VA Medical Service Free To All Vets?

[Geico266]

I'm confused about who is going to the VA for medical care and why. Disabled vets I get. They need the best care possible.

I'm a VietNam Era Vet. I did my 6 years (4 years active) and got out. I have no serious problems (moderate hearing loss) due to my service. I feel the government owes me nothing. Evidently, I am in the minority. More than one vet has told me I am a sucker for not going to the VA for full medical care for life.

If I am a veteran do I qualify for full medical? Do all vets get free medical for life? Maybe I should go to the VA instead of paying for OCare?

With all of the horror stories lately (this is certainly NOT new ) why on earth would anyone go to the VA for medical care if you are able financially to go somewhere else? If you can't afford health insurance Obamacare will subsidise your premium to get the care you need.

Do you think vets should get free medical for life if you completed your enlistment and got out after 2-6 years?

What am I missing?

 

[Jimmy cooper]

During the Korean "conflict or police action" enlisted were promised Heath care for life if one enlisted between certain dates. Later, the VA reneged on their promise. I'm familiar with a WW2 pilot who worked for a major U.S. Company for 33 years in sales, never any work problems but as time went on, the company's Health coverage was reduced, then reduced again, until at 85 years old he was forced to go the VA and they helped a great deal. Health expenses broke him. Be sure you don't live too long. It can happen this way.

 

[Gary F]

I think that service connected medical problems are handled differently than non-service connected medical conditions.

 

[n20junkie]

Yes you are eligable for care, although its based on priority.

If your not service connected or a POW your priority is low, but you can get care. Its something worth looking into, in case you need something in the future.

You earned it, go get what you can. You signed a piece of paper that said you would fight and risk your life for this country. Thans more than 98 percent of the country does.

 

[Gary F]

Yes you are eligable for care, although its based on priority.

If your not service connected or a POW your priority is low, but you can get care. Its something worth looking into, in case you need something in the future.

You earned it, go get what you can. You signed a piece of paper that said you would fight and risk your life for this country. Thans more than 98 percent of the country does.

In the old days a former POW could check into a VA hospital like it was a hotel with no medical justification. I learned the the hard way working the ER at the Little Rock VA.

 

[steingar]

You served your country with honor, now it is time for your country to honor you. Besides, you truly don't know which of your health problems are related to your service and which aren't. Combat stress, exposure to chemicals and other agents, and all sorts of other things can affect your health.

My father never went to the VA for anything until his Alzheimers, and he wound up in a VA home. I cannot stress just how important that was, and how well deserved. He served and watched friends die. You are never done from being in debt for a thing like that.

 

[simtech]

Yes you qualify..free not so sure. I have service connected so that part is free. But if I go for anything other than my service connected I have to pay. I think it goes off of income, above a certain amount you have to pay.

The funny thing is even when I go for my service connected checkup every year, they file it though my work insurance.

 

[Geico266]

Yes you are eligable for care, although its based on priority.

If your not service connected or a POW your priority is low, but you can get care. Its something worth looking into, in case you need something in the future.

You earned it, go get what you can. You signed a piece of paper that said you would fight and risk your life for this country. Thans more than 98 percent of the country does.

Okay. Can I drop my private health insurance, and claim (with the IRS) that I am using VA to avoid penalties?

My benefits are under the "Old GI" bill.

 

[simtech]

Okay. Can I drop my private health insurance, and claim (with the IRS) that I am using VA to avoid penalties?

I wouldnt see why not once you get enrolled in the VA system. Your VA regional office should know the answer for sure.

 

[simtech]

Do all vets get free medical for life?

I would say depends. I get free medical only for the part I was service connected with. Otherwise no its not free. I was in for 8 years and was medically separated, I get nothing more than my service connected covered.

 

[Blackhawk]

1. The "free" VA medical care is your typical large central government program (socialism). Now if you are connected (such as a politically connected general who will remain unnamed), it will be top notch. Others? Not so much. Those with "booboo's, trying to get free stuff, or just looking for someone to talk to overwhelm the system. Since medical care people are paid the same salary no matter how productive they are there is zero incentive outside of altruism to actually be productive. My wife has had technicians scrub out in the middle of a procedure- lunch break you know. Case running long? Cancel the remainders. Can't go past quitting time ya know.
2. The military disability system has become as corrupt as the civilian disability system. Disabilities are pushed on those seperating to the point that over 50% are now "disabled". I've actually been encouraged to go back and get a disability for knees, shoulder and back.
My wife had a story from when she was in Afghanistan. There was a rocket attack at about 0200 that resulted in a couple light casualties, stitches being the most critical. As soon as the chow hall opened and people heard about the attack they were inundated with soldiers claiming brain trauma, something very difficult to disprove. They wanted the Purple Heart so they could be guaranteed disability.
My wife has also encountered soldiers pushing for surgeries. Again, get a surgery and you are guaranteed disability.

