Pete *********

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March 22, 2011

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Director
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
St. Petersburg Florida Regional Office
9500 Bay Pines Blvd
St Petersburg, FL 33708

Re; Improper Behavior towards a Disabled Veteran

Dear Mr. Weaver,

In my previous letter I indicated that;

“I have complained to and about the Viera Clinic in Viera, Florida for at least six
years, almost completely ignoring complaints, or riposte with excuse. I don’t have
any confidence in that facility.”

I have just returned home from being “escorted” out of the VA facility in Viera, FL
under the direction of; Camellia Ann Westwell; Psychologist Lic# PY6451. The same
facility that was; Designed, Built and Staffed to Help Veterans with Combat Stress
related Disorders.

I went to this appointment expecting to “participate”; I thought this “interview”

would be a forum to discuss why I felt that I deserved approval of my disability
increase and arrived on my “best behavior” with hope that I would have an
opportunity to discuss the Process, ask questions and get answers.

There was motive, for Ms. Westwell to be irritated with me;

I wrote to your office for help moving the Date of this meeting up, and that caused a
schedule shift and created a negative attitude before I arrived?

Ms. Westwell made noticeable facial expressions when my answers did not
“conform” to what she wanted to hear. In my opinion, they were meant to be
noticed and evoke a negative “response” from me. If I cannot give my answer, why
ask me the question?

This continued for no more than a half dozen questions, before her attitude
appeared to change to irritation, interrupting each question to try and “alter” my
answers.

I then asked if she was “Uncomfortable” with me. She replied “Yes” I did not believe
she was being truthful; she appeared to be a lady that enjoyed being in charge too
much.
I wanted desperately to complete this interview; I promised her, and gave her my
word of Honor, I would “NOT move from this chair until instructed to do so.”
At that time I inform Ms. Westwell that; I was in pain; I forget to put my hearing aids
in and she should not judge my looks, I was harmless. Her next response was when
I knew I was being “Setup”;
Ms. Westwell declared that “you can stop this at any time; you don’t need this for
the VA to make a decision. Would you like to end this?”
That’s when I understood, Ms. Westwell, as a Professional; knows exactly how to
push buttons beyond the one under her desk.
She would stare at me blankly when I would ask a question. Or respond with “You
can ‘end this’ any time.”
I was told I would NOT be afforded the opportunity to ask questions and would NOT
receive any “feedback” from her; unless I request her report through the FOI Act.
I continued to ask Ms. Westwell several times if she would like me to leave, her
response all times was; “not unless you want to ‘end this’” or “you can leave if you
want to”
I found the repeated response suspicious and informed her that I did not want to
“end this”

Ms. Westwell made a very noticeable move forward and pressed the “Security”
button under her desk, then sat back and smiled.
Since this was obviously meant for me to see, I was flabbergasted asking her why
she just didn’t ask me to leave. I asked if she wanted me to leave; she replied “Not
unless you want to” I figured she already pushed the button, no matter what I do
I’m screwed.
Nothing more to say, we sat back and stared at each other ‘til the posse come.

I’m not sure whether to feel “impressed” with me for having that ability on a PTSD
Professional
or feeling very un-impressed with the person that pushed the button, without asking
me to leave first.

The door opened and there were at least a dozen members of Security and Staff
standing there.
That’s when being treated with Respect and Dignity went right out the window. I
would like to thank the Clinic “Task Force” for thinking a 160 pound man, over 60
years old, needed 12 people to “control” his voice.

Brief Note: On April 27th, 2004, Dr. P. Moraledo felt “uncomfortable” talking with
me. He asked if I would mind another HealthCare Worker to “Sit-in”; Nurse Cheryl
Brown entered the room, introduced herself and the problem was peacefully
resolved.
Dr. Moraledo is my primary Doctor today, without Nurse Brown.

Brad Bowers PA was my primary caregiver for several years; realizing the first
“hurdle” was trust.
Mr. Bowers understood my abhorrence for violence and the importance of rapport.
If Brad tells me something today, I can trust him to be truthful.

Brad Bowers PA was among the “Alert Team”

Thank God, Brad knew me. Dr. Bowers must have been assigned to “walk me out”;
I waited until, I was instructed to “Leave my Chair”; I KEPT MY WORD, with Honor.
Feeling more comfortable walking with Dr. Bowers; I explained how the lady was
wrong and I was flabbergasted that; I saw her irritation from our first words; I
watched the scenario unfold with amazement; I saw “THE GAME” unfold before my
eyes;
I saw a SECURITY GUARD arrive and wave his hand at me LIKE A DOG. “Here Boy”;

I don’t expect Dr. Bowers to admit that he agreed with me or that Westwell was in
any way wrong for calling Security.

SO, in front of my “Brothers-in-Arms”, the Staff and Security;

I was made to look like a fool and humiliated like the SHEEP we are.

If Veterans are to be treated equal, I propose the EXACT situation in reverse;

If I had a “Rights Violation” button; I would have pressed MY button FIRST.
Would the nice lady feel Humiliated being escorted out, for doing nothing wrong?

An Honorably Decorated Disabled Combat Veteran was “Played” with and “made
the Fool”,
in retaliation for contacting you.

Regardless of any action or non-action; the lady was wrong. I do solemnly swear.
Do I deny my entitlement to healthcare, because I’m embarrassed to return?

If a ‘similar’ event as what happened to me today, happens to a younger Combat

Soldier;
An ENTIRE building Designed and Staffed to help this person will have failed its
mission miserably.
And that facility may never get a second chance. Shame. That is why I must
advocate reform and demand the EQUAL rights of Veterans to be enforced.

