I see. I guess there will always be agencies who will fill any niche that develops alongside the government agencies as there is money to be made there.
I don't think so.
NO. You could elect to take as much as you desired up to 400,000.
Me too. I'm surprised almost daily by individuals who are vets that have no dialogue with the VA.
They will likely assign a VSO ( veterans service officer) to you who will help you navigate the VA boondoggle.
As a non injured combat vet that qualifies for medical and dental insurance thru my employer is there any reason for me to have a dialogue with the VA?
Don't forget you have to be in the service for at least 180 days to get veteran status. A lot of people who get hurt withen there first six months of service do not recieve benefits
Maybe not at the moment, perhaps when you find issues related to combat service that hinder you later in life you will need the VA. I don't advocate for every last vet to jump on the VA band wagon just because they served. If your in good health with no issues then allow another Vet to be seen instead. Good on ya. I meant to say, in my post that you quoted, that I come across vets who DO need the VA who have no clue.
Yes absolutely there is. I am continually amazed at how this type of attitude/thinking is currently taking place by many who have served. They just left it all behind upon their discharge without a twinge of concern for their eligibility. I mean WTF??? These are benefits that we all deserve and are available to us. We took the Oath which is forever. That included these benefits through the VA. Whether or not one served for a minimum amount of time, or made a career of it, they are entitled to receive these benefits. Now granted those of us like myself that served for 20 or more years and retired, we have a greater standing than just a Veteran that did his enlistment and left. But that point is really moot. Anyone that has served and worn the uniform should make a mandatory trip to their VA Service Rep either at their County building or a VA facility directly and register and get into the system. No argument at all as to whether or not it should be done. It should be part of the out processing/debrief that all separating Veterans should be made to go through. Yet the whole process has failed to inform them due to the responsibility falling upon the Member Veteran. They feel that it is up to the individual to pursue such things which in and of itself a failure on the part of the Government. I don't know how many times I hear I am a Veteran. Yet when I inquire about have they gotten registered with the VA, they reply that I don't need it because I have such and such through my employer, etc. BS!!! One can never have enough medical insurance however you choose to look at it. The VA is not a perfect entity as it is currently. But I can tell you this...I have the VA with a Combat Disability rating of 60%, Medicare as I am pushing 70, and Tri-Care for Life because I served in excess of 20 years...34.5 to be exact...so I am quite well covered. I have a supplemental Dental through the VA with Delta Dental. So I think I am pretty well covered. These extra organizations go above and beyond what the VA provides that further guarantees the Veteran have any and all needs met either by the system or by a charitable organization. It is the least that our Nation can do for any and all that made that choice, took the Oath, and served. We owe it to them at every level. Finally I just want to leave you all with a couple of thoughts here.
That was a great deal when they first came out with it. I don't need it because I am covered through the VA, but I did get it for my wife. After yearly increases I soon realized it was just like phone plans, great at first, but soon you are at regular prices. It seemed to me like a great marketing plan they worked out with the VA. Unfortunately, the VA didn't control their pricing. Not blaming the VA, I think they got duped. I dropped them after about 3 years. All cases are different, but you might do some comparison shopping just to be sure you are getting the deal you think you are getting.
I'm sorry to hear that man. I hope it gets straightened out. I have the same feelings about 15-20 years from now, or sooner. Medical waste and trash fires, heavy metals in the dust, dust, sand, radiation. Waiting for the other shoe to drop.
That is rough, I would hate to lose my sight. yeah, the gubmint will find ways to exclude just about everything if they can. It's all about money. My father in law died from IPF caused by Agent Orange and got zip to help out or compensate. He died about 6 years too early. I will be surprised if I don't end up with some damn disease from Iraq.
