VA Records location vs. travelling??

[Old Sarge]

My question is how to handle VA issues while travelling? When I moved from Ohio to Indiana and needed to do some VA paperwork things, my records had to be transferred from Cleveland to Indianapolis. There are still actions pending (as you all well know the VA is slower than molasses) ; however I am hitting the road full time come March.

What happens when the VA wants me to go see the facility in Louisville for evaluation and I'm in Arizona visiting children? Or if I'm any other place?

Plus I will be changing my address to a SD mail forwarding agency. If I notify the VA they will want to move my records again, adding another year to the claims process.

For the time being, I will keep a UPS PSB# here in Indiana just for the VA but what about those "evaluations" sure to come?

Any thoughts or ideas are appreciated.

Thanks,

[Larry & Rita]

Sarge
It's my understanding that 80% of the VA is currently attached my computer, the various units can access your records from anywhere. Have you talked to the VA yet? I doubt you are the only one with this problem or question, (I will be there soon)
Be sure to post any info you get so others can benifite.

[She and I]

Sarge, I have the same questions and called the VA in Dublin, Ga and was told if I have my VA card...the new one ..which I think most of us have the new card.....with out your SSN on it. I can go to any VA Medical center and they will see me....I'm a class 1 DAV......I must provide them with a home address ,contact phone and E-Mail address... Ok now I'am moving to Florida we will see how it goes.. Hope its true
Richard

[Old Sarge]

Perhaps I need to clarify.....

I am currently 40% disabled but am fully retired from the AF. It is not that I am worried about care......

I applied for additional VA benefits 6 months ago and am still waiting on a decision from the VA. My state representative tells me it may take up to a year and I most surely will be required to see a VA Doctor for a medical evaluation of my "conditions."

That is the center of my question. What happens when that letter comes directing me to show up at the Louisville VA medical center and I am, say, in Tucson? I am hesitant of calling the VA as I don't want my records transferred once again as this will only delay my application for benefits.

This is not a case where a Doctor simply reviews medical records (non of mine are with the VA anyway) but the total package of records must reside with the regional office making the decision.

Hope this clears up some confusion.

[gray ghost]

Getting treatment is one thing, evals and such are another. I had applied for voc rehab and was waiting for them to set me up with an appointment. We went to visit family for a week and had our mail on hold. When we got back and our mail resumed I had a letter from the VA telling me that I had an appointment for that day. I called the number and was told that if I missed another appointment I would have to reapply, but they could not tell me over the phone when the next appointment would be, and they couldn't/wouldn't tell me when the appointment letter might come.

I would talk to the office in your area and ensure that all the paperwork is done before travelling off into the sunset.

[BpK9Miami]

I'll throw in my 2 cents worth of experience. Two years ago I was going through the re-evaluation process with all the associated medical exams. I was stationed in FL at the time, but the records were located in the Houston Office. The original appointments were scheduled in Houston through various physicians. After I called the VA in Houston, they made arragements to conduct the physical exams in the Tampa area (which I attended and completed) and they in turn sent the results to Houston for inclusion in the records.

My re-eval wasn't delayed (that I could see). Since then I've had the records transfered to the Bay Pines office, but I still spend my time traveling between Texas and Florida. Getting medical care (and I try to avoid the VA at all costs) and Rx refills, isn't much of an issue during travel. It's those first series (or follow-up exams) that can be a little trying. IMHO

Good Luck!

[ajlcal]

If it's not medical care you're talking about and it's the claims process, I'd be careful not to confuse the VA with your location and appointments. The VA computerized records for medical care anywhere in the US is great, but the claims process is another story completely. Just one missed appointment can jeopardize your claim.

[powerboatr]

if your waiting on a claim or the possibility of further exams to adjust your percentage. call the va that started your claim. ask to have your case supervisor contact you because you have to travel. then let her/him know when and where you will be going..

as far as medical care or needed medical appointments for meds...
call ahead and speak to your care doctor. and let them know the same info and they can work a plan for your meds.

we do it all the time

dental is another story...i have a dentist assigned and the va can re-assign one, however you will have issues getting an appointment.
so i try to get all the dental stuff done prior to a long trip


if your moving....then just have the va transfer your case to the new state. But bear in mind the new state office will most likely move your case to the back of the current cases.
also on line at the va you can set up an account to see your case and where its going etc.
https://eauth.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal
it takes about three weeks to get a login, and it only comes in the mail, but its good for lots of the dod websites

[bigskymt]

Sarge: They may require you to be evaluated by either the VA or an independent facility (like QTC) for additional benefits. In any event since they are requiring it they will pay travel. Over 30% Service Connected is another plus.
Rather then provide them with too much info. I would watch the mail and make sure you don't miss anything from them. In my case I've always had plenty of advance notice of appt's to reschedule if necessary. The important thing is to respond to any appts. QTC requires a 30 day reschedule.
If you used a VSO for your claim you can contact that local office.

[Wayne M]

Have you looked into this:

My VA Health

Appointments, prescription refills, records, etc., now at your fingertips.

[99-Am.Star]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M Have you looked into this: My VA Health Appointments, prescription refills, records, etc., now at your fingertips.

X2. Good site for sure.

[Long Island Mac]

Have been traveling for a few years now and visited a few VA hospitals. When in a new area and a new hospital, I have to go thru the emergency room for any kind of help. Once thru that process, I can get anything I need as they have all my records in the mighty computer. As others have stated, if there is any question as to claims, better stay with the one facility. When I filed for an increase, I asked specificaly for a different VA hospital for the C&P and there was no problem. Best of luck and thanks for your service!

[PyrateSilly]

x3 on registering with https://www.myhealth.va.gov/index.html . Not only can you keep up with ordering your meds but they have now made it that you can email your doctor to get a refill but also get questions answered. We all know how annoying it can be to try to call and get an answer or refill. This way is much, much faster.
I would also suggest that you fill out the form to get and keep an updated copy of your medical records with you when traveling. Now all the VA clinics and stuff are supposed to be connected computer wize but what happens if you need help at a private doctor or hospital? It's happened to me and it's very nice to have that copy with you. Most can now give you a copy of them on DVD which makes it much easier to carry around with you and to keep in a small fire safe.

[Wayne M]

One think that I found on Meds is to call ahead when you know you will be traveling for an extended period of time. I give them a list of all my meds, with a date as when they are going to run out, and ask for a "maintenance" refill to cover the period of time I will be gone. Only thing is that I have to pick them up in person, but the VA is only 40 miles from my sticks-n-bricks. I suppose you may be able to have them mailed to you, but it may be that they want to put "eyes" on someone getting that much meds at one time to make sure they are not "out-of-it."

Good luck.