For Veterans
Written for veterans, in plain language
If you served and you live with chronic disc-related or axial back pain, this page is for you. We explain what Discseel® is, what to expect, and how to reach a live person — respectfully, and without pressure.
VA Community Care
If VA authorizes your community care, we can take it from there
VA determines whether you may receive care from a provider outside a VA facility. If it authorizes that care, our coordinators handle routing, records, scheduling, and authorization tracking — so you are not hunting for a provider on your own.
VA authorizes your community care
VA determines your eligibility and authorizes your community care. We don't decide that — VA does.
We route you to a network site
Once authorized, we schedule you with the treating physician at the network site nearest you for an evaluation.
We handle the rest
Records, scheduling, authorization tracking, and billing — your coordinator manages it, and confirms what your authorization covers before anything is scheduled.
About VA community care
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determines whether a veteran is eligible to receive care from a provider outside a VA facility, and issues any authorization. We do not make that determination. VA does not endorse, sponsor, or recommend this network or the procedure, and the procedure is not represented as covered, approved, or guaranteed to be authorized. A coordinator will confirm what your authorization covers before anything is scheduled.
In plain language
What is Discseel®?
Discseel® is a non-surgical procedure that aims to seal torn spinal discs. A torn disc can leak and cause back pain. Discseel® is designed to seal that leak so the disc may heal and pain may lessen. It is not surgery, and it is not a guarantee that you will be pain-free.
The problem it addresses
Many veterans live with chronic low back pain from torn or worn spinal discs — sometimes for years, and sometimes after a prior spine surgery that did not help. Discseel® is one option that may be considered for this kind of pain.
Who may want to request an evaluation
Veterans with persistent disc-related or axial back pain who want to understand a non-surgical option. You do not need a referral to ask a question, and asking does not commit you to anything.
What happens when you call
Three steps, and none of them commit you to anything
We listen
You describe your pain, your history, and what you have already tried. The coordinator answers questions and explains how the process works.
We route you
Based on where you live and what you describe, we identify the network physician best positioned to evaluate you, and we coordinate the referral.
We handle the paperwork
Records, imaging, scheduling, and authorization tracking are managed for you. Your coordinator confirms what your authorization covers before anything is scheduled.
What happens next
After you submit an inquiry
- 1
A live coordinator calls you
Usually within one business day. A real person — not a recording — listens to your situation and answers your questions.
- 2
We may ask for records or imaging
If you choose to continue, we may ask for a recent MRI and any relevant records. If you don't have recent imaging, the coordinator can explain how to get it.
- 3
You're routed to a network site
Based on where you live and your history, we schedule you with the treating physician at a network site for an evaluation.
- 4
You attend the evaluation
The physician reviews your imaging, examines you, and talks with you honestly about whether Discseel® may be appropriate.
- 5
You decide
Nothing happens unless you choose it. There is no pressure, and no one will rush you.
Before you call
Helpful, but not required
If you do not have all of this on hand, call anyway. The coordinator can work through it with you.
- The city and state where you live, so we can find the nearest physician
- A general sense of how long you have had the pain
- Whether you have had recent imaging, such as an MRI
- Whether VA has authorized you for care in the community
Built for veterans
Built for veterans who may qualify for VA community care
The network is built for veterans who may be eligible to receive care from a community provider outside a VA facility. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determines community care eligibility and authorization. We are not endorsed by, sponsored by, or recommended by VA. Our patient coordinators help veterans understand the process, confirm what an authorization covers, and gather what they need.
Who this is for
- Veterans with chronic disc-related or axial back pain
- Veterans who have not gotten enough relief from prior treatment
- Veterans trying to avoid or delay spine surgery
- Caregivers or family researching options on a veteran's behalf
Questions about how community care works? Call a coordinator at (800) 931-6086 — they can walk you through it, with no pressure and no obligation.
Support around you
Family & caregivers can help
Bring someone with you
A family member or caregiver is welcome at your evaluation and on calls with your coordinator. They can take notes and ask questions on your behalf.
They can help with records
A caregiver can help gather imaging and records, and can be copied on coordinator communications if you give permission.
They can call for you
If it's hard for you to use the phone, a trusted person may call a coordinator with you, or on your behalf with your consent.
Talk to a live patient coordinator
A coordinator can answer your questions in plain language and help you decide whether to request an evaluation. Mon–Fri, 7am–8pm CT.