Veterans Affairs Thread

[Michiana]

Check now, don't wait to you need coverage

OP, Thanks for starting this thread. When I got out of the Navy (6 years active) I did not really consider myself a veteran. I never was in any conflicts, never fired a shot in anger, just went from port to port drinking beer. At least now I know there is a small safety net if I lose my current health insurance and job. Again thanks

The laws changed and just because you were in the service does not mean you can get into the VA; you need to quailfy, there are all kinds of requirements you must first meet before you can get rated. I suggest research it now and if you feel you quailfy apply right away and get your foot in the door. If you do not have service connected health issues your chances are slim to get accepted into the VA for medical coverage.

 

[TN_Mike]

I'll give it another shot. I am going to talk to the American Legion and see if they can help me with this.

 

[Jay]

The laws changed and just because you were in the service does not mean you can get into the VA; you need to quailfy, there are all kinds of requirements you must first meet before you can get rated. I suggest research it now and if you feel you quailfy apply right away and get your foot in the door. If you do not have service connected health issues your chances are slim to get accepted into the VA for medical coverage.

I broke 2 ligaments in my right knee and had to have a reconstruction done on the knee while in the Navy.

This alone provides documentation of service-connection. Somebody in the VA dropped the ball.

TN_Mike, sir, I'm retired from the VA, but if I can help, feel free to email me thru the forum, or PM me for my email address.

 

[FULLMAGAZINE]

Surely this isn't happening to ME!

I went to the Police Department, applying for my Lifer License. The form (post nine-11) was a little different than the old one. One question is, "Have you ever undergone psychiatric counseling?"
I'm a 'Nam vet; so of course I have done such. I do not have PTSD, and I go in once a year for a Group Session. So, I answered "yes." The application-taker says, "No problem. Just go to your doctor and get a letter stating it is ok for you to have a gun." (It was a trick question.)
I went to the hospital and asked the doctor to give me such a letter. She says, "I no never give any such kind letter." She is from Astronesia. I asked politely enough again, but, "no." Not for any medical reason, but just because she does not do this.
Nex step, I called and wrote to Mike Pence, with all the detail. No word back yet, after one week. I'm CCW-ing on the yellow application copy, and Lifer Licenses may take up to six months.
What would you do next?? FullM

 

[JetGirl]

.


TN_Mike, is it working out for you?

I called and wrote to Mike Pence...

What would you do next??

If/when you hear back, I'd be real interested if you could post about it.
As for what to do next, it sounds like you've already done what you can so far, unless Jay has other advice for you.

 

[Citronman1980]

I was active duty for almost 4 years. Sustained an ankle injury early in my career that never healed correctly (still hurts all the time). I was med-boarded out of the Navy in 2003 and recieved a compensation (5-figure payday and 10% disability) due to being med boarded before my contract was up and honoroably discharged.

My question is this: Since I took the money and blew it over the years (paid off a car and bought a few guns) how do I get into the VA system? Do I have to pay back my compensation before getting bennifits?

Thanks in advance - Matt

 

[Jay]

I was active duty for almost 4 years. Sustained an ankle injury early in my career that never healed correctly (still hurts all the time). I was med-boarded out of the Navy in 2003 and recieved a compensation (5-figure payday and 10% disability) due to being med boarded before my contract was up and honoroably discharged.

My question is this: Since I took the money and blew it over the years (paid off a car and bought a few guns) how do I get into the VA system? Do I have to pay back my compensation before getting bennifits?

Thanks in advance - Matt

I'm not sure of the correct answer re the lump sum payment. To get into the system, just show up at the closest VA facility and apply for benefits. You must have your DD-214, and another form of photo ID. Do NOT leave the original DD-214 with the VA. They'll make a copy for themselves. I'd suggest that you call/write the Indianapolis Regional Office, and see what they have to say. You might also contact the VFW, or American Legion.... both organizations have folks that will assist you. You might also contact your local Veterans Service Officer. (Not a VA employee)

VA Regional Office
Re: Compensation/Benefits
1481 W. 10th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202

1-888-878-6889

Regards, and thanks for serving....
Jay

 

[Jeff]

I was active duty for almost 4 years. Sustained an ankle injury early in my career that never healed correctly (still hurts all the time). I was med-boarded out of the Navy in 2003 and recieved a compensation (5-figure payday and 10% disability) due to being med boarded before my contract was up and honoroably discharged.

My question is this: Since I took the money and blew it over the years (paid off a car and bought a few guns) how do I get into the VA system? Do I have to pay back my compensation before getting bennifits?

Thanks in advance - Matt

Something similar happened to me in the USAF. Received the 5-figure payday and 10% disability rating. The VA recouped all the money given to me through my disability payments before I received my first check.

 

[Colt556]

Hope this wasn't covered in the multitude of pages prior to this buttttt.... How do I go about getting a copy of my DD214 and then being checked out for this constant ringing in my ears? It started in the Navy while working on jets but has gotten way worse over the years. Thanks and sorry if this has been covered before.

 

[MoparMan]

Hope this wasn't covered in the multitude of pages prior to this buttttt.... How do I go about getting a copy of my DD214 and then being checked out for this constant ringing in my ears? It started in the Navy while working on jets but has gotten way worse over the years. Thanks and sorry if this has been covered before.

The 1st page has a lot of links. Also pm Jay as he works in the VA and is a great help to our Veterans!

