If not, the VA can assume since you are not in treatment, then you have significantly improved. VA reasoning is, if you don't need medications or treatment, prove to us the need for an increase. My rule of thumb is to stay in treatment and have a heart-to-heart with your provider about medications.
Full Answer
What to do if you have a complaint about the VA?
If you believe that the organization has failed to address your concerns about suspected criminal activities, fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement, you may contact the VA Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-488-8244. For more information, visit va.gov/oig/hotline/.
Why does the VA ask for current and ongoing medical treatment?
The reason for that advice is simple. If a veteran is trying to prove service-connected disability, and/or trying to prove that his or her disabilities have worsened, the first thing that the VA is going to do, is look to see if the veteran has current and ongoing medical treatment.
Did VA hospital refuse to treat veteran dying of heart failure?
A Florida Veterans Affairs hospital refused treatment for a veteran dying of heart failure because his ambulance drivers could not prove his military service, a clear violation of federal law, according to a new report released by a department watchdog Tuesday.
Why didn't the VA conduct a formal investigation against a doctor?
Last fall, the chief of staff said the doctor would have practice privileges suspended if another complaint was received. Yet no formal fact-finding or administrative investigation was conducted against the doctor as required by the VA because of a "pattern of misconduct."
Can the VA refuse to treat you?
You can agree to or refuse any treatment. You will be told what is likely to happen to you if you refuse a treatment. Refusing a treatment will not affect your rights to future care but you take responsibility for the impact this decision may have on your health.
What can I do if my VA isn't helping?
If you have a problem with your care provider, VA medical facility, or any other aspect of your care, you can:Discuss the issue with your primary care provider or another member of your health care team.If that doesn't help, contact the patient advocate at your VA medical center or clinic.
How do I report a problem with the VA?
Or call the VA fiduciary program toll free number 1-888-407-0144, or the VA toll free number 1-800-827-1000. VA fiduciary hubs review all claims of misuse.
Will the VA pay for outside treatment?
VA will also help resolve billing issues with the community provider. VA can pay for emergency medical care outside the United States if the emergency is related to your service-connected condition. More information can be found through the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) resources listed below.
Why does the VA not care?
Instead of simply providing care to all veterans who pass statutory muster, VA creates its own set of regulations that further excludes former service members. It assumes that those who received honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharges qualify as veterans and thus can receive services.
What does the VA mission Act do?
The MISSION Act sought to provide greater access to health care both in VA facilities and in the community, expand benefits for caregivers, and improve the VA's ability to recruit and retain the best medical providers.
Who investigates the VA?
About the OIG Hotline Important Note: The OIG is responsible for conducting oversight of VA's programs and operations and is authorized by law to access all VA records.
Can you sue the VA for benefits?
You can file a claim with the VA for disability compensation (commonly referred to as a Section 1151 claim), and/or you can seek money damages under the Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA).
Does the VA have an Inspector General?
The mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) is to conduct effective and independent oversight of VA's programs and operations. This is extremely challenging as VA is the second largest federal agency and operates the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States.
Can you get a second opinion at the VA hospital?
The VA will sometimes authorize second opinions from outside doctors, but usually only when they cannot be provided within the system.
Do veterans get free healthcare for life?
If you are a 50% or greater disabled veteran or a former POW, all your medical care from the VA is free. There are other groups that may get some, or all VA medical care for free, see our VA Copay page for details.
Will the VA fill prescriptions from outside doctors?
Answer: The VA Medical Center will only fill non-VA prescriptions for veterans who are enrolled in the VA healthcare system and are in receipt of Aid and Attendance (A&A) or housebound benefits or have been authorized by VA to receive care in the community.
What is VA health care?
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is pleased you have selected us to provide your health care. We will provide you with personalized, patient-driven, compassionate, state-of-the-art care. Our goal is to make your experience as positive and pleasant as we can. As part of our service to you, to other Veterans and to the Nation, we are committed to improving health care quality. We also train future health care professionals, conduct research, and support our country in times of national emergency. In all of these activities, our employees will respect and support your rights as a patient or resident of a community living center (CLC). Your basic rights and responsibilities are outlined in this document. You will receive this information in your preferred language. Please talk with the VA treatment team members who are providing your care or to a patient advocate if you have any questions or would like more information about your rights and responsibilities.
Does refusing treatment affect your health?
Refusing a treatment will not affect your rights to future care but you take responsibility for the impact this decision may have on your health. Tell your provider about your current condition, medicines (including over-the-counter and herbals), and medical history.
Do you have to be free from chemical restraints in a community living center?
In the Community Living Center, you have the right to be free from chemical and physical restraints. In the inpatient acute care setting, and only in rare cases, the use of chemical and physical restraints may be used if all other efforts to keep you or others free from harm have not worked.
What does VA mean?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) wants to make sure you get the best care possible. Every employee at VA, especially your treatment team, wants to be involved in providing the best care possible. If you have a compliment, suggestion or concern regarding your care, first speak with your treatment team.
What is patient advocacy?
The Patient Advocacy Program is for all veterans and their families who receive care at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities and clinics. We want to be sure you have someone to go to with your concerns in a timely manner and to help you receive care.
What happens if there is no VA treatment?
If there is no current treatment, then the VA’s default position is normally to assume that the veteran’s disabilities aren’t that severe. In other words, the VA’s thought is that, if the condition actually exists or if the condition is severe, then the veteran would be getting treatment. The reality is that there are many different reasons why ...
How long does it take to see a veteran at the VA?
The veteran is not able to be seen at his/her local VA facility within 30 days. The veteran lives more than 40 miles away from a VA medical facility. The Veteran faces an unusual or excessive burden in traveling to a VA medical facility based on geographic challenges, environmental factors, or a medical condition.
