What kind of healthcare do you have? Are you dependent on VA only? If it's a non-VA HMO, what about changing to a new primary care doc (sometimes you can find new young doctors whose schedules are not totally booked). Once I had a PPO plan that let me go to specialists without a referral; if you had that, you could try a bunch of them until you find one that can see you fast. If you only have VA, unfortunately, sometimes you have to pay out of pocket in emergencies. My spouse has to do that frequently to get the care he needs and he has some benefits. I served on active duty more than 6 years but they say I don't qualify for anything. I hate pain. Good luck and hang on!
Myst