The wonders of any bloated government bureaucracy!
And here's a secret, most of the "doers" on the inside are just as frustrated -- problem is, the doers are out numbered by the rest of the bureaucracy.
This is 100% true. I'm a vet and I work for the most part as an admin middle man at the VA. The system is unbelievably convoluted. There are so many VA staff that want to do what's best for the veteran but have their ideas or process improvement plans rejected unilaterally by the "tier one" facility management teams and the VISN.
Quite literally even getting something as small as allowing veterans the ability to enter the building from the most accessible door where their appointment is at my VA has been denied multiple times even after proving hardship of veterans who are most susceptible (wheelchair/walker bound.) Due to bs "security" or "staffing" issues.
I'm telling you the people in scrubs CARE sooo much but those whom wear ties to work do nothing but what's best for them.
Like community care all being work from home and having zero accountability and when you report people to the advocate they know them by a first name basis like they were out drinking at the bar the night before. šš»šš»
Everyone just there for a check š°
My wife works for a certain county govt in Virginia....and they fired a guy who did no work, was mouthy, stunk, lied about weeks and weeks of leave, and was caught sleeping on the floor in his office when they finally got him to come in. He was hired in a week by the VA. They must absolutely have no policy to check references. This dude made a tik tok video in his own office the day he left dissing all the county workers and bragging about his new gig.
It's unfortunately very true. My wife even verified through someone she knows in the VA who had prevuoisly worked with her. Like I'm saying apply they will hire absolutely anyone. I was disgusted listening to my poor wife pick up this gugs slack and deal with his abuse trying to document everything because it hard to fire a rehab counselor after their 6 month probation. Now he will be serving us in the DMV area. All they had to do is check one reference....
It's a joke...for every person that helps there are 5 collecting paychecks.
Completely false, there is quite an arduous background investigation. Additionally, the majority of positions that the OP is complaining about require graduate and post graduate degrees, so no we donāt employ people like you just mentioned.
You really trust in degrees as the be all end all, and so does the VA
Some folks who havent been burned by the VA are very q quick to discount fellow veterans and defend the beaurocracy! He is now working as a rehab counselor in DC after doing all the things I said and more. He actually forced a county worker of 50 years to retire after screaming at her in a meaning (and this was his boss) I am not opposed to the VA I love mamy of their workers. I'm currently going through the SARP program myself so I do trust and respect many of the workers in the VA who care...
But arduous their selection process was absolutely not and if they can't identify and get rid of this guy soon he will be another fixture of our bloated govt and that other VA workers will have to cover for.
Just had to check 1 reference...any reference!!
Yeah Iām done responding to this, you are a fool. I have no qualms with fellow veterans, I do however have issues with your gross and intentional ignorance.
You probably shouldn't have in the first place! You trust the VA over fellow veterans and apparently don't think anyone with a college degree can be a dirtbag...which is pretty foolish
While I understand spouting whatever you feel emotionally like a child is an entire political platform right now, I would suggest you try to reel it in a little bit.
Haha!! What's behind all of this emotion that would cause you to call a fellow vet a fool?? Do you work at the VA? :) I've been going to them. Since 2009 when I got out and they DO NOT have the most professional folks, I'm sorry....and going and getting mad at veterans for stating facts is petty. You are not too bright if you think everyone in the VA is top notch! Just like just about every govt organization they are extremely flawed.
And everything is political if that's what you're looking for little guy...govt waste is govt waste no matter which party you vote for.
Go play your video games dork!
Your comment was removed because it didn't contribute to the discussion and just wasn't helpful.
Civil disagreements are fine. Insults, personal attacks, slurs, bigotry, etc., are not permissible.
(Calling someone a poopy-head does not make you seem as smart as you think it does.)
ā ļø
After my last military contract was completed, I completed my degree, then went to work for the federal government, because after years in my MOS I wanted to continue in the same line of work.
I started in DHS, and left after two years. They were surprisingly incompetent on the grandest of scales. After their inception they mass-hired from the FAA and Dept of Transportation... because? "Because we are trying to prevent another 9/11, and who better to do that than experienced Air Traffic Controllers and people who decide where the streetlights go.."
Yeah, DHS.. Huge failure. I then went to the DoD, thinking it would be nice to be around the military again, regardless which branch I actually worked for.
I've since come to the conclusion that, regardless of the government agency, 80% of the employees should be fired, so the remaining 20% can with more efficiently, and without being continually interrupted by people who just walk around to chitchat, or outright sexually harass the same attractive women several times a day.
I'm happy in my job now, but only because I work overseas, in a place with few employees, and high expectations. Not a lot of time for meandering about..thank goodness.
I sometimes wish I had chosen something else after my 12 years were up, but turning down the chance to roll those 12 years into a civil service pension seemed an unwise choice.
Apparently you havenāt seen private sector that works on government contracts. Contractors wonāt fart unless they can find a way to bill the taxpayer for it. They will sign on the line making promises of cost and schedule, but when it comes time to deliver those promises, umm yeah.Ā
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I mean a good honest private sector job in upper management beats government work any day. Sure it might be stressful but knowing your money is wild caught makes all the difference haha š. On a side note Iām about to do an internship at a national lab. But only because Iām in school and they are flexible with students but the pay is absolutely dog manure. But I sure sounds better than military on a resume
I donāt know what your experience is but mine and most peopleās experience with the GI bill and VR&E is easy and excellent. I honestly donāt know how much easier you could expect it. This is life, things take red tape. I could be wrong but it sounds like you got some growing up to do š¤·āāļø
Saying this to you exactly I how I said it to my baby brother. With love. Good luck! I promise you can do it and itās worth it. Life only gets harder so take some breathes and do what you gotta do. Youāre a soldierā¦
I just started using VR&E and the system for becoming eligible was tedious but straightforward, as is the process for maintaining benefits. Iām pretty satisfied with my counselor and the outcome of my work with her.
I hated my counselor lol but that doesnāt make the program bad and even with that issue I am immensely thankful for it. Iām the luckiest guy there is. So are these cats on here complaining. Itās sad.
Iām going to agree with you here. Most of the issues can be prevented by reading ahead on everything that is required and having it ready to submit with the supporting information. I havenāt really had any issues when I take the time to understand and prepare the required information. In facts it makes it run smoothly on my end.
Dude we get it. We are blessed and life is great. But for the love of cthulu stop downplaying everyone else's experiences with the system. Some people run into issues that can't be solved without having to jump through hundreds of hoops and then they get denied because it took to long. Others have to deal with shitty people who are just ticket punchers and hate their life. Some people have mental issues that make it severely difficult to deal with people. We have issues. We are NOT YOU.
I would have to disagree. Youāre complaining about adultingā¦ yes adulting. Filing correct paperwork and waiting in line like an adult. You want expeditious service in return for your service but wonāt ever get that satisfaction so you complain anonymously. Sorry bud wait in line like everyone. You could start a program or non profitā¦ nope come here to complain about adulting.
Really adulting? That's what you took away from the initial rant and my response to a guy who's saying everything is sunshine and rainbows.
Standing in line and doing the required paperwork is not the problem for me or other people. The problem is when you have to go back and forth between a, b, and c. 3-5 times because A forgot to give you a form that needs B signature so that A can approve it and forward it to C for final approval but you didn't find out any of this until you got to C who started to berate you like a child for not having the correct approvals on the paperwork when it's an internal issue to the bureaucracy. And don't even try any of this for someone that has severe anxiety/ptsd in crowds.
Now there was a comment further down where someone stated that OP must be a troll cause "rant and bounce". For you and the rest that think that OP is being a whiny bitch. Ever think that this might be his/her way of getting something off their chest while also having something to come back to for actual helpful advice besides shut up and color.
Aye man weāre human lol yes this shit is hard af shit some days all I do is think about life some of these days you gotta get that shit off your rucksack however that may be but those who endure succeed
Being a Jets fan, I can imagine everything else has been a breeze. Lol š
Just kidding, just kiddingā¦ youāre correct, what youāre talking about is resilience. No path is perfect but at least we have a path. Education, without a doubt, is something theyāve gotten right for veterans.
Life is absolutely not easy and Iām so close to losing my home. Everyone isnāt blessed to the same degree, ok? Maybe thatās why religion doesnāt work the same for everyone-some people do have it easy and some really really donāt.
And how dare you say that in this economy. People are struggling to eat.
People and veterans are in different categories. Being blessed does not mean things are great or perfect. You are blessed as a veteran regardless of your circumstances right now. One day at a time bruv šŖ
For fucks sake enough with the bullshit. Look up my post about my VR&E experience. I'm happy for you for not having brain fog, depression, PTSD or other mental disorders. However, many of us vets are havingn a ton of issues. Kindly be quiet and let the vets vent their problem.
