COLUMBUS, Ohio – Columbus military veterans faced repeated delays and debilitating pain trying to get prosthetic limbs from the government. The problems with the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center grew so troublesome, federal investigators stepped in.
But real problems may lie with federal and state standards for those who work with veterans, 10 Investigates discovered. Both federal and state standards require less training and education for those who treat veteran amputees than those who treat civilians, meaning that those who treat veterans may neither be degreed or certified.
Navy Commander Robert Haas, 61, lost his leg from a blood clot three years ago. It was caused by long-term effects after a military injury. He went to the Columbus VA clinic for a prosthetic leg. That’s when he met VA technician Patrick Beatty
“He kept saying ‘Push, push , push. It’s supposed to hurt.’ “ Haas recalled. “It’s not supposed to hurt. Four attempts were done, he couldn’t make me any leg I could wear.”
Haas had to go outside the VA to get his new leg and rehab treatment he needed to regain any active lifestyle. He formed an amputee support group. (For more information e-mail amputee@columbus.rr.com or call 614-288-5105) That’s when he heard story after story of other veterans experiencing the same pain and frustration.
“There’s a bunch of other veterans who have been so intimidated by the system that they’re afraid to speak up,” said Haas.
They went to the new director of the Columbus VA and demanded change. Columbus VA Director Keith Sullivan called in investigators from the federal Inspector General’s office.
Sullivan explained the accusations, “If they were found out to be true, I’d both be embarrassed that this organization would do that and I would feel bad for the veteran that the level of service did not meet the standard of expectation.”
He said the investigation is complete, but it has not been released publicly yet.
Beatty quit his job early February. Attempts to reach him at home went unanswered.
Federal and state standards allow lesser qualified specialists to work with veterans. Patrick Beatty has no degree, which would make him ineligible to apply for a state license today. However, Beatty applied in 2001 when state regulations changed. At that time, those who were already treating patients – like Beatty who was working at a private prosthetics company- could be grandfathered in.
Veterans Administration only “encourages” certification, it does not require it.
Congressman Steve Stivers said, “This is news to me, by the way, that they aren’t required to be certified.”
In fact, 10 Investigates discovered that of the four VA staffers who work with amputees and orthopedics at the Columbus VA Clinic, only one has enough education and training that would allow them to work with patients other than veterans. Congressman and veteran Steve Stivers was shocked at the 10 Investigates findings and pledges action and increased oversight.
“It is troubling to me to know that federal law does not protect our veterans at the same level as the civilian populations. This is something I’m going to see if we can fix,” said Rep. Stivers.
The Columbus VA Clinic says they are aware that some amputees may have given up on ever receiving proper care for their injuries. The VA director and the amputee support group are asking those veterans for a second chance to get their treatment right.
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