Veteran receives lifesaving heart care through VA

Army Veteran Richard Boda spent years ignoring the warning signs his body was sending him. The growing fatigue, shortness of breath, and aching arms seemed like normal parts of aging, and like many veterans, he avoided seeking medical attention. When his wife finally convinced him to see a doctor in December 2024, that decision likely saved his life. Dr. Claire Duvernoy, a CARDIO-VET Network cardiologist at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan, diagnosed him with severe three-vessel coronary artery disease and immediately referred him for coronary artery bypass graft surgery at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center.

The CARDIO-VET program represents an important expansion of specialized cardiac care for veterans who might otherwise struggle to access it. This enterprise-wide initiative operates in partnership with the VA Office of Rural Health and uses a hub-and-spoke model to deliver high-quality cardiology services to veterans living in rural areas. Under this approach, local VA facilities connect with larger medical centers that have specialized cardiac surgery capabilities, ensuring veterans receive expert care without traveling excessive distances or facing delays that could prove fatal.

Boda's case demonstrates how the program works in practice. Dr. Duvernoy consulted with Dr. Barry Deatrick, a cardiac surgeon at Ann Arbor, to review Boda's medical history and evaluate every possible treatment option. Together, they mapped out the safest surgical approach and coordinated his care between facilities. The collaboration between local and specialized providers meant Boda received both the diagnostic expertise close to home and the advanced surgical intervention he needed at a regional hub.

The quality of care extended well beyond the operating room. Boda's doctors visited him daily after surgery to explain the procedure and guide him through each recovery stage, and staff checked on him the same day he was discharged. He now participates in physical therapy, completes weekly telehealth check-ins, tracks his meals, and follows daily cardiac rehabilitation routines. His symptoms have improved significantly, with reduced shortness of breath, less arm pain, and increased energy. Though his full recovery may take up to a year before he can return to work as a commercial fisherman, he remains committed to the process so he can be there for his grandchildren.

For disabled veterans, particularly those with service-connected conditions that increase cardiovascular risk, this story underscores the importance of not delaying cardiac symptoms. Many veterans live in rural areas where specialized care feels out of reach, but programs like CARDIO-VET are specifically designed to bridge that gap. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death among veterans, and early intervention can mean the difference between a treatable condition and a fatal event.

Veterans experiencing chest pain, unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, or arm discomfort should contact their VA primary care provider immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen. Those enrolled in VA health care can ask about cardiology services available through their local facility and whether CARDIO-VET network resources are accessible in their region. Veterans not currently enrolled should consider doing so, especially if they have service-connected disabilities or other risk factors for heart disease. As Boda's experience shows, the VA's integrated care model can coordinate complex treatment across multiple facilities, and taking that first step to seek help can be lifesaving.