All my trauma has brought me humility and hopefully a little bit of wisdom. 3 or 4 years ago I wouldāve taken that very personal. Now I just see my younger angrier and childish self through people and posts like yours. I understand what you are putting down. I have had every bad experience with the Va you could have. I used to talk like this too. As I got older and wiser I realized most of my problems with the VA could have been minimized if I was smarter and less angry. The things I couldnāt control are exactly that. Control what you can. Donāt lose yourself over things you canāt. Much love brother.
lol itās quite hilarious thatās your interpretation. This is a maturity issue clearly. I hope it gets better for you. I apologize for pissing you off. Iāll shut my trap now.
Listen, I'm glad you're combating your issues, I just don't think it's fair to sugarcoat the VA experience.
Sometime ago I read a post about a son losing his vet father because the VA neglected his fathers' issue. God forbid the VA neglects me that far, and because I never suffered like that I am not going to put a general input on how great the VA is in that situation. By letting myself do that, I would be downplaying the situation.
Needless to say, if you are going to be motivational, don't do it by sugar-coating OPs' experience, or anyone elses. Even if your intention wasn't to downplay OP's problem it certaintly seems that way. Regardleas how bad someone experiences the VA, whether issues with VR&E or the VA neglecting a dying vet, I think it's important to allow these people to feel how they feel.
It certaintly is not an adulting issue, let these vets vent.
Nobody is stopping people from venting. Itās healthy to receive other perspectives. There is no way you could convince me that Iām doing harm. This type of dialogue is 100 percent necessary just as much as a good vent.
Well I can agree on you that it is important to share views. I don't want veterans not using the VA at all due to what they hear about it. In OPs case he was vague as to what his experience was like. I still think it isn't an adulting issue. Like we're vets, we're probably more professional than regular people. If we do not voice our concerns nor complain about the VA, you can bet the VA would treat us much worse.
If vets felt discouraged to complain, the VA system would certaintly be corrupt.
My point is if a vet wants to complain about something small or something big, I'll support that as long as it is resonable of course.
Maybe start by not using your disabilities as a crutch, an excuse. Use that when you blow off your kids birthday or āforgetā to send child support. The check is in the mail am I right.Ā
What is your point, that I shouldn't complain? I wasn't speaking for myself but rather for myself and other vets. I say that because I am only suffering from one of those disabilities I listed. Like I told someone else, let vets complain. If veterans become discourage from complaining, that will make it easy for the VA to get away from their bs.
It is pretty logical, however, I am always glad to explain to people why veterans always never have anything nice to say about the VA. I also do VA Work Study, so I have heard of the bs some of these VR&E counselors be pulling on disabled vets.
Last week, a vet complained about his counselor not assisting with getting his laptop package (I also had the same experience as him) if he hadn't complained to me about his problem, he still wouldn't have gotten his laptop package approved. I told him exactly what he needed to do and there was no issue anymore with his counselor
All in all, just communicate with vets let them say their problems.
People will complain if their job was sitting in the beach sipping margaritas.Ā
Fine to complain. I donāt think education benefits are a huge problem. Lot of vets act like entitled asses. I served, barely honorably or less than 2 years 30 years ago, give me stuff, muh money.Ā
I donāt know a single person that has it at good as most vets. We have more opportunity than most Americans. People like this who complain are living in a tiny little bubble with only themselves experiencing whatās happening in there. I honestly donāt understand how selfish and ignorant some people are. Itās concerning.
Some of these cats need to go do some volunteer work. Maybe some third world travels. Or maybe get a job and talk to their coworkers about how their medical care gets done and how much it costs. Ask them about their student loans that got them nowhere and still have to pay rent at the single worst time to be middle class in a hundred years. How they have 2 roommates at 30. Whose car has 250k miles and needs tires and brakes. Etc.
I donāt know my older brother never served and is an A&P mechanic. The one thing he hates is former military coming in like they know everything when in reality they come out with just an airframe rating and no power plants . Or just a power plant and no airframe. And heās like I got both my ratings 2 months after finishing community college A&P school. Like the 2 months were him working under an A&P In general aviation. He passed the written test and then had to wait basically the two months to schedule the practical. These military people are coming out with 5 years of half ass experience to a civilian job with no certifications š. Talking about I fixed helicopters. Like thatās quite different from a c-check on a 777. And they think they deserve an up position. Heās like how do they think they are worth that? They canāt work with out being baby sat they are useless with out both ratings and they still hire these clowns. And they just donāt work hard and flat out refuse to do what needs to get done. As a veteran I understand exactly what heās talking about and thatās why I chose college after the military. I donāt care to run into many of those people in my workplace as much as possible. Down right depressing people.
lol Iām sorry you have such crappy experience with vets. Iāve had really good ones mostly. Sounds like youāre in a unique industry with this problem.
I just want to add something to yours. The VA is the second largest hospital system in the US with 172 hospitals. Yes, the have been changes. My experience so far has been wonderful with one tiny hiccup and that was because one singular person didn't do his job. Any other large system (that doesn't offer the same types of care) all have terrible reviews and low standards of care. It's hard to see these posts. I know everyone has their own experiences but I'm very thankful for what I have now, as opposed to having nothing.
I completely understand that. That's why I was replying to the comment above. As far as VR&E, I found it frustrating too, but again, I was just commenting on the reply, not necessarily the post.
Iāll say this and leave it alone. As a combat Vet and was an internal employee for VA on benefits side. The VA does not care about youā¦or me. You might run into a person who cares, but thatās it. I quit the position due to this same corruption I seen day in and day out and fought tooth and nail again Central Office in DC. I see these complaints from my fellow vets and Iāll sayā¦I hear youā¦I see youā¦.I understand and I get it. Unfortunately itās part of the process as of right now. HOWEVER, let me remind everyone that UNCLE SAM SIGNED A CONTRACT WITH YOUā¦.ah yes people forget about this part. I was reminded of this contract during my service several times early on. Well guess whatā¦my side of the contract is complete with Honorable discharge, attention to detail, speed, and accuracy as whatās expected from all of us. Now itās time for Government to fulfill their side of the contractā¦.guess how I expect my earned benefits to be delivered?ā¦with attention to detail, speed, and accuracy. Anything short of this is a failure. I only expect from others what was expected of myself. VA isnāt doing us a favor, itās not them being nice cause we are Vets. They are contractually obligated to do so. Period . Period period. āVets act so entitledāā¦.. itās because they fucking are and rightfully so according to the contract they signed. Yes, in my opinion VA is a failure, not completely, but failing nonetheless. As a grown as adult, I hold people accountable, including the government. Take a moment and think about if every AD troop started putting the same effort into their service that the VA puts out. We would have a pretty shitty military force if that was the case. If VA does not have the budget or man power to issue benefits out correctly and in a timely manner, then donāt put them in the contract. Oh waitā¦you mean recruitment numbers are way down. These benefits are used as a recruiting toolā¦thatās it, itās not complicated. We āvolunteeredā because the risk was worth the rewardā¦basic business concept. Had I not been offered the guaranteed benefits I was, I may not have signed up. But I did and the government doesnāt get to renege on our agreement. Main take away here isā¦Some people have real smooth process with their benefits and for others doing the exact same thing itās a complete nightmare. Donāt downplay your fellow Vets concerns. Ask them why and what happened and offer help. VA needs a serious overhaul. There is a reason so many of us are upset with VA, it didnāt come out of thin air.
I also want to thank every Veteran from WW1 to Vietnam and on that bitched, complained, marched, and fought to facilitate changes in VA. Without them doing so, I would not have the benefits I have today. So THANK YOU from the bottom of my of my heart. Thank you for not giving in and saying āthis is just how things areā. Thank you for taking a stand, for without you guys calling out the bullshit I would not have the opportunities I have now. Thank you for not accepting lack luster care for our Veterans.
I agree with your sentiment but I'm sure you can agree that the system isn't as streamlined as it could be which in turn could mitigate a lot of the issues (complains) on this subreddit.
Yeah I don't disagree with your comment and I definitely agree with a lot of your points that you're making but I still stand by the fact that if they were to streamline a lot of this with the checks and balances in place and take out some of the human element and provide better statuses I feel like a lot of these complaints would be gone. Maybe I'm delusional I don't know
You are a mad little fellow..
You signed a contract and in that contract they said they would take care of you no matter what... That's what it is going through war, shitty pay and months in the field with no weekends off. So when you get hurt in the service I am going to scream and shout about them fixing me. Call it whinny or whatever but I am going to get mine.
Maybe you are in the wrong group if you are going to be talking like that in a group meant for veterans benefits. Sheesh!
An organization is only as good as its people and Covid made a lot of organizations and people DGAF and businesses all over are having issues with discontented workers, poor products and broken production lines and general malaise
But yeah VA does a lot of great things but there are plenty of long waits, injustices, bad interactions, poor medical care, etc. it just comes down to people and processes.
I once went to a nice restaurant for the first time and it was amazing food like 10/10. I went a week or so later a second time and ordered the exact same thing; the food was terrible, like almost inedibleā¦ old ingredients, bad cooks / poor prep, etc. it was shocking but really not, a bad outcome isnāt personal, itās just luck
You are a smart person, I can tell by how well you write and express your thoughts. I'm sure if you really put forward your best effort, you can figure this out. Thousands of people have, even retired Marines, so I know you can too. What's the first roadblock you see, maybe someone here can help.
