How can I determine if I qualify for VA medical?

PO2 Robert Landrum — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:04:12 -0400

I was in a USNR in the 70's. My unit was called to active duty for about a a year. We were later returned to reserve duty to finish out our enlistment. When we were released we were told we did qualify for VA benefits but that was a long time ago and I dont remember how much and what. I did use some educational benefit but nothing more. I do have hearing problems but dont know of VA well help me.

Response by SrA John Monette made Aug 18 at 2021 5:06 PM

SrA John Monette — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:06:23 -0400

Call the VA and speak to someone in Benefits

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Aug 18 at 2021 6:18 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 18:18:48 -0400

https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/

Five second Google search pulls up this.

So wait...you got "blown off" by them a few years ago and that was it? You didn't keep pressing the issue?

Eligibility for VA health care | Veterans Affairs

Review VA health care eligibility criteria. Find out if you qualify for VA health care, how VA priority groups may affect you, and how to apply.

Response by SGT Wes King made Aug 18 at 2021 7:41 PM

SGT Wes King — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 19:41:29 -0400

DO NOT call the VA all that will guarantee is that you will get to listen to bad elevator music and transferred to someone that probably doesn't know what they are doing. Do a little homework first. Normally the VA only wants to help vets with service connected disabilities. You have to provide them with evidence that your hearing loss (or other issues) is service connected and present your case. There are lots of service organizations that will help you with the process and most counties even have their own Veteran Affairs office to help you do everything needed.

Response by PO1 Don Uhrig made Aug 18 at 2021 7:53 PM

PO1 Don Uhrig — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 19:53:08 -0400

Call the VA NOW. The start may be difficult, but the entire baseline for your claim will be based on the start date of that call. FILE TODAY: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/

How to file a VA disability claim | Veterans Affairs

Learn how to file a VA disability claim for a service-connected disability. File a disability claim online, by mail, in person, or with the help of a professional. Review the documents and information you'll need before you get started.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 18 at 2021 8:01 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 20:01:19 -0400

I would go to the website and check. If you feel you have issues or concerns I would recommend getting with a veteran advocate to get it all sorted out.

https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/

Eligibility for VA health care | Veterans Affairs

Review VA health care eligibility criteria. Find out if you qualify for VA health care, how VA priority groups may affect you, and how to apply.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 8:03 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 20:03:22 -0400

Wow so much hard feelings and disinformation in this thread.

1. Go to your local VA and take a copy of your DD214 and any records you have that show when you were on active duty. Take a copy of your complete last tax filings. Go to eligibility at the VA there. They will review everything and advise if you meet the guidelines of a veteran for healthcare services. They will also determine your income eligibility (certain levels of income mean zero or little copays).

2. If you want to file a claim for any service connected conditions then you will need to speak to the VBA not the VHA. Two separate arms of the VA. I think unfortunately another of the hate that gets thrown at the VA is on the benefits or VBA side. You have a local VBA office you can speak with about filing a claim or as others have said you can speak with the American legion or the VFW as they have service reps who can assist you with filing claims for service related conditions.

You mentioned hearing. I am a VA audiologist and anyone can get hearing aids through the VA if you meet the requirements for hearing loss regardless of if you are service connected to hearing loss or not. This changed several years ago.

Also you mentioned getting the run around before. I am wondering if that was back in 2013-2014 time frame when we still had a category system where combat and service connected veterans got priority for services and then income related folks and then anyone else. We had two wars going on and only so much staffing. That is not how it is now. Anyone on here telling you that being service connected means you will get in faster than another veteran isn’t telling the truth. When a veteran calls to schedule an appointment they get offered the next available appointment. We don’t even look at the service connection. Maybe the people claiming that are the ones who call for an appointment, then threaten to call the director or their congressman etc. and say “but I’m service connected X amount!” And then people overbook providers to keep them from complaining. That doesn’t work in a lot of clinics. I also think it’s horrible people would jump in front of another veteran and they’d be livid if the other guy did the same to them, but hey that’s just how I feel about it.

Response by PO1 Don Uhrig made Aug 18 at 2021 8:05 PM

PO1 Don Uhrig — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 20:05:14 -0400

Start your claim NOW. ANY findings will be retroactive to the start date of your claim. FILE TODAY: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/

How to file a VA disability claim | Veterans Affairs

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 19 at 2021 11:51 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 11:51:44 -0400

To apply for VA benefits, you will need to fill out a 1010 EZ form, your DD214 showing an honorable discharge (if less than honorable did you go through the process of getting it upgraded?), and last years tax records. Supporting documentation form your local provider may be needed once you get an appointment. You will have to show that you have a service connected hearing loss.