A Study of Breach of Duty at the Seattle VA

(Black PR Wire) Seattle, WA — Veteran and advocate Kimberly Cloud has filed a formal complaint with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) against her primary care provider, Dr. Courtney Tuegel at the Seattle VA Healthcare System. Cloud alleges that Dr. Tuegel repeatedly denied her fair access to treatment options, downplayed her care, and influenced psychiatric decisions in ways that worsened her health and quality of life.

Alleged Denials and Delays in Treatment

For months, Cloud requested semaglutide, a medication widely recognized for its effectiveness in weight loss. According to Cloud, Dr. Tuegel told her the drug was unavailable at the VA and not prescribed for weight loss purposes. Later, Cloud discovered the medication was in fact available, yet no pharmacy request had ever been made on her behalf.

Instead, Cloud says she was prescribed Qsymia, a medication known to cause forgetfulness.

“Why would I want to take a drug that makes me forget, when remembering is essential for my work and advocacy on The Kimberly Cloud Show LLC?” Cloud asks.

Cloud also reports that her requests for Addyi were dismissed by Dr. Tuegel, even though the doctor prescribed other medications with similar or greater risks.

Downplayed Surgical Option

Following her weight loss journey, Cloud was told she might be eligible for a tummy tuck procedure to address the physical changes that come with significant weight reduction. However, she says Dr. Tuegel minimized and ultimately dismissed the option without fair consideration.

“I worked hard to lose the weight. To have Dr. Tuegel downplay the tummy tuck — something that would have improved my health and confidence — was discouraging and unfair,” Cloud explains.

Unnecessary Tests and Psychiatric Pressure

Cloud says Dr. Tuegel pushed her into painful and stressful medical tests, such as MRIs and breast exams, while still refusing to refer her to a gynecologist. She was also advised to undergo vigorous testing, which she declined due to its unnecessary strain.

Additionally, Cloud alleges that her psychiatric treatment was influenced by Dr. Tuegel. She recalls being pressured to take a drug that caused weight gain and severe shoulder pain, despite her request for an alternative medication that had proven successful for her in the past.

“Dr. Tuegel has been shutting me out for years,” Cloud says. “Instead of helping me, she influenced other providers against my wishes and limited my choices.”

A Shift in Care

Recently, Cloud began seeing a new psychiatrist, Dr. Schriber, who she says offers a stark contrast to her previous experiences.

“He gives me options, makes subtle suggestions, and still takes control when needed. For the first time in years, I finally feel respected in my care.”

A Call for Accountability

Cloud emphasizes that her complaint is not just about her personal struggles, but about the systemic barriers veterans face in accessing fair treatment.

“Veterans deserve better. My fight is about more than me — it’s about ensuring others don’t have to go through the same obstacles I did at the Seattle VA.”