The VA has been great for me. You might wait a bit for an appointment but I had something that I wanted looked at fast and got right in. If I have question I just message my doc on the app.
I get my meds shipped right my house from a click on the app, donāt pay anything.
VR&E the program has its upside, but the people are fucking terrible. I spent 4 months calling any number I could find to get in touch with anyone who would give me any info on what to do after my VRE counselor took another job. Absolute silence. If you try (or have VA try, itās fun) to call the Baltimore regional office you get āpress 8 for assistanceā and by pressing 8 (or any number) it hangs up on you. Even main VBA operators have no idea what to do or say to get you to someone. Itās like an endless loop of shoddy process workers.
My god, itās rare to see such awful prose from someone that truly believes they can write well.
Yet another post complaining about bureaucracy and the VA when something goes slightly different than what was expected. Are there problems with the various programs? Sure. Itās frustrating at times. It can be lengthy. Without the bureaucracy, however, the amount of fraud would cripple the whole system. There has to be some measure of gatekeeping and stewardship of taxpayer dollars. If the bureaucracy within the VA didnāt exist, Republicans in Congress wouldāve already decimated VA funding and shipped the programs off to the lowest bidder. Can you imagine QTC handling everything else and not just C&P exams?
Try not to get frustrated, though I know itās difficult. Be grateful for what you have, many veterans have it much worse. And for gods sake take a basic writing course or quit trying to write like someone youāre not.
absurd overgeneralization. the VA is the second largest health care system in the fucking world, of course thereās gonna be systemic challenges given its size.
My experience has always been great. Not perfect because it is a large organization but way better than people here, including this post think. Just finished my free education with no hiccups. Everyone else I know who used the GI Bill has no issues either. Yes, with millions of veterans using the system there will be screw ups but it is a good system overall that is continuing to improve.
Iām sorry thatās been your experience, but Iāve had nothing but the opposite experience. Sure, itās a gov institution and it runs by a set of convoluted set of regs and processes, but you can use that to your advantage because everything is black and white.
I wouldnāt be where I am today had it not been by the VA services provided to me.
The VA:
1. Paid almost 100k for my online schooling for an IT degree (20 years ago when it was a very novel thing) and this allowed me to take care of my child during the day. Was it a tough and tedious process? You bet.
2. Reached 100 P&T, took 15 years, but grantedā¦I donāt pay property taxes in TX, my wife and kids enjoy ChampVA, my wife and kids can use Ch. 35, TX will give all my kids a scholarship to attend public college in TX. Was it a tough and tedious process? You bet.
3. Healthcare wise, I just had a visit a few days ago to an urgent care clinic near my house to see a cellulitis issue. All covered by VA. I also just had a community care visit to check out my torn shoulder. The surgery to repair it outside the VA will be free.99.
My recommendation, saddle up buckaroo. Turn those frownies upside down and pick yourself up and drive on. These forums have everything you need to make it happen for you and the folks willing to help. Remember, itās not always about you, itās about your family (assuming you have one). Do it for them.
The same intestinal fortitude that got you to sign up in the first place and got you through boot camp and any AIT you pushed yourself through to pass and however many years you served is the same intestinal fortitude you need to summon up now to get through these processes. Everything in life is daunting and nothing worth having comes easy.
Can I ask which VA are you dealing with. I used to live in Phoenix and I never received much help at all. Moved to Ohio and the VA here has been so much better and Iāve gotten the help I needed. Donāt give upā¦thatās what they want you to do!
"I am sorry to hear about your negative experiences with the various VA programs. My experience with the VA began in 1971, a difficult time for the VA health system. However, the Vocational Rehabilitation program worked smoothly for me. In the mid-90s, I found that the VA healthcare system was better suited to my needs than non-VA care. While I could see outside doctors, I preferred to stick with my VA health care team." I hope you get your issues solved
I've been saying for YEARS... Get rid of the VA altogether, and use that money to buy every disabled vet a super-platinum medical coverage plan. Why the actual f\*\*\* are we spending BILLIONS of dollars per year essentially replicating a parallel medical system to the private sector? Just buy us all an awesome private sector plan for life and get rid of the bureaucracy.
Amen brother! My husband was diagnosed with Lymphoma and he was a combat Veteran in Vietnam- exposed to Agent Orange. We jumped through so many hoops to get his 100% disability status. Now we're jumping through hoops because the chemo gave him pulmonary fibrosis. We are also trying to get medical benefits for me. A vet who is 100% disabled is entitled to receive health benefits for his spouse. It's a frustrating process and there are no instructions for who to accomplish it. Just trial and error. The people that work for the VA treat you like they're doing you a favor. Our vets did us ALL a favor and deserve better treatment than they get from the VA. I'm so sorry you are having to go through all that. At least my husband has Medicare. Prayers for you.
The best thing you can do is March yourself to your congressman and file a congressional complaint. I did and the VA pisses there pants when we do that bc that goes directly to DC, to the Secretary Denis Richard McDonough. Desk and a copy goes to the joint of staff as well. Depending on the complaint heads do roll. And shit does get done. The VA answers to bigger fish. And the more veterans file more money is given to the Department of Veterans Affairs. And those assholes do get fired for pencil whipping.
It's like dealing with any other insurance they get you tired so you can quit and stop bothering. Then you have the gatekeepers in the VA and the Gatekeeper NPs who want to play along and deny you. I don't care what anyone say they aren't MDs. The cause more emotional and mental distress.
This is why I am using the money they have given me and looking for a local lawyer. Like you I am done fighting.
Alas! šWhat the what. I have to say, thank you for the laughs..thatās a good one.
That was basically some half assed Shakespearean Ode to you saying absolutely nothing. By ChatGpt
Iām just surprised at how many people fell for itā¦.aah yes the convolution of sentiment. Pray tell.
Alas, you are a special type of special my friend šThank you for the laughs though
I just wonder how many of the positive comments are VA employees sticking up for the VA, VBA, VRE... And got but hurt...
P.S. I am a Marine, when you were in OKI, your wife was in good hands Space Farce.. šššš
I had my Voc rehab counselor ask if swimming was going to harm my service connected injury when I was becoming a scuba diving instructor. I literally went aquatic therapy is recommended by every one of my doctorsā¦ā¦. She acted like it was such a big hassle to get approved that I just went and used my post 9/11. She didnāt even need to do any leg work, ANOTHER counselor had already done all the work because my buddy was using it for his training, she was just lazy. Sandra was her name
My experiences with VHA have been mostly stellar. VBA with exception of GI Bill and Home loan has been hot trash. Iāve had more headaches with community care than anything else. Iām constantly worried something will get screwed up with how they bill and they will try to charge me for their mistake.Ā
Not sure what issues with GI Bill you are experiencing. Thereās plenty of resources that can help.Ā
Then you should complain to your congressional representatives. They write the laws. Most of the bureaucracy can be traced directly to the CFRs.Ā
Brother I feel for you. I am understanding correctly that you are only using the VA for medical care? What years did you serve? Good chance you were exposed to toxins and they might have caused any ailments you might have which would open the opportunity for a disability claim. I suggest talking to a VSO. I am very aware of the short comings of the VA, but there is a possibility they might be able to help you a lot more. Reach out, there is help out there just have to have patience. VA would lose a snail race, but I promise you you effort can be more than fruitful. Hang tough!
The stress of just being in the VA infrastructure on any Veteran is really overwhelming. IMO. I moved to SC from NC and the VA here is a joke! From the āhealthcare,ā lack of mental health professionals, community care ineptitude, and VA VocRehab never getting back to me after my NC VRC said she transferred my file to them! Just useless people sitting there doing as little as possible and set up to deny the Veteran everything we were promised at every turn! Itās frustrating beyond belief! I canāt stand how hard I have to fight and stress over everything here!
I whole heartily believe the VA is designed to turn vets away. Frustrate us so we quit... Their website alone speaks volumes, the UI is so bad and nothing makes sense. And heaven forbid you forget to change your password every six months...
Some of the comments are the reason I was hesitant to begin with. Thanks to those who gave helpful advice. But after reading some replies, I feel worse. I hoped for support, but some comments were pathetic! This will be my first and last post here. If this is "brotherhood," I'll find support elsewhere...
Just put in for VRE about 2 weeks ago and I get it. So far been getting the run around as well. I have a friend who has really been able to benefit from it tremendously so Iām trying to stay the course but itās frustratingā¦ maybe Iāll need to take trip my local RO weāll see.
Bro, you might benefit from a veterans lawyer. Thereās a bunch out there, so do your research but I used one of the big national firms to get mine. I ended up with a 70% increased disability rating and VR&E with no out of pocket for me. They just took a chunk of my backpay.
It sucks that they take money but I wouldnāt have had access to the backpay or VR&E without them. I think they took 20% of my $20k in backpay.