It's sad. Free stuff, no matter how bad it might be, becomes something people will fight for. I'd prefer a privately run VA system with copays to discourage those who don't really need it.

BTW, combat vet as is my wife..l and our fathers... And our grandfathers...

 

[RJM62]

Okay. Can I drop my private health insurance, and claim (with the IRS) that I am using VA to avoid penalties?

My benefits are under the "Old GI" bill.

Legally, yes. Once you are enrolled, you are exempt from O'Care and can legally cancel your insurance. I wouldn't recommend it, however.

First of all, very few veterans qualify for free care at the V.A. Veterans with service-connected disabilities get free care for the service-connected problems; and veterans who have very, very low incomes may get free or very low-cost care. Everyone else pays. How much a particular veteran pays seems to be an individual sort of determination, but almost everyone pays something.

Secondly, the V.A. bills insurance companies, which might help alleviate your irrational guilt about being a freeloader. They're getting paid. They also apply a portion of the reimbursement they receive toward your V.A. co-pay or deductible.

Thirdly, for some kinds of services (like imaging, for example), the V.A. can have very long waits due to limited equipment. But if the waiting list is long, you can ask for a paper scrip from the V.A. doc, and get the test done wherever you like -- but at your own expense. It would be good to have insurance in that case.

My advice would be to apply for V.A. care and enroll. You never know when it will come in handy. But I also would advise that you not cancel your private insurance, because your V.A. care almost certainly will not be free.

Whether you want to use the V.A. for your primary care is up to you. If you like the quality of care better than whatever private-sector physicians are available to you, then go for it. There's no need for guilt. First of all, you earned the privilege; and secondly, unless you're destitute, you pay for care at the V.A. (And if you are destitute, just consider it a payback for a favor.)

As for me, I have private insurance, but I still maintain my enrollment in the V.A. medical system. Getting enrolled in the V.A. can be a dizzying trip through a bureaucratic maze; but staying enrolled only requires at least one visit per year, which can be a routine physical. Getting a physical is a lot easier than going through the maze again.

Also, the V.A. is one of the few outfits left that actually remembers how to do a good physical examination, in my non-physician opinion.

-Rich

 

[Gary F]

1. The "free" VA medical care is your typical large central government program (socialism). Now if you are connected (such as a politically connected general who will remain unnamed), it will be top notch. Others? Not so much. Those with "booboo's, trying to get free stuff, or just looking for someone to talk to overwhelm the system. Since medical care people are paid the same salary no matter how productive they are there is zero incentive outside of altruism to actually be productive. My wife has had technicians scrub out in the middle of a procedure- lunch break you know. Case running long? Cancel the remainders. Can't go past quitting time ya know.
2. The military disability system has become as corrupt as the civilian disability system. Disabilities are pushed on those seperating to the point that over 50% are now "disabled". I've actually been encouraged to go back and get a disability for knees, shoulder and back.
My wife had a story from when she was in Afghanistan. There was a rocket attack at about 0200 that resulted in a couple light casualties, stitches being the most critical. As soon as the chow hall opened and people heard about the attack they were inundated with soldiers claiming brain trauma, something very difficult to disprove. They wanted the Purple Heart so they could be guaranteed disability.
My wife has also encountered soldiers pushing for surgeries. Again, get a surgery and you are guaranteed disability.

It's sad. Free stuff, no matter how bad it might be, becomes something people will fight for. I'd prefer a privately run VA system with copays to discourage those who don't really need it.

BTW, combat vet as is my wife..l and our fathers... And our grandfathers...

Unfortunately, I have to agree. And much of this applies to active military medical facilities and personnell.

 

[Witmo]

When I entered the service in 1980, I was assured that if I made it to twenty and retirement, medical care would be free til I died. They lied. Now most people know not to believe everything a recruiter says, but you could find this promise published in recruiting literature of the day.

