A Veteran’s second chance: Lifesaving heart care
Lifesaving, coordinated VA cardiac care saves military veteran’s life after critical artery blockage detected
For years, military veteran Richard Boda has been eliminating increasing fatigue, shortness of breath and pain in his hands. He figured it was simply part of getting older, and like many veterans, he didn’t want to see a doctor. It was only when his wife encouraged him to seek medical help that he finally agreed. That decision changed and probably saved his life.
The importance of early care seeking and the life-changing impact of VA specialty cardiology services
“I saw Richard for the first time in December 2025 and he had pretty classic angina, so I referred him to the hospital for a heart catheterization. Ann Arbor VA Medical Center (AAVA),” said Dr. Claire Duvernoy, CARDIO-VET Network Cardiologist Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan. “The results confirmed severe triple vessel coronary disease.”
Dr. Duvernoy consulted with Dr. Barry Deatrik, cardiac surgeon, of AAVA who reviewed Boda’s history. Together, they evaluated every possible option and determined the safest surgical approach, and he was immediately set up for coronary artery bypass surgery.
Every day after the surgery, Boda’s doctors stopped by to check on him, explain what they did, and walk him through each stage of his recovery. Their constant communication and genuine compassion helped calm the fear he felt early on. “It turned out to be a great experience, even though I was scared at first,” Boda explained. “The doctors and nursing staff took such good care of me. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
The support continued even after he returned home. “They applied the same day I was fired,” he said. “I can’t speak highly enough of them. Their care was 100% outstanding.”
Significant progress
Today, Boda is working hard on his recovery. He participates in physical therapy, performs weekly telehealth checks, monitors his meals, exercises and performs daily cardiac rehabilitation routines. He jokes that he doesn’t like hospitals, but now he takes his health much more seriously. “I want to be here for my grandchildren,” he said.
He has made significant progress. His shortness of breath has decreased, his painful hands have improved, and he reports that he has more energy. Boda remains committed to “staying the course” so he can eventually return to his job as a commercial fisherman. His recovery may take months or even a year, but he is determined.
“I’ve always been healthy. They said my lungs looked like 16-year-old lungs, but my heart wasn’t good,” he said. “I’m just thankful they caught him. I’m thankful for what I have right now.”
An important message for other veterans, especially those in rural areas. CARDIO-VET is an enterprise-wide initiative in partnership with the VA Office of Rural Health and is focused on providing high-quality cardiac care to rural veterans using a hub & spoke model.
Visit VA Rural Health to learn more.