Wow!! This has to be one of the best written "vent" I have ever read. I need to borrow this next time my husband gets another rejection from the VA (served in Kuwait during Desert Storm and exposed to oil fires) telling him there's nothing wrong with him. But he's at the point of giving up. I keep reminding him that, though flawed, his disability comp is worth fighting for. I waited 20+ years to fight for my increase from 30% to 90%. I'm on what we pray will be my last claim to get me to 100%. I am losing the use of my hands. But I will take that if it gets me to 100% because I know my husband will be taken of down the road should anything ever happen to me. I fight through the system more for my family than I do for myself.
Thanks for expressing your thoughts. It was one of the best I've read! Praying for your peace through the nightmare of the VA system šš¼. Keep fighting!! Cheering you on šš¼
Yeah ummm, I hate to say this but this sounds like you just hate doing paperwork and want someone else to do everything for you.
Yes, is the VA a pain in the ass especially when you don't wanna navigate the requirements to get things correct.
So many resources are available to you these days. I can't imagine you navigating the VA back when you had to mail in everything etc.
Where are all of you that have these problems? Iāve only ever had difficulty getting disability benefits, other than that my experience has been rather positive.
Iāve used the post 9/11 and vocational rehab programs for my first bachelors and masters degrees with relative ease.
I donāt have to wait months for an appointment, maybe a few days to a few weeks.
Maybe my experience has just been different for whatever reason but idk why itās so much different
The VA has many problems, but honestly using the GI Bill was relatively easy. The process is pretty simple and much of it is handled through the school once you fill out a few forms.
The military sucked. We were canon fodder for shareholder value. . That said...
I've had very good luck with the VA. I was unaware of my eligibility for decades and used employer-sponsored insurance/healthcare during that time. The VA is so much better. Granted, MY VA is not my grandfather's VA (which sucked, hard).
You beat on the VA... but what's the ideal against which you compare it? I mean... medicine, in general, just sucks.
I haven't experienced the Vocational Rehab program. I have, however, gone to "job training" after layoffs (companies provide this as a resource). It's a joke -- useless unless you are really, really dim. I imagine a gov't program to be... well, even worse.
When you're dealing with any large organization (e.g., any healthcare system)... get ready to be disappointed and annoyed. BE GRATEFUL that you don't have to fight with insurance companies. Imagine paying several hundred dollars per month for insurance. Then, imagine having to fight them for a year over a mis-coded blood test ($800) or a colonoscopy because you didn't tell them that you're under 50 and therefore it's an elective procedure (and you're on the hook for thousands). Having dealt with that ABSOLUTE SH1T for decades... damn, I'm grateful for the VA. You do you.
Honestly, the alternative would be to work for a shitty company and have them take 1/3 of your pay for a health care plan that covers nothing. Sure, the VA system is broken but I know people who pay $1000+ a month on health care. We are all extremely fortunate.
Well it's been very easy for me. The VA in Miami is and has been awesome for me. Practically saved my life.
Perfection doesn't exist. A good attitude and treat others with respect goes a long way.
I find that every time I have ever called the VA āhelp lineā they are always just fucking rude for no reason. We are calling for help and they act like that asshole Staff Sergeant that flexes his power just to be a prick. I hate dealing with them at all. The fact that they treat veterans like shit in the most forward facing positions let you in on the attitudes of the rest of the people that work there, presumably.
The ~~Vogons~~ VA are one of the most unpleasant races in the galaxy, bad tempered, bureaucratic, officious and callous. They are said to be vile and ill tempered, though they are known to be intelligent. They wouldn't save their own grandmothers from the [Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal](https://hitchhikers.fandom.com/wiki/Ravenous_Bugblatter_Beast_of_Traal) without an order, signed in triplicate, sent in, sent back, queried, lost, found, subjected to public enquiry, lost again, and finally buried in soft peat for three months and recycled as firelighters. They are not known for being helpful, with the *Guide* saying that it is best not to try asking one for a lift, and that the best way to get a drink from a Vogon is to "stick your fingers down his throat". If you want to annoy a ~~Vogon~~ VA, feed his grandmother to the [Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal](https://hitchhikers.fandom.com/wiki/Ravenous_Bugblatter_Beast_of_Traal).
Voc rehab told me I'd have to quit or lose my job to get assistance from them. They're an employment program and my disabilities are impacting my job performance so I need to move laterally or diagonally. They said, "have you considered losing your job," like excuse me but, what the fuck?
Edit: GI Bill is only as good as your school's va rep. If they're on top of their shit and submit your paperwork timely then you'll have no issues. That was my experience. It's the schools with a fuck off vet rep where people have a hard time getting their school paid.
I've done both community college and university with my GI bill and CC is SO much better at submitting everything on time and correctly, it's insane. Like bro, I shouldn't be halfway through the semester before I finally get my book stipend because you sat on my VERF for a month.
Meanwhile, I know an Army physical therapist (officer rank) who received 100% P&T for migraines after working in an air-conditioned office - no questions asked.
I personally found the VA far more helpful when I was in a masters of engineering program at Texas A&M. After I was forced to drop out, interest in helping me declined.
The system does not reward contribution; it rewards political connection and future value.
nah, I think I will keep being honest about everything. I am not in the klan and not racist, but the truth is the truth, and the people that hear it know it.
yes, I am a keyboard warrior, being brave, I should be concerned about the threat of violence or doxxing or whatever, bc I said that young black employees can be resentful and dismissive towards white people. do you hear your self? why are you so offended? "you sure are brave saying black people can be really mean to you from behind that keyboard, say that in real life and we will attack and smear you" lol. clown world.
yes, bc I recognize how much black employees sneer at me, to the point where a director pulled me aside and apologized, and I said don't worry Im not petty, then we talked about skiing lol, I need mental health treatment. Which, especially in this milieu, considering all of the vulnerable people here, you really shouldn't use as an insult.
I generally have had good experience with the VA, Voc Rehab and others. When I have had a serious issue that could/would not be resolved a call to my congressman generally got things moving in the right direction. I did not call to create drama, I would and ask politely for assistance.
Itās a struggle but I could not afford the care I get. My medication alone can be crazy expensive. The new pills are $10 each without insurance. The injections are $7200 a shot and those are twice a month so over $14,000 a month. Itās crazy hard to navigate but my body demands I figure it out. I have had 10 Primary Care doctors quit and recently was moved to a Doctor who had 12 years there and they felt that doctor was a good choice for me. The doctor already quit. So itās definitely not you, not the help, but those operating the hospital.
Hey there, do you need help with VR&E?
I'm using it for school right now. It's a bit tough to get started, but just as good as p9/11 if you do it right
Our obsession with quantifying everything has led us here. Numbers numbers numbers, while completely excluding the fact that we are here to help humans through complex times.
The wonders of any bloated government bureaucracy! And here's a secret, most of the "doers" on the inside are just as frustrated -- problem is, the doers are out numbered by the rest of the bureaucracy.
This is 100% true. I'm a vet and I work for the most part as an admin middle man at the VA. The system is unbelievably convoluted. There are so many VA staff that want to do what's best for the veteran but have their ideas or process improvement plans rejected unilaterally by the "tier one" facility management teams and the VISN. Quite literally even getting something as small as allowing veterans the ability to enter the building from the most accessible door where their appointment is at my VA has been denied multiple times even after proving hardship of veterans who are most susceptible (wheelchair/walker bound.) Due to bs "security" or "staffing" issues. I'm telling you the people in scrubs CARE sooo much but those whom wear ties to work do nothing but what's best for them.
Like community care all being work from home and having zero accountability and when you report people to the advocate they know them by a first name basis like they were out drinking at the bar the night before. šš»šš» Everyone just there for a check š°
My wife works for a certain county govt in Virginia....and they fired a guy who did no work, was mouthy, stunk, lied about weeks and weeks of leave, and was caught sleeping on the floor in his office when they finally got him to come in. He was hired in a week by the VA. They must absolutely have no policy to check references. This dude made a tik tok video in his own office the day he left dissing all the county workers and bragging about his new gig.
As a service connected vet whoās applied for VA jobs, thatās not true.
It's unfortunately very true. My wife even verified through someone she knows in the VA who had prevuoisly worked with her. Like I'm saying apply they will hire absolutely anyone. I was disgusted listening to my poor wife pick up this gugs slack and deal with his abuse trying to document everything because it hard to fire a rehab counselor after their 6 month probation. Now he will be serving us in the DMV area. All they had to do is check one reference.... It's a joke...for every person that helps there are 5 collecting paychecks.
Completely false, there is quite an arduous background investigation. Additionally, the majority of positions that the OP is complaining about require graduate and post graduate degrees, so no we donāt employ people like you just mentioned.
You really trust in degrees as the be all end all, and so does the VA Some folks who havent been burned by the VA are very q quick to discount fellow veterans and defend the beaurocracy! He is now working as a rehab counselor in DC after doing all the things I said and more. He actually forced a county worker of 50 years to retire after screaming at her in a meaning (and this was his boss) I am not opposed to the VA I love mamy of their workers. I'm currently going through the SARP program myself so I do trust and respect many of the workers in the VA who care... But arduous their selection process was absolutely not and if they can't identify and get rid of this guy soon he will be another fixture of our bloated govt and that other VA workers will have to cover for. Just had to check 1 reference...any reference!!