What is the Veterans Choice Program?
The purpose of the Choice Program is to give veterans faster access to healthcare, but also, access to health care that is outside of the VA and in the private sector . Essentially, the goal is for the VA health care system to help alleviate their backlog by ...
Does the VA always encourage veterans to resolve problems?
Of course, the VA always encourages veterans to attempt to resolve problems through their assigned treatment team first. In other words, if there is an issue with any members of the treatment team, the veteran is encouraged to discuss those issues with the treatment team first, or, within the chain of command for the treatment team.
Is the VA treating veterans?
To the VA, either the veteran is being treated or not, which then results in the VA believing that either the disabilities are serious, or, in the case of non-treatment, that they are not. The good news is, for veterans who have stopped treating at the VA due to frustration with their health care, there are some options.
Is the VA a scandal?
It is well known that the VA has been plagued by scandal after scandal, when it comes to veterans’ health care issues . It is also well known that veterans are frustrated with the medical care they are receiving through the VA health care system. This is a topic that is always discussed during the election cycle, yet, it seems that year after year, nothing really gets done in order to actually solve the problems.
Does the Choice Program affect veterans?
Importantly, if a veteran is deemed eligible for the Choice Program, participation in that program should not otherwise affect the veteran’s eligibility to receive health care through the main VA system. Additionally, the veteran’s VA copayments should remain the same, whether or not the care is received through the VA or privately through ...
Can you enter a VA facility with a veteran?
For outpatient appointments, procedures, or urgent care. If you come to a VA health facility with a Veteran who needs care, staff will tell you if you can enter. This will depend on the facility’s guidelines and the Veteran’s needs. For nursing homes, inpatient hospital stays, and other long-term care facilities.
Do you have to wear a mask at VA cemeteries?
At VA national cemeteries: If you're not fully vaccinated, please wear a cloth mask and follow physical distancing guidelines. Some areas such as info centers, pavilions, restrooms, or chapels may be closed. Other VA locations: Our staff will explain the specific location’s mask policy when you arrive.
What does VA mean when you don't need medication?
VA reasoning is, if you don't need medications or treatment, prove to us the need for an increase. My rule of thumb is to stay in treatment and have a heart-to-heart with your provider about medications. Making an effort is better than no effort at all in the eyes of the VA.". Lost cause. Lost cause.
What happens if you are rated 50% for PTSD?
If a veteran is rated 50% for PTSD and files a claim for a higher rating, there should be a treatment record to go along with claims for increases. If not, the VA can assume since you are not in treatment, then you have significantly improved.
Can a veteran be in treatment with the VA?
Exception to the rule is involuntary commitment to a Psychiatric Unit or by Court Order. A veteran does not have to seek treatment from the VA if they choose not too. They can use a private provider or not be in treatment at all. Just don't file any new claims with the VA if you have not been in treatment.
Can the VA make you take medication?
The VA nor any other entity can make you take medications. It could be because of side effects, problems with the medication to place specific warnings on them, or the medication was found to be dangerous to the public and could cause problems worse than what the intended use of the medication is for.
Nondiscrimination and Respect
Health Information and Privacy
- Your privacy will be protected.
- You will be given information about the health benefits you can receive. The information will be provided in a way you can understand.
- You will receive information about the costs of your care (for example, co-payments), if any, before you are treated. You are responsible for paying your portion of any costs associated w…
- Your privacy will be protected.
- You will be given information about the health benefits you can receive. The information will be provided in a way you can understand.
- You will receive information about the costs of your care (for example, co-payments), if any, before you are treated. You are responsible for paying your portion of any costs associated with your c...
- Your health record will be kept confidential. Information about you will not be released without your authorization unless permitted by law (an example of this is State public health reporting). Yo...
Partnering in Care
- You have a right to express your preferences concerning future medical care in an advance directive, including designating a health care agent to make health care decisions on your behalf when you...
- You, and any person(s) you choose, will be involved in all decisions about your care. You will be given information you can understand about the benefits and risks of treatment in your prefe…
- You have a right to express your preferences concerning future medical care in an advance directive, including designating a health care agent to make health care decisions on your behalf when you...
- You, and any person(s) you choose, will be involved in all decisions about your care. You will be given information you can understand about the benefits and risks of treatment in your preferred la...
- Tell your provider about your current condition, medicines (including over-the-counter and herbals), and medical history. Also, share any other information that affects your health. You should ask...
- You will be given, in writing, the name and title of the provider in charge of your care. You hav…
Concerns Or Complaints
- You are encouraged and expected to seek help from your treatment team or a patient advocate if you have problems or complaints. Any privacy complaints will be addressed by the facility Privacy Offi...
- If you believe that you or your family member has been neglected, abused or exploited by VA staff, please report this promptly to the treatment team or patient advocate. You will receive …
- You are encouraged and expected to seek help from your treatment team or a patient advocate if you have problems or complaints. Any privacy complaints will be addressed by the facility Privacy Offi...
- If you believe that you or your family member has been neglected, abused or exploited by VA staff, please report this promptly to the treatment team or patient advocate. You will receive help immed...
- If you believe the organization has failed to address or satisfy your concerns about health care quality and safety, you may contact the Joint Commission's Office of Quality Monitoring at 1-800-994...
Additional Rights and Responsibilities of Community Living Center Residents
- Because the CLC serves as your home for short or long-stay services, you have the following additional rights and responsibilities as a CLC resident: 1. Staff will knock on your bedroom door prior to entry. 2. You have the right to receive care from the same staff member every day to the extent that consistent assignment is possible. 3. You may have visitors at any time of the day or …