80-year-old veteran breaks back, left waiting for treatment by Topeka VA

TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – An 80-year-old navy veteran who broke his back is getting some answers after days of waiting for treatment from the Topeka VA.

Colin Macdonald said he was taking down a shelf in his bathroom Sunday night, when he fell and landed with his back square on the side of the bathtub. A local emergency room diagnosed him with four broken vertebrae. He said they asked him to get a referral approved by the VA for him to see a spine specialist.

He told 27 News when he called to get help, he was left waiting in pain.

“Told them I was home here with four fractured discs,” Macdonald said. “I was sent from one person to another, from another person to another. And I don’t know why it has to take that long.”

Macdonald’s daughter told 27 News Thursday they’ve since found out her dad will not need surgery, but they’re still struggling to get the pain medicine he needs after going back-and-forth with VA hospital personnel over the phone.

KSNT 27 News has talked to a spokesman from the VA hospital twice over the phone since Wednesday. He said they cannot share patient specific information, but will have information to share Friday.

Macdonald was in the Navy’s 161st Fighter Squadron. He said he served on the NAS Miramar, U.S.S Oriskany and U.S.S. Constellation. His service ranged from supporting the legal department as a typist to working with explosive ordinance.

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