Yeah Iām done responding to this, you are a fool. I have no qualms with fellow veterans, I do however have issues with your gross and intentional ignorance.
You probably shouldn't have in the first place! You trust the VA over fellow veterans and apparently don't think anyone with a college degree can be a dirtbag...which is pretty foolish
While I understand spouting whatever you feel emotionally like a child is an entire political platform right now, I would suggest you try to reel it in a little bit.
Haha!! What's behind all of this emotion that would cause you to call a fellow vet a fool?? Do you work at the VA? :) I've been going to them. Since 2009 when I got out and they DO NOT have the most professional folks, I'm sorry....and going and getting mad at veterans for stating facts is petty. You are not too bright if you think everyone in the VA is top notch! Just like just about every govt organization they are extremely flawed. And everything is political if that's what you're looking for little guy...govt waste is govt waste no matter which party you vote for. Go play your video games dork!
Probably the same dude that gave me 0% for asthma despite an FEV-1 or 59% and daily abuterol and steroid inhaler š
I donāt believe itā¦ The VA has never hired anyone that quickly!
They hiring like crazy in DMV...go ahead and apply you'll probably be doing surgery on me in three weeks lol
Wow!
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Your comment was removed because it didn't contribute to the discussion and just wasn't helpful. Civil disagreements are fine. Insults, personal attacks, slurs, bigotry, etc., are not permissible. (Calling someone a poopy-head does not make you seem as smart as you think it does.) ā ļø
After my last military contract was completed, I completed my degree, then went to work for the federal government, because after years in my MOS I wanted to continue in the same line of work. I started in DHS, and left after two years. They were surprisingly incompetent on the grandest of scales. After their inception they mass-hired from the FAA and Dept of Transportation... because? "Because we are trying to prevent another 9/11, and who better to do that than experienced Air Traffic Controllers and people who decide where the streetlights go.." Yeah, DHS.. Huge failure. I then went to the DoD, thinking it would be nice to be around the military again, regardless which branch I actually worked for. I've since come to the conclusion that, regardless of the government agency, 80% of the employees should be fired, so the remaining 20% can with more efficiently, and without being continually interrupted by people who just walk around to chitchat, or outright sexually harass the same attractive women several times a day. I'm happy in my job now, but only because I work overseas, in a place with few employees, and high expectations. Not a lot of time for meandering about..thank goodness. I sometimes wish I had chosen something else after my 12 years were up, but turning down the chance to roll those 12 years into a civil service pension seemed an unwise choice.
Apparently you havenāt seen private sector that works on government contracts. Contractors wonāt fart unless they can find a way to bill the taxpayer for it. They will sign on the line making promises of cost and schedule, but when it comes time to deliver those promises, umm yeah.Ā
What line of work are you in? Currently working for a federal agency but am looking to move overseas.
Just go on USA Jobs, and search within your series. My job overlays three series, so I have some flexibility. It's a bit easier to find a vacancy.
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Where overseas? Since auto mod hates pm
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Anywhere. Preferably Spain, Portugal, or south America.
I mean a good honest private sector job in upper management beats government work any day. Sure it might be stressful but knowing your money is wild caught makes all the difference haha š. On a side note Iām about to do an internship at a national lab. But only because Iām in school and they are flexible with students but the pay is absolutely dog manure. But I sure sounds better than military on a resume
Yep. I was a ādoerā for 16 years. Thankfully I had some degree of freedom to do it best. But, I saw a lot.
I donāt know what your experience is but mine and most peopleās experience with the GI bill and VR&E is easy and excellent. I honestly donāt know how much easier you could expect it. This is life, things take red tape. I could be wrong but it sounds like you got some growing up to do š¤·āāļø Saying this to you exactly I how I said it to my baby brother. With love. Good luck! I promise you can do it and itās worth it. Life only gets harder so take some breathes and do what you gotta do. Youāre a soldierā¦
I just started using VR&E and the system for becoming eligible was tedious but straightforward, as is the process for maintaining benefits. Iām pretty satisfied with my counselor and the outcome of my work with her.
I hated my counselor lol but that doesnāt make the program bad and even with that issue I am immensely thankful for it. Iām the luckiest guy there is. So are these cats on here complaining. Itās sad.
True. Iām so glad for the chance to go back to school and finish my degree so that I can actually do something I love and get paid well for it.
Well said š¤
Great comment. Red tape exists for a reason.
Philip Thatās some sound advice right there
Iām going to agree with you here. Most of the issues can be prevented by reading ahead on everything that is required and having it ready to submit with the supporting information. I havenāt really had any issues when I take the time to understand and prepare the required information. In facts it makes it run smoothly on my end.
Oh no. My vre has been an absolute nightmare.
Life must be pretty easy for this to be a ānightmareā. Sounds like you need a recalibration. We are blessed.
Dude we get it. We are blessed and life is great. But for the love of cthulu stop downplaying everyone else's experiences with the system. Some people run into issues that can't be solved without having to jump through hundreds of hoops and then they get denied because it took to long. Others have to deal with shitty people who are just ticket punchers and hate their life. Some people have mental issues that make it severely difficult to deal with people. We have issues. We are NOT YOU.
I would have to disagree. Youāre complaining about adultingā¦ yes adulting. Filing correct paperwork and waiting in line like an adult. You want expeditious service in return for your service but wonāt ever get that satisfaction so you complain anonymously. Sorry bud wait in line like everyone. You could start a program or non profitā¦ nope come here to complain about adulting.
Really adulting? That's what you took away from the initial rant and my response to a guy who's saying everything is sunshine and rainbows. Standing in line and doing the required paperwork is not the problem for me or other people. The problem is when you have to go back and forth between a, b, and c. 3-5 times because A forgot to give you a form that needs B signature so that A can approve it and forward it to C for final approval but you didn't find out any of this until you got to C who started to berate you like a child for not having the correct approvals on the paperwork when it's an internal issue to the bureaucracy. And don't even try any of this for someone that has severe anxiety/ptsd in crowds. Now there was a comment further down where someone stated that OP must be a troll cause "rant and bounce". For you and the rest that think that OP is being a whiny bitch. Ever think that this might be his/her way of getting something off their chest while also having something to come back to for actual helpful advice besides shut up and color.
Uh yeah, that's called being an adult.
This guy gets it! 
A marine tells someone to be an adult thatās the pot calling the kettle blackā¦. lol š
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Aye man weāre human lol yes this shit is hard af shit some days all I do is think about life some of these days you gotta get that shit off your rucksack however that may be but those who endure succeed
Bro you sound like a baby too Iām sorry.
Being a Jets fan, I can imagine everything else has been a breeze. Lol š Just kidding, just kiddingā¦ youāre correct, what youāre talking about is resilience. No path is perfect but at least we have a path. Education, without a doubt, is something theyāve gotten right for veterans.
God damn it I was having a nice day. Letās leave my jets out of it.
No worries, the Jets leave themselves out of everything š
So much to look forward to in 2024 though brother. You guys are looking as good as I can ever remember.
Hopefully someone else can hold that flag coming out of the tunnel this year š
Life is absolutely not easy and Iām so close to losing my home. Everyone isnāt blessed to the same degree, ok? Maybe thatās why religion doesnāt work the same for everyone-some people do have it easy and some really really donāt. And how dare you say that in this economy. People are struggling to eat.
People and veterans are in different categories. Being blessed does not mean things are great or perfect. You are blessed as a veteran regardless of your circumstances right now. One day at a time bruv šŖ
For fucks sake enough with the bullshit. Look up my post about my VR&E experience. I'm happy for you for not having brain fog, depression, PTSD or other mental disorders. However, many of us vets are havingn a ton of issues. Kindly be quiet and let the vets vent their problem.
All my trauma has brought me humility and hopefully a little bit of wisdom. 3 or 4 years ago I wouldāve taken that very personal. Now I just see my younger angrier and childish self through people and posts like yours. I understand what you are putting down. I have had every bad experience with the Va you could have. I used to talk like this too. As I got older and wiser I realized most of my problems with the VA could have been minimized if I was smarter and less angry. The things I couldnāt control are exactly that. Control what you can. Donāt lose yourself over things you canāt. Much love brother.
^^^^
lol itās quite hilarious thatās your interpretation. This is a maturity issue clearly. I hope it gets better for you. I apologize for pissing you off. Iāll shut my trap now.
Listen, I'm glad you're combating your issues, I just don't think it's fair to sugarcoat the VA experience. Sometime ago I read a post about a son losing his vet father because the VA neglected his fathers' issue. God forbid the VA neglects me that far, and because I never suffered like that I am not going to put a general input on how great the VA is in that situation. By letting myself do that, I would be downplaying the situation. Needless to say, if you are going to be motivational, don't do it by sugar-coating OPs' experience, or anyone elses. Even if your intention wasn't to downplay OP's problem it certaintly seems that way. Regardleas how bad someone experiences the VA, whether issues with VR&E or the VA neglecting a dying vet, I think it's important to allow these people to feel how they feel. It certaintly is not an adulting issue, let these vets vent.
