To: Dapartment of Veterans Affairs Sunday, May 09, 2004
From: Robert E. Lyles




I am writing to the VA to express my outrage at the inexplicable changes In the VA health care system. Namely, The mental health Clinic's and Emergency room Procedures. Let me start by saying that I am already 100% service connected. Therefore this letter is not about a claim. It is however about the treament of Veterans at VA facilities over the last 6 months which as been in serious decline.

I suffer from Bipolar Disorder with overlaping PTSD and Anxiety Condition.
In late Febuary of 2003, I was admitted to the VA Hospital on Green Street, in Baltimore, Maryland. This is where I have been receiving my care. This is when i was Diagnosed with PTSD. I was sent to Perry Point. A VA facility in eastern Maryland. I received a great deal of help while I was there. Life changing I would say. After leaving the Program Early I wasn't exactly on my Dr's. Favorite person list. There where things I discussed with my Doctors in strict confidence, under the agreement that none of it would be put into my records or and record. In August of 2003 I asked for a copy of my medical records. I was told i would have to talk to my Doctor and expalin why I needed the records.

I didn't undertand this. I had never done it before but, so be it. I did. A few weeks later, When i Finally saw my Doctor she asked why I wanted my records. This automatically made me suspicious. I explained it was something I had done routinly ever since the first time i was admitted to the hospital. See what you Doctors say about you that perhaps they don't say to you, or maybe things they see in you you didn't realize. What I found was everything I asked Not to be Discused or Document. Verbatum. I was well inraged would be a charitable term. I did not go to them. My temper would not permit that. So I did what I thought was the right thing and found the person responcible for these things and went through the process of having these things stricken from my record. Strangely when my doctors and therapist were contacted and sked for there said, It was the first time I had ever seen anything negative about myself in my records.

The Doctors supervising my Doctors along with my Phsyschiatrist at that time agreed none of those things should have been document. Especially if I aksed and it was agreed to by all involed that they would not be. They were removed from my records. However since August of 2003, I have had know contact with the PTSD program. The Physcologist I just stopped seeing said he asked those in charge of the program and he was told Because of my "confrontations" with past staff members, I was not allowed to see anyone on the PTSD staff. Even the Doctor at Perry Point whom helped me the most and one on one said he would want to meet with me. Told me later he was not allowed.

I thought and maybe it was a litle nieve of me to think that those postings around the Hospital were true. "If you Don't feel you are getting the best you you deserve, please contact the Patient Rep." Been there done that. Never got anywhere. I have been in late 2003 amd in veriouse times 2004 to the Emergency room. When a Vet once to see someone from Physciatry, they must wait. Sometimes hours. Thats just to go into the back. Then you must change. Be wonded. Blood test, Urin test. You can't be seen whoever until all those results come back. I don't even have to explain what kind of time line that can be.









If a Vet comes to the emergency room, weather it be for medical or mental health reasons, nine times out of ten, it is not because there was nothing on TV that night. Someone in serious emotional distress just sitting in Pajamas waiting to see the Physchiatrist 45 or after his or her results come back is unacceptable. As a veteran of both the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Army. I say again. Unacceptable. When you do get to see them, god forbid you just needed to talk to someone. " Thats not really what we are here for." Medications. I am currently only on one. Clonazepam. It keeps me Calm. It helps me deal with the feelings and emotions that first brought me to the attention of the PTSD unit. I have on occassion when meds were supposed to be mailed to me and they have been late gone to the hospital just to get a refill have been givin them. Now as of last week. Which would be around the 3rd week of may found out thats no longer done. I was given to for the weeken. I take three a day. I called my former Physcologist and well, pretty much demanded someone do something. I was on the ragged edge and getting closer to the side. I was given a refill under the curcumstances. I wasn't sure what that meant. I found out when I went to the pick up window. A sing read no medications will be givin at the window. All medications will be mailed. Unacceptable.

I have in the last few weeks thought repeatadly about going into 6-A. The Secure mentel health Clinic on the 6th floor on Green Street. However I have felt it would do more harm then good. There are two sides of 6-A, There is also 6-B. This is for persons with PTSD. which has also now taken over a quarter of 6-A. This PTSD Inpatient clinic is a dual diagnosis Clincic. No substance abuse problems no admitance. Unacceptible. The only other Inpatient Facility Is Perry Point, MD. About a 1 1/2 drive from Green Strret. I am gladd that vets with substance abuse problems are getting the help they need. I truely am. However, what about the rest of us. More an more programs are becoming duel diagnosis programs. Don't have a substance abuse problem to go with whatever else you have? Sorry, can't help you.

I realize this letter is not painting the Va in the best light. A year and a half ago i was singing the VA praises for the service and care I recieved. But it is now and has been over the last 8-9 months, rapidlly in decline. Bugdet cutbacks mean nothing to the guy who gets up and walk out the door in tears because he has been waiting 5,6 hours and hasn't seen anyone. I have been that man on to many occassions. To whom ever this letter finds, smoething must be done. You yourself may be a Vet. I am not just talking about me, although I felt it important to share atleast some background on myself. I am talking about all of us. I spoke to a very close friend the other day that told me the reason she was in the hospital was becuase her claim had been denied for PTSD. "She was told there was no real advidence that she was ever sexually assualted by a superior while on active duty. Do doctors records befoe or after her "Alledge" alagations. UNACCEPTABLE. IT is called the VA Hospital right? If so that makes it mine. And hers. As well as every other Vet that walks through thoughs doors. Knowone is asking for a handout. Although more and more thats the way you feel when going there.

Knowone is asking for something they don't derserve. Budget cutbacks mean nothing to me or those like me. Buerocratic red tape means nothing to any of us either. You have a growing prolem in VA facilitys. We are asking for what is are. The right to be trated with dignity. Not like a nut. Respect. Not like a begger. Most of all with honor, We all gave something of ourselves, Whenever you served. No matter what branch. We paid for everything we are asking for. We are not getting it. Atleast not without a vigorous fight. I thought the fighting was over for us. Please don't prove that belief to be wrong. These letters will keep coming. Not just to the VA, But to whom ever will listen. That in case anyone was wondering was not a threat. It is a promis From A U.S. Marine who will not stop until the mission is complete.


Robert E. Lyles