Medical Malpractice at
Des Moines VA Medical Center

The Des Moines VA Medical Center, officially known as the VA Central Iowa Health Care System - Des Moines, serves over 40,000 veterans across 42 counties in central Iowa. As a major VA healthcare facility offering comprehensive medical services including emergency care, specialty treatments, and surgical procedures, this center plays a vital role in providing healthcare to our nation's veterans.

Medical errors and negligence can occur at this facility, despite most veterans receiving appropriate care. Veterans harmed by poor medical care at the Des Moines VA Medical Center can seek compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). However, these cases require specialized knowledge of both medicine and federal law.

Our firm combines medical and legal expertise; our founder holds both MD and JD degrees, allowing us to thoroughly evaluate VA medical malpractice cases. With over 25 years of experience and more than $145 million recovered for clients, we understand the complexities of bringing claims against VA facilities while advocating for veterans who have been harmed.

Located at 3600 30th Street in Des Moines, this VA Medical Center serves as the flagship facility for VA healthcare in central Iowa. The facility partners with Des Moines University as a teaching hospital, delivering patient care while supporting medical education and research. Director Darwin Goodspeed and Chief of Staff Dr. Raman Mitra lead the facility in providing comprehensive medical services for veterans.

The medical center provides a full range of healthcare services including:

• Emergency Department: 24/7 emergency medical care
• Primary Care: Routine and preventive health services
• Specialty Services: Cardiology, gastroenterology, oncology, orthopedics
• Mental Health: Comprehensive psychiatric and psychological care
• Women's Veterans Care: Gender-specific health services
• Rehabilitation Services: Physical and occupational therapy

As part of the VA Central Iowa Health Care System, this facility coordinates with other VA clinics and centers throughout the region to ensure veterans have access to the full spectrum of VA healthcare services.

• Surgical Errors: Given the complex surgeries performed at this facility, errors can include wrong-site surgery, post-operative complications, or anesthesia mistakes. VA surgical departments often face staffing challenges that can contribute to these errors. Learn more about surgical error claims →

• Emergency Room Mistakes: The 24/7 emergency department handles critical cases where delayed treatment or mismanagement can have severe consequences. Overcrowding and staff shortages can lead to dangerous delays or incorrect triage decisions. Learn more about ER malpractice →

• Diagnostic Failures: Veterans may experience delayed or missed diagnoses, particularly in complex conditions requiring specialty consultation. The VA's appointment scheduling system can sometimes contribute to these delays. Learn more about misdiagnosis claims →

• Medication Errors: Due to the VA's large pharmacy system, medication mistakes can occur when prescribing, dispensing, or administering drugs. These errors are often related to electronic health record issues or communication breakdowns between departments.

Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. § 2675), veterans must first file an administrative claim before pursuing legal action for medical malpractice at the Des Moines VA Medical Center. This initial claim must be filed using Standard Form 95 (SF-95) with the appropriate VA Regional Counsel office.

For Des Moines VA Medical Center claims, submissions should be directed to: Office of Regional Counsel (339/02) 3600 30th Street Des Moines, IA 50310

The FTCA imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. Veterans must submit their administrative claim within two years of discovering their injury. After filing, the VA has six months to investigate and respond. If the claim is denied or the six-month period expires without a decision, veterans have six months to file a federal lawsuit.

For complete step-by-step instructions, see our comprehensive guide: How to File a VA Medical Malpractice Claim in Iowa →

Iowa's statute of limitations for medical malpractice (Iowa Code § 614.1) generally allows two years to file claims. However, FTCA claims against the Des Moines VA Medical Center follow federal guidelines, not state timelines. While Iowa has no specific caps on medical malpractice damages, FTCA claims may be subject to federal limitations and regulations.

You must first file an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the VA Regional Counsel office. This must be done within two years of discovering your injury. Supporting medical documentation and evidence should accompany your claim.

Under the FTCA, you have two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) your injury to file an administrative claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.

Can I sue Des Moines VA Medical Center directly?

No, you cannot sue the facility or its employees directly. All claims must first go through the FTCA administrative process. Only after the claim is denied or six months pass without a decision can you file a federal lawsuit.

What damages can I recover for malpractice at Des Moines VA Medical Center?

You may be eligible to recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering). The exact amount depends on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.

Do I need an Iowa attorney for my Des Moines VA Medical Center claim?

While not legally required, having an attorney experienced in both medicine and federal tort claims can significantly improve your chances of success. These cases involve complex medical and legal issues requiring specialized knowledge.

How long does the VA take to investigate malpractice claims?

The VA has six months to investigate and respond to your administrative claim. However, complex cases may take longer, and you have the right to proceed with a federal lawsuit if no decision is made within the six-month period.

We also handle medical malpractice cases at these Iowa facilities:

• Iowa City VA Medical Center (Iowa City) →

If you've experienced medical negligence at the Des Moines VA Medical Center, you need to understand your rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). As a veteran or military family member in Iowa, you have specific legal protections, but there are strict deadlines you must follow to preserve your claim.

The FTCA requires you to file your claim within two years of when you knew or should have known about the negligence that caused your injury. This starts with filing an administrative claim using Standard Form 95 with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once you submit this form, the VA has six months to investigate and respond to your claim. Only after the VA denies your claim or the six-month period expires can you file a lawsuit in federal court.

Having an attorney who is also a medical doctor is particularly crucial when dealing with VA medical malpractice cases. These cases involve complex medical issues specific to VA protocols and standards of care. A doctor-attorney can better understand your medical records, identify deviations from the standard of care, and effectively communicate with medical experts who may need to testify about your care at the Des Moines VA Medical Center.

Through an FTCA claim, you may be able to recover various damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. If you've had to seek corrective treatment outside the VA system, these expenses can also be included in your claim. For family members, additional damages may be available for loss of companionship or wrongful death.

Don't wait to have your case evaluated. The sooner you begin the process, the better chance you have of preserving crucial evidence and meeting FTCA deadlines. Many attorneys who handle VA medical malpractice cases offer free initial consultations to veterans and their families. During this consultation, they can review your medical records, explain your legal options, and help you understand if you have a viable claim against the Des Moines VA Medical Center. Contact an experienced FTCA attorney today to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

We handle various types of VA and military medical malpractice cases in Iowa:

• Iowa Surgical Errors Cases →
• Iowa Emergency Room Errors Cases →
• Iowa Brain Injury Cases →
• Iowa Spinal Cord Injury Cases →
• Iowa Misdiagnosis Cases →
• Iowa Medication Errors Cases →