Veteran killed himself in Northport VA parking lot

[MossbergMan]

Very sad...

NORTHPORT - The suicide of an Islip veteran in the parking lot of the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center has prompted an FBI investigation.

Suffolk police say Peter Kaisen, 76, killed himself Sunday afternoon.

The New York Times is reporting that sources at the Northport VA say Kaisen had gone to the hospital's emergency room seeking treatment for depression, but was turned away.

The Times reported that its sources said ER personnel did not direct Kaisen to the hospital's 24/7 mental health center nearby.

The Northport VA has said is saddened by Kaisen's death, but that it has no record of him seeking treatment at the emergency room.

"We are committed to addressing the needs of all veterans who are in crisis, and want veterans and their loved ones to know we stand ready to help whenever possible," the hospital said in a statement to News 12 Long Island.

The FBI is investigating the death because it happened on federal property. So far, officials say they have not found anything criminal.

http://longisland.news12.com/news/police-veteran-killed-himself-in-northport-va-parking-lot-1.12222634

[Karpteach]

It's a shame that all veterans cannot get what they deserve. Rest in Peace brother.

[LazyLab]

It's disgusting how our Veterans get treated. RIP

[pandm]

Horrible news.
If it's a fact that he was turned away heads should roll on this.
Go easy brother. Rest in peace.

[VietVet]

I actually had something similar happen to me.
Had a pain in my right side turned out to be a pulled muscle. Went to the ER @ Northport VA.
Doctor did treat me but NOT until SHE gave me a lecture about how I "didn't belong there".
I asked her if she was a Veteran. "No" she said. I then "explained" to her that since she wasn't a Veteran SHE DIDN'T BELONG THERE!

I will say I've been going to that VA HOSP for many years and until recently never had a problem. Was always very satisfied with the care I received. I think with the recent surge of Vets returning from the Middle East they are starting to get overwhelmed.

BUT....they better get it together. No excuses for letting our Vets be treated this way.

[sheeple]

"The New York Times is reporting that sources at the Northport VA say Kaisen had gone to the hospital's emergency room seeking treatment for depression, but was turned away."

Gee...

[Pitbull428]

Thank you for your services to our nation Sir When we, as a nation, needed you most , you answered the call to defend us. How shameful that when you needed your nation to help you in your darkest hours, we failed you. Very very sad, I hope you are speedily delivered to the peace and serenity you have earned . My condolences to your family and friends

[BillyBonds]

I've been trying to get enrolled for a couple of years with no luck based on income. Why I didnt enroll when I got out of the service is beyond me, and the most expensive bonehead mistake of my life. I just never thought of collecting my benefits until I got a VA loan for my new house....16 years after I got out. Dealing with the administrators is like going to the DMV, except they are all nasty and go out of their way to try not to help you. They dont give a fuck about veterans, or anyone for that matter. Just another corrupt and inept govt service. Being a veteran should be a pre-requisite for employment at the VA. And actually, we would be better off junking the entire VA medical system and just have the VA pay for the private health insurance of veterans, I bet it would be cheaper.

[VietVet]

In their defense as I said above I've been getting health care through th VA since returning from Nam. That's many years.
With the exception of one or two incidents I have no complaints but I've been in the system so long I know how it works and how to work it.
My biggest complaint now is every time I go they send me for so many tests.
I'm sure if anyone was seeing any DR for that length of time they too would be able to tell of "one or two incidents".
I get good care at Northport and I've never paid a penny. Even had emergency surgery there once.
I guess it comes down to knowing how to handle the system/situation.

[Karpteach]

I've been trying to get enrolled for a couple of years with no luck based on income. Why I didnt enroll when I got out of the service is beyond me, and the most expensive bonehead mistake of my life. I just never thought of collecting my benefits until I got a VA loan for my new house....16 years after I got out. Dealing with the administrators is like going to the DMV, except they are all nasty and go out of their way to try not to help you. They dont give a fuck about veterans, or anyone for that matter. Just another corrupt and inept govt service. Being a veteran should be a pre-requisite for employment at the VA. And actually, we would be better off junking the entire VA medical system and just have the VA pay for the private health insurance of veterans, I bet it would be cheaper.

I'm in the same boat!!! The VA called me after they saw that I had bought my house. The rate was better and I signed on. The girl on the phone said I should get my VA benefits for Dr's. I went to the Northport VA and was told that you make to much money for benefits. Those MFUGGERS wouldn't even issue me a card saying that I was a veteran.

[pandm]

I've been trying to get enrolled for a couple of years with no luck based on income. Why I didnt enroll when I got out of the service is beyond me, and the most expensive bonehead mistake of my life. I just never thought of collecting my benefits until I got a VA loan for my new house....16 years after I got out. Dealing with the administrators is like going to the DMV, except they are all nasty and go out of their way to try not to help you. They dont give a fuck about veterans, or anyone for that matter. Just another corrupt and inept govt service. Being a veteran should be a pre-requisite for employment at the VA. And actually, we would be better off junking the entire VA medical system and just have the VA pay for the private health insurance of veterans, I bet it would be cheaper.

I feel you Billy.
I went once when I got out and never followed up.
Bonehead move describes it perfectly.

As far as the nasty, nasty process, reach out to Huntington Guy and I'm pretty sure he can at least point you (or others) in the right direction.
He's got peeps that can help.

[Airbrush art]

I've been to the VA at Northport, can't stand them, too many chinese treating veterans, I give the VA a BIG FU!

[CommackBoy]

What a shame. My wife works there. The shit that is going on there is insane. If feds knew, or cared, half of the staff would get arrested.

[MossbergMan]

What a shame. My wife works there. The shit that is going on there is insane. If feds knew, or cared, half of the staff would get arrested.

Call it in. Who cares if they lose their jobs..

The VA should provide nothing short of Tier I care and should not be turning down any veterans IMO.

[VietVet]

Call it in. Who cares if they lose their jobs..

The VA should provide nothing short of Tier I care and should not be turning down any veterans IMO.

That's exactly what I said to myself when I read that post. If she knows somethings going on and doesn't speak up isn't that just as bad?
Not being disrespectful to your wife and no offense meant but why stay silent.