Can Someone Help a Combat Veteran Out?
Question by pompanopete0: Can someone help a Combat Veteran out?
The VA is requireing Veterans to sign a form that states;
Clinic Policy Memorandum 119-2 January, 2005
Viera, Florida
9) I agree to abstain from all illicit drug use. Drug screens testing positive for any substance other than those prescribed for me can result in discontinuation of my controlled substance pain medication.
Yet Federal Law States;
TITLE 38, PART V, CHAPTER 73, SUBCHAPTER III, § 7333
(a) Veterans eligible for treatment under chapter 17 of this title who are alcohol or drug abusers or who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus shall not be discriminated against in admission or treatment by any Department health-care facility solely because of their alcohol or drug abuse or dependency or because of their viral infection.
I refused to sign a waiver for my healthcare, now my RIGHT to healthcare has been suspended.
Can they do this? Who enforces this Law?
been to all normal channels.
Thanks marine – READ title 38 again man!
And I don’t use illegal drugs!
the Clinic policy gets worse, that was only number 9
Best answer:
Answer by Brian
oh dammit this just pissed me off….
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5 Responses to Can Someone Help a Combat Veteran Out?
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You need to get yourself a lawyer – usually the government cannot retroactively make sweeping changes to policy in this way.
Definitely hire a lawyer versed in VA issues.
Good luck, crappy position to be in. Hope it all works out for you.
there not violating your rights by not treating you there saying that if you are a user there not going to give you prescription meds the meds are a privilege to help with the pain there not refusing you vital medical treatment that will safe your life there just not going to support your habit
~The two regs to which you refer are not in any way inconsistent or contradictory. If you’ve got HIV your crack addition will not bar treatment, but if you need meds for your sinus infection, your crack addiction means you’re going to have to pay for them yourself. I’ve got no problem with the VA saying you can’t use illegal drugs if you want free treatment and they’re doing you a favor in treating your AIDS even if you’re hooked on smack. What exactly is the problem here?
Your “right” to the free care is contingent. If you don’t want to hold up your end by agreeing to not use illegal drugs, I see no reason why my tax dollars should be wasted by giving you free health care. Signing the agreement is a whole lot cheaper than paying a premium for health insurance (which, in the private sector, may not cover you in any event if your malady is the result of ingesting illegal drugs). If you don’t want to sign the agreement, don’t. Just don’t ask me to pick up the freight for your health care unless you want to pay for mine (with no questions asked). If you don’t use illegal drugs, what exactly is your problem in signing a required agreement that says your bennies will be cut if you do?
They obviously are trying to create obstacles and make their own rules that they themselves couldn’t live by. Contact your Congressperson and your local newspaper and don’t be polite about describing your feelings. After all you put your life on the line for your Country and you are in a position to embarrass these jerks. Also get together with other vets who have sinilar feelings and sign a petition to show it’s a general consensus. Finally write to the head of the va and tell him/her how shabily the va hospitals are run an about the apathetic, uncool attitudes,etc.!
Yes, it can be done. You are evidence that it is being done. Enforcement comes through the Offices of the U.S. Attorney.
This is not a loyalty oath you are being asked to sign. You should lose no personal pride by signing the requested promise.
Accept the full measure of whatever recompense this Nation is offerring because you can be guaranteed that it will never match the amount you and your buddies provided.
Bless you and stay healthy. I have never seen individuals benefit through taking illegal drugs. It is damned tough once they get hold over you but with what you have conquered, you have the strength!
Good Luck!
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