A second chance at a first impression
A Vietnam Veteran with a distinguished combat record went to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 1978 to document his exposure to Agent Orange and treat the health conditions he believes are connected to his service in Vietnam.
Army Veteran, Larry Liss, logged 650 combat missions as a helicopter pilot during his 7-year career. He was in five crashes, received three Purple Hearts, and was presented the Silver Star for his actions in Cau Song Be.
“Every time I flew into a defoliated area the cargo bays were open. All that stuff flies around. So, how in 650 missions could I not be constantly exposed?” Liss’ repeated attempts to document his toxic exposures with the VA left him frustrated. “I was tired of talking to people and them saying, no, we can't help you.”
Lasting first impressions
That first impression of the VA was so powerful that he would avoid going back for decades, but he did eventually return.
A close friend and fellow Veteran could see Liss would benefit from VA health care and hounded him for years to enroll with no success.
Most recently, Liss witnessed the outstanding care his brother received from the VA. He said he was awed by the fact that his brother hadn’t paid any out-of-pocket expenses for his cancer treatment.” Still, he would not apply for VA health care and stuck with the private sector.
PACT Act
The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics or PACT Act of 2022 is a law that expanded VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
“The only reason I applied was because of the PACT Act. I was tired of talking to people [in the private sector] and them saying no I can’t help you.”
The PACT Act provides generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned.
Vietnam Veterans, who served in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 1975 can enroll in VA health care now.
Veterans previously denied a toxic-exposure related claim are encouraged to file a supplemental claim.
A second chance
Weary over fighting the doubt about the level of pain he experiences in the private health care sector because of the opioids it requires and the lack of empathy they showed when there were gaps in the prescription supply chain, Liss applied for care through VA for both his physical condition and toxic exposure during his service.
Building new relationships took effort and patience. Because Liss knew his medical history better than anyone, he realized he would have to advocate for himself. As he met each member of his new care team, he ensured they were familiar with his medical records.
He would tell them, “Before you talk to me, would you look at the MRIs? Especially the disks, and have it read by somebody who understands the structure.”
A new first impression
The initial appointment with the pain management office at Coatesville VA was the turning point for Liss.
“He was great. He looked at my DD Form 214 and it meant something to him.” It was the first time Liss talked to somebody that understood what he was going through. “I could see right away that he was thinking ‘How do I help this guy?’” Liss explained, the feeling of being understood meant something.
He now has an approved disability rating and a good relationship with his primary care team, the pain management office and the pharmacy.
The initial toxic exposure claim was denied but Liss knows what he experienced during his time in service, and as part of the process plans to file an appeal.
Meanwhile, the care he has received so far provides a level of relief he thought he may never experience, which he attributes to a procedure he was offered. The by-mail prescription delivery was a little late the first couple of times. He spoke with the pharmacist and everything is now on schedule.
Advocating for VA care
“I had good doctors. Really good doctors” in the private sector said Liss, but later explained, “I am much more comfortable here,” at Coatesville VA.
When Liss speaks to Veterans he encourages them to give VA a chance, possibly a second chance.
He tells them, “Sign up for the VA. I don’t care if you don’t think you’ll need it tomorrow, trust me you will need it. Somewhere along the line, you will say, ‘I want to talk to someone who understands me.’”
For more information visit VA's PACT Act and your VA benefits webpage.