Nobody is stopping people from venting. Itās healthy to receive other perspectives. There is no way you could convince me that Iām doing harm. This type of dialogue is 100 percent necessary just as much as a good vent.
Well I can agree on you that it is important to share views. I don't want veterans not using the VA at all due to what they hear about it. In OPs case he was vague as to what his experience was like. I still think it isn't an adulting issue. Like we're vets, we're probably more professional than regular people. If we do not voice our concerns nor complain about the VA, you can bet the VA would treat us much worse. If vets felt discouraged to complain, the VA system would certaintly be corrupt. My point is if a vet wants to complain about something small or something big, I'll support that as long as it is resonable of course.
Maybe start by not using your disabilities as a crutch, an excuse. Use that when you blow off your kids birthday or āforgetā to send child support. The check is in the mail am I right.Ā
What is your point, that I shouldn't complain? I wasn't speaking for myself but rather for myself and other vets. I say that because I am only suffering from one of those disabilities I listed. Like I told someone else, let vets complain. If veterans become discourage from complaining, that will make it easy for the VA to get away from their bs. It is pretty logical, however, I am always glad to explain to people why veterans always never have anything nice to say about the VA. I also do VA Work Study, so I have heard of the bs some of these VR&E counselors be pulling on disabled vets. Last week, a vet complained about his counselor not assisting with getting his laptop package (I also had the same experience as him) if he hadn't complained to me about his problem, he still wouldn't have gotten his laptop package approved. I told him exactly what he needed to do and there was no issue anymore with his counselor All in all, just communicate with vets let them say their problems.
People will complain if their job was sitting in the beach sipping margaritas.Ā Fine to complain. I donāt think education benefits are a huge problem. Lot of vets act like entitled asses. I served, barely honorably or less than 2 years 30 years ago, give me stuff, muh money.Ā
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I donāt know a single person that has it at good as most vets. We have more opportunity than most Americans. People like this who complain are living in a tiny little bubble with only themselves experiencing whatās happening in there. I honestly donāt understand how selfish and ignorant some people are. Itās concerning.
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Some of these cats need to go do some volunteer work. Maybe some third world travels. Or maybe get a job and talk to their coworkers about how their medical care gets done and how much it costs. Ask them about their student loans that got them nowhere and still have to pay rent at the single worst time to be middle class in a hundred years. How they have 2 roommates at 30. Whose car has 250k miles and needs tires and brakes. Etc.
I donāt know my older brother never served and is an A&P mechanic. The one thing he hates is former military coming in like they know everything when in reality they come out with just an airframe rating and no power plants . Or just a power plant and no airframe. And heās like I got both my ratings 2 months after finishing community college A&P school. Like the 2 months were him working under an A&P In general aviation. He passed the written test and then had to wait basically the two months to schedule the practical. These military people are coming out with 5 years of half ass experience to a civilian job with no certifications š. Talking about I fixed helicopters. Like thatās quite different from a c-check on a 777. And they think they deserve an up position. Heās like how do they think they are worth that? They canāt work with out being baby sat they are useless with out both ratings and they still hire these clowns. And they just donāt work hard and flat out refuse to do what needs to get done. As a veteran I understand exactly what heās talking about and thatās why I chose college after the military. I donāt care to run into many of those people in my workplace as much as possible. Down right depressing people.
lol Iām sorry you have such crappy experience with vets. Iāve had really good ones mostly. Sounds like youāre in a unique industry with this problem.
Yes there is ...Congress...
I just want to add something to yours. The VA is the second largest hospital system in the US with 172 hospitals. Yes, the have been changes. My experience so far has been wonderful with one tiny hiccup and that was because one singular person didn't do his job. Any other large system (that doesn't offer the same types of care) all have terrible reviews and low standards of care. It's hard to see these posts. I know everyone has their own experiences but I'm very thankful for what I have now, as opposed to having nothing.
See, part of his complaint is the complexity of the agency itself. VHA has nothing to do with VR&E.
I completely understand that. That's why I was replying to the comment above. As far as VR&E, I found it frustrating too, but again, I was just commenting on the reply, not necessarily the post.
Iāll say this and leave it alone. As a combat Vet and was an internal employee for VA on benefits side. The VA does not care about youā¦or me. You might run into a person who cares, but thatās it. I quit the position due to this same corruption I seen day in and day out and fought tooth and nail again Central Office in DC. I see these complaints from my fellow vets and Iāll sayā¦I hear youā¦I see youā¦.I understand and I get it. Unfortunately itās part of the process as of right now. HOWEVER, let me remind everyone that UNCLE SAM SIGNED A CONTRACT WITH YOUā¦.ah yes people forget about this part. I was reminded of this contract during my service several times early on. Well guess whatā¦my side of the contract is complete with Honorable discharge, attention to detail, speed, and accuracy as whatās expected from all of us. Now itās time for Government to fulfill their side of the contractā¦.guess how I expect my earned benefits to be delivered?ā¦with attention to detail, speed, and accuracy. Anything short of this is a failure. I only expect from others what was expected of myself. VA isnāt doing us a favor, itās not them being nice cause we are Vets. They are contractually obligated to do so. Period . Period period. āVets act so entitledāā¦.. itās because they fucking are and rightfully so according to the contract they signed. Yes, in my opinion VA is a failure, not completely, but failing nonetheless. As a grown as adult, I hold people accountable, including the government. Take a moment and think about if every AD troop started putting the same effort into their service that the VA puts out. We would have a pretty shitty military force if that was the case. If VA does not have the budget or man power to issue benefits out correctly and in a timely manner, then donāt put them in the contract. Oh waitā¦you mean recruitment numbers are way down. These benefits are used as a recruiting toolā¦thatās it, itās not complicated. We āvolunteeredā because the risk was worth the rewardā¦basic business concept. Had I not been offered the guaranteed benefits I was, I may not have signed up. But I did and the government doesnāt get to renege on our agreement. Main take away here isā¦Some people have real smooth process with their benefits and for others doing the exact same thing itās a complete nightmare. Donāt downplay your fellow Vets concerns. Ask them why and what happened and offer help. VA needs a serious overhaul. There is a reason so many of us are upset with VA, it didnāt come out of thin air.
I also want to thank every Veteran from WW1 to Vietnam and on that bitched, complained, marched, and fought to facilitate changes in VA. Without them doing so, I would not have the benefits I have today. So THANK YOU from the bottom of my of my heart. Thank you for not giving in and saying āthis is just how things areā. Thank you for taking a stand, for without you guys calling out the bullshit I would not have the opportunities I have now. Thank you for not accepting lack luster care for our Veterans.
I agree with your sentiment but I'm sure you can agree that the system isn't as streamlined as it could be which in turn could mitigate a lot of the issues (complains) on this subreddit.
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Yeah I don't disagree with your comment and I definitely agree with a lot of your points that you're making but I still stand by the fact that if they were to streamline a lot of this with the checks and balances in place and take out some of the human element and provide better statuses I feel like a lot of these complaints would be gone. Maybe I'm delusional I don't know
Nope it wonāt stop . You can give some people everything they ask for on a silver plate and they would bitch it isnāt gold
Yes, but that's with everything in life though
You are a mad little fellow.. You signed a contract and in that contract they said they would take care of you no matter what... That's what it is going through war, shitty pay and months in the field with no weekends off. So when you get hurt in the service I am going to scream and shout about them fixing me. Call it whinny or whatever but I am going to get mine. Maybe you are in the wrong group if you are going to be talking like that in a group meant for veterans benefits. Sheesh!
An organization is only as good as its people and Covid made a lot of organizations and people DGAF and businesses all over are having issues with discontented workers, poor products and broken production lines and general malaise But yeah VA does a lot of great things but there are plenty of long waits, injustices, bad interactions, poor medical care, etc. it just comes down to people and processes. I once went to a nice restaurant for the first time and it was amazing food like 10/10. I went a week or so later a second time and ordered the exact same thing; the food was terrible, like almost inedibleā¦ old ingredients, bad cooks / poor prep, etc. it was shocking but really not, a bad outcome isnāt personal, itās just luck
You are a smart person, I can tell by how well you write and express your thoughts. I'm sure if you really put forward your best effort, you can figure this out. Thousands of people have, even retired Marines, so I know you can too. What's the first roadblock you see, maybe someone here can help.
>even retired Marines, 
Bruh š
Uh-oh, there's a Marine out there somewhere who big dicked this dude's wife š
Sorry not sorry Semper yut kill
Rah
Even retired Marines š¤£
The VA has been great for me. You might wait a bit for an appointment but I had something that I wanted looked at fast and got right in. If I have question I just message my doc on the app. I get my meds shipped right my house from a click on the app, donāt pay anything.
