I thought this might be useful for any of you that are vet’s and have a disability or are considering filing for one. You should all be in the VA system no matter if have a disability or not. It’s free health (not free you paid for it, just not with cash) and lots of other bennies but you have to ask for them and yes the VA makes it a PITA but it’s worth it.
Veterans Benefits Administration Veteransbenefits@public.govdelivery.com
Thanks for posting Mark.
It’s only free for first 5 years of separation…after that any service connected issues are free for life, and if your 70% or more you get free for life. Just got my new ratings a few months ago at 70%. Only took them a few years lol
I’ve been out for years and mine is still covered. I’m only 10% but they have me on the choice program. If they can’t see me at the VA they send me to a civilian doctor. I do have to pay a small amount for any meds
Yeah, they might say they don’t but they cover everyone 100% for life whether it’s a service related injury or not. I have a 30% rating but have been using them for almost 12 years for everything. I know some guys who have been using them for 25 years without any service related disability. The only thing they have to pay is like $8 per prescription.
I have no complaints. The only problem with the choice program is waiting for approval. Never been denied but it takes several days to get appointment sometimes.
I’ve definitely been happy with them. They built a new clinic here about 5 years ago and was desperately needed. My only complaint is I have to drive 4 hours to see my neurologist but normally only have to go once or twice a year so it’s not that big of a deal. I had to go to a local er one time. The hospital sent it to the VA and they covered it no questions asked. I personally have nothing negative to say about them.
I’m not really sure what the choice program is. Is that when you don’t have a VA clinic within 100 miles or so they allow you to see a private doctor?
I believe after 5 years separated from service (recently seperated) it is based off your income on how much $$ your premiums are
Yes or they can’t see you within a certain amount of time
I think you’re right about all of that but I don’t think they stick to it. I think it’s like a priority system and they have a bunch of different categories depending on disability, income, if your homeless, POW and a whole bunch of other stuff. There’s even a category for vets who don’t meet any of the criteria such as too much income, no rating, etc. As an example if they only had one appointment left the regulations say you would get it before someone with no rating or too high of income. They just end up giving both an appointment though. I think when it comes down to it they don’t turn any veteran down and everyone qualifies as long as you have an honorable discharge.