 

[Jay]

Hope this wasn't covered in the multitude of pages prior to this buttttt.... How do I go about getting a copy of my DD214 and then being checked out for this constant ringing in my ears? It started in the Navy while working on jets but has gotten way worse over the years. Thanks and sorry if this has been covered before.

If you want to obtain a copy of your DD-214, for yourself (strongly advised), go here...

Military Personnel Records, SF-180

Be advised, this is NOT a rapid response system.

With that in mind, you do NOT need to provide a DD-214 to apply for VA benefits.

"It is not necessary to request a duplicate copy of a veteran’s discharge or separation papers solely for the purpose of filing a claim for VA benefits. If complete information about the veteran’s service is furnished on the application, VA will obtain verification of service."

per Chapter 14 of the following link....

Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors - Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs

Thanks for your service..... good luck.

 

[Pocketman]

I do not have any VA related issues right now, but have gleaned a boatload of info from this thread. Thank you Jay!

 

[Jay]

You're very welcome, sir.......

 

[Jay]

Veterans Day freebies....

I have not verified all of these offers, and I'm pretty sure that your DD-214, VA patient ID card, or military ID, will be sufficient to secure these offers......... Please add to this list if you have info to offer.

Thanks to all who have served, and are serving.
Restaurant Freebies

Applebee's Restaurant - Free dinners to veterans throughout the day.
Outback Steakhouse - Free Blooming Onion and beverage.
Golden Corral- Free buffet dinner from 5-9 p.m. on Nov. 16 to anyone who has ever served in the U.S. military.
Krispy Kreme - One free doughnut of any variety.
UNO Chicago Grill- Free entree or individual pizza with an entree or pizza purchase of equal or greater value.
Coushatta Casino Resort - The Louisiana casino and resort is offering a free seven-clans lunch or dinner buffet to veterans or active military.
MarketPlace Grill & Express - Veterans and active-duty military receive free entrees.
Masala Wok - The Northern Virginian restaurant is offering a free entree to veterans.
Hy-Vee supermarkets - The mid-western supermarket chain is offering a free breakfast to veterans.
Abuelo's Mexican Food Restaurants - All veterans and active-duty military receive a free entree.
Carolina Burgers & BBQ - In Matthews, NC is offering a free meal to all service members and veterans.


Retail Freebies
Brides Across America - Provides free wedding gowns to qualified military brides.
Lowe's & Home Depot - Extra 10% off to active-duty military members, National Guard and reserve members, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and immediate family members.
Sam's Club - Over 25,000 Hugo canes will be given away to U.S. veterans in need of mobility assistance. Membership is not required, but supplies are limited, so check with your local store.
Amazon.com - Free "Veterans Day Honor" MP3 album download. The album includes 12 songs by The Bands and Ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Cabela's Outdoor Store - Offers their employee discount to all veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel Nov. 11-12. Discounts vary from 5% to 50%, depending on the item.
Build-a-Bear Workshop - Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount Nov. 11-15 on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Dollar General - 10% discount for all veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and reserve and their immediate families.
Fashion Bug - 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse's military ID.


Entertainment Freebies
National parks, forests and monuments - Admission is free to everyone on Veterans Day.
Knott's Berry Farm - Free park admission to U.S. armed forces personnel and a guest during Veteran's Month, November 1-26.
Colonial Williamsburg - Free admission Nov. 6-11 for active-duty military, guard and reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents.
San Jacinto Museum of History - Free visits to the Observation Deck, theatre, and special exhibit for veterans, active duty military
personnel, and their families.
Historic Jamestown - Free admission to veterans, current Armed Forces members and their family members.
Battleship Cove - Free admission and a special ceremony for veterans, active, duty and reservists.
Vicksburg National Military Park - Free admission for all.
Birmingham Museum of Art - Free admission to the ticketed event "Life and Liberty" on Nov. 10-11 for veterans and active military.
Vulcan Park and Museum- In Birmingham, Alabama is offering discounted admission through November to the park and museum.
Green Baybay (WI) New Zoo - Free admission to veterans and their families.
Central Florida Zoo - Free admission to the Sanford, Florida zoo with proper ID.
Strategic Air & Space Museum- Free admission for veterans Nov. 11-14 to the Ashland, Neb. museum.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum - in Oklahoma City offers free admission to veterans and five guests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Natural Elements Spa & Salon - In Chesapeake, Virginia, will provide free services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to both active duty and retired military

 

[JetGirl]

I'm pretty sure that your DD-214, VA patient ID card, or military ID, will be sufficient

Thanks! I'll pass this along to a few non-INGO folks!

 

[John224]

Good info. I have been to Golden Corral several times, lines are long but worth the wait. they treat you well. Also, Lowe's will give you 10% year around just show ID card.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

Can I get a pink Veteran I.D.? I have my DD214 but they gave me no I.D. when I was discharged.

 

[Jay]

If you are eligible for VA benefits, or medical care, you will, or should have been issued a VA ID card. If you have retired from military service, you should have a military issued retiree ID card.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

If you are eligible for VA benefits, or medical care, you will, or should have been issued a VA ID card. If you have retired from military service, you should have a military issued retiree ID card.

I'm using my G.I. bill benefits. I'm on my second semester. Should I call and ask them about it?

 

[Jay]

I'm using my G.I. bill benefits. I'm on my second semester. Should I call and ask them about it?

I didn't think about the GI Bill when I answered your first post. ... Use of GI Bill benefits may not result in an ID card being issued, but the VA Health Care System will issue an ID card if you avail yourself of any medical care, prescription services, or health benefits.

Your DD-214 will serve as proof of military service for any other reason.