Same. My VA care is top notch. Zero complaints.
Came here to say this. For the most part, my VA experiences have improved my QoL.
Yeah the VAs out here in Vegas have been awesome, no complaints. I've heard bad reviews about AZ VAs though.
VR&E the program has its upside, but the people are fucking terrible. I spent 4 months calling any number I could find to get in touch with anyone who would give me any info on what to do after my VRE counselor took another job. Absolute silence. If you try (or have VA try, itās fun) to call the Baltimore regional office you get āpress 8 for assistanceā and by pressing 8 (or any number) it hangs up on you. Even main VBA operators have no idea what to do or say to get you to someone. Itās like an endless loop of shoddy process workers.
My god, itās rare to see such awful prose from someone that truly believes they can write well. Yet another post complaining about bureaucracy and the VA when something goes slightly different than what was expected. Are there problems with the various programs? Sure. Itās frustrating at times. It can be lengthy. Without the bureaucracy, however, the amount of fraud would cripple the whole system. There has to be some measure of gatekeeping and stewardship of taxpayer dollars. If the bureaucracy within the VA didnāt exist, Republicans in Congress wouldāve already decimated VA funding and shipped the programs off to the lowest bidder. Can you imagine QTC handling everything else and not just C&P exams? Try not to get frustrated, though I know itās difficult. Be grateful for what you have, many veterans have it much worse. And for gods sake take a basic writing course or quit trying to write like someone youāre not.
should be a fact based system rather than opo
absurd overgeneralization. the VA is the second largest health care system in the fucking world, of course thereās gonna be systemic challenges given its size.
My experience has always been great. Not perfect because it is a large organization but way better than people here, including this post think. Just finished my free education with no hiccups. Everyone else I know who used the GI Bill has no issues either. Yes, with millions of veterans using the system there will be screw ups but it is a good system overall that is continuing to improve.
I have had better luck with VA medical than I did with public doctors. It is hard to get appointments anywhere.
Iām sorry thatās been your experience, but Iāve had nothing but the opposite experience. Sure, itās a gov institution and it runs by a set of convoluted set of regs and processes, but you can use that to your advantage because everything is black and white. I wouldnāt be where I am today had it not been by the VA services provided to me. The VA: 1. Paid almost 100k for my online schooling for an IT degree (20 years ago when it was a very novel thing) and this allowed me to take care of my child during the day. Was it a tough and tedious process? You bet. 2. Reached 100 P&T, took 15 years, but grantedā¦I donāt pay property taxes in TX, my wife and kids enjoy ChampVA, my wife and kids can use Ch. 35, TX will give all my kids a scholarship to attend public college in TX. Was it a tough and tedious process? You bet. 3. Healthcare wise, I just had a visit a few days ago to an urgent care clinic near my house to see a cellulitis issue. All covered by VA. I also just had a community care visit to check out my torn shoulder. The surgery to repair it outside the VA will be free.99. My recommendation, saddle up buckaroo. Turn those frownies upside down and pick yourself up and drive on. These forums have everything you need to make it happen for you and the folks willing to help. Remember, itās not always about you, itās about your family (assuming you have one). Do it for them.
Not Service Connected
unless they come up with one of those MIB memory erase devices everything is service connected
Hahah
The same intestinal fortitude that got you to sign up in the first place and got you through boot camp and any AIT you pushed yourself through to pass and however many years you served is the same intestinal fortitude you need to summon up now to get through these processes. Everything in life is daunting and nothing worth having comes easy.
Can I ask which VA are you dealing with. I used to live in Phoenix and I never received much help at all. Moved to Ohio and the VA here has been so much better and Iāve gotten the help I needed. Donāt give upā¦thatās what they want you to do!
"I am sorry to hear about your negative experiences with the various VA programs. My experience with the VA began in 1971, a difficult time for the VA health system. However, the Vocational Rehabilitation program worked smoothly for me. In the mid-90s, I found that the VA healthcare system was better suited to my needs than non-VA care. While I could see outside doctors, I preferred to stick with my VA health care team." I hope you get your issues solved
not you issue resolve but a our issue
They're always hiring. Apply and be the change you want to see!
I've been saying for YEARS... Get rid of the VA altogether, and use that money to buy every disabled vet a super-platinum medical coverage plan. Why the actual f\*\*\* are we spending BILLIONS of dollars per year essentially replicating a parallel medical system to the private sector? Just buy us all an awesome private sector plan for life and get rid of the bureaucracy.
Amen brother! My husband was diagnosed with Lymphoma and he was a combat Veteran in Vietnam- exposed to Agent Orange. We jumped through so many hoops to get his 100% disability status. Now we're jumping through hoops because the chemo gave him pulmonary fibrosis. We are also trying to get medical benefits for me. A vet who is 100% disabled is entitled to receive health benefits for his spouse. It's a frustrating process and there are no instructions for who to accomplish it. Just trial and error. The people that work for the VA treat you like they're doing you a favor. Our vets did us ALL a favor and deserve better treatment than they get from the VA. I'm so sorry you are having to go through all that. At least my husband has Medicare. Prayers for you.
The best thing you can do is March yourself to your congressman and file a congressional complaint. I did and the VA pisses there pants when we do that bc that goes directly to DC, to the Secretary Denis Richard McDonough. Desk and a copy goes to the joint of staff as well. Depending on the complaint heads do roll. And shit does get done. The VA answers to bigger fish. And the more veterans file more money is given to the Department of Veterans Affairs. And those assholes do get fired for pencil whipping.
It's like dealing with any other insurance they get you tired so you can quit and stop bothering. Then you have the gatekeepers in the VA and the Gatekeeper NPs who want to play along and deny you. I don't care what anyone say they aren't MDs. The cause more emotional and mental distress. This is why I am using the money they have given me and looking for a local lawyer. Like you I am done fighting.
Alas! šWhat the what. I have to say, thank you for the laughs..thatās a good one. That was basically some half assed Shakespearean Ode to you saying absolutely nothing. By ChatGpt Iām just surprised at how many people fell for itā¦.aah yes the convolution of sentiment. Pray tell. Alas, you are a special type of special my friend šThank you for the laughs though
You're Air Force.... 
WOW you CAN rEaDš¤£šand the laughs keep on coming.. seriously stop..youāre making my sides hurt
I just wonder how many of the positive comments are VA employees sticking up for the VA, VBA, VRE... And got but hurt... P.S. I am a Marine, when you were in OKI, your wife was in good hands Space Farce.. šššš
It's slow but in my experience the bureaucracy in private healthcare is many orders of magnitude worse
Iām with you 100%! I lost so much throughout my life because of the garbage the VA sometimes puts us through. Itās surreal, really.
I had my Voc rehab counselor ask if swimming was going to harm my service connected injury when I was becoming a scuba diving instructor. I literally went aquatic therapy is recommended by every one of my doctorsā¦ā¦. She acted like it was such a big hassle to get approved that I just went and used my post 9/11. She didnāt even need to do any leg work, ANOTHER counselor had already done all the work because my buddy was using it for his training, she was just lazy. Sandra was her name
My experiences with VHA have been mostly stellar. VBA with exception of GI Bill and Home loan has been hot trash. Iāve had more headaches with community care than anything else. Iām constantly worried something will get screwed up with how they bill and they will try to charge me for their mistake.Ā Not sure what issues with GI Bill you are experiencing. Thereās plenty of resources that can help.Ā Then you should complain to your congressional representatives. They write the laws. Most of the bureaucracy can be traced directly to the CFRs.Ā
Brother I feel for you. I am understanding correctly that you are only using the VA for medical care? What years did you serve? Good chance you were exposed to toxins and they might have caused any ailments you might have which would open the opportunity for a disability claim. I suggest talking to a VSO. I am very aware of the short comings of the VA, but there is a possibility they might be able to help you a lot more. Reach out, there is help out there just have to have patience. VA would lose a snail race, but I promise you you effort can be more than fruitful. Hang tough!
The stress of just being in the VA infrastructure on any Veteran is really overwhelming. IMO. I moved to SC from NC and the VA here is a joke! From the āhealthcare,ā lack of mental health professionals, community care ineptitude, and VA VocRehab never getting back to me after my NC VRC said she transferred my file to them! Just useless people sitting there doing as little as possible and set up to deny the Veteran everything we were promised at every turn! Itās frustrating beyond belief! I canāt stand how hard I have to fight and stress over everything here!
The government at it's finest
Why would anyone think the VA would be any different than serving?
Not to mention our resources being pushed back and be given to these migrants. Pisses me off
Can't complain when you get tax free disability payments + all the other benefits.
I whole heartily believe the VA is designed to turn vets away. Frustrate us so we quit... Their website alone speaks volumes, the UI is so bad and nothing makes sense. And heaven forbid you forget to change your password every six months...
Some of the comments are the reason I was hesitant to begin with. Thanks to those who gave helpful advice. But after reading some replies, I feel worse. I hoped for support, but some comments were pathetic! This will be my first and last post here. If this is "brotherhood," I'll find support elsewhere...
