One of the biggest and simplest problems that Veterans experience using the Veterans Administration for their healthcare is that Veterans CANNOT use local pharmacies to fill their prescriptions.

They must go to a VA pharmacy, or wait for their medications to arrive by mail, which can take up to 10 days (a direct quote from the VA mail-order medication refill system).

Many Veterans do not live within a reasonable driving distance of a VA pharmacy, and delays in the mail system can lead to Veterans going without medications, thus making it harder for them to take care of their health.

This is especially important for Veterans with mental health conditions, as psychiatric medications NEED to be maintained constantly without interruption, or else withdrawal symptoms can aggravate Service-Connected Disabilities as well as cause problems with work, family, and personal life. 

The Veterans Administration should, as soon as possible, enable Veterans to fill their prescriptions at a local pharmacy of their choice, whether they live close to a VA pharmacy or not.