VETERANS: Help is standing by

To Kurt Scholz:

I am a disabled Vet and a Veteran Service Officer for Bonner County. Not sure if you know this or not, but every county in Idaho has a Veteran Service Officer. We are not VA employees, we are advocates hired by each county to help vets apply for benefits.

Also, Idaho has a Department of Veterans Advocacy, located in Boise. Our state representative, Darryl Heisey, who covers the North Idaho counties, has his office in Post Falls (208-446-1092). We are all always available to help vets with their concerns for care and benefits.

Further, the VAMC Spokane has two ladies who work at the Patient Advocacy (800-325-7940). They would be my first contact in your situation.

Your DAV friend can choose to go to another doctor and get another opinion; that is what I would do. As a 17-year former gunnery sergeant in the Marine Corps, and now a Veteran Service Officer, I heard your call for help. Call my office anytime if you need further assistance at (208) 255-5291 or email at [email protected].

CHAD OSBORN

Rathdrum