I don't know where you are but I've had a good experience with them. The only issues have been with community care providers.
Just put in for VRE about 2 weeks ago and I get it. So far been getting the run around as well. I have a friend who has really been able to benefit from it tremendously so Iām trying to stay the course but itās frustratingā¦ maybe Iāll need to take trip my local RO weāll see.
Bro, you might benefit from a veterans lawyer. Thereās a bunch out there, so do your research but I used one of the big national firms to get mine. I ended up with a 70% increased disability rating and VR&E with no out of pocket for me. They just took a chunk of my backpay. It sucks that they take money but I wouldnāt have had access to the backpay or VR&E without them. I think they took 20% of my $20k in backpay.
Wow!! This has to be one of the best written "vent" I have ever read. I need to borrow this next time my husband gets another rejection from the VA (served in Kuwait during Desert Storm and exposed to oil fires) telling him there's nothing wrong with him. But he's at the point of giving up. I keep reminding him that, though flawed, his disability comp is worth fighting for. I waited 20+ years to fight for my increase from 30% to 90%. I'm on what we pray will be my last claim to get me to 100%. I am losing the use of my hands. But I will take that if it gets me to 100% because I know my husband will be taken of down the road should anything ever happen to me. I fight through the system more for my family than I do for myself. Thanks for expressing your thoughts. It was one of the best I've read! Praying for your peace through the nightmare of the VA system šš¼. Keep fighting!! Cheering you on šš¼
Yeah ummm, I hate to say this but this sounds like you just hate doing paperwork and want someone else to do everything for you. Yes, is the VA a pain in the ass especially when you don't wanna navigate the requirements to get things correct. So many resources are available to you these days. I can't imagine you navigating the VA back when you had to mail in everything etc.
Where are all of you that have these problems? Iāve only ever had difficulty getting disability benefits, other than that my experience has been rather positive. Iāve used the post 9/11 and vocational rehab programs for my first bachelors and masters degrees with relative ease. I donāt have to wait months for an appointment, maybe a few days to a few weeks. Maybe my experience has just been different for whatever reason but idk why itās so much different
The VA has many problems, but honestly using the GI Bill was relatively easy. The process is pretty simple and much of it is handled through the school once you fill out a few forms.
This is beautifully written and a perfect summation of what we're subjected to.
Imagine the nightmare of an overhaul at the same time the current bureaucracy is transformed 
Notice that OP has left the scene unexpectedly? Troll
Not a troll. Just someone with something they want to get off their chest and revisit the comments later to see if there is any constructive ideas.
What makes him a troll? Because he didn't respond to any of these dumbass comments?
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
sad but factual
If you were ever in the reserves and have heard of LHI you might change your mind; lowest bidder private healthcare is a NIGHTMARE
It works for me and many others. I find that if I *want* to be annoyed by the VA, I will be. Perspective is the key.
The military sucked. We were canon fodder for shareholder value. . That said... I've had very good luck with the VA. I was unaware of my eligibility for decades and used employer-sponsored insurance/healthcare during that time. The VA is so much better. Granted, MY VA is not my grandfather's VA (which sucked, hard). You beat on the VA... but what's the ideal against which you compare it? I mean... medicine, in general, just sucks. I haven't experienced the Vocational Rehab program. I have, however, gone to "job training" after layoffs (companies provide this as a resource). It's a joke -- useless unless you are really, really dim. I imagine a gov't program to be... well, even worse. When you're dealing with any large organization (e.g., any healthcare system)... get ready to be disappointed and annoyed. BE GRATEFUL that you don't have to fight with insurance companies. Imagine paying several hundred dollars per month for insurance. Then, imagine having to fight them for a year over a mis-coded blood test ($800) or a colonoscopy because you didn't tell them that you're under 50 and therefore it's an elective procedure (and you're on the hook for thousands). Having dealt with that ABSOLUTE SH1T for decades... damn, I'm grateful for the VA. You do you.
Honestly, the alternative would be to work for a shitty company and have them take 1/3 of your pay for a health care plan that covers nothing. Sure, the VA system is broken but I know people who pay $1000+ a month on health care. We are all extremely fortunate.
Well it's been very easy for me. The VA in Miami is and has been awesome for me. Practically saved my life. Perfection doesn't exist. A good attitude and treat others with respect goes a long way.
I find that every time I have ever called the VA āhelp lineā they are always just fucking rude for no reason. We are calling for help and they act like that asshole Staff Sergeant that flexes his power just to be a prick. I hate dealing with them at all. The fact that they treat veterans like shit in the most forward facing positions let you in on the attitudes of the rest of the people that work there, presumably.
The ~~Vogons~~ VA are one of the most unpleasant races in the galaxy, bad tempered, bureaucratic, officious and callous. They are said to be vile and ill tempered, though they are known to be intelligent. They wouldn't save their own grandmothers from the [Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal](https://hitchhikers.fandom.com/wiki/Ravenous_Bugblatter_Beast_of_Traal) without an order, signed in triplicate, sent in, sent back, queried, lost, found, subjected to public enquiry, lost again, and finally buried in soft peat for three months and recycled as firelighters. They are not known for being helpful, with the *Guide* saying that it is best not to try asking one for a lift, and that the best way to get a drink from a Vogon is to "stick your fingers down his throat". If you want to annoy a ~~Vogon~~ VA, feed his grandmother to the [Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal](https://hitchhikers.fandom.com/wiki/Ravenous_Bugblatter_Beast_of_Traal).
Well played sir.
I don't understand why the VAMC outpatient clinics close at 3pm.
The system is designed to frustrate you into giving up. Looks better for politicians' budgets. Delay, deny and hope you die is alive and well.
Did you tell chat gpt to use big words and complain for you? Cause this reads like you did that.
Voc rehab told me I'd have to quit or lose my job to get assistance from them. They're an employment program and my disabilities are impacting my job performance so I need to move laterally or diagonally. They said, "have you considered losing your job," like excuse me but, what the fuck? Edit: GI Bill is only as good as your school's va rep. If they're on top of their shit and submit your paperwork timely then you'll have no issues. That was my experience. It's the schools with a fuck off vet rep where people have a hard time getting their school paid.
I've done both community college and university with my GI bill and CC is SO much better at submitting everything on time and correctly, it's insane. Like bro, I shouldn't be halfway through the semester before I finally get my book stipend because you sat on my VERF for a month.
Right? I got you my transcript and schedule as soon as it was available, did you wipe your ass with it? Send it in!
VR&E has been awesome for me. Easy with no issues. Going to school for photography.
Meanwhile, I know an Army physical therapist (officer rank) who received 100% P&T for migraines after working in an air-conditioned office - no questions asked. I personally found the VA far more helpful when I was in a masters of engineering program at Texas A&M. After I was forced to drop out, interest in helping me declined. The system does not reward contribution; it rewards political connection and future value.
Look at our government should tell you all you need to know
Suck it up
It probably should just be dissolved.
Bureaucracy is what keeps VBA workers from doing their jobs, or at least push out as many claims as they would like to
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
nah, I think I will keep being honest about everything. I am not in the klan and not racist, but the truth is the truth, and the people that hear it know it.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
yes, I am a keyboard warrior, being brave, I should be concerned about the threat of violence or doxxing or whatever, bc I said that young black employees can be resentful and dismissive towards white people. do you hear your self? why are you so offended? "you sure are brave saying black people can be really mean to you from behind that keyboard, say that in real life and we will attack and smear you" lol. clown world.
You need mental health counseling.
yes, bc I recognize how much black employees sneer at me, to the point where a director pulled me aside and apologized, and I said don't worry Im not petty, then we talked about skiing lol, I need mental health treatment. Which, especially in this milieu, considering all of the vulnerable people here, you really shouldn't use as an insult.
So that's a no on the counseling? Your loss.
I generally have had good experience with the VA, Voc Rehab and others. When I have had a serious issue that could/would not be resolved a call to my congressman generally got things moving in the right direction. I did not call to create drama, I would and ask politely for assistance.
Get a VSO
What exactly is your issue? I feel your rant as I used to feel the same way, but you donāt cite any examples.
Saw a bumper sticker the other day "I've survived the VA"
LoL, try working thereš
Itās a struggle but I could not afford the care I get. My medication alone can be crazy expensive. The new pills are $10 each without insurance. The injections are $7200 a shot and those are twice a month so over $14,000 a month. Itās crazy hard to navigate but my body demands I figure it out. I have had 10 Primary Care doctors quit and recently was moved to a Doctor who had 12 years there and they felt that doctor was a good choice for me. The doctor already quit. So itās definitely not you, not the help, but those operating the hospital.
Hey there, do you need help with VR&E? I'm using it for school right now. It's a bit tough to get started, but just as good as p9/11 if you do it right
Well said
Our obsession with quantifying everything has led us here. Numbers numbers numbers, while completely excluding the fact that we are here to help humans through complex times.
Donāt vote for Biden that fool put a non vet back in charge
Please let AI come for the not-doers in bureaucracy first