Is there a veterans id card if you don't use VA medical benefits?

SPC James Hartsell — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 11:14:28 -0500

I have good insurance but when I travel to see one of my 3 sons serving, it would be nice to have a id card. Didn't know I missed having a veterans id until I had to wait until my son got off work to get onto housing,AFTER driving from NC to Texas! Anyone?

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Feb 22 at 2014 11:18 AM

CPT Brandon Christensen — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 11:18:49 -0500

Can't you get the ID cards that look like our spouses when you get out of the service, even if your not using the VA medical? Thought you could, but may be wrong. Don't quote me on that

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 11:35 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 11:35:35 -0500

VA Health Care system ID card isn't going to get you through the gate, unless there is a VA Health Care center on the installation.

Um, your son lives in housing in Texas? So he is married? His wife can come to the gate and get you a visitors pass so you don't have to wait. Some installations allow the member to call ahead and give the details over the phone, and then when you arrive you just present your information and they give you the visitors pass then, without the sponsor actually being present.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Feb 22 at 2014 11:52 AM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 11:52:58 -0500

SPC. Hartsell, you can go to the VA Hospital to get your VA ID card, you must pass your MEANS test for that, even though you have insurance you can still use the VA hospital any where across the USA.

The Means test will let you know how much copay you will have to pay if need to.

If you had a VA Card before, and rejected the VA by having them take you out of the system, then you will have to attempt to discuses that with them, because once your out , your out. The VA will let you know what you will need to get your VA Card.

If you have 100% Disability service connected you will not need to pay copay

Response by CSM Chris McKeown made Feb 22 at 2014 8:39 PM

CSM Chris McKeown — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 20:39:10 -0500

The only way to have a Military ID after service is if you are retired from the military and receive a pension. The VA card is only good at a VA facility. On some post you need a visitors pass and who ever you are visiting has to arrange that for you, I know it it can be aggravating, but it keeps our military and their families safe.

Response by 1SG Ernest Swindle made Feb 25 at 2014 3:22 PM

1SG Ernest Swindle — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 15:22:27 -0500

There are Veteran Centers on every installation you serve; there are Veteran Hospitals sporadically across the U.S., the quickest means I have found results are going on line and looking up exactly what your looking for e.g. 9/11 college fund. That would lead you to a site; have forms, fax numbers, before you know it you're in college and earning a wage at the same time. So there are many ways to obtain a Veterans Card, I am sure there is a difference between Disabled Veterans, Veterans, Retirees without disabilities and so on...Best Wishes and thank you for your service.

Response by 1SG Ernest Swindle made Feb 25 at 2014 3:27 PM

1SG Ernest Swindle — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 15:27:14 -0500

If you're referring to using something to gain access to an installation use your driver license. If you get sick and its overseas just about everyone overseas is Universal Health and walk into a Krakenhaus and get help. The emergency might not turn you away at post being you're not retired(?) If that is the case use your good insurance card anywhere you go and don't worry about...Drivers License go a long way as well as passports and many other things. Not sure of your exact intent? My wife has visited me all over the place sometimes with driver license because she left her ID at home...I didn't say that...

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 7:46 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 19:46:45 -0500

You can also get a VA card (paper) for your wallet. It only identifies you as a Veteran. You can use this card to obtain various discounts in your local community. All you have to do is get on your Ebenefits account and go to the tab that has VA letters.

Response by PO2 Rod Mutzabaugh made Oct 24 at 2020 8:42 AM

PO2 Rod Mutzabaugh — Sat, 24 Oct 2020 08:42:27 -0400

Why can't all veterans have an ID that puts us in the system even though we don't use. That way we would be counted as Veterans and you know we are out there and alive. I applied for a VA card but was rejected because I make too much. I'm soon going to retire, granted I will have Medicare but wanted a card so I would be in the system.