Getting the VA to pay

[Robert66]

Well injections are fading so could be implant time ... used edex last year tri mix pills all faded. Any vets willing to explain how to get the va to implant? ED service connected 15 years already step 1...2...3.???

[Lost Sheep]

I finally revealed to my primary care physician (PCP) that I had trouble maintaining an erection, he prescribed oral medication, which were effective for a number of years.
When they began to lose effectiveness (each in turn, Sildenafil/Viagra, Tadalafil and the other one) I started researching extensively. By the time the last medication was waning, I had amassed a body of knowledge that my PCP remarked, "You know more about ED than I do." I relate that because I want to emphasize the point that getting your PCP on board is very important.

I was able to skip over using VED, suppositories and injections. My PCP suggested that I would qualify for a penile implant (which was a bit of a surprise to me). So, my answer was a foregone conclusion. After I picked myself up off the floor, I said, "OK" in an extravagance of understatement.

Then began my journey to find a surgeon I would trust to do the job.

So, in answer to your question, "Get the trust and confidence of your primary care physician. Get him or her to trust your judgment and veracity. Get your medical care team to consider you an integral and equal part of your medical care team."

I went so far as to see two, local surgeons, fly to the Washington State VA and interview a surgeon there and enroll in the Maryland VA (to gain access to Dr Kramer). In my efforts to pave the way to Maryland's VA system, I told a Nurse in the Travel Office my details (I told everyone I talked to, what I was doing). She was not helpful (even discouraging) at first, but a few months later, called me and informed me that a surgeon who had actually taught the procedure had recently been assigned to the local Base Hospital and asked if I would be willing to consider him. I jumped at the chance and got an implant shortly thereafter.

My point in that story is to say, Thank everyone by name at the ending of every contact and remember their names if/when you talk to them again. People love to be remembered. Thank even if they have not been helpful; they gave you their time and heard your story. And they may remember you and help you in the future.

If they have been helpful, write a thank-you note to the VA Commander, or at least the person's supervisor.

Be kind. Be grateful. Be patient with them; they serve as well as we did. Be remembered as worthy of their help.

Some VA's are more friendly towards implants than others. It is possible to enroll in other state's VA systems, but the bureaucratic hurdles can be problematic.

[oldbeek]

I finally revealed to my primary care physician (PCP) that I had trouble maintaining an erection, he prescribed oral medication, which were effective for a number of years.
When they began to lose effectiveness (each in turn, Sildenafil/Viagra, Tadalafil and the other one) I started researching extensively. By the time the last medication was waning, I had amassed a body of knowledge that my PCP remarked, "You know more about ED than I do." I relate that because I want to emphasize the point that getting your PCP on board is very important.

I was able to skip over using VED, suppositories and injections. My PCP suggested that I would qualify for a penile implant (which was a bit of a surprise to me). So, my answer was a foregone conclusion. After I picked myself up off the floor, I said, "OK" in an extravagance of understatement.

Then began my journey to find a surgeon I would trust to do the job.

So, in answer to your question, "Get the trust and confidence of your primary care physician. Get him or her to trust your judgment and veracity. Get your medical care team to consider you an integral and equal part of your medical care team."

I went so far as to see two, local surgeons, fly to the Washington State VA and interview a surgeon there and enroll in the Maryland VA (to gain access to Dr Kramer). In my efforts to pave the way to Maryland's VA system, I told a Nurse in the Travel Office my details (I told everyone I talked to, what I was doing). She was not helpful (even discouraging) at first, but a few months later, called me and informed me that a surgeon who had actually taught the procedure had recently been assigned to the local Base Hospital and asked if I would be willing to consider him. I jumped at the chance and got an implant shortly thereafter.

My point in that story is to say, Thank everyone by name at the ending of every contact and remember their names if/when you talk to them again. People love to be remembered. Thank even if they have not been helpful; they gave you their time and heard your story. And they may remember you and help you in the future.

If they have been helpful, write a thank-you note to the VA Commander, or at least the person's supervisor.

Be kind. Be grateful. Be patient with them; they serve as well as we did. Be remembered as worthy of their help.

Some VA's are more friendly towards implants than others. It is possible to enroll in other state's VA systems, but the bureaucratic hurdles can be problematic.

Lost,, Great points you made and thank you for your service