Below is the letter I have sent to John Cornyn cncerning my dh's medical isues with the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center and Wichita Falls VA clinics reply to his request for portable oxygen:
My husband is a Vietnam Veteran! He gave not the ultimate sacrifice in this war because those who gave the ultimate sacrifice came home in a coffin. He was awarded the Silver Star from his gallantry actions of May 18, 1968. Yes, that is 42 years ago. Resulting from his Service in Vietnam he has numerous Service Connected medical issues. He no longer is a member of the working class in society. He is 100% P&T medical problems that are Service Connected.
My husband, Richard Turcotte, desires to go to attend his Family Reunion in Moses Lake, Washington this upcoming July. However, he is on oxygen due to his Service Connection medical issues. . We have been attempting to be allowed a portable oxygen concentrator from the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center so he can make this trip. I was told at the local VA in Wichita Falls and along with the Home Based Oxygen Department of the Oklahoma City Medical Center that he would have to sacrifice this trip for his medical needs. WHAT? Did he not make a sacrifice in 1968 and 1969? He signed up, fullfilled his military obligation with never a fleeting thought of fleeing to Canada or anywhere else. He should not have to sacrifice any more. I was told the Oklahoma VA would not authorize portable oxygen units. They would authorize home concentrators and oxygen cylinders. Oxygen Cylinders are not allowed on Airplanes. So therefore, since cylinders are not allowed on airplanes if he cannot travel by car he must sacrifice his trip. I found this answer to be horrid! Again I ask has he not sacrificed enough.
My husband with a portable oxygen concentrator is fully capable of making this trip via air transportation, if we make the trip by car we will be multiple carrying oxygen cylinders across country in a vehicle. With his wheel chair in the rear of the vehicle, oxygen cylinders in the back seat where will we put luggage? Should he be expected to sacrifice the danger of carrying oxygen cylinders transported in his vehicle for a cross country trip? Can we not all see the danger in this?
Although my husband has many health issues that are Service Connected is he not allowed to have as active of a life as one he possibly can? Is he expected to spend the remainder of his days sitting solely in a recliner in his home because of his need of oxygen? Depression is a major issue with our Veterans from all our Wars. Isolation plays a huge role in depression. If they have to sacrifice because of these Service Connected Medical issues not be allowed the luxury of everyday life because they are in need of oxygen then this isolation can and will lead to depression. Is this the way we can expect a highly decorated Veteran to be treated?
I asked what was to happen if during my husbands travel his health was to take a spiral fall resulting in is being admitted to a VA Medical Center during our travels. Because he did not have access to his oxygen medical problems could arise. I would have no alternative but to fly back home securing my job while he could possibly be left along the route somewhere in transit. If upon release he was instructed to have oxygen available how then world he be able to fly home since the Airlines would not accept him as a passenger with oxygen in a cylinder? She stated we should sacrifice our trip! I said he has sacrificed enough. Then she stated the VA there where he possibly was hospitalized would address that issue. Why can it not be addressed now? My husband, Richard Turcotte was given a prescription from the Wichita Falls VA clinic on May 18, 2011 so he could purchase his own unit. Financially, we are unable to do so. They gave us a prescription but are unable to provide it for us. When he became 100% P&T it stated they will take care of his entire medical. Has he been sacrificed?
Just this evening I was speaking to a combat Spouses group I frequent on Wednesday nights. I was sharing how horrible my day was over this issue. Lo and behold one of the ladies shared with me her husbands friend who was a Veteran himself was provided from the White River VA in Vermont with a portable oxygen concentrator that was FAA approved so he could visit his Son. Not only did he use it on several trips when he flew to see his Son but his quality of life had begun to change for the better because he was able to keep the unit he was now moving out and about in the community attending local functions. I ask does my husband deserve not this same opportunity.
Not only in the case of being able to fly with a portable unit it would make him much self sufficient in that he is not physically able to unload cylinders that are large enough for him to enjoy activities outside the home. He is in a scooter because of his Service Connected Medical Issues. There is a huge difference between carry a 5 pound portable unit and something that is bulky and weights much more. He can place a portable concentrator in his Scooter basket while a cylinder must be taken from the back seat of the car places in a holder his Scooter is NOT equipped with. This is injury waiting to happen. So is he expected to sacrifice a quality of life because he fulfilled his Military obligation? Why should he sacrifice anymore? He sacrificed his health for this great Country of ours.
I sincerely would appreciate your Office and staff in looking into this matter. Does he have to continue to sacrifice when he has already sacrificed his health while serving this Country? Please feel free to contact me personally concerning this issue. I will awaiting any answer you can give to these request.





