I've been hesitant to bring up the VA topic, but I'm curious to know how other veterans have done with VA claims.
About 8 years ago I tried to get the VA to give me a set of hearing aids, but they balked, saying my hearing wasn't that bad. So I bit the bullet and bought my own set to the tune of $8000.00. Let me tell you, the improvement was dramatic. I can even hear crickets now! And my grandkids! But that was years ago. I'm already on my second pair of hearing aids and they're even better. Scratch another 5 grand.
So roll to the present. I recently learned that I have no less than 3 health ailments presumed to be caused by Agent Orange (AO). So, I filed a claim. As a result, the VA scheduled more lab tests with another diagnostic contractor. I tried to contact the diagnostic center to learn what diagnostics I faced and if I needed to fast. No joy, no one picked up the phone. So, I guess I'll fast.
Not satisfied, I called the number the VA provided for their so-called Loyal Source Government Service division and still no joy. The eventual message is constantly, "Your wait will exceed 15 minutes, so leave a call-back number." So, I leave my number and the SOB's never call back! I've jumped through this hoop 5 times now and still no call-back!
This is a disgrace. The f-ing AO boogie man has been on my case for 20 years and I get no help from the VA. According to the VA's own list, three of my health problems are "presumed" to caused by exposure to AO. None of my health problems run in our family, so there's that. I guess the VA is just waiting for us to die off.
