VA Doctors can't prescribe common medicines for common ailments?

VA doctors can prescribe medications for any condition they are treating, including common ailments like hemorrhoids, but their prescribing authority is governed by VA formulary and policy to ensure safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. The core regulation, 38 CFR § 17.96, primarily addresses medications prescribed by *non-VA* physicians, stating VA will only fill those if the drug is on the VA National Formulary or receives special approval. For in-house care, VA providers use the VA formulary, a list of preferred medications; if a non-formulary drug is medically necessary, they can request approval through a consult. Your urgent care visit for a hemorrhoid flare-up, even if not service-connected, is covered under your eligibility for VA care, and the provider would prescribe an appropriate formulary treatment (e.g., topical corticosteroids, stool softeners). The recent amendment to 38 CFR § 4.10, which rescinded the rule allowing medication use to reduce a mental health rating, is unrelated to prescribing practices for acute conditions. Since you've resolved the issue with the Patient Advocate, for future understanding you can request a copy of the VA National Formulary or discuss alternative formulary options with your provider if a specific prescription is initially denied. **This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.**