Media expands coverage of VA denials of chiropractic care

News 3 (WTKR, Hampton Roads) continues to help the Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association (UVCA) bring awareness to veterans’ outrage at the Hampton Veterans Administration’s denial of their chiropractic care and has pressed lawmakers to look into the issue.

On June 10, notes a UVCA press release, WTKR reported on local veterans who are furious that their chiropractic care has been cut off by the Hampton Roads Veterans Administration (VA), with denials dating back to October of last year. It featured interviews with UVCA President Michelle Rose, DC, and several of her VA patients, who explained that the only thing that truly helps their chronic pain is being treated by their DC.

One of the veterans, Rachel Yurko, explained that instead of chiropractic and massage therapy from a DC, she has visited another provider and been prescribed muscle relaxers and Tramadol, a schedule IV opioid.

“I’m thinking, why are you giving me all of this that I don’t want instead of giving me an alternative option?” said Yurko.

View the full video story and article at wtkr.com/investigations/local-veterans-furious-chiropractic-care-cut-off-by-hampton-va.

Legislators get involved

On June 21, the media outlet released reporter Margaret Kavanagh’s report, “Congresswoman Kiggans responds to veteran complaints regarding chiropractic care denials.” Kavanagh asked Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia, who serves on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and is the chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, what she is doing about the issue. Kiggans met personally with the VA to try to determine what the holdup was for the veterans, and says when it comes to chiropractic care, medical professionals need to listen to patients.

“If that’s their preferred pain treatment, then we need to work our hardest to make sure that that’s the pain treatment that they’re getting,” said Kiggans.

On June 25, WTKR published a second follow-up story, “Senator Kaine looking into veterans not getting chiropractic care,” in which Kavanagh interviewed Sen. Tim Kaine. Although he cannot comment specifically on the case until he meets with leaders of the VA, he indicated his support.

“Taking away pain management modalities that really work for some veterans…that’s not the solution, we should be doing more, not less,” said Sen. Kaine.

The UVCA, led by Rose, continues its efforts to recover and increase safe and effective chiropractic care for veterans. The UVCA thanks the WTKR investigative team for its coverage.