I dealt with the VA for many years with my late husband. he died from liver disease. part drinking, probably mostly the drinking, but he also took alot of medication the VA prescribed for him which of course does liver damage. how far do you live from the nearest VA? if it is over a certain distance you can see an outside dr. I would take that friends advise. It isn't that the VA is overwhelmed hon. They just don't care much. If you do happen to find a good one they transfer them out. please try to find him some good drs that care.