Togus Va Medical Center

Great concern about helping me locate this marker. Truly awesome experience.

Everyone is so helpful and they treat you with respect. Love it here

The reason why my review shows 4 stars is only because of KEVIN LEAVITT! The compassion he had towards my husband was immeasurable. I find it very disheartening that your country wants you to serve and protect but when it's all said in done they could careless about the Veteran or their wellbeing. Hopefully things will improve there. Thank you Kevin.

I ended up at Togus for a couple of reasons and then got an infection that increased my stay by six more weeks. The staff was wonderful and professional. I’ve since had to deal with another VA in Virginia. Togus shines above them (in Virginia the VA is huge and doesn’t have the same atmosphere. I am truly grateful.

The VA overall is a good institution. I wouldn’t recommend a Compensation and Pension exam at Togus. If you can get it transferred to the Jamaica Plains VA in Boston, MA, it would benefit your outcome.
If you live in Maine, and Togus is not where your primary care is located, make sure you bring your medical records with you. Up until 2013 Togus did not have access to my records in the Caribou VA clinic. There is nothing worse than having a doctor in the dark for why you traveled six hours in one direction. You also rate being put up for the night if you live too far away- ask for information on that.
The hospital is a super old group of buildings, and are under renovation. Make sure you get directions to where you are going. You might need to walk a long ways- snag a wheelchair if you aren’t good on your feet. This also is necessary if you go to eat food at the mess hall. It’s a long walk at times. The parking is limited. Plan to be early. You might have to walk.
The hospital seemed professional enough. Because it is the only one in Maine, you will need to be prepared to be triaged- or another way of putting it is that if someone needs an appointment more than you, you will need to wait. This fact makes veterans frustrated and angry. You will probably hear someone voicing their not so happy opinion. The staff want to help. Many people come down to Massachusetts because of this. You can get a ride on a shuttle bus down. They might need to house you down there. Ask. You can receive travel pay if you drive yourself down. Don’t forget to electronically check in to your appointments.
If you have any problems and feel your needs were not understood or met, at every hospital there is a patient advocate available. They are very nice, and should help you get your issue resolved. You are there because you or your family member served. You are your best representative. Be polite and remember they are human.