VA Benefits...

[gonfishn]

My wife is a ICU nurse at the local VA Hospital. It seems that the goverment is passing disability payments out to many that is just looking for a handout. For Instance Asthma(35%), mental state(50%),bad feet(50%) and the list goes on.<br /><br />Many benefits are given for some that spent sometimes as little as 1yr. on active. <br /><br />I share this with you because you don't have to be retired to Qualify for benefits that you may entitled to. Any Honorable discharged Vet can Qualify for treatment depending on your income ratio. Prescriptions can be gotten for about $2.00. As alot of us approach that magic mark called retirement these little known benefits might help on those with fixed incomes. <br /><br />Even after 30 years I can still apply for disabilty. Never have thought of it before because I only thought of it being my patriotic duty and that it just went with the territory.<br />Current wife is pushing this, states I deserve this as much as any one). Still carry the metal I aquired and a broken hip that I recieved when dropped into firefight from a choper(10 feet to high). You jump when I tell you took on a whole different meaning from then on...<br /><br />Don't be afraid to call the VA and see what benefits you may qualify for. You earned it if you served.......

 

[OBJ]

Re: VA Benefits...

Sound advice gonfishn....My Dad served in WWII and gets a lot of his needs from the VA. Hearing tests and prescriptions. The prescriptions really help. He's had quadruple by-pass surgery and last year in 2001 just before Xmas, suffered a very slight stroke. They even take him on a bus to Pittsburgh to the VA Hospital. He likes it cause he sees a lot of guys he knows and he says they always have a good time. I suppose I will someday take advantage of it also. Served in the Air Force for 4 years with a year and a half in VN. Right now my work place insurance takes care of my needs. But, I'm sure I'll be looking into the VA benifits someday.

 

[gss036]

Re: VA Benefits...

You could open up a whole new Forum on the subject. My brother and I both are disable VETS from the Vietnam era. It is not as easy and good as you make it sound. If one has medical insurance, they will bill that insurance as a primary and then write off the rest as benefits. If you are a retired military person on VA benefits, the money you get is deducted from your military pension, it goes on and on. Biggest downfall in getting an appointment, I live 100 miles north of Seattle, which is the nearest facility, last year I had to make the trip 5 times, after waiting 3-4 months for an appointment. I think it is great that we have the facilites and benefits, but the perks are very limited. Lots of the help at the facilites are volunteers. Those driving other vets are volunteers also.<br />My suggestion is pretty basic, use only as last resort and save it for those who really need the help.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: VA Benefits...

the va mortgage loan is also a great deal. zero down, zero mortgage insurance, good rate. many banks now offer a va advantage loan that doesn't go through the va, offers the same benefits, and doesn't cap until 300k. you vets should also look at usaa as a banking/investment/insurance company. i use them for eveything, and personally feel they have the best rates and service around. no one can touch their car insurance rates.

 

[gonfishn]

Re: VA Benefits...

Howdy gss036...At the beginning I was being a little sarcastic about the type of disabilites that the VA is given away. My refference was to those that were on a limited income could seek help through the VA for treatment. <br /><br />If you are having problems with Uncle Sam go to your local VFW and you may be surprised how easy they will help you open the doors a little quicker. The VA has closed alot of facilities on the west coast but not so much here. I've never used the VA because of the excellant benefits I Get. Were you in country ? If I had to wait as long as you to be seen I'd be calling a VFW rep. Politicians squirm when the vets start the phone calls.<br /><br />My wife could be making twice the money she makes now by going elsewhere. She stays because of her dedication and special feeling she has for the vets. You are right about one thing vets are the background of what we have today,yet after we have completed our mission look who turns there back on us first and just wish we would just go away....<br /><br />I could go on and on on this subject. If you let me know where your at and what VA is nearest to you I will get you connected to someone who does care....

 

[gss036]

Re: VA Benefits...

Thanks for the reply, Gonefishing. I used the VA to get a hearing aide, my other insurance company would not provide them. I am Ok now and have them. <br />Yes, I was in Country. I was at ChuLai/QuangNi Providence 1967-68.

 

[gss036]

Re: VA Benefits...

Gonefishin,<br />Channel 5 Seattle did a story on the VA hospital on tonights news, had one guy that said one could get in for emergancy when needed,but his appointment was 13 months out for a doctor for primary care. The VA rep for the hospital says it all has to do with funding and hiring help and will only get worse. That is why I do not use VA except when there is no other way. FYI

 

[gonfishn]

Re: VA Benefits...

Remember when we came back from in country and the VAs were saturated with the wounded who needed treatment. They will be cranking it up again if this war happens. Except this time along with the metal they will be an additon of chem. and Bio. products. The goverment and society welcomes us with open arms during conflicts but as soon as we are not needed thay tend to try and act like we don't exist.<br /><br />More backing this time gss036. Even here the lines and waiting are getting longer. Wife says more vets are coming in more than ever because of job loss and age. Like you I have ins. and know that if I have to I at least can fall back on the va. Hopefully we can secure some Drs. that at least speak english if you know what I mean....take care.....