 

[Jimmy cooper]

The VA was a real blessing for my uncle. Bombardier, B24, shot down over polesti , POW at 20 yrs. old. Then served for 30 more years on B50s, B47s, and finally on B52s. His old crew died two weeks after he retired ( as a LT. Col. )in a crash. He claimed he was well treated at the VA and had one serious operation and finally treated for heart failure and died at the VA last year. I do hope they treated him like a king. He deserved it. ( The VA is the only Gov. Agency allowed to negotiate with drug company's over price which is absurd.) once again, lobbyists!

 

[Jimmy cooper]

But of course there's no greed or abuse involved with many doctors involved in Medicaid fraud, insurance company's ripping off millions of Americans over the last 50 years, drugs at astronomical prices when a lot of the research was funded by the government, etc.

 

[Jimmy cooper]

Then there's Bob. Bob flew P2Vs for the navy , often out of Brunswick and Thule. Spent a lot of time harrying soviet subs while surfaced , night flying, bad weather. ( his buddy dug a wing in doing this at night, crashed , crew lost. )Then flew 30 years for Eastern. They went bankrupt and he lost a good portion of his retirement and his health care, just after he retired. Depended on the V.A. Without it he was toast. Died last year in VA care, said they treated him well.

 

[weilke]

If I am a veteran do I qualify for full medical? Do all vets get free medical for life?

See if any of those apply to you:

http://www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/apply/veterans.asp


You served, you earned it.

• Are a Former Prisoner of War (POW)
• In receipt of the Purple Heart Medal.
• In receipt of the Medal of Honor.
• Have a compensable VA awarded service-connected disability of 10% or more.
• In receipt of a VA Pension.
• Were discharged from the military because of a disability (not preexisting), early out, or hardship.
• Served in a Theater of Operations for 5 years post discharge.
• Served in the Republic of Vietnam from January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975.
• Served in the Persian Gulf from August 2, 1990 to November 11, 1998.
• Were stationed or resided at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between January 1, 1957 and December 31, 1987.
• Are found by VA to be Catastrophically Disabled.
• Previous years' household income is below VA's National Income or Geographical-Adjusted Thresholds.

Without a service related disability or many years of service, your priority group may be pretty low and you won't get in.

What vets seem to value the most are:

- access to low-cost prescription drugs through the VA mail order pharmacy
- Tricare for Life (TFL), basically a free medigap plan.

Nobody who has an alternative really goes to the VA clinic for his healthcare. What seems to be common is that people have a doc on the outside covered through their health-insurane or medicare and then they swing by at the VA clinic to get their prescriptions signed by a VA doc and put into the mail-order pharmacy.

 

[JimNtexas]

I got a letter from President Obama telling me that being VA eligible qualifies as 'health care' so I won't get the penalty.

My friend Craig ejected from an F-4 in which the parachute malfunctioned and streamered. He was very seriously injured, but was able to stay in until retirement. He uses the VA a lot and loves it.

I've tried the VA, but haven't had much luck with it. I have a service connected knee injury that required replacement. The VA told me I could have a free cane, but no replacement until I turned 70.

Fortunately my private insurance shelled out the $140K for the operation. Greedy private sector bastards.

 

[Blackhawk]

But of course there's no greed or abuse involved with many doctors involved in Medicaid fraud, insurance company's ripping off millions of Americans over the last 50 years, drugs at astronomical prices when a lot of the research was funded by the government, etc.

But you can fire an insurance company, you can't fire a government agency. Heck, it's almost impossible to fire people within government agencies no matter how incompetent they are. The tech who scrubbed out during lunch? Still there. If it was a private practice they would have been shown the door.

Le'ts see what happens with this VA mess. Probably the same thing that happens every time with a government agency. No one goes to jail. People retire with their pay or, if you are a congressman you get disability AND your retirement.


Drugs at astronomical prices? Probably because of the cost of getting them to the market through the FDA and usually the research is actually done at their own expense. 95% of drugs tested on humans fail to even make it to the market. The average cost for developing a new drug is $5 bbbbbillion. Still, I'd much rather pay for a drug that extends my life or the life of a loved one than not have it available.

