JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Sergeant Matthew Johnson served nine years and one month in the U.S. Army. During his service, he said he did two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.
"While we were in the military, we were taken care of," his wife, Special Johnson, said.
Special Johnson and Matthew Johnson have been married four years. She was with him in 2016 when he was given a medical discharge.
Matthew Johnson said it is related to a vasectomy that went wrong.
"I am unable to run and sprint long distances due to the surgeries I had to have due to the botched vasectomy," said Matthew Johnson.
Since his discharge three years ago, Matthew Johnson has been trying to get disability compensation for the surgery. He said it resulted in testicular injury.
"I receive no disability, it was service connected," said Matthew Johnson. "It was the reason why I was medically discharged."
Compensation is part of his fight. He and his wife declared access to the VA healthcare system is the other.
"It is falling on deaf ears," Special Johnson said. "He can't get into the VA clinic it takes months and months."
The couple is also living with the invisible wounds of war, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). On difficult days, he reaches out to the suicide hotline for help.
"I've called them three times in the past week," said Matthew Johnson. "I feel like no one cares, I really do."
The veteran is rated 20 percent disabled for Tinnitus and Neuropathy in his leg.
Matthew Johnson wants to be rated for his surgery and its lasting injury but said no one is listening.
"Who do I have to go to?" he asked. "What else do I have to show you?"
The VA system in North Florida treats 7,000 veterans a day, it is one of the busiest regions in the VA Healthcare System.
On Your Side reached out to the VA and they said they have contacted Matthew Johnson.
This is a statement from the VA:
"The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System has been providing medical care for Mr. Johnson since October 2016. VA has contacted the Veteran directly to discuss his concerns and advise him of his options moving forward."