What should a disabled veteran do for medical treatment?

Question

I cannot work due to service connected injuires for over a year now and also per a dr's advice that if I continue to work I will be paralysed. I have claims in with the VA which takes years and I have applied for SSI and SSDI. I have an attorney to work my case for SSA but the attorney states they need more medical evidence to win my case. The problem is the Veterans Administration is making me wait 3 or more months for medical appointments. My wife works and Social Services says she makes too much money at $2000.00 gross per month. So I cannot get medicaid. But if it takes months for appointments at the VA I will not have much medical evidence. My wife and I cannot afford her jobs medical insurance. Anyone know of how I might be able to get medical treatment for evidence besides the VA or Social Services?

Answer 1

I may not have the "answer" you are looking for, but I am hopeful that I can somehow plant some 'seeds' toward something that may help.
First, I'd check with another attorney; a firm that specifically handles situations similar to yours, or willing to do pro bono. Waiting for more medical evidence? Well, contact individual medical companies like an MRI company and see if they will give you a strong discount if you pay them cash (verses they deal with insurance), and get some medical readings that way. There are companies like Labcorp that will do whatever blood tests you need, groups of types of readings, or for specific ailments. They can work out a payment plan with you. See if there is a medical school somewhere close, whereby you can be a form of instruction or tests, and studies and may be able to "pull" data from the tests & studies they do (they may pay you for your time, driving and trouble). There may be a retired doctor who would be willing to give you a medical assessment? Vet's (for animals) are very highly trained medical doctors. Don't let the "animal" training turn you away-Veternarian's are more skilled than some people-doctors and may be able to help. Chiropractors, Orthopedic, Accupuncturists and Licensed/State Registered Massage Therapists can also recognise ailments and give some documentation for you. By walking down a different path, you may be able to network and connect with persons who are willing and able to assist you in some fashion.
Forget medicaid. They are for quick emergency use and the very poor. They assist up to a point, then they are done with you. I would not concern myself with them. It appears that the sooner you can get medical evidence, the better? I would also check into little medical clinics in your area. We have Primacare (associated with Presbyterian Hospital) here in the Dallas area. They take in anyone, charge an office visit, and you meet with a real physician. You may be able to work out a payment plan with them, because you are paying them direct, and no insurance filing & paperwork is involved. There have to be some agencies in your area that are focused in assisting the handicapped; whereby they can direct you to resources as well as provide you with some.
I'm really trying to help you. I'm going to paste some links below that may not be for you NOW, but there are people there who may be able to direct you to someone who can help in your town. God Bless you in your struggle & give you strength!
http://www.comop.org/services/offices_tx.htm
http://www.accessibleconstruction.com/links.html
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm
http://www.assistancecenter.org/index.htm

060607 5:20

Answer 2

I would go into a DAV office or find a service officer of the American Legion. They can start the paperwork for you to get some better rating from the VA. It will take some time but it will be worth it. And the best thing about going thru the Legion or the DAV there is no charge.

Answer 3

If you have a Doctor that will put in writing that if you work it may paralyze you, then you need a new attorney.
Otherwise there should be a Veteran's Administration office nearby and they should be able to get you into contact with the people that can move this along. If not go on the news, politicians hate this stuff right now. Right a letter to you senator, then go to the news and say you did not get any help.

Answer 4

Disgusting isn't it? Especially when I have neighbors, a mother and son, who are getting SSI, and neither worked a day in their lives. She drives a better car than I do, and the kid hasn't been in school since he was 12 years old. Every county should have a VA Rep. or there is in our state. Check at your court house and find yours, and ask for his help. It is supposed to be a vet, that has those jobs. Good luck.

Answer 5

This is a problem that Mr. Bush and all his staff do not understand. Also, Jim Nicholson who is head of the VA does not seem to care. If I were you, I would go to the American Legion and tell them your problems. They will help you more than anyone else. But, I hate to say this, if all else fails, perhaps you will have to get separated from your wife. Then you will be able to get help from Social Services. It's a shame but I know people who have had to do just that. Good luck and god bless you.

25 year retired Marine

Answer 6

Obama did not say a veteran should pay for their own care. He suggested, but never officially proposed, that veterans that are covered by private insurance should get their care covered by those insurances, including care related to military service. This was in March, 2009 and he quickly changed his mind in response to considerable adversity.

Answer 7

And people are clamoring for social medicine. You are a classic case against it. But now to your problem. Talk to a doctor, let them know you have no insurance. It's amazing how cheap procedures are when insurance is not involved. this is all I can think of. sorry. I just hate government medicine so bad.

Answer 8

IF you do not have representation,my advice is to get a veterans org. I recommend the American Legion.Your Dr.should have enough medical info to warrant an exam for S.S.disability.If your atty. is not a qualified S.S.atty.,you should try to find one who is familiar with the way they do things.They are told to refuse you at least three times.

Answer 9

Unfortunately, if your getting VA disability...your usually stuck there unless you pay for your own health care somewhere. My uncle is a disabled vet and got sick of waiting as well so he purchased his own health insurance and such and he's much better off. I guess you can try for medicare as well.

Good Luck...I wish you well.

Answer 10

Pray for a Democrat or John McCain for president in 08.