 

[Blackhawk]

The VA system used to be something that paid for serious injuries and not aches and pains that are virtually impossible to dispute. I was reading an article last year that said something like in WWII vets claimed on average 2 or 3 things. Vets today were claiming on average 11 different ailments on their VA physical. My grandfather served in WWII in the Marines and got a whopping 20 % for bullet wounds to his wrist and thigh. He witnessed true horrors on Guadalcanal, Saipan and Tarawa. I know a "kid" today who was in the Navy for less than a year and gets 100 % disability. That's about 3 grand (tax free) a month for life. I won't even tell you what his MOS was. It'll make you sick.

The system is completely corrupt, woefully disorganized and pays out checks instead of providing good care. They don't even have the resources to verify service members combat claims, so now they just cut a check. There's even a particular stressor statement you can give to qualify for PTSD. Actually combat has nothing to do with that statement either.

What's sad is that you have so many people abusing the system that the people who really need care (training accidents / combat wounded) aren't getting it. It frustrates me but in reality it is a part of the fundamental psyche of basic greed that so many have. They're getting out of the military into an uncertain job market. Why not take an extra grand a month to fall back on?

My grandfather was gassed in WWI; my dad and uncle both earned Purple Hearts in WWII. The only VA benefits I ever saw them take were their tombstones and the flags we got. But that is the way they wanted it. To them disability was for those who were truly disabled.

The vets who deserve it are the ones like the young soldier who came to me for flying lessons. When I asked him to fill out the form he had to pull out his license to look up his address and his full name. His brain was so scrambled from IED's that he could never hold down a real job much less get a medical. My heart broke for him. The kid could not even drive without his wife going with him. It is because of people like him that I refused to take a disability as I felt I would cheapen his true sacrifice.

My wife has seen so many people trying to ride the system and has been written up so often for refusing to go along I'm surprised she is still a surgeon.

 

[Theboys]

See if any of those apply to you:

http://www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/apply/veterans.asp


You served, you earned it.

• Are a Former Prisoner of War (POW)
• In receipt of the Purple Heart Medal.
• In receipt of the Medal of Honor.
• Have a compensable VA awarded service-connected disability of 10% or more.
• In receipt of a VA Pension.
• Were discharged from the military because of a disability (not preexisting), early out, or hardship.
• Served in a Theater of Operations for 5 years post discharge.
• Served in the Republic of Vietnam from January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975.
• Served in the Persian Gulf from August 2, 1990 to November 11, 1998.
• Were stationed or resided at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between January 1, 1957 and December 31, 1987.
• Are found by VA to be Catastrophically Disabled.
• Previous years' household income is below VA's National Income or Geographical-Adjusted Thresholds.

Without a service related disability or many years of service, your priority group may be pretty low and you won't get in.

What vets seem to value the most are:

- access to low-cost prescription drugs through the VA mail order pharmacy
- Tricare for Life (TFL), basically a free medigap plan.

Nobody who has an alternative really goes to the VA clinic for his healthcare. What seems to be common is that people have a doc on the outside covered through their health-insurane or medicare and then they swing by at the VA clinic to get their prescriptions signed by a VA doc and put into the mail-order pharmacy.

I can check yes to several things on this list. But was checking on this other day and there was a income restriction. I was quite a bit above that so looks like I have to buy insurance to comply. Also I had heard penalty was only 95bucks for this year, but upon more research it looks like it is 1% of my gross income over like 10,500. That's a whole bunch more than 95 bucks. 2% next year and 3% the following. Also if you were without insurance more than 30 days you were liable for penalty for part of year.

 

[denverpilot]

When I entered the service in 1980, I was assured that if I made it to twenty and retirement, medical care would be free til I died. They lied. Now most people know not to believe everything a recruiter says, but you could find this promise published in recruiting literature of the day.

Not to be too snarky, but "Free medical care until you die" is an easy promise to keep. Especially if you're bleeding or suffering from something that will kill you quickly. All they have to do is stand by and watch.

Sorry they lied to you. Don't mean to make light of it. Just saw the obvious trickery in the statement.

I will happily offer free medical care to anyone who wants it, until they die, too. Just stay home and wait. It'll be free. I'll never send you a bill.

 

[jesse]

Unrelated, but feel like ranting anyways. The thing that really ****es me off about healthcare is those of us that actually take care of ourselves (eat right, and maintain a healthy weight) get dropped into pools of people that aren't capable of taking care of themselves and as a result pay for their care.

