The subject of the Veterans Administration keeps popping up in my life, and for me, it’s a good thing.  It doesn’t seem so for many others, and I keep asking, “Why does it work for me, and not for them?” 

I was with a group of veterans, when the subject of health care came up and I remarked, “The best health I’ve ever gotten is with the VA.”  There was incredulous silence as the others at the table stared at me, then they all erupted with nothing good to say.

I listened, as I have grown accustomed to doing in these situations, and when all had their carping and whining moment, I asked, “Can you give me specifics?”  This lit off another round of whining and carping, which I again, waited to end.  After it had died down, there was one legitimate problem brought to light, which has since been resolved. 

This example is the norm.  I am the exception, and I don’t get it.

The VA has been great to me.  They have provided the best heath care I have ever had.  The doctors, nurses, other clinicians, clerk staff, and administration have always been responsive, caring, and helpful.  I have been in the system for over ten years now.  During that period, I can count on one hand the number of times I have had to wait beyond my scheduled appointment and each was due to a patient who needed critical intervention. 

I was not happy to wait, but I am glad to know that the staff will respond to me the same way.

It was years before I applied for benefits and now, I wonder why.  I think my answer explains why so many are so unhappy with the system.  The answer is I was afraid.  We fear the things we don’t understand and then we hate them.  I did not apply because I feared a bureaucracy, and I had listened to the horror stories and believed them.

I went to register with great fear and was ready to pounce on the first ignorant bureaucrat who crossed me.  I had my DD-214, the document that every service member receives upon separation, signed my name to the waiting list, and had a seat.  I expected an all day ordeal so I had my book and lunch in hand.  I hadn’t warmed the chair before my name was called.  I was shown into an office by a very nice, efficient lady who asked me some questions about my service, had me fill out a couple of forms, took a copy of my DD-214, took my picture, handed me an ID card and said, “Welcome to the VA Mr. Atwood,” and that was it, I was in.  Since then, I have ushered more than a few veterans into the system and all have had similar experiences.

What I am suggesting veterans do is ask questions.  If you still don’t understand it, ask until you do.  There are many veterans’ organizations, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, to name a few who have trained representatives to help, but whatever you do, eliminate the fear.  If you do, you’ll overcome the distrust, and if you qualify, you’ll experience perhaps the best health care there is.  You have earned it.  I know.