The Veterans Health Administration exists to integrate health care services for those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Yet for many veterans, getting access to treatment for transthyretin amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by a buildup of abnormal proteins, is difficult.

As a health system, the VA covers a large proportion of transthyretin amyloidosis patients because the condition usually presents in older adults, particularly older men. It is not a secret that medications used in the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis are very expensive, and the VA does an excellent job in requiring patients to be responsible for only small monthly co-pay.

The VA has the opportunity to lead the way in providing patient-centered care for the historically untreatable disease. It should, however, work for best patients’ care rather than restricting physicians and limiting patients’ access. 

Veterans with transthyretin amyloidosis are fighters, having first served their country and then forced to battle a progressive and rare disease. They shouldn’t have to also fight for access to the health care they rightfully earned.