Sepulveda VA Medical Center — Local services in Los Angeles

I had been complaining of back pain for 2 yrs. (following an injury received in service). After 2 yrs I was sent to xray and physical therapy. I was basically told my xrays were normal, and the physical therapist saw me 3 times and told me there was nothing more she could do for me. Having been in xray school at the time, I began my internship at an orthopedic center, and I asked the spinal specialist there about my symptoms. HE recommended an MRI. After requesting one, several times at the VA I was told that MRI's are for "cover your ass" doctors and it would not change my course of treatment (or lack there of). After getting private insurance last year, I began seeing a private PCP, who sent me to physical therapy. After 3 months of therapy, my therapist sent me for a second opinion since I was not improving. The second opinion therapist requested and MRI and orthopedic specialist evaluation. After my MRI and evaluation, I learned that I have multiple issues with the bone and soft tissue of my lower back, and will be requiring surgery. Had the VA not ignored me for 2 yrs, maybe surgery could have been avoided. Had they done an MRI, issues would have been found a lot sooner, and maybe surgery would have been avoided if not reasonably delayed. The VA's motto is "serving those who served", but they only served their own interest. I spent 4+ years trying to figure out what is wrong with my back and how to improve it. The VA ignored me. After being under private insurance, I was able to learn what was going on with my back and how to fix it within 7 months. While the solution (surgery) isn't what I want to do, at least now I...

I had an appointment with foot a doctor, Syamak Yamini. Dr. Yamini examined me in less than 2 minutes. He chopped my toenails and left my big toes bleeding. He never considered a band aid. My wife asked if Dr. Yamini could do something, such as apply lotion. Dr. Yamini replied, “this is not a pedicure shop.” He stated that doctors do not apply lotion here. Dr. Yamini began yelling when mrs. Jacobowitz stated that my feet should not be left in that condition. Dr. Yamini stated that I came to get my toes cut and that was done. Dr. Yamini yelled at me and my wife, I told him to “Get the F Out of Here.” I requested to speak with the patient advocate, the podiatry staff sent the VA Police instead. Ironically, Dr. Yamini believed caring for feet was beneath him. Dr. Yamini had the nerve to write a Disruptive Behavior Report per VA Police Recommendation. The VA Police refused to write a report for me because I did not have state of California id; I showed my VA card. The VA Police did not accept my military id. The VA’s practice of calling the VA Police to throw veterans out of medical centers when they request medical services that the VA doesn’t want to provide or a doctor is too incompetent to provide, is pathetic. The 1 star is for...

I will give 0 if possible. I have called the clinic since Monday and I just got a called back today Thursday (4 days later). I told them I neede to make an appt. next available January 12 because that is when the doctor gets back, did I know that, NO. They said if I wanted to bee seen, I have to go as a walk-in and wait until a doctor is free to see me. I have a throat infection that needs to bee seen since my tonsil are swollen (you can see them touch each other). I don't go to a private doctor because I can't afford regular insurance or a office visit. This is CRAZY. They should have a stand by doctor for situations like this. Now I have to waste my day sitting here...