Veteran voices concerns about VA after getting other vet’s medical info by mistake

HOLLY RIDGE, NC (WWAY) — A Marine Corps veteran said he can’t take it anymore. His medical bills are piling up and he keeps getting other veterans’ personal information.

Frederick Conner and his wife Crystal said they have more than $100,000 worth of medical bills, which are supposed to be covered through the VA.

Frederick said he served more than 20 years in the Marine Corps before retiring in 2011. After retiring he had to get two knee replacements that cost about $40,000. He said he had the pre-authorization to get the surgeries. And he said he was covered. But It’s been two years.

The Conners said the VA hasn’t covered anything and it’s difficult to get anyone on the phone.

“Normally, I would wait for an hour to two hours, and then get the run around, it’s a huge battle,” said Crystal Conner.

They say now they’re battling the bill collectors as well.

“Because we are getting calls and harassed on a daily basis we had to go through and change our emails and phone numbers,” said Frederick.

While Frederick did that he found that he contacted Senator Richard Burr. The Conners heard back from the senator in this letter. It said the matter was resolved. But a month after the letter was sent, they got another medical bill showing now payments have been made.

“When you go to the senator, they tell the senator yes will take care of it but they still don’t,” said Frederick.

Frederick said another concern he has is getting other veteran’s person information in the mail by mistake.

“On nine separate occasions I have received other veterans’ medical records,” said Frederick.

He said he recently was handed another veteran’s hip x-ray records during his last visit to the Wilmington VA clinic. It had the person’s name, birthday and social security number.

“If it goes to someone who isn’t honest, how hard would it be to open up a credit card in another individual’s name,” said Frederick.

Frederick said he just wants the coverage he expects after serving his country.

“You got veterans that go out and fight for their country, go out and serve our country, and all they are asking for is to be taken care of,” said Frederick.

We reached out to the VA Tuesday afternoon, and we were told they are working on getting us a statement addressing the Conners’ claims.