VETERAN: Needs a helping leg

Once again it appears the joke is on the American veteran. After waiting one year for a total knee replacement, I received a card in the mail from Veterans Choice. This card indicated that I may qualify for outside care for my issue because of my wait time.

In a call to Vets Choice I was advised that I did indeed qualify for this program. Vets Choice set up appointments to a physician in Post Falls. That physician got the approval from Vets Choice to conduct the surgery on my knee. I was then sent to have lab test, electrocardiogram, and X-rays, prior to surgery date of Feb 9.

On Jan. 29 my doctor received a fax from Vets Choice indicating that my surgery would be conducted by the V.A. in Boise. Boise V.A. indicated to me that it would be four months before they could conduct the surgery, not to mention the eight-hour drive I would have to take to get there.

My question is this: Why would they put me through the whole process with a civilian if they had no intention of allowing this to happen? Now it appears that I will get stuck with the billing from the civilian doctor. When will this incompetence cease? What are my options? I am literally on my last leg, and at my wits end.

STEVEN STILES

Coeur d’Alene