Question:
I went to the VA for an evaluation on some bad varicose veins I developed while in the military. I had some of them removed by surgery while in the military and since then many more have appeared that cause me pain. I went in for an evaluation and this I estimate, 26 year old doctor asked me why I thought this condition was service connected and made me feel I was wasting the VA's time. I just thought the nerve of this guy that has probably been pampered since day one. I wonder if he had ever been on his feet for 36 hrs straight during a mobility operation or ever put his ass on the line for anything. I would like to hear from fellow vets there opinion on this.

Answer: -Concerning those young VA Doctors.... I know what you mean. They all come to work wearing Dockers carrying a backpack like they were still on campus. Actually they still are. Evidently the VA is also a teaching facility and has agreements with medical schools to take on students in residency. My young Doctor has to consult with a real Doctor before he can prescribe meds or treatment. But on the other hand, I've had high blood pressure since 1976 (while in Korea incidently - Yongsan). I've seen specialist from all sorts of medical professions and not one could get my blood pressure within normal limits. However, a young female Doctor at the VA adjusted some meds and added a couple and it did the trick. My blood pressure now is like a 20 year old thanks to her. She put many more years onto my life. So, we take the good and the bad with the VA. Their pay scale is so low, it is hard for them to recruit experienced Physicians and they do a lot of contracting out. Another reason why at some VA facilities, it's hard to find a Physician that can speak good english. -Although I generally agree that "most" VA doctors are competent and compassionate, my first surgical experience with them was horrific. Yes, the VA hospitals have agreements with local medical schools to provide internships, many of the doctors speak english with a decided accent. After my open heart surgery (service connected) and after I was released from SICU to ward, I NEVER saw a doctor again during my recovery. All I ever got was a PA-C (a physician's assistant-cardiology). He could barely speak english. I even had a TIA (a mini stroke) while on ward. All the surgical ward health care professionals ignored it. Now I suffer from major brain stem stroke residuals. So I guess it depends on the hospital, the specific care you receive and the individual providing the care.