 

[Geico266]

Unrelated, but feel like ranting anyways. The thing that really ****es me off about healthcare is those of us that actually take care of ourselves (eat right, and maintain a healthy weight) get dropped into pools of people that aren't capable of taking care of themselves and as a result pay for their care.

Exact!y!

We are all going to have malidies and die. I plan on living guilt free and on my own dime. Those who were injured during military service deserve the bennies. I will take my good health over a day at the VA (or any hospital) any day.

Time to go flying!

 

[RJM62]

One thing I've sometimes wondered about is whether veterans who have the option of going elsewhere for medical care (that is, they have private insurance), but who choose to use the V.A. because they prefer it for whatever reason, are actually doing the agency a favor.

What I mean is that on any given day, a V.A. hospital or clinic treats people ranging from those who pay nothing at all, to those who have good insurance that reimburses the V.A. at whatever the negotiated rates happen to be. But most of the expenses of running the facility are the same regardless of how many patients they treat. Their staff gets paid one way or the other, the equipment costs are the same whether it's used or not, etc.

So I wonder whether a V.A. facility would be any different from any other medical facility in terms of benefiting from patients whose insurance companies reimburse the agency for services. I guess it depends on whether the reimbursement adequately covers the costs of providing the care, which probably is impossible to determine with any degree of accuracy. But I do find it hard to come up with a reason why having revenue-generating patients would be a bad thing for a hospital.

-Rich

 

[Dave Siciliano]

Geico: I'm very much like you; RVN and Purple Heart recipient; yet, have never enrolled. I was encouraged to enroll and claim Agent Orange exposure and I did have it, but I have no health issues and feel those that do should use VA. I probably should enroll just so I'm in the system if something every happens to me. I know several folks that do get prescriptions filled there and they are cheaper than purchasing things yourself. Anyway, thanks for the post. One of these days, I may go down and enroll.

Best,

Dave

 

[Jim_CAK]

. . . It is because of people like him that I refused to take a disability as I felt I would cheapen his true sacrifice.

Wow. Good for you - and thanks for sharing his story.

 

[Velocity173]

My grandfather was gassed in WWI; my dad and uncle both earned Purple Hearts in WWII. The only VA benefits I ever saw them take were their tombstones and the flags we got. But that is the way they wanted it. To them disability was for those who were truly disabled.

The vets who deserve it are the ones like the young soldier who came to me for flying lessons. When I asked him to fill out the form he had to pull out his license to look up his address and his full name. His brain was so scrambled from IED's that he could never hold down a real job much less get a medical. My heart broke for him. The kid could not even drive without his wife going with him. It is because of people like him that I refused to take a disability as I felt I would cheapen his true sacrifice.

My wife has seen so many people trying to ride the system and has been written up so often for refusing to go along I'm surprised she is still a surgeon.

Yeah, I think it was just a different breed back then. Not that I didn't serve with some truly awesome individuals in my 20 yrs but as a whole, when it comes to morals and ethics, our "greatest generation" stands alone.

 

[weilke]

One thing I've sometimes wondered about is whether veterans who have the option of going elsewhere for medical care (that is, they have private insurance), but who choose to use the V.A. because they prefer it for whatever reason, are actually doing the agency a favor.

Yes, they allow VA administrators to claim (e.g. during budget negotiations) that they 'provide services' to X veterans when in fact the number is a lot smaller.

What I mean is that on any given day, a V.A. hospital or clinic treats people ranging from those who pay nothing at all, to those who have good insurance that reimburses the V.A. at whatever the negotiated rates happen to be. But most of the expenses of running the facility are the same regardless of how many patients they treat. Their staff gets paid one way or the other, the equipment costs are the same whether it's used or not, etc.

VA hospitals and clinics are supposed to bill other health insurance for 'non-service-related' issues if beneficiaries have. There is some variability in the skill of different VA organizations to actually bill and receive those payments. There was some plan to have them bill medicare as well, but that would just moving money from left to right pocket within the government. By law, at this point they don't bill medicare or medicaid.

 

[Blackhawk]

Yeah, I think it was just a different breed back then. Not that I didn't serve with some truly awesome individuals in my 20 yrs but as a whole, when it comes to morals and ethics, our "greatest generation" stands alone.

Yeah. The company my dad helped found went under with the recession of '73. He went from being VP of sales to scrubbing buildings. The thought of drawing unemployment never crossed his mind- he viewed unemployment as a last resort for those who could find NO work. Now it is viewed as an entitlement by most, including many on this website.

