>Articles>Let’s Talk Actuality(How to use the VA system)
Let’s Talk Actuality
(How to use the VA system)
By Ellen Kozel
On our website we have an on-going case study, where vets can enter problems they have or are afraid to discuss with the VA, and do it anonymously. We turn over some of these to the VA diversity teams where the VA can directly make a change. However, some stories just need veteran education. Since these stories are done anonymously I can print them here without revealing the source. I may change the story a little, but preserve the overall problem the individual faced. I will give an answer to the problem, and I’m sure many of you may have run into the some of these issues.
“I was tired of being questioned about my need for birth control. I’m a lesbian but did not feel okay saying that because of DADT. Also I was a sexual assault victim during service and am service connected because of it. I didn't want anyone assuming I am a lesbian because I was raped.”
Your VA doctors cannot ask you if you’re gay. The only way they can find out is if you tell them. The misconception is most likely you’re afraid they won’t treat you. Believe me, they don’t care. Tell them and they will stop asking the bc question. Rape is Rape. It’s not gender or lifestyle specific. You’ll find many heterosexual females in the rape support groups. This is a major problem military wide and the VA is trying hard to help all the victims. Rape can be male to male, male to female, female to male and female to female. So don’t think lesbians are the only ones.
“I hated having to have a secret girlfriend, to have to make her keep quiet. To not be able to speak to her lovingly unless I was in private. Until the law is repealed, we will avoid hospitals or services where we can be punished for being gay.”
If you’re no longer in the service the only thing you’re doing is denying yourself your VA benefits you have earned. So many discharged vets think DADT applies to the VA. You served and you’ve earned. Use your VA benefits you’re entitled. You can place your partner as person to be notified in case of emergency.
“I have NEVER been sent to a VA Neurologist. In 2007, I began seeing a private family practitioner. In 2004, I began seeing a private Neuro-(dx: possible SPS). Long story, short- my treatment at the VA Hospital has been null. I truly believe that it is because I am openly Lesbian. Therefore, blame my condition on a "mental illness". I am only prescribed Wellbutrin at the VA.”
There was a lot more description to this one but the ending is where this person messed up. This is because she didn’t know the system. All she needed to do is go to the Patient Advocates office. There she wouldn’t need to tell them she was a lesbian. All she would have to say is that she has a neurological condition and the primary care doctor won’t make an appointment. The patient advocate could have gotten that appointment for her, thus solving her problem. Many don’t know that there is a Patient Advocates office at each medical center and they are there to work on your behalf if you feel you’re not receiving the care you expect. She could also have asked for a new primary care physician.
“I am a CD and many times feel the need to live as a female full time including HRT and SRS. I use the VA for my PTSD 50% and physical health. I have never mentioned my CD/transgender/transsexual issues to anyone at the VA. I am afraid to mention because I am trying to get IU. I also have a hearing problem and now diabetes. I have heard other vets state that the local VA does anything it can to disprove PTSD. I know, I have been there. At a group PTSD meeting, a male nurse with PTSD from the above mention facility, made remarks about CD's, transsexual, etc. that were not nice. He also said that he has to be nice to them or he could lose his job. So if I had been seeking help with my m2f needs I am sure he would have outed me at the meeting.”
First of all you have nothing to worry about. Where this person is on staff at the facility if he/she were to divulge any information about you outside the course of his or her duties at the facilities to anyone it would be subject to immediate termination of their job. This would be in violation of HIPPA and Joint Commission rules and regulations along with VA policy. It is strictly enforced by all medical facilities civilian and government. Your personal information cannot be divulged to anyone outside the agency without your written consent. If a violation occurs report it right away to both VA Police and Patient Advocate. The person will be placed under immediate investigation and probably removed from their job and veteran services.
No one on staff has the right to discuss you outside the performance of their duties to serve you. I hope these cases help you in understanding how some of your rights can be used and protected at the VA. Learning the system is important. Feel free to write to me at ellen.kozel@vetsdoaskdotell.org. I love hearing from you.