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Marine Corps Veteran Andrew Appleton was skeptical about seeking care at VA. For years, misconceptions about long wait times, subpar care and limited eligibility kept him from signing up for VA health care. But when an excruciating leg injury left him in unbearable pain and desperate for help, his life changed.
“I felt like my life had stopped, and I didn’t know how to operate,” said Appleton, founder of ParadeDeck.com, a collection of military online influencers and voices.
A turning point: Out of options
With no insurance, Appleton found himself out of options. Despite his resilient approach—a “duct-tape mentality” of patching things up and pushing through—he finally relented. The constant nudging of Angela Spatz, a friend and program specialist with VA’s Veterans Experience Office, helped his decision to enroll in VA care. Shortly after signing up, he had his first appointment.
“The moment I walked in, the care exceeded my expectations,” Appleton said. “From the receptionist’s warm greeting to the nurse who took my vitals with genuine care, I felt at ease. I didn’t wait longer than 10 minutes. The doctor’s insight was nothing short of miraculous.”
Lifesaving care
After months of enduring pain, Appleton finally got answers during his first appointment at the Southeast Washington VA Clinic. His VA primary care provider quickly discovered blood clots and immediately referred him to the Washington D.C. Healthcare System emergency room, where a team of experts was ready for his arrival.
“Without my doctor’s expertise, I wouldn’t be here today,” Appleton emphasized. Upon arrival, his health care team confirmed blood clots in both his leg and lungs, and also uncovered a heart aneurysm. He was promptly admitted for additional monitoring, tests and treatment.
“VA not only addressed my immediate needs but also set me up for a healthier future. They scheduled follow-ups, coordinated prescriptions, and even overnighted my medications. This level of comprehensive support was something I never expected,” he shared.
“Now, when I go to VA, I know I’m going to be treated well.”
Soon after he was discharged, his pain subsided significantly, and Appleton began to regain his mobility. His confidence grew, and he was able to reengage with life again. While his recovery journey is still ongoing, he now has a renewed sense of hope—and a trusted health care team at VA.
“The one word I’ve felt throughout this journey is consistency,” he said. “Now, when I go to VA, I know I’m going to be treated well.”
Appleton also credits the VA Health and Benefits App for making his VA care even more seamless. The app enables him to track his health activities, find clinical notes and treatment records, and connect to his VA care right from his smartphone.
“I was wrong about VA,” Appleton said. “The support and care they provided showed me that they truly care about Veterans. They thanked me for my service and offered excellent care. I urge every Veteran to explore the benefits available to you.”
Connect with VA
Veterans who have not yet enrolled in VA health care can apply by phone, mail or online. Discover how to enroll in VA health care and connect with us today.
For VA-related questions or more information, contact us:
- Call the MyVA411 main information line 24/7: 1-800-698-2411.
- Submit a question online to Ask VA.
- Check out the Find VA locations tool to locate a facility closest to you.
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I, too, applaud the VA. I was made aware of a kidney issue by my team at the Saint Joseph (Mo) clinic. I went to the Leavenworth (Ks) VA for consultation about the kidney issue, they spotted something else and sent me other Kansas City VA where they diagnosed multiple myeloma. In the almost two years since I have received nothing but the best of care, and in a timely manner. I tell everyone I can about how great my care has been and continues to be (to include a newspaper and TV interview). I know there is much trash said about the VA. I want to combat that
The VA has saved my life multiple time: First iat The Loma Linda VA , LomaLinda ,CA in 1990 gave me the “tools” to recover fromm Homlesses, Drug Addiction, and sevice connected mental issues. Clean and sober 34yrs.
The Tucson ,AZ VA while visiting and in need of suppimental Meds.Saved my life when I went instead of just providing me the Meds gave me a physical check up , and found out that I needed a quadruple by-pass.
I was only a visiting Veteran and yet they went above and beyound the call …to save my life.
Yes the VA will and has saved lives if we let them and if the leadership of Our Country allows them.
The Marine core/VA did this guy right.
My story is somewhat similar (n that I feel the VA probably saved my life) , I had good commercial medical insurance thru my employer but was getting ready to retire & would lose that insurance. so, month before I retired, I had full physical checkup from my primary care & my cardiologist. both said I was fine & in good shape.
Now 3 months later I’m on VA medical, the VA determined I needed carpal tunnel surgery for which they did all the pretesting & discovered I had atrial fibrillation. They did further tests (stress test) that revealed I had 3 blocked arteries, 2 @100% & 1 @90% . So I ended up getting bypass on 2 of them (the 3rd wasn’t able to be done) & surgery.
Needless to say, I doubt whether my previous doctors would have found the problems unless I had a stroke or heart attack, which by then damage is done.
I found the medical service at Milwaukee VA hospital to be outstanding, far better than I expected. No unreasonable wait times, the doctors always willing to listen to me, no matter how long it took.