In a powerful and emotional TikTok video, a U.S. military veteran sheds light on the alarming state of the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) approach to continuity of care. The video, which has garnered widespread attention, captures the veteran's anguish as he describes the pain and frustration he has endured while seeking mental health care through the VA.

Over a span of six years, the veteran recounts being let down seven times by the VA, receiving no service and constantly being shuffled between doctors. Adding to his distress, a doctor he trusted was abruptly moved out of his network, disrupting any hope of continuity of care. His pleas for assistance have gone unanswered, leaving him without medication for two years and trapped in a cycle of retelling traumatic stories.

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Mental health issues impact many veterans.

The video was posted to the r/TikTokCringe subreddit by Redditor u/abbiebe89, who also commented on the post.

"Universal healthcare and universal mental health care. That’s it. Period. $900 billion in military spending and they can’t cover mental health care for the military. What a disgrace."

The Reddit community responded with a wave of empathy and shared experiences, echoing the veteran's sentiment. Many expressed their newfound understanding of the deep-rooted issues plaguing the VA and the profound impact it has on veterans' lives. Stories of loved ones battling for recognition and compensation for health issues caused by military service further highlighted the systemic failures.

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When trusted doctors are suddenly determined to be out of network, quality care can be hard to find.

u/the-treatmaster praised the veteran's courage for sharing his vulnerability and shed light on the flawed healthcare system. Their heartfelt comment echoed the sentiment of other individuals who wished they could offer support and reassurance to the veteran and the countless others enduring similar struggles.

"This guy is awesome for posting this. Society generally derides a man who cries and complains and admits to mental health issues," the Redditor posted. "He is doing all of that here, and he is begging for help while shining a light on our horrible healthcare design. Wish I could give him a hug and say it’ll be OK. Maybe it will end up OK for him if this goes viral, but you know there are so many others just like him out there who won’t be so lucky."

"My uncle was poisoned with agent orange in Vietnam 4 days a week for 11 months straight," shared u/mxpx77. "He got prostate cancer and was gravely ill/disabled until he died in the 90’s. The lengths my aunt had to go to get the govt to admit what they did and pay for his healthcare is EMBARRASSING."

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Our veterans deserve the best mental health care possible.

"My dad had classic chloracne in the 80s, after getting agent orange dumped on him for three years in the jungle," commented u/p0k3t0. "Blisters became lesions, eventually leading to almost all the epidermis coming off of his hands. Literally, just oozing chunks of raw flesh that needed to be disinfected and re-wrapped three times a day. This went on for months. I think they eventually diagnosed it as a "contact dermatitis" unrelated to military service. No disability pay. Just free gauze, antibiotics, and vaseline."

"It's my favorite thing to have a new doctor / therapist everytime I go in so that I can be forced to once again retell my deepest darkest feelings to a complete stranger that i will most likely never see again within 45 minute time frame after waiting 3 months for an appointment," commented u/OrangesMarmalade. "I've been trying since 2017 with this messed up system. I've just given up getting anything from the VA. It's a disgrace."

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Confusion and a lack of action from the VA is a major frustration for many veterans seeking care.

"VA is trash," added u/PlanktonOk4846. "My therapist died from covid and no one told me, I found out a few weeks later from my psychiatrist. When I asked for a new mental health referral, VA just asked if I was suicidal and needed inpatient care. Like, so my only options are deal with this alone or be committed?"

"This poor guy needs help right now," wrote u/LonesomeComputerBill. "This breaks my heart. I wish could reach this guy I know exactly what he’s going through and it’s really unacceptable that a veteran is experiencing this lack of service."

Veteran does not have any support at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
by u/abbiebe89 in TikTokCringe

This veteran's heart-wrenching video serves as a call for immediate action. It underscores the urgent need for a thorough overhaul of the VA's approach to continuity of care and mental health support. The cries for universal healthcare and universal mental health care are louder than ever, demanding a solution that puts the well-being of veterans at the forefront.

As the video continues to gain traction, let us unite in demanding change. It is time to honor the sacrifices of our veterans by ensuring they receive the quality care and support they deserve. Together, we must advocate for a system that truly serves those who have served us, and let this viral outcry be the catalyst for real and lasting reform.

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