Veteran's 13-Week VA Appointment Wait Exposed

An 81-year-old veteran, Richard Mulligan, endured a 13-week wait for a crucial primary care appointment at the Atlanta VA. ER doctors had initially advised that Mulligan, a former Marine combat medic, needed follow-up care within 24 hours for debilitating back pain. Despite VA policy allowing veterans to seek external community care for appointments exceeding a 20-day wait, Mulligan's referral was significantly delayed.

Mulligan described the experience as "cruel," recalling being told no appointments were available until September when he inquired in June. The Atlanta VA Health Care System acknowledged the delay, citing the veteran's need for reauthorized community care access last year. An American Legion service officer is investigating the VA's handling of community care referrals to determine how many veterans might have been similarly affected or abandoned their pursuit of care.

In the interim, Mulligan sought care outside the VA system, paying out-of-pocket, which led to his diagnosis with prostate cancer. His church has been assisting with the treatment costs. The VA stated they are implementing a new External Provider Scheduling System to streamline appointment booking with community care providers.