Why does it take so long to get a VA appointment?

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation, delay or rescheduling of almost 20 million medical appointments for veterans. Part of that is a result of many Veterans Affairs medical facilities being fully or partially shut down because of the pandemic.

How long does the VA have to get you an appointment?

Under the MISSION Act, which Congress passed into law back in 2018, veterans can see a community provider if they’ve been waiting for more than 20 days for primary and mental health care and 28 days for specialty care, or if they face a 30-minute drive to the nearest VA facility.

Can I go to the VA without an appointment?

A new VA urgent care program will let veterans enrolled in the VA health care system visit a civilian urgent care provider for free without an appointment. The program, effective June 6, 2019, is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Mission Act.

How do I set up my first appointment with the VA?

Go to your first VA doctor’s appointment. If you did, we’ll set up an appointment for you with a VA doctor or provider and send you a notice with your appointment time in the mail. If you didn’t ask for a doctor’s appointment when you applied, we’ll help you set up your appointment during your welcome call.

What happens at a VA appointment?

During the exam, the examiner will ask you questions about your mental health condition and how it affects your daily life. This helps the VA properly rate your condition, so you can receive the right amount of VA disability compensation. Compensation and pension exams typically take place at a VA medical center.

Is there a VA app?

Android. New VA Video Connect Android app 1.0 released. The new VA Video Connect for Android app provides a user experience optimized for Android. To install: Android users can search for VA Video Connect on Google Play and then download it for free.

Does the VA do walk ins?

VA offers urgent care services to eligible Veterans at VA medical facilities or at in‑network urgent care clinics closer to home.

What happens if I miss a VA appointment?

If you fail to report and you don’t have a satisfactory reason for missing the appointment, the VA can reduce compensation or sever it completely. If medical evidence is obtained by the VA that shows your condition has improved, the agency has the right to reduce your disability rating.

How does the VA determine if you have PTSD?

Generally, the more severe your symptoms are, the higher your rating will be. To determine your disability rating for PTSD, VA uses the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders under 38 CFR § 4.130. This rating scale ranges from 0 percent to 100 percent with in-between ratings of 10, 30, 50, and 70 percent.