Hello Jim,
I have been my Husband's Caregiver for the past two years - he is currently rated at 60%.
"Mental Health Provider" number four decided to change the way my Husband was taking his (not pain related) medication which resulted in a number of awful things and eventually his first attempted suicide. I had called her repeatedly informing her of the negative side effects. She dismissed my concerns.
Once my Husband was released from the Hospital she said she could no longer see him because of the "worsening of his condition". I filed a complaint regarding her neglect. Two weeks later we received a letter saying that my Husband no longer qualified for Caregiver benefits - a decision made by his "Care Team" of two; Number Four and a PCP who we had just requested be replaced. My Husband has not been able to receive any care since his release from the Hospital in March. Retaliation.
I am appealing the decision. This has caused more stress than I could ever explain. Is this legal? What should we do?
Thank you.
Reply:
Make a call to The Office of the Medical Inspector (OMI).
Their Hotline Number is 800-634-4782.
The veterans I refer to OMI are always treated with respect and they work hard to resolve problems. This may be the most efficient and responsive section within the entire VA.