I had been abused in too many fashions at he McGuire VA Hospital in Richmond due to complaining of being refused medical care and for trying to seek help when I had heard of other vets being mistreated. My story would be too long to even mention here. I will use this example. I had chest pains and shortness of breath since serving in the U.S. Navy in the early 70's and didn't have a heart exam. After many years of trying to seek help, I finally had an exam at this hospital since I was in need of an aorta bypass in 1999.I had been told that the exam results were normal, but medical staff decided not to do the surgery. In 2001, I was looking through my medical files and had come across a progress report of which showed that I had valvular heart disease. I suffered a lot and sent letters to senators, congress, various offices of the VA in Washington, and to President Clinton, but couldn't get any help. I begged and begged for help. Finally in 2002, I had an exam in nuclear medicine and my first appointment in the cardiology clinic. I had then been told that my heart was damaged due to one or more heart attacks and that I had total blockage of one main artery to my heart. I had to undergo the aorta bypass in 2003. Approximately 2 years ago, I had been prescribed a medication for bladder problems of which caused my blood pressure to stay low and I couldn't take anymore angina meds. since that too lowered my pressure. I experienced more chest pains, low pressure, high pressure, and then again had another exam in nuclear medicine. There, I had been told that my had further damage to my heart by a doctor and nursing staff. A cardiologist had rated the exam abnormal. When I could finally get another appt. in cardiology, the doctor simply refused to discuss the exam with me. After that the same doctor rated the same exam normal. Along with this and other complaints about not getting the care that I was in need of, I then filed another complaint with the Office of the Inspector General. They were sarcastic when I had called them and later closed my case as they had done other complaints. I had found out in the dental clinic that I have a heart murmur and other valvular blockage. The patient advocate simply refuses to help. I had bleeding on the right frontal lobe in 1990 and a mini-stroke in 1998 after suffering and begging for help. The abuse and retaliation never stops and this is only an example of my experience at this hospital.I often wish that I could get my entire story in a major newspaper so that the public could be ware of how their tax $$$$$$$ are spent and to hopefully encourage other abused vets to speak out. It's business as usual with our sorry elected officials and it's high time that our voices be heard. Many new vets arre coming home who need care, but I fear what they are up against. This isn't right while illegal immigrants get their medical care free.

hi,there so many stories,like yours,and you are right,I might be wrong,but I feel no one wants to take part In any action,look what Martan King,did,he grouped all together,he was heard ,and the goverment listened,unless we take action to be heard,this will keep up,look how the unions won ,for higher wages,by a group of people who wanted a better way of life,veterans can do the same thing,the whole problem is,no one wants to be first ,to start the action,why can,t 100,000 vets march on washington? why can,t we stand together,why can,t every person, all get togrther,and help us, I would like every person all together,get one day not go to work,as a support to help us,our country Is going down,why because no one cares,If we don,t find a answer soon,how are helpless vets going to live? all the people comimg here,are are getting free medical care,only we can change the picture,I was born here like you, this Is the only place I can call home,we can get IT back,we are the united states,we need to unite,

Hi,
I don't know what to tell you, but I do know where your coming from; I think all of us have been there at one time or another.

I also know how it feels to write your feelings down on a post, and not have no one reply to it.

all I can do is comfort you and acknolodge you, I don't have any words of wisdom; that could help you, but sometimes just knowing and talking to others who have been through the same thing you have been through; helps.

God bless and i'll talk to you later.

I want to add to what Betty said, and that is ; why can we veteran's not march on Wasington like Dr. Martin luther King did.

I see no reason why we can't unite and march, illegal immerigrants march to get their point across, gay and lebian's march to get their point across, aferican americans march to get their point across, but veteran's set back, and hope some one will notice them.

I have gotten on this website, and I have said the same things things you guys's have said, and no one responds. Will, I take that back, Sue, a "staff blogger/activist" for the VFJ website has responded.

She said, "your new to this website, and everything you have mentioned; has alredy been thought of; marching/being upset, we have alresdy been through this stage, we are in the process of sending out "mass emails" to those who are suppose to give a dam.

Of course she has also called me a bone head, and said that I was disconnected from what was really going on; she has also told me to keep my mouth shut, but I don't listen to her.

It seems like once some one gets "some power" they let it go to their heads.

But I beleive that 100,000 + veteran's marching on washington is a great ideal.
Please read my past post's on this webite for my ideals and accusations. Talk to you guys later.

Some Femmie Libs do not feel that veterans should have a voice since they must feel that they know all. This is the same attitude that drums up violations of veterans rights and abuse. There should be organization for a huge march on Washington and in the meantime, we should email the Democratic and Republican Party Headquarters and thoroughly inform them that we're going to boycott elections unless our rights are restored. Illegal immigrants have more rights in this country than most vets do and of course the millions of foreigners that our government brings in.