 

[Jimmy cooper]

One thing I've sometimes wondered about is whether veterans who have the option of going elsewhere for medical care (that is, they have private insurance), but who choose to use the V.A. because they prefer it for whatever reason, are actually doing the agency a favor.

What I mean is that on any given day, a V.A. hospital or clinic treats people ranging from those who pay nothing at all, to those who have good insurance that reimburses the V.A. at whatever the negotiated rates happen to be. But most of the expenses of running the facility are the same regardless of how many patients they treat. Their staff gets paid one way or the other, the equipment costs are the same whether it's used or not, etc.

So I wonder whether a V.A. facility would be any different from any other medical facility in terms of benefiting from patients whose insurance companies reimburse the agency for services. I guess it depends on whether the reimbursement adequately covers the costs of providing the care, which probably is impossible to determine with any degree of accuracy. But I do find it hard to come up with a reason why having revenue-generating patients would be a bad thing for a hospital.

-Rich

Many years ago, maybe the late 60s, VA hospitals exposed on national TV. Vets left in bed, very Ill, with bedsores, no prescribed medication the wrong medication, on and on. Big investigation. It was decided then that every VA hosp. Had to be connected to a teaching hosp. To insure quality care and oversight. In maryland this the case and people I've spoken with say the care is excellent. The VA has always had funding problems. Going to war on a credit card is not too bright and then cleaning up afterwards is very expensive, and the vets are forgotten.

 

[JimNtexas]

Yet another VA hospital scandal.

 

[Jimmy cooper]

But you can fire an insurance company, you can't fire a government agency. Heck, it's almost impossible to fire people within government agencies no matter how incompetent they are. The tech who scrubbed out during lunch? Still there. If it was a private practice they would have been shown the door.

Le'ts see what happens with this VA mess. Probably the same thing that happens every time with a government agency. No one goes to jail. People retire with their pay or, if you are a congressman you get disability AND your retirement.


Drugs at astronomical prices? Probably because of the cost of getting them to the market through the FDA and usually the research is actually done at their own expense. 95% of drugs tested on humans fail to even make it to the market. The average cost for developing a new drug is $5 bbbbbillion. Still, I'd much rather pay for a drug that extends my life or the life of a loved one than not have it available.

Many vets go to the VA as drug costs are much less! The VA is able to negotiate prices with drug company's. Other gov. Agency's are not. It's a total scam. ALL VA hospitals have to be connected to a teaching hospital and are overseen by doctors and staff from that hospital. In maryland it's Univ.of Maryland hosp. Which is physically connected to the VA, by a covered walkway. It is excellent. I can promise you that no one " scrubs out and leaves for lunch as you report, which sounds like total B.S. And once again, MUCH of drug research-development is funded thru university's with government money, Johns Hopkins being a classic example, sort of like the computer your using which was invented and funded originally by those darn "govmint" fellers.

 

[weilke]

I can promise you that no one " scrubs out and leaves for lunch as you report, which sounds like total B.S.

Had the same thing happen to me at a VA hospital. 5pm sharp tech scrubs out of the case and leaves before his relief had come in. Nothing you could do about it. Some VA employees care, many dont.

 

[Blackhawk]

Many vets go to the VA as drug costs are much less! The VA is able to negotiate prices with drug company's. Other gov. Agency's are not. It's a total scam. ALL VA hospitals have to be connected to a teaching hospital and are overseen by doctors and staff from that hospital. In maryland it's Univ.of Maryland hosp. Which is physically connected to the VA, by a covered walkway. It is excellent. I can promise you that no one " scrubs out and leaves for lunch as you report, which sounds like total B.S. And once again, MUCH of drug research-development is funded thru university's with government money, Johns Hopkins being a classic example, sort of like the computer your using which was invented and funded originally by those darn "govmint" fellers.

Think about it... where are you located??? Write it again and think about it. Nine out of the ten richest counties are now in the DC area. I'm sure if you live in that area the VA is great because if they are not the ruling class hears about it. Go out into "fly over country" and the VA is not so great.
Actually the computer I am using was not invented and funded by the government. I looked and it is made by a private entity.

