Doctors and VAC

Linda, I completely agree with what you are saying about Canadians not being aware of what is happening. What I was saying, was that having VAC contact you, about Doctors refusing to support veterans because of the actions of VAC, would be pointless. Nothing they can say, is going to negate the fact that there are doctors out there, that have been refusing to deal with VAC, because of delayed payments for services, or disrespected when their medical diagnosis and opinions are dismissed outright.

A perfect example is, I was seeking a consequential pension for my right knee, due to my fully pensioned left knee. Following surgery on my left knee, when I had to weight bear on the other leg, my right knee went from being a symptomatic, having the angle of my leg change 4 degrees, swollen and painful, and requiring immediate surgery, all within 3 months. I had a orthopedic surgeon write a letter supporting my claim, stating that it only makes sense that weight bearing on a leg, with pre-existing knee OA, would aggravate the condition. In the denial letter, the non medical trained VRAB members said that his medical opinion was speculative, at best. To a specialist, with decades under his belt, in his specific field, being told by someone who isn't a doctor, that he doesn't know his job, must have been a slap in the face. So why would that surgeon ever write another letter for a veteran?

I agree Linda, those commercials are not meant for Veterans they ran during the playoffs because millions of Canadians watch the game and the government is counting on the majority to be left with the impression that the GOC and VAC are really working with and for us. Utter BS!

Rex, I disagree. Some of the reporters I talked to today were shocked at some of the things we told them. The average Canadian actually believes that VAC spent $4M to tell veterans about their rights. When I asked a reporter how often she watched a hockey game to find out her rights or pension information, she had a totally blank look on her face. I explained that when we want info about VAC we go to the website, talk to other veterans, speak to veteran advocates or call VAC. We don't sit around waiting for the information to fall into our laps while watch sports.

The disconnect between our reality and the public's perception, which is their reality, is huge. We know it's unsubstantiated bureaucratic spin, but John Q Public doesn't.

Linda, I do not see what VAC could do, at this stage, to change peoples minds on this. Anything they say, will be unsubstantiated, bureaucratic spin. The damage is already done, and there is no quick and easy fix. It will take years of Veterans being provided benefits, based on reports and letters written by our family doctors and specialists, on the first go. There will be no more denials, based on solely contradicting medical opinions. Basically, it will take years of truly granting Veterans, and their doctors, the benefit of doubt.

Shirley Engel of Global News Tweeted: Veterans organizaing Rock The Hill presser. 1 spouse says veterans are losing their doctors bc of frustration over VAC paperwork #cdnpoli

VAC e-mails Shirley:

Re your tweet, if you would like (or are able) to let the spouse know, we would abe happy to follow up with her on this matter.
If you can provide me with her contact information (with her approval) I can ensure she is contacted by one of our client service agents.
Regards
Janice

Shirley asks me if I will allow her to give VAC my contact information. Do any of you wish to go on the record with this, if so e-mail me at linda@warofattrition.ca

As for my response, "sure just tell them that Linda Magill would be happy to take their call as long as she doesn't have to wait 8+ months for this one."

Dove96 wrote:

It seems doctors can't deal with anything that takes too much time or effort. They have so many patients that a single person monopolizing their day is not welcome. This is a symptom of our medical system, there are not enough doctors.

One of my doctors (I moved many times in 6 years) we were given 5-10 minute appointments, you were only allowed to talk about one thing and if you had another problem you had to make another appointment. Luckily I only lived there two years.
Personally, I think that doctor was just looking at the bottom dollar and getting paid by OHIP per visit.

I agree with you dove. That is the case sometimes and much more so now a days. But try to find a doctor or specialist that will go to bat for you. I know it can be very frustrating and hard. But maybe I don't in that regard. You see I "fired" some doctors I was not happy with but that was 25 years ago. When doctors were in abundance and you could switch to another one. Not anymore.    So how does one find any good one when they are in even shorter supply? YA DON'T GIVE UP.
Consolation is... finding a good doctor is easier than dealing with VAC. pinger.

Hello Robbie,

The levels 1,2,3, you speak of be under PIA levels? I read EIA and I'm not too familiar with it as I never went through that route. The bureaucracy is very familiar though. If you are going out of your freaking mind. . . take a step back for a short spell and you'll be better for it. To perservere another day.

Pinger is on the hill.

…RCN...I hope your paper work got done and she didn't "fire" you. Although I wouldn't feel comfortable with her after that.

It seems doctors can't deal with anything that takes too much time or effort. They have so many patients that a single person monopolizing their day is not welcome. This is a symptom of our medical system, there are not enough doctors.

One of my doctors (I moved many times in 6 years) we were given 5-10 minute appointments, you were only allowed to talk about one thing and if you had another problem you had to make another appointment. Luckily I only lived there two years.
Personally, I think that doctor was just looking at the bottom dollar and getting paid by OHIP per visit.

man that sucks RCN

Well, this same happened to me, I am at the lowest level as well. Went from being able to walk without aid to needing a cane, at times a scooter, ramps into the house, elevator etc etc and still they say no change. Now I went to my MD yesterday as more forms for CPPD and SISSIP need to be completed. Upon leaving she indicated that regretfully she may have to let me go as a patient due to the onerous amount of reports etc. I have been required to submit. If she cuts me loose that will make four Doctors in 12 years. I asked about just billing me and she indicated that she did not feel right doing that. But before I let her fire me I am certainly going to try and convince her I would rather pay extra than have to go through all the hassle in trying to find a new Doctor, especially in the rural area that I reside.

dove yes it can depending on your percentage and im sure in robbies case it will.

and I agree with your sudjested approach. seems to be covering all bases.

propat

QOL counts for quite a lot.


On the original decision...Just a suggestion but it may help short term.

Tell VA immediately that you will be appealing the decision.

Submit the appeal with all the doctor"s reports stating the changes in mobility.
Include the fact you have started the review process to update your records. Attach a copy of the report if possible.

Couldn't hurt.
What do you think?

yes dove you are right but im thinking givin the situation it will even if its just on the QOL part.

propat

yup I know the steady appointments with doctors and reports with occupational therapists and the whole gong show and yes it is to increase the level of EIA from 5 to say 3 or 2 or whatever santa fackin clause is willing to permit lol

Great minds.
It would be good to have a review even if it doesn't change the level it will establish a change in condition i.e mobility.