What can I do after losing my VA medical benefits?

2015-03-18T17:04:52-04:00

Had anyone heard of new branch of the VA that's specifically going after vets benefits? After 10 years, they took away my VA medical benefits. I don't make enough money to get my own policy, and now have no medical coverage. I have heard for 2 other guys I know who lost their benefits too. Such a shame. Thanks for nothing!

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Mar 18 at 2015 5:10 PM

2015-03-18T17:10:58-04:00

Think you might need to be a little more specific. I always thought that if you were honorably discharged you could go to the VA for medical procedures no matter what.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 18 at 2015 5:44 PM

2015-03-18T17:44:03-04:00

http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/veterans.asp

http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/priority_groups.asp

To clarify, if you served at least 24 months, and meet the criteria listed in the priority groups, they generally "can't take away" you benefits. What they may be able to do is change your priority group because of changing conditions, like increased income or some other factor.

If in doubt, call them at [login to see] .

I am no fan of the VA. I've been fighting them for years, but I'd caution against thinking the benefits will be completely removed.

Veterans Eligibility - Health Benefits

For the purposes of VA health benefits and services, a person who served in the active military service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable is a Veteran.

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Mar 18 at 2015 5:48 PM

2015-03-18T17:48:34-04:00

I agree with SSgt Guina,

Please provide an article or something tangible to back up your claim. Also before any benefits are taken away do they not send you a letter saying we "don't have any more info that your claim is still valid, please provide new medical docs?"

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Mar 18 at 2015 6:30 PM

2015-03-18T18:30:13-04:00

How long were you in, and why were you separated? It looks like you were in for only a very short time. This may be a factor, since you did not serve during a time of combat operations, from what it appears. As SSgt Gregory Guina mentioned, more information is needed to help you.

Please contact me offline via RP message, and I will see what I can find out about your case.

Response by SGT Dolores Rosas made Mar 18 at 2015 9:25 PM

2015-03-18T21:25:42-04:00

I'm not sure you can really lose your benefits. I do know though that I learned something as of recent. Apparently you have to check in at least once a year so that they can check your disabilities that you are currently receive a rating for. I agree with others are saying. I would contact the VA and see what is going on. I have never heard of anything like this. The only thing I can think of is if you claimed a disability and then you were caught doing something that discredits your claim.

Response by PV2 Violet Case made Mar 25 at 2015 5:26 PM

2015-03-25T17:26:11-04:00

PFC Kenan Mansur, I had read that you had to be in the service for at least one year to qualify for some benefits. I was in just over a year myself but discharged under honorable conditions and have 100% service connected disability. I no a man who served in two wars and he gets bills for his medical even and he always has to fight them on it. I'm sure if you go to your advocate they can explain what and why. Or contact LCDR Jaron Matlow he may be able to help to tell you more who to ask.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Mar 25 at 2015 7:26 PM

2015-03-25T19:26:17-04:00

PFC Kenan Mansur Contact me off line, to discuss your case. If you are financially destitute, you can file for "Non Service-Connected Pension", as well, which may help...