A former Marine combat veteran claims that federal employees failed to provide proper medical care during a cardiac stress test at a Veterans Affairs facility, resulting in ongoing pain and reduced quality of life. The complaint was filed by Linwood Hood on April 6, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina against the United States of America.
According to court documents, Hood alleges that he underwent a cardiac stress test on January 4, 2023, at the VA Medical Center located at 3506 Tyvola Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. He states that prior experiences with similar procedures at non-VA facilities had not resulted in any issues. During this particular procedure, Hood reports being told that two injections would be administered—one before and one during treadmill exertion—but observed an unexpected third syringe containing a gray-tinged liquid being attached to his intravenous line by a VA employee.
Hood describes difficulty with the administration of this substance, noting unusual resistance while the plunger was depressed. He further claims that when he attempted to observe what was happening with his IV line, a technician instructed him to “look straight ahead.” Immediately after the procedure, Hood says he experienced pain in his left arm at the IV site and reported feeling unwell. He requested to speak with a supervisor before leaving but was told his symptoms were not concerning and would resolve within one or two weeks.
The complaint states that no diagnostic testing or toxicology screening was performed to identify or confirm what substance had been administered. Hood’s symptoms reportedly did not resolve; instead, he claims his pain increased and spread into his chest and neck region. According to the filing, these symptoms have continued since the incident and have affected his daily functioning and overall quality of life.
Hood alleges that he filed an internal complaint within the VA medical facility but no corrective action or investigation took place. He subsequently submitted an administrative tort claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel as required under federal law. The claim was denied by the Department’s Office of General Counsel without what Hood describes as substantive investigation into the events.
The lawsuit is brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which allows individuals to seek damages from the United States for certain acts of negligence committed by federal employees acting within their official capacity. Hood asserts that “Defendant owed Plaintiff a duty to exercise reasonable medical care consistent with accepted standards” and breached this duty by failing to properly administer substances during the stress test, adequately monitor adverse reactions, conduct appropriate follow-up diagnostics, and investigate reported harm.
As stated in court documents: “As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s negligence, Plaintiff has suffered physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.” The complaint incorporates these allegations into its legal claim for relief under North Carolina medical malpractice law as applied through federal statute.
Hood seeks compensatory damages totaling $350,000—the same amount presented in his administrative claim—for past and future medical expenses as well as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In addition to monetary damages, he requests judgment in his favor along with costs associated with bringing the action and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The filing includes a demand for trial by jury on all triable issues. Linwood Hood is representing himself (pro se) in this matter. The case is identified as Civil Action No. 3:26-cv-00274-MOC-WCM.
Source: 326cv00274_Hood_v_United_States_of_America_Complaint_Western_District_North_Carolina.pdf
