Like a lot of 65-year-olds, Suffolk’s Donald Schlosser has some health problems.

He cites high blood pressure, a pinched nerve in his neck, a slipped disc, some dementia and — leaving him with bad balance — a damaged cerebellum.

But getting the medical care he needs isn’t easy for the Army veteran. Schlosser, who also has financial problems and no transportation of his own, says he’s unable to get to the Hampton VA Medical Center when he needs to via the DAV van.

According to Keith Davis, who manages the medical center’s DAV van program, a lack of volunteers to drive it means the van servicing Suffolk, Chesapeake and Portsmouth operates only from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Schlosser says that means the service can’t help him, because his appointments would stretch into the afternoon. “That’s going to leave me in Hampton,” he said.

Davis said the driver shortage is felt throughout the territory he manages, which includes Hampton Roads, northeastern North Carolina, the Eastern Shore, Gloucester and Williamsburg.

“As many as I can get,” he replied when asked how many additional volunteer drivers he could use. “If I can get one more I will be happy.”

Davis said the route that includes Suffolk is down to operating two half-days, because it’s down to only two drivers, one of whom is currently off for surgery.

The van can’t remain waiting at Hampton for afternoon appointments, he said, because with bridges, tunnels and traffic, that would make the day too long for the drivers.

As it stands, Davis said, the van is still returning veterans home as late as 5 p.m.

Schlosser hopes someone else may be able to help. “My doctor told me to get another doctor — he doesn’t want to deal with it no more,” he said, giving an idea of how dire the situation has become.

Davis says that veterans sometimes make his job harder by scheduling transportation and then not showing up when the van arrives. Others, he says, use the service when they have a license and a vehicle of their own, making spots unavailable for those with a genuine need.

But the fundamental issue Davis deals with is not enough volunteer drivers, who must pass a physical, undergo a background check and are interviewed.

“If you enjoy helping a veteran, if you don’t have anything to do, please come and see us,” Davis said.

An open house at the Hampton VA Medical Center 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday will provide more information on volunteering to help veterans, whether as a DAV van driver or in other capacities.

The event will be held in building 83 at the medical center, 100 Emancipation Drive, Hampton.

According to a news release, the event will include informational booths and technical demonstrations, and VA leadership will be there to talk about ways to help.