OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A broken elevator is causing some big problems for some Oklahoma veterans.

Many retired military members rely on the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System for their medical needs, but for some, getting inside has become a struggle.

The VA confirmed to affiliate KFOR that the parking garage elevator has been broken since December.

William Farr is a disabled Navy veteran who relies on his wheelchair to get around, and he says just getting to a doctor’s appointment has become a stressful task.

“I got there at 7:00 in the morning for a 10:00 appointment, so I could have a parking spot,” said Farr.

That’s so he can park on the first floor of the garage. Parking on any other level would require using the stairs, since the elevator in the garage is broken.

“I saw one guy, he had two crutches and he had to come down the steps and he said it took him forever to get down and when he got down to the bottom he was just so tired,” said Farr.

The VA declined an interview, but sent News 4 a statement.

The Oklahoma City VA is in the process of replacing the elevator control system in its parking garage. A new system is expected to be delivered and installed over the next 3-4 months.

In the event the elevator isn’t working, Veterans will be informed by gate guards and signage. In addition, VA is working to accommodate Veterans’ transit from the garage to the facility, with volunteers and staff providing transportation assistance for Veterans via golf carts Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. We encourage Veterans with mobility issues to use the lower levels of the garage when possible and to avoid walking down the entry ramp for safety reasons.

Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Health Care System