I formally request that this complaint be recognized and placed in the file of;
Camellia Ann Westwell, Psychologist Lic# PY6451,
I intend to request the same action be taken by the Florida State Medical Board.

In my observation, Ms. Westwell became angry or irritated, I never did I witness a

look to indicate her being uncomfortable.

I strongly recommend that Ms. Westwell be suspended from any further duties with
Combat Veterans until a full investigation is conducted and a review of her ability to
be considerate with Veterans known to be suffering from PTSD. I would be remiss if
a Veteran did something drastic because of an encounter with Ms. Westwell,
without requesting a suspension of ‘one-on-one contact’ with PTSD Veterans.

Amendment: Monday 11:54am;

I just received a call from an Officer Dejesus of the Orlando VA Police. The premise
of the call appears to already have me guilty, of speaking loud because I don’t have
my Aids in and asking questions that did not conform; her information was that
based on a thirty second encounter with the Viera Clinic Guards who; as I stated,
waved me out like a dog, heard me speaking loud.
Never did Ms. Westwell explain to the guards that I forgot my hearing aids, either.
I would also like to know if a Security Guard for the VA in Orlando can access my
records; retrieve my telephone number, call me at home and question a Doctor
about our meeting without violating my HIPPA Act Rights.
Gaining access to information concerning a mental health patient without my
written permission.

Furthermore, will Ms. Westwell be guilty of violating my HIPPA Act rights if she
discusses any part of my meeting or medical condition in ANY way with a non-
authorized, non-medical personnel, which has already happened. I think my
signature is required.

Officer Dejesus had not “interviewed” Ms. Westwell, at that point, and of course
defended her right to call security. I agreed, within reasonable cause; not as a
means of retaliation. She Agreed.

Officer Dejesus did state: “I’d hate to see you before a judge for disorderly
conduct.”
THAT is what I would expect to hear from someone that presumes you are guilty of
doing something wrong.

The Officer was very congenial and professional; that still would not negate the fact;
she had NO authority to call me at home and question me over a confidential
mental health meeting with a Doctor.
Nor did she have the authority to “presume guilt” and call to lecture me on proper
behavior at the VA Clinic.

Interesting, how I can prove that the Clinic has violated the rights of Veterans;
repeatedly;
but the Clinic cannot prove I have done anything wrong at any time, except to
complain about those violations and forget my hearing aids.
But it does not matter “they” have a “cover it up” with excuses and make attacks
on any Veterans that complain system in place. Worse, not one “Co-Worker” would
“rat” on another Co-Worker.

Brad Bowers told me to “keep it [my complaints] local” I reminded him that the
“presumption” of guilt would be on me forever; that was unacceptable; I was being
retaliated upon.

I understand the time restraints of my present request for an increased disability

rating.
Am I wrong to think the two decades that I struggled with the PTSD are not even
worthy of consideration? The years my wife supported me while the VA examined
me for Dioxin Poisoning, are now irrelevant? My anxiety attacks have not “just
begun” over a few years, I have had them for decades and now I can’t offer that for
consideration?

I have asked for my disability to be increased for un-employability and/or PTSD to

100%
My primary misunderstanding is; My sole provider of Healthcare, Operations and
Medications is the VA Healthcare System. The information sought is already on
record should someone take the time to look.

Given the parameters of the 6 or 7 year restraint; all my medical attention and
medication has been with the VA Clinic in Viera, FL with the exception of telephone
counseling with the Vet Center in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

I am faced with the Idea of my “presence” evoking “negative” feelings toward me. I
only thought about it recently, after looking up the 2004 incident.
Possibly because the previous incident, had a completely different outcome.

All these years, I felt, that if you took the time gain a rapport, a bond of trust is
made and a viable Doctor Patient relationship can be established.

I’m not sure how the “process” works now.

I respectfully request the opportunity to address a full board of the VA Claims
Deciders.
My wounds drew no blood and my scars are not visible but, my disability is every bit
as real.

My request is not vindication for today or a few years back, it’s redemption of what I
have been through since 1969 over that damn War and finally being recognized for
my four decades old battle.

Rarely am I posed with; “What is the right thing to do?”

I will NOT back up one inch over the FACT that I did NOTHING wrong.
I am determined to seek and acquire an appropriate outcome for this blatantly
outrageous “comedy of events”
Ms. Westwell had two very clear options prior to “pressing a Security Button”
FACT; at NO TIME did Ms. Westwell ask me to leave! It was THAT simple.
FACT; at NO TIME did Ms. Westwell request a third party sit-in.

Being a “Professional” having a title, does not mean that person has honor nor does
it exempt them from illegal acts.

I AM, grateful to you for your immediate and decisive action upon receipt of my last
letter. You Sir have earned my respect.

I would like to give you the opportunity to investigate this matter. I would also like
to be informed and involved in the way you feel this should be resolved. I sincerely
hope you “see” beyond the faux façade of this Clinic. I would plead for the
opportunity to discuss with you about the way this facility is run.

My “Word” and my “Honor” are at stake; I may be many things but I am NOT a liar.
I almost wish I was wrong; easier to apologize, endure the consequence and move
on.
I would be pleased to talk directly to you Sir and willing to discuss an equitable
solution; I’m the guy that has to walk back into that place if I want my earned
healthcare.

I will await your reply, as soon as that is possible, please.

This letter is intended for Mr. Nevin M. Weaver or Executive Staff.

This letter is personal and confidential. I respectfully request proper treatment.

Thank you,

Peter F. Markarian