Vietnam War veteran Jim Lowry, from Lehigh Acres, FL,
suffered a heart attack and had a stent implanted in his heart that could increase his risk of developing blood clots. To minimize this risk, his
doctor put him on a life-long prescription for Plavix. After years of taking the drug, Lowry’s
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care coverage notified him that he was being cut off from his prescription.
Before being told to stop the drug,
Lowry’s tests and scans of his arteries gave him a clean bill of health, so the VA gave the go-ahead to stop his Plavix prescription and continue on an aspirin dose. His last dose was taken on September 8, 2011 and barely 2 months
later he was hospitalized for a second heart attack where doctors removed a 3.5 inch blood clot from his arteries.
The VA released a statement to the media citing that there’s controversy over the long-term effects of Plavix use, which is why many
disabled veterans on the medication are being re-evaluated to see if it’s their only option.
Lawry disagrees with their answer, saying he was on the drug for years without side effects, and believes it’s a financial issue. A 30-day supply of Plavix costs $200, but the VA says their decision isn’t financially-based as the drug is still on their list of covered medications.
Many disabled veterans rely on medications to manage and treat their conditions, but they aren’t always affordable or available without help from the VA health care system.
Veterans’ disability benefits can give disabled veterans access to prescription drug benefits and treatment options if they qualify for a disability rating.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits
contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
Category: Veterans' Disability
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Soldiers can return home with a number of conditions, injuries, and aggravated preexisting conditions. If you believe you have a service-connected physical or psychological injury you may be entitled to Veterans’ Disability Compensation.