A Veteran’s Second Chance: Lifesaving Heart Care at the VA

His experience underscores the importance of seeking care early and the life‑changing impact of VA’s specialized cardiology services.

For years, U.S. Army Veteran Richard Boda brushed off the growing fatigue, shortness of breath, and aching in his arms. He figured it was simply part of getting older—and like many Veterans, he wasn’t eager to visit a doctor. It wasn’t until his wife encouraged him to seek medical attention that he finally agreed. That decision changed—and likely saved—his life.

Dr. Claire Duvernoy, CARDIO-VET Network Cardiologist at the Aleda E. Lutz VAMC, Saginaw, MI, stated “I first saw Richard in December 2025, and he was having pretty classic angina so I referred him for a heart catheterization at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center (AAVA). The results confirmed severe three-vessel coronary artery disease.” Dr. Duvernoy consulted with Dr. Barry Deatrick, cardiac surgeon, from AAVA who reviewed Richard’s history. Together, they evaluated every possible option and mapped out the safest surgical approach and he was immediately set up for a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery.

Every day after surgery, Richard’s doctors stopped by to check on him, explain what they had done, and walk him through each stage of his recovery. Their steady communication and genuine compassion helped calm the fear he felt early on. “It turned out to be a great experience, even though I was scared at first,” he shared. “The doctors and medical staff took such good care of me. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

The support continued even after he returned home. “They checked in the very day I was discharged,” he said. “I can’t speak highly enough about them—their care was 100% outstanding.”

Today, Richard is doing well and working hard on his recovery. He participates in physical therapy, completes weekly telehealth check‑ins, tracks his meals and exercise, and performs daily cardiac rehabilitation routines. He jokes about not liking hospitals, but he takes his health much more seriously now. “I want to be here for my grandbabies,” he said.

He has made significant progress. The shortness of breath has eased, his aching arms have improved, and he reports having more energy. Richard remains committed to “stayin’ the course” so he can eventually return to his work as a commercial fisherman. His recovery may take months—or even up to a year—but he is determined.

“I was always healthy. They said my lungs looked like a 16‑year‑old’s, but my heart was not good,” he said. “I’m just grateful they caught it. I’m grateful for what I have right now.”

An important message for other Veterans, especially those in rural areas:

“CARDIO‑VET is an enterprise‑wide initiative in partnership with the VA Office of Rural Health focused on providing high‑quality cardiology care to rural Veterans, leveraging a hub & spoke model.”

Richard’s story is a powerful reminder: listen to your body, take symptoms seriously, and never hesitate to seek care. He hopes his experience encourages other Veterans to get checked out sooner rather than later.

Author: Tara L. Scheuer, Public Affairs Officer

Army Veteran

Mrs. Tara L. Scheuer has served in the Office of Public Affairs at the VA Saginaw Healthcare System since 2018, following her initial role as a Physical Therapist Assistant, which she began in 2015. A proud Veteran, she served nine years in the Michigan Army National Guard as a combat medic, including overseas deployment during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Passionate about serving fellow Veterans, Mrs. Scheuer is dedicated to clear, timely communication and ensuring Veterans remain informed about the latest news, services, and developments at the VA.