How Veterans Can Get Treatment From a Chiropractor With Their Benefits

While I worked at the Veteran's Administration I helped by specifically directing veterans with their benefits. I learned so much in that time about the system, good and bad. What I couldn't understand was why things were taking so long for the VA to help the Veterans and their families, especially when they knew the Veteran and/or their family members were authorized the benefit. I experienced people losing their homes because the system worked at a snail's pace. I was frustrated right alongside the Veteran and their dependents. I am here to say that the employees at the VA want to help, however their hands are tied because the bureaucracy is heavily paper laden and Congress controls the purse strings.

I did learn day after day that some of the most common complaints Veterans reported were back pain, headaches, neck pain, knee problems, acid reflux, hiatal hernias, and plantar fasciitis. These are all problems I could help most people with in my practice...in fact, I had spent ten years previously successfully treating patients with these ailments! There were times on the phone at the VA where I felt like I was conducting a consultation and had to remember that my doctor's coat was hanging back at home!

My reasoning for taking the job at the VA was to eventually help our local veterans by urging the VA hospital here to open a Chiropractic division. After seeing it could take years and years to realize that goal, I stepped away from that effort and now try to get word to nearby veterans that they DO have access to chiropractic care. Although there are no chiropractors in Salt Lake City's VA, thirty-six VA hospitals nationwide DO have chiropractic available.

I have wanted to help the people who willingly served our country by placing their lives on the line and made it back home safely. I personally thank each one of you and your family members for your service and sacrifice to our country.

If you are a veteran and have a disability of some type, you may receive chiropractic care that is paid by the VA at no cost to you. Here is the procedure:

a- Make an appointment with your primary care physician at the VA.

b- When you are with your primary care doctor, tell them your back is hurting or your neck or knee, whatever problem you are currently experiencing.

c- Then request a referral to see a chiropractor under the provisions of section 204 of Public Law 107-135, the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001.

d- Wait to receive your VA prior authorization letter in the mail. You will take that letter with you to the chiropractic appointment.

The following is what has been written regarding contract services for Veterans who use a VA facility that does not have chiropractic services on site:

Eligible veterans in areas distant from these locations (some VA Medical Centers Have Chiropractors on staff) will also be able to receive chiropractic care through VA's outpatient fee-basis program after a referral by their primary care provider, and prior authorization by the department.

The VA was authorized to offer chiropractic care and services under the provisions of section 204 of Public Law 107-135, the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001.

One final note: Some VA doctors will tell you that you can't get this service. That is not true. Stand your ground! Thank you once again for your dedication to our freedom in this great land of America.