The VA screwed up my meds by sending them to a non existent address. So I had to go to the local ER to get them. (I'm not sure who would even ask for psych meds that aren't tranquilizers but apparently they're controlled just like opiates...) At any rate. Same story, I called first and they told me that's what I had to do. So I got a rideshare to the hospital because I was also having a really bad day. The local ER was really great. But the VA then sent me a bill. I called their number and they said I was supposed to drive myself 2 hours to the nearest VA hospital. I told them that would have been the worst choice I could have made and they could either pay for it or explain to Congress why I'm paying for their malfunction. And you know what? Somehow, some way it worked. They took it back and I never had to pay it.

But then they got me back on an ambulance ride years later, (after they swore to Congress they'd start paying for ambulance rides).

At any rate, I just wanted to let you know you're not alone. Get what you can from the VA but never let them get you.