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VA assistance: Anyone dealing with VA? Tips?
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Jun 4, 2023 | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
Hello, @eott6913 -- that is a critical question when dealing with a serious illness like lung cancer about how long the process might take -- getting approved, seeing a doctor and getting referred back to your oncologist, as you mentioned here. Here I'm tagging a few members who have talked about the VA, military service or who might otherwise have knowledge about how things work with the VA, like @johnledford @dogwithem @johnbishop @paladin121@andtridd63 @19lin @1jonwilcox @johnjames @melissa23 @tntredhead @missisays7 @predictable @retairforceman and @latersbaby15. Hoping they can tell you about whether they've dealt with the VA and give you an idea of how long this process might take for your husband.
How is your husband feeling?
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Although this is an older post, I thought I might add a bit in case someone is browsing.
The VA can certainly be difficult to navigate but once you find the key players your frustration will lessen considerably. Patient advocates are a great resource as are most VSOs. If you are going through cancer treatments contact the Cancer Navigation team at your nearest VA medical Center. Ours has 3 full time Social Workers who are all amazing.
Not only can they answer questions and concerns, they can start processes for equipment requests, second opinion requests, palliative or hospice care, help speed up authorizations through VA Community Care or just be an understanding ear. They have even helped us with getting community care records added to my husband's VA file and advised us when we filed an increased service connected disability rating due to lung cancer.
Wishing everyone the best of luck on this incredibly difficult journey.