Register with the VA.

[RYAN50BMG]

I,ve been out of the army for over twenty years. Got torn into by a friend because I have not registered with the VA. He says that even though I might not need it ( nothing wrong with me ( well, that,s debatable) I should still register because even though I might not need it, it still procures funding for those that do. My buddy ended up with a trach in his throat from Desert Storm. My point, I have other insurance, why should I clog up the system for those that really need it. Thoughts?

[OtterbatHellcat]

You served our country, and thank you. If you need medical attention, and the VA is there for you, then get it.

I understand your logical and respectful viewpoint also.

[theGinsue]

Today you do not need care through the VA but tomorrow that could change.

We've all read the stories on how slowly the VA processes flow and waiting until you need care may be too late.

One veteran to another: Register!

[CS1983]

Register. They’re now giving out official Veteran ID cards too.

[Bailey Guns]

Yeah, I did "register" with the VA a few years ago. I was told I was ineligible for any sort of medical benefits due to our income level (apparently my wife and I make too much money). So basically, our 24 years of combined service (14 for me, 10 for Mrs BG) means jack shit to the VA because she's a nurse and I have one of those super high-paying propane truck driver jobs.

[USMC88-93]

Until you "need" it VA services are virtually useless. If you make too much, or if you currently carry insurance from an employer than there is really no benefit. Your insurance will get you better care out in the non VA world and if you did see the VA benefits are lessened do to the fact you have insurance.

But you should presumably go thru the motions to get yourself in the "system". I have done so.

[Bailey Guns]

I don't have the form in front of me, but it basically said "Too bad...you don't qualify". I was asking for anything...I'd just heard the same thing the OP did and thought I'd do it. I'm in the process of filing a claim now and that sort of treatment was precisely why I waited so long to do it.

[theGinsue]

Register. They’re now giving out official Veteran ID cards too.

Nope. Just read a report on Military.com yesterday (or was it this morning? I've lost track) that they've paused this program indefinitely. It seems that the demand is overwhelming (much higher than they expected) and the system they're using has glitches. Once they sort out the program they're supposed to resume (after all, the Veteran ID thing was Congressionally mandated in 2015).

[brutal]

Register. They’re now giving out official Veteran ID cards too.

I seem to recall seeing something that the ID card program was on hold due to "unexpected demand." ??



>>> ETA Note to self: Read the entire thread before posting a reply.

[theGinsue]

I don't have the form in front of me, but it basically said "Too bad...you don't qualify". I was asking for anything...I'd just heard the same thing the OP did and thought I'd do it. I'm in the process of filing a claim now and that sort of treatment was precisely why I waited so long to do it.

This is troubling to hear but I've heard many others say the same thing. If you line your pockets while "serving" in Congress they throw healthcare at you forever but if you sacrifice yourself and family by serving in the military you have to fight for a band-aid.

I have a VA disability rating but have avoided using VA medical care. My back is so bad now and the only thing I've found that brings relief is TENS (electro-stim) treatment. The OTC TENS units are worthless but you can't get a good one without a perscription which TriCare won't authorize. After the first of the year I'll be looking to get seen by the VA as I hear they regularly issue out the good TENS units. Only thing is I'm told to expect the wait for the Colo Springs VA clinic to be 2 years. That's a lot of pain to suffer through while waiting.