Hampton VA reviews chiropractic care after News 3 investigation

HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton VA announced Wednesday that it is re-examining chiropractic cases it previously denied and reviewing its practices following a News 3 investigation and pressure from Congresswoman Jen Kiggans.

News 3’s investigative team has been following this issue for months after veterans living with chronic pain told us how angry they were that the Hampton VA had cut off their chiropractic care.

Watch: Local veterans angry as Hampton VA strips them of chiropractic care

Local veterans are angry that Hampton VA is cutting off their chiropractic care

Dr. Michelle Rose, president of the Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association, said she initially tried to get answers directly from the Hampton VA starting in October 2023. She said she doesn’t understand why so many of her clients and other veterans in Hampton Roads are being denied or canceled chiropractic care.

She said she could not get a clear answer to the question why.

She then contacted legislators, including Rep. Kiggans, and met with her in February.

After months of frustration, Dr. Rose spoke to News 3 about the issue in May.

On Tuesday, Kiggans’ office sent out a public statement demanding that the Hampton VA’s CEO take appropriate action.

Watch: Rep. Kiggans calls on Hampton VA to take action on chiropractic denial

Rep. Kiggans calls on Hampton VA to take action against chiropractic denial

The statement said, in part: “Congresswoman Kiggans formally requested that Dr. Taquisa Simmons, Executive Director of the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), investigate and take appropriate action on the recent denial of treatment of over 25 patients.”

Rep. Kiggans met with Dr. Simmons and her team in April to raise concerns about access to chiropractic care for veterans at the Hampton VAMC. However, veterans still complain of being denied chiropractic care, which negatively impacts their ability to work and reduces their quality of life.

On Wednesday, Dr. Simmons made the following statement to News 3:

“The Hampton VA encourages veterans to turn to the VA for their health care, including chiropractic care. We are conducting a review of our chiropractic care practices to determine how we can improve this service for veterans. We are also reviewing all requests for chiropractic care from veterans, including those that were previously denied. The leadership of the Hampton VA is in contact with Congresswoman Kiggans and we appreciate her commitment to Virginia’s veterans and her support in providing quality health care.”

Watch: Congresswoman Kiggans responds to veterans’ complaints about denial of chiropractic care

Congresswoman Kiggans responds to veterans’ complaints about lack of chiropractic care

Dr. Rose said she is happy about the pressure Kiggans is putting on the Hampton VA and hopes it will lead to change.

She said our investigation has brought more attention and light to this issue.

“Veterinarians need people behind them who really care about them,” said Dr. Rose.

She wants more people in positions of power and leadership to care for veterans who have been injured while serving our country – especially those who now live with chronic pain and don’t get the help they deserve.