What is the Note to Doctor: I am a Veteran Program?

Vietnam Veterans of America has long held concern for veterans receiving healthcare in the community. This is not due to its lack of faith in its health professionals. Its concern rests in the uncertain private sector knowledge of the veteran’s complete military health history.

Why is it needed?

Approximately 2/3 of our male and female military veterans do not use the VA for their total health care. It is believed that this number will grow over time. Additionally, unknown by many, is that some veterans are not eligible to use the VA.

One of the very first pieces of information to reveal to your community health providers is that you served in the military. This will begin the process of creating a complete health history.

A major challenge for community health providers is obtaining a full military service history from their veteran patients. A complete military health record on file makes a significant contribution to the physician’s understanding of the veteran’s overall health, outlining the “where, when, and how” of all duty assignments. It’s a critical component when added to previously gathered information and current health status.

It’s imperative that all health providers understand the implications of a veteran’s service time, place, and duties on existing medical diagnoses to include exposure to toxins/chemicals and geographic locations. A thorough health history in the veteran’s medical record is crucial in reaching a proper comprehensive diagnosis, a vital component when added to previously gathered information.

What do we hope to accomplish?

Veterans must understand that “Life history builds on itself.” It is critical that these veterans realize that the physician’s knowledge of all military experiences could be vital in reaching the appropriate diagnosis and thus the correct care given, eliminating a gap that may lead to under-diagnosis and mismanagement of conditions.  It may also lead to the need for coordination with additional medical specialists.

This web site serves as an essential tool to an inclusive veteran health history. Its purpose is to identify what possible impact it would have on the veteran’s current health history, diagnosis, and treatment, with the end result being the development of a truly comprehensive treatment plan.