A service member entered my clinic, frustration evident in his demeanor. He was entirely service-connected and medically retired, finding it difficult to make ends meet in San Diego. He presented me with a DMV disability form—potentially saving him a substantial amount in auto registration fees. However, another VA doctor had previously declined to sign it.

The form inquired if his disability resulted in “an impaired gait.” It was ambiguous. He suffered from chronic back pain and restricted mobility due to service-related injuries—but he didn’t utilize a cane or walker. Additionally, he experienced post-traumatic stress disorder. His previous doctor stated he didn’t meet the qualifications.

Now I was faced with a choice.

I understood the implications of the form, as well as its consequences. Bureaucratic vagueness like this frequently alienates the very veterans we aim to assist. When we engage in nitpicking, they often leave feeling dismissed and undervalued.

Furthermore, gait encompasses more than just muscle and bone. PTSD influences balance, coordination, and the willingness to move. Anxiety can alter posture. Hypervigilance may render walking in public physically draining. This veteran didn’t require a walker to be mobility-impaired—he was already contending with the daily challenges of chronic pain and mental illness.

I lacked the time to sift through policy documents or reach out to another colleague. I needed assistance—immediately. So, I turned to ChatGPT.

I input the form’s phrasing and the patient’s diagnoses. Within moments, the AI provided a concise, organized explanation of how “impaired gait” could be interpreted, complete with clinical examples and reference points. It didn’t dictate my next steps—but it supplied me with language, clarity, and assurance. It integrated effortlessly into my workflow—no interruptions, no holdups—just a swift resource to help me think clearly under pressure.

I recorded my rationale and signed the form.

A week later, the veteran messaged me securely:
“Thank you for taking the time to understand. You didn’t just save me money—you made me feel valued.”

This was not about AI substituting my clinical judgment. It was about employing AI—subtly, unobtrusively—to help me navigate bureaucracy and advocate for someone in need of assistance.

We often discuss the potential of AI in healthcare. Here’s an instance where it proved effective. No algorithm made the decision. But in a challenging situation, with a frustrated veteran before me and an ambiguous government form in hand, AI enabled me to act correctly—swiftly, assuredly, and with compassion.

David Bittleman is an internal medicine physician.