Strange question at the VA Hospital.

[7thCavScout]

I was at the VA Hospital the other day for just a cursory medical check up. The doc was asking the usual standard fare health questions, from a computer screen in front of him, when out of the blue he asks, "Do you own any firearms or have firearms in your home." I must have had a shocked look because he quickly stated that, it was on "the list" and he had to ask. I was NOT there for mental health issues or anything like that. Am I just paranoid or has this happened to any of you other Vets?

 

[GNLaFrance]

No, I haven't been asked by the VA. If they do ask, I'll say No.

 

[Jolly Rogers]

This is a ethics violation of the "boundary" limits I believe. There are other threads in the shooting forums that address this.
Joe

 

[jcwit]

Hasn't happened to me in the 10 years I've been going to the VA.

Have discussed with the eye Dr. about long range shooting and floaters.

 

[Blue Line]

I think others have mentioned on here that they have been asked the same question by thier doc's or hospitals also.

 

[M-Cameron]

my doc asked me the sam thing......

...not really sure why...by if i had to guess, ide assume its something related to the lead or smoke produced.....

 

[essayons21]

When I got back there was about a 2 month period between the de-mob and my first VA appointment. In that time I received a phone call from a woman who identified herself as a VA doctor asking a bunch of questions, mainly general health stuff, then asking if I was suicidal, depressed, and finally the same firearms question that you were asked.

Strange because the VA appointment was for physical injuries, and I wasn't suicidal, depressed, etc. and had never mentioned anything to anyone in the Army or VA that would set off any flags. I think the Army is pushing anti-suicide measures pretty heavily recently due to the suicide rate continuing to climb.

Anyway, I told her yes I had firearms, she asked if they and the ammunition were locked, I said no, she asked why, I said they wouldn't be much use to me if they were. That was the end of the conversation and I never heard anything else about it.

 

[lloveless]

This is also a question that pediatricians are prone to ask parents at the behest of the CDC.
ll

 

[krupparms]

I have found that the best policy when dealing w/GOV. types including the V.A. is dont ask -dont tell. There is no way to tell how they will use your reponse.There is no way they are just asking??

 

[thunder173]

What I really wanted to say,..I won't,..but folks,..if they ask,..my answer is a pat "none of your business".....because it is just that.

 

[EVIL]

...just another reason to dislike the VA (not like I need another...)

I would have said: "do you own any firearms?"

I am glad I have insurance so I don't have to use the VA...why are they always located in the worst part of town + they are plastered w/ gunbusters signage...sigh > what a trashy way for our govt. to treat our nation's heroes...

 

[daorhgih]

Essayons21 : Just because the V.A. has stopped asking questions, don't think... " : That was the end of the conversation and I never heard anything else about it." Things like that remain permanent board-room topics of those who want "keep the G.I. safe" and who only "want to do what is best for you." Point in contention: August, 2010,I went in and renewed my Gun License, and found a new (since 9/11 and HSA) question on the form: "Have you ever been seen by a professional psychological counsellor?" I am a 'Nam Vet. Disabled due to service, and I attend group-counseling sessions every 6 months. So I answered "yes." The clerk saw the "yes" and told me I'd need a letter from the doctor stating that it was O.K. for me to renew my license.[NOT: to "CARRY A GUN"]. The doctor told me verbally, and in writing, since, "No, I will not never give such a letter." (She isn't native U.S. citizen). Next step, right down into the basement of the V.A. with a personal form for FOIA to get my records. I got records for three years. When I got home, I called, and e-mailed, my Congressman. I sent him the treatment records. I have contacted HIM three times, but have had NO contact FROM him. State Police, Sheriff, and local LEO tell me that as long as I have the original application in my hand if I am stopped and a weapon check ensues, I am O.K. My County Veteran's office has the originals, and I have copies, sealed and certified. This is not over yet. What would be the next step of any on this board? I don't really like carrying "on flimseys." I feel like this is a Progressive merry-go-'round from the V.A. doctor.

 

[lwsimon]

Typical, but still intrusive. "None of your business" is an acceptable reply.

 

[45Fan]

Evidently its not just the VA. I just read the OP to my wife, and she informed me that the doctor that gave my 11 year old son his shots for school asked that same question. I for one agree, it is none of their business. In my mind, family, close friends, and those that are about to depart this world are the only people that I am comfortable sharing that information with. Too many bad things happen in this world for me to put information out there to make my home a more desirable target.

 

[jcwit]

I am glad I have insurance so I don't have to use the VA...why are they always located in the worst part of town

Why do folks continue to make blanket statements as if they knew all about everything.

The VA in Fort Wayne is in a very good part of F/W, just down the street from one of the Major Hosiptal chains here in north eastern Indiana. The V/A in Goshen, In. is also in a very good part of town as is the V/A in South Bend, In. I could go on, but I think you get my point.

Yes they do have signage to keep firearms off the property, but this is the case of all Federal land & buildings here in the states ecept for park land to the best of my knowledge.

asking if I was suicidal, depressed

I'm usually asked this also, my answer is that yes I'm depressed over the price of gas, we both have a chuckle and go on trom there. No problems.

