Author:
Do any of you live in Oregon and, if so, can you reccommend a Vet Rep? A friend has gotten nothing but a runaround trying to get his issues addressed. He lives in Coos Bay and his injuries prevent him from getting to the only VA hospital that seems to understand and want to help. Roseberg seems, according to what my friend has told me, indifferent to his problems. Now, my friend is not TS, but he IS a dear friend and I'm trying to find a way for him to get the help he DESERVES. He desperately needs a VA Rep who can buck the system, as it were, and get him the help he needs. My friend is in constant pain due to injuries suffered while in the Army... on a scale of ten, ten being the worst, his daily pain level is a 7+ on a GOOD day! I'm desperate to find someone, ANYONE who can help. If this message does get posted, please, someone, help?
Catherine Linda Michel
Comments
Lots of represenatives listed for Oregon
Catherine, you should have done an online search for reps.
http://tinyurl.com/pknrkzs
Most DAV offices have reps who have waded through the legals and know it better than most.
Pick up the phone and call your local Disabled American Veterans for the answers you seek.
Most doctors and hospitals have knowledgeable staff who can help getting into the VA. I personally know of several instances where our doctors called the VA and sent the vet onto the VA Hospital to see a doctor. No waiting time.
I have seen first hand others complain and harass the staff when they get a checkup. It doesn't earn them any brownie points. No matter how bad one is, how sick they are, how much pain they are feeling don't take it out on those trying to help. Most of those people staffing the VA are there to help, believe it or not. They have a job and taking verbal hell from wounded vets isn't part of the program. They are government and a lot of the things we want or desire are not on the government can do list.
And if you get a chance to talk to the administrator leave something behind. A book whether you wrote it or not. Maybe a new magazine. God's sake don't leave a gun magazine in this political climate. Don't leave cookies, eatables. If you do art, that's possible. Nothing expensive, you can't bribe him or her, but something simple. I promise she or he will remember you forever.
Learn how to work the system. If you're a vet chances are you will be in that system for awhile. Make them remember you. Look at their name tags and talk to them on a personal basis. I gave my doc a 12 X 8 glossy photo of "ME" and asked her to put it in my medical file. She did. I check in every two or three years and we talk about family, kids, home, etc. I love all the staff at the VA. There isn't a bad egg in the whole bunch. Ask each one who handles your file how they feel and follow that conversation. I promise they are soooo tired of hearing everyone's tale of woe they will be your friend for life the next time they see you.
Hugs hon,
Always,
Barb
Oklahoma born and raised cowgirl
A little bit of general help
I do not live in OR, but try looking up the DAV or the City or Country Veterans Service Officer. Also at the VA it self they will have a Patient Advocate, he can speak to about any issues he is having with the VA.
Just about any Veterans based organization in the area, will have contacts or know of who to speak with.
I wish I could be more help.
How far does he live from the closest VA? Is it the VA that is working with him or the one that gives him problems. If he lives over 40 miles then there is the Veterans Choice program, you can have him look into as well. There are reasons he could fit for that as well, so you may want to have him look into it.
If his issues is transportation, also have him contact DAV at the VA hospital and he can set-up a ride with them to and from his appointments.
Best of Luck to your Friend and Thank Him for his Service from a Navy Veteran.
Also...
Try contacting your US congressman's office, or even one of the local news stations. New stations love exposing poor treatment of veterans.
my quick search results
http://www.roseburg.va.gov/services/Patient_Advocates.asp
http://www.oregon.gov/odva/vsodirect/Pages/locator.aspx
http://www.clackamas.us/socialservices/veterans.html
This is just from a quick search. I hope some of this can help. If the office is out of your area, ask what search phrases to use or which state office to start with.
May you reach a good resolution.