Why is enrollment in the VA not automatic at service separation?

Also, I would add that even though the VA has processed your DD Form 214... when applying for benefits, I would recommend all ways providing a copy of DD Form 214 with each application.

NO, a copy of a service members DD-214 does not go to the VA automatically. If this was so, then 'why' would any Veteran need to bring in their DD-214 for Proof to enroll in the VA Healthcare system? Nor does the VA keep the DD-214 on file, only in a C-File that is created by the VA, specifically for a Veterans claim. If a Veteran goes to enroll in the VA Healthcare, shows his DD-214 for eligibility, but then their income is above the allotted amount, the VA will not enroll that person in to the VA HC. Healthcare is on their own. A Veteran does not have to be enrolled in the VAHC in order to go for a VA Environmental Health Registry. The Vet does need to show their DD-214 to be eligible for that certain health registry exam. If the Vet is eligible, if the Vet is suffering with a medical condition that pertains to that war era, then that Vet will receive VA Healthcare, no matter what income may be. If a Servicemember is coming off of active duty and is a combat Vet, this person will receive VA healthcare 'free' for 5 years. A Veterans DD-214 is REQUIRED for basically anything and everything that pertains to the VBA / VHA / and Burial & Memorial Benefits. The DD-214, Discharge papers is a 'extremely important document' to be in a secure place for the rest of that Veterans' life. It is suggested that a Veteran make '5' copied of their DD-214 for themselves. One to keep, one to give to spouse, one to give to siblings, one to give to a family member, hide different places in their home. To ensure the Vet 'always' has a copy of their DD-214. Tamie, Nevada Certified Veteran Advocate. NVA / I Volunteer under NV State Veteran Services Officers (VSO).

SFC Charles Woods - You need to make an appointment for an updated hearing exam. And possibly to update your hearing aids. As items as those are updated every 2 years. That 'joker' in the hearing aid clinic will decide which should be the Physician. Use that individual. I am assuming you are receiving disability for your hearing loss? Tinnitus is a separate disability claim. PTSD, the VA have Mental Health Coordinators that deal with PTSD, depression, anxiety, all of those conditions. The VA Mental Health program has grown. PTSD, if you have received a proper diagnosis, service-connected, then can also apply for VA disability. Collect all of your medical information, military information for the evidence pertaining to each claim, submit it yourself, is called Fully Developed Claim, will move faster through the process than if you allow the VA to collect any information for you. Tamie, NV Veteran Advocate

But medical is only part of what the VA does.

Michael Compeau - Which is my point. The point being is their suicide service related after all this years? It's been 43 years since the fall of Saigon, 45 since the US disengaged in Vietnam. The assumption that the suicides in this age group is service related has no scientific basis. Now I more than agree that Vietnam vets were treated like crap, although as far as I can tell the stories of girls with dog shit are urban legends. it was worse, the were brought home and ignored. Vietnam was the first time that PTSD was given that name and maybe some of the soldiers could have been helped, but a lot of Vietnam Veterans did seek help. OTOH, if you look at the reasons for suicide in my age group, military service isn't one that is listed.

CPL James "David" Yates - My comment means that I think your assumptions are not based in reality. In my age group, all my male relatives and most of those of my friends were either WWII or Korean War Vets. Did they have survivors remorse or still morn for buddies lost during that time period? You bet they did, but they didn't commit suicide either. The difference between the two groups may be that it was a much more common experience and they generally had friends and relatives that they could share those feeling. My Father, 4 years in CBI in WWII and a 21 year service member, and his buddy Parnell, Korean and Vietnam Era Chopper pilot, would talk about their experience with each other (I was allowed to listen to the group only after I had joined Army) in much more graphic and realistic terms than you will hear from most Veterans.
But I grew up in a rural area where military service was a common escape and the early draft used to rid the county of "troublemakers", yet I can count the number of Vietnam Era combat veterans that I went to school with on one hand.

CPL James "David" Yates - I've already stated that I saw how returning troops were treated, the worst being ignored IMO. Did you personally get spit on or were otherwise humiliated when you returned home? I said before that I had a real draft card and knew people that served, and most of the senior NCO's and Officer's when I enlisted were combat veterans, when I asked that same question it so far has been something they heard from another soldier. If it happened to you personally, I believe you, but you will be the first out of hundreds of Vietnam vets I know or served with or under.
I know all the statistics, during my era this war was second only to the American Civil war as the most studied in any ROTC/OCS/Officier training.
PTSD was just a name change to what had been listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders since 1952 as Gross Stress Disorder. That was dropped in 1969 with various substituted, such as Vietnam Combat Syndrome, until 1980, when it was included in DSM-3 as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
But you are swinging at the wrong target. I don't doubt that many involved in combat in Vietnam have had lasting issues with it, I still see it among those that are still around. But the point I am trying to make is that the rate of suicide in that age group Veterans is still less than their counter part in the general population, where most of the suicides occur anyway. That statistics alone challenges the theory that a 70 year old vet committed suicide because he was PTSD or military service. When you look at the reasons, when they can find one, for suicides in this group, my age group BTW, being related to military service doesn't make the list. `

CPL James "David" Yates - The problem is that when you research Suicide in our age group, actually the over 45 age group, those with military service are not committing suicide as often as there civilian counterparts. Over half of all suicides in this age group have no record of any mental health issue, such as depression. In reality, life event stressors seem to be more on an issue, alone without meaningful contact with family or community, etc. The point being, did 72 year old Joe Blow kill himself because of his service, or is it more likely that recent events drove him to that decision. It's dangerous to assume that something that happened at least 44 years ago or longer is responsible for someone's suicide today.

The VA provides a 6 hour "VA Benefits and Services" Briefing to ALL transitioning Servicemembers at their installation transition (TAP) office, that definitely offer transitioning Sermembers the opportunity to register for VA Healthcare, and provides detail guidance on how to register for VA Healthcare. If they don't have time during the class or the network is down, or password issues or other issues that can quickly become very time consuming, Servicemembers can make an appointment with a VA benefits advisor for one-on-one assistance with the filling out and submitting the application for VA Healthcare.

Another option is simply to find your local VA Medical Center or clinic after relocating and go there in person to get enrolled in VA Healthcare, just take a copy of your DD Form 214, member copy 4, or service copy 2, and the admin folks at the facility will get you squared away.

When I retired in 2012, a VA rep did exactly that, and assisted with the pre-separation disability claim form where necessary. Tucson VA hospital had me scheduled for a physical within 2 weeks, really simplified and accelerated the whole process. 1SG Eddie Smith

I got out in 1987, there were no briefings or transition classes - it was not until the mid 2000's that I was referred by another vet to the VA. they did a health screening, reviewed my medical records and identified my service connected disabilities…

Good to hear,I went to Seattle VA hospital for an orthopedic appointment they told me nothing wrong.Went back the next day was told I had never ben seen at Seattle VA.That was 1981/82 Still have no found my medical records.