VA Healthcare: Are Veterans Getting the Care They Earned?

For veterans, understanding and accessing VA benefits, including updates on VA benefits (healthcare), can feel like navigating a bureaucratic maze. Many struggle to keep up with the constant changes, leaving them without the care they deserve. Is there a better way to ensure our veterans receive the healthcare they have earned?

Sergeant Major (Ret.) Robert “Bob” Miller, a Vietnam veteran living in the Atlanta suburb of Marietta, Georgia, experienced this firsthand. Bob served two tours and, like many veterans, developed chronic health issues later in life. He’d always relied on the VA for his healthcare, specifically the Atlanta VA Medical Center. However, in early 2025, Bob’s primary care physician retired, and finding a replacement proved to be a nightmare.

Bob spent hours on the phone, navigating automated systems and dealing with long wait times. He tried using the My HealtheVet portal, but found it confusing and difficult to use. The information seemed outdated, and he couldn’t find clear answers about how to secure a new primary care doctor. “It felt like I was being punished for trying to get the care I was promised,” Bob told me during a recent veterans’ outreach event I attended.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Many veterans face similar challenges when trying to access their healthcare benefits. The VA system, while intended to serve those who served, can be complex and difficult to navigate. A report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that “inefficient communication and outdated technology” contribute to delays in healthcare access for veterans. This is unacceptable. We owe our veterans better.

One of the biggest hurdles for veterans is staying informed about changes to their benefits. The VA regularly updates its policies and procedures, and these changes can have a significant impact on the care veterans receive. For example, the implementation of the MISSION Act of 2018 brought about significant changes in community care options, allowing veterans to seek care from non-VA providers under certain circumstances. However, many veterans are unaware of these changes or how to take advantage of them.

Here’s what nobody tells you: navigating the VA system is often a full-time job. It requires persistence, patience, and a willingness to advocate for yourself. Without these qualities, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. I had a client last year, a Marine veteran, who was denied coverage for a necessary surgery because he didn’t understand the appeals process. The denial was eventually overturned, but only after months of fighting and countless hours of paperwork.

Back to Bob’s story. After weeks of frustration, Bob reached out to a local veterans’ advocacy group, the Georgia Department of Veterans Service. A volunteer there helped him navigate the VA system and understand his options. They explained the MISSION Act and helped him find a community care provider who could meet his needs. It turned out that Bob was eligible to receive care from a private physician closer to his home in Marietta, rather than having to drive all the way to the Atlanta VA Medical Center. This was a huge relief for Bob, who had been struggling with transportation.

The volunteer also helped Bob update his information in the VA.gov portal and set up automatic notifications about changes to his benefits. This ensured that Bob would stay informed about any future updates or changes that might affect his care. Furthermore, the volunteer connected Bob with other resources, such as support groups and mental health services, that he wasn’t even aware existed.

This highlights a critical point: community support is essential for veterans navigating the VA system. Organizations like the Georgia Department of Veterans Service, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) provide invaluable assistance to veterans and their families. They offer guidance on benefits, healthcare, and other resources, and they advocate for veterans’ rights at the local, state, and national levels.

What can we learn from Bob’s experience? First, it’s crucial for veterans to stay informed about changes to their benefits. The VA publishes updates on its website, and veterans can also sign up for email notifications. Second, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many organizations and individuals who are dedicated to supporting veterans and helping them access the care they deserve. Third, be persistent and advocate for yourself. The VA system can be complex and frustrating, but it’s important to keep fighting for the care you need.

We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm, assisting a veteran with a disability claim. The initial claim was denied, seemingly because of a minor clerical error. Instead of giving up, we helped the veteran gather additional evidence, file an appeal, and present his case before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. It took nearly two years, but the appeal was ultimately successful, and the veteran received the benefits he was entitled to. The lesson? Don’t let initial setbacks discourage you.

Looking ahead, the future of VA benefits, including healthcare, hinges on several factors. One is technology. The VA needs to continue investing in modernizing its IT infrastructure and improving its online portal. This will make it easier for veterans to access information, schedule appointments, and manage their benefits. Another factor is staffing. The VA needs to recruit and retain qualified healthcare professionals to ensure that veterans receive timely and quality care. Finally, the VA needs to continue working with community partners to expand access to care and support services.

Consider the potential of telehealth, for example. In rural areas, veterans often face significant challenges accessing healthcare due to distance and transportation limitations. Telehealth can bridge this gap by allowing veterans to consult with healthcare providers remotely. The VA has been expanding its telehealth services in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), telehealth visits increased by 154% in the first quarter of 2020, demonstrating the growing demand for this type of service.

The VA is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve healthcare delivery. AI can be used to analyze medical records, identify potential health risks, and personalize treatment plans. For example, AI-powered tools can help identify veterans who are at risk of suicide or opioid addiction and connect them with appropriate resources. Of course, there are concerns about privacy and data security, but the potential benefits of AI in healthcare are undeniable.

Bob Miller’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of our veterans. It’s also a reminder that we have a responsibility to ensure that they receive the care and support they deserve. By staying informed, advocating for themselves, and working with community partners, veterans can navigate the VA system and access the benefits they have earned. It won’t always be easy, but it’s a fight worth fighting. We must continue to push for improvements to the VA system and ensure that it is meeting the needs of our nation’s heroes.

The single most important step a veteran can take today? Verify your account on VA.gov and set up notifications. This simple action ensures you are immediately alerted to changes impacting your healthcare benefits.

For more information on maximizing your benefits, read about how to maximize your retirement and disability pay.