said he's wanted to send me all the way to Cleveland (Wade Park) to see a specialist. I told him that I wanted to use the choice program and see a local specialist. He laughed at me. When I asked him why he was laughing, he said that nobody ever gets approved to use that program. I told him to make the request anyway. I then paid out of pocket for a second opinion at a local ENT specialist. After he performed the same examination, he told me that I had a what looked like a tumor the size of an almond in my throat where my tonsils had been, and there was a good possibility that it could be cancerous. So he scheduled me for a CT scan. When I got home, I immediately called my primary at the clinic and told his nurse what had occurred. I then asked about my request. He informed me that it was denied and if I did not use the hospital in Cleveland, then that was my problem. When it is determined that I do, in fact, have cancer, does the VA expect me to travel to Cleveland for any subsequent surgery and treatments? I guess my primary was right. This program is a joke. After calling numerous VA offices and the Choice program people, no one will claim the responsibility for denying my request. Now I find out from my patient advocate that my primary didn't even submitted the request. This is total BS.

[Vandor]

Since then, I have paid out of pocket for the local ENT specialist, the CT scan, the biopsy, the pain meds, and am currently scheduled for radiation treatments at Mercy Medical Center Radiaton / Oncology. I'm probably going to have to sell my truck and sell our home because the VA won't step up and do the right thing.

[wmraley]

I,m in the same boat with cancer & Live about 55 miles from a VA Hospital Getting the treatment I have to have, it's a constant battle with the VA I,m 100% Agent orange and have o be preappoved for eyery type of treatment I receive, They try every trick that they know to prevent me from getting the treatment I have to have, Just had to vent They need to shape up or ship out they are worst tha a insurance company

[29palms]

I'm with you HST. I absolutely agree with what you say about our medical situation here in the USA. Sorry to hear about that choice card. I've heard about it, thought it was a convenient thing for veterans but wow, you've opened up my eyes on that one.

[FistFu68]

4 what it's Worth...my VA claim # goes back 2...Dec 1968...it was opened by the Convenience of the Govt 'cause I surely didn't do it...Fast 4ward 2...2015...only words of Wisdom I can give the Young Grasshoppers whom are Veterans & dealing w/these C**K Suckers "VA" the Wheel that makes the Most noise gets the Grease ! GodSpeed 2 ya...Sempers