“They handed me a slip of paper saying, ‘we are going to have to have you sign this, because the VA says they’re not going to pay the bill,” he said.
Irish receives benefits through the Veterans Affairs Choice program, which allows vets to access private care amidst lengthy wait times at VA medical facilities.
Irish says Veterans’ Choice has refused to pay for other bills and this was the final straw.
“I thought it was about time the VA of New England got exposed for what it’s doing on this Choice program,” he said.
Irish threatened to remove his own sutures, in his home, live on social media. Within hours, the VA agreed to pay for the procedure.
“It’s totally disgusting that they have to threaten, beg or borrow to get medical treatment,” he said.