#BorneTheBattle 55: Kevin Leverence – Marine Veteran, VA health care user

When we first launched the podcast, initial response questioned whether or not our audience would hear from Veterans that have had trouble with VA. A few of my guests in the past have alluded to challenges with VA health care, but I wanted to to dig a little deeper and talk with someone that has a wide range of experiences with VA. Kevin Leverence and I have known each other for a few years after he first appeared on my podcast 1, 2, Many: Veteran Suicide. I followed up with him earlier this year asking if he’d be willing to share his experiences on This Week at VA and he generously agreed. Kevin did not have a good introduction to VA and it took a few frustrating iterations before he finally broke through some sticking points and found the help he was looking for. Kevin is going to share stories from joining the military and his military service, his transition out of the Marine Corps, frustrations with VA, and finally getting the care he needed. Lots of great talk about patient advocates, Vet Centers, different types of therapy, and much more.

Covered in Episode 55:

• How to follow us during next week’s events
• Interview with Marine Veteran Kevin Leverence
  • Why he joined the military
  • A story from his time in
  • His transition out and the challenges he faced
  • The day that first turned him off of VA
  • The value in patient advocates
  • How Vet Centers are great resources for Veterans
  • Types of therapy he has used
  • Getting comfortable with VA and getting the care he needs
• Finding your patient advocate
• #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Tony Roberti

The #VApodcast is now available in iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Spotify. Search “Borne the Battle” in your podcast app of choice to subscribe.