 

[Al LaVodka]

Guys, this has been in the news for awhile. The VA is tasked with identifying if Vets have guns -- they have the authority to determine if a veteran ever poses a mental health concern and can then be disarmed. The appeal process was non-existant but I think that changed under some omnibus legislation inserted by the Republicans -- IIRC.

Remember, veterans are considered domestic extremists by this Administration.

Al

 

[hcso617]

I have 2 kids aged 10 and 12, last year at their annual checkup we were asked if we had any guns in the home.

 

[killchain]

I was at the VA Hospital the other day for just a cursory medical check up. The doc was asking the usual standard fare health questions, from a computer screen in front of him, when out of the blue he asks, "Do you own any firearms or have firearms in your home." I must have had a shocked look because he quickly stated that, it was on "the list" and he had to ask. I was NOT there for mental health issues or anything like that. Am I just paranoid or has this happened to any of you other Vets?

Are you a recent returning veteran? Meaning did you serve in the Iraq/Afghanistan wars?

They're asking those questions because of a spike in suicidal tendencies from returning veterans, methinks.

EDIT: To clarify, the most common suicidal path these guys are taking is firearms.

The returning veterans don't need to be quizzed on what they own, they need to be asked if they need help. Being a veteran myself (who stolidly lies to their "Are you feeling..." questions) I can tell you right now that if you admit an illness, injury, or mental illness it will come back to haunt you and it WILL hurt you in the end.

You are required by law to report veteran status to an employer. Employer has to know if you're disabled, due to things like tax breaks and Equal Opportunity. If you are, they have to make accommodations, which requires you to report what it is. You have PTSD? Imagine that, they found another "better qualified" person.

Veterans don't need crap like this. They need battle buddies, fast and competent healthcare and healing, and reintegration help on the down low.

 

[medalguy]

Joke all you want guys, but be sure this information goes in your permanent medical file. This kind of information-gathering has been going on for several years and there are a number of people who have been denied renewals of FFL and CCW permits because they admitted to some kind of counseling at some point in their lives. NEVER admit to any kind of depression or counseling because it's probably alrady in your file. If not, they don't need to know it.

 

[Fat_46]

Its not just the VA. My primary doc asked me the same question, to which I replied "Hell yes, what are you looking to buy?"

My 8 year old daughter's pediatrician asked her the same thing. She went into a several minute long monologue on how all she owns now is a pink Crickett, but she's hoping for another gun from Santa this year.

 

[KarenTOC]

My Kaiser Permanante HMO doctor has never asked me that question, but I did decide to fill out the on-line health assessment. It asked if there were firearms in the home and how they were stored. It also asked if I ever rode with someone who had been drinking, so it was reasonably even-handed. When the results of my assessment were returned to me, under safety it recommended an NRA firearms course, and a gun safe. Not an unreasonable suggestion. I had the option of sending my info to my doctor or not. I chose "not."

(unfortunately the assessment was useless. It asked "have you ever had....." and if you said yes, the assessment would say "since you have......" and give you advice for the very thing you've been over for a decade or two lol. not much help there.)

 

[10-96]

Seems I saw a post very similar to this a number of years ago either at TFL, Police1, or some place. In the 9 yrs I've been in the VA system- I have never seen/heard of such a line of questioning. In fact, I am the Administrator for the Amarillo VA's Project ChildSafe. We give out free gunlocks and safety fliers from the National Shooting Sports Foundation- no questions, nothing to sign, no paperwork. It's a nationally sponsored program in use throughout the entire VA network of VISN's.

Yes, I've heard just about all the comments one could think of about "We don't need no stinkin gunlocks!, etc" However, it's been a great tool to show folks that firearm ownership can be just as safe, fun, and enjoyable as any other sport/hobby. I've spoken to qute a few who say something like: "My kids/grandkids want a firearm, but we don't know anything about it" Or, "We just never knew it could be safe." Just because we wear a big old scary "Government" label- doesn't mean it's all bad. There are still little glimmers of common sense left.

 

[whalerman]

Thes gun questoins are becoming more and more common all the time.I'm guessing it's coming from the feds, who are doing studings about possible connections between guns and vilolenc. They usually approach younger people who then can scam with the lines of question to get better date.The Centers for Disease Control cook the resulst and use them to lobby for more gun laws. Government financed hocum.

 

[Tim the student]

I've never been asked that at any VA hospital or clinic. I was just seen about a month ago too.

Both my closest hospital and clinic are in good parts of town, FYI. I have nothing but good things to say about my treatment too.

 

[duck911]

Very interesting thread...

VA (good or bad), politics, evil gun grabbing Democrats, and inappropriate questioning aside:

I sincerely hope that all veterans, those reading this thread or otherwise, know that there are folks out there like me who truly appreciate your sacrifice. Past, present, or future, you should not have to hide the truth or feel questioned, simply to exercise the constitutional right that you actually helped to protect. I know that during this current administration it's a Utopian thought, but I do hope you all can achieve piece, and feel the appreciation that many of us have for the job you've performed.

--Duck911