“Socialism, like the ancient ideas from which it springs, confuses the distinction between government and society. As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all. We disapprove of state education. Then the socialists say that we are opposed to any education. We object to a state religion. Then the socialists say that we want no religion at all. We object to a state-enforced equality. Then they say that we are against equality. And so on, and so on. It is as if the socialists were to accuse us of not wanting persons to eat because we do not want the state to raise grain.”

 

[poadeleted21]

Think about it... where are you located??? Write it again and think about it. Nine out of the ten richest counties are now in the DC area. I'm sure if you live in that area the VA is great because if they are not the ruling class hears about it. Go out into "fly over country" and the VA is not so great.
Actually the computer I am using was not invented and funded by the government. I looked and it is made by a private entity.

“Socialism, like the ancient ideas from which it springs, confuses the distinction between government and society. As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all. We disapprove of state education. Then the socialists say that we are opposed to any education. We object to a state religion. Then the socialists say that we want no religion at all. We object to a state-enforced equality. Then they say that we are against equality. And so on, and so on. It is as if the socialists were to accuse us of not wanting persons to eat because we do not want the state to raise grain.”

 

[oldShar]

I'm confused about who is going to the VA for medical care and why. Disabled vets I get. They need the best care possible.

I'm a VietNam Era Vet. I did my 6 years (4 years active) and got out. I have no serious problems (moderate hearing loss) due to my service. I feel the government owes me nothing. Evidently, I am in the minority. More than one vet has told me I am a sucker for not going to the VA for full medical care for life.

If I am a veteran do I qualify for full medical? Do all vets get free medical for life? Maybe I should go to the VA instead of paying for OCare?

With all of the horror stories lately (this is certainly NOT new ) why on earth would anyone go to the VA for medical care if you are able financially to go somewhere else? If you can't afford health insurance Obamacare will subsidise your premium to get the care you need.

Do you think vets should get free medical for life if you completed your enlistment and got out after 2-6 years?

What am I missing?

All Vets are categorized into Priority Groups based on things like Purple Heart Status, ground combat, POW status and INCOME.

If you weren't in combat, wounded, or a POW, your income is scrutinized. If you make over $35k per year, you are probably assigned Priority 8 -- the LOWEST priority of eligibility and will most likely be denied benefits.
see:
http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/priority_groups.asp

 

[brew1819]

I'm confused about who is going to the VA for medical care and why. Disabled vets I get. They need the best care possible.

I'm a VietNam Era Vet. I did my 6 years (4 years active) and got out. I have no serious problems (moderate hearing loss) due to my service. I feel the government owes me nothing. Evidently, I am in the minority. More than one vet has told me I am a sucker for not going to the VA for full medical care for life.

If I am a veteran do I qualify for full medical? Do all vets get free medical for life? Maybe I should go to the VA instead of paying for OCare?

With all of the horror stories lately (this is certainly NOT new ) why on earth would anyone go to the VA for medical care if you are able financially to go somewhere else? If you can't afford health insurance Obamacare will subsidise your premium to get the care you need.

Do you think vets should get free medical for life if you completed your enlistment and got out after 2-6 years?

What am I missing?

I with ya. I did 6 years active duty Air Force, no deployments, have never been to a VA clinic nor want too. Before joining, I use to only think the VA was for the older retired vets, or the ones that got seriously hurt in the war. Not for young guys like me that only did 4 to 6 years and got out and went on our way. I tell people all the time---I would've paid good money for some of the things I got to do and see in the service for free, not all, but some.

Whenever I separated, I was eligible for and received unemployment...which I still feel guilty about.

I recall being in the unemployment office talking to the manager who asked me if I had any injuries from the military.

Me:"Nope, I'm good"

Manager: "Are you suuure?"

Me: "Uh no, never had any trouble, feel pretty lucky"

Him: "No hearing loss? Surgeries? Broken Bones? Anything you can think of"

Me: "No really, I fine."

Him: "Well if you can think of anything, make sure to report it, it's a lot easier if you file within one year of separating because it's easier to get it approved."

And don't even get me started on some of the guys I know that have a 30% disability rating because they sprained their ankle.

 

[weilke]

And don't even get me started on some of the guys I know that have a 30% disability rating because they sprained their ankle.

Or the guys who are '100% disabled' with a VA pension but hold a first class medical and fly a full airline schedule.

The system is broken, the vets who need it the most are at the back of the line while the ones who know how to fill out the right paperwork upon separation receive benefits they shouldn't get.