DD214 and the V A

[old2soon]

    I had ZERO idea how Important my DD214 would be at this stage in my life. Billing is Still coming in on my aortic aneurysm surgery and it's already north of 200G with me owing NOTHING! And last weeks lab work and post surgery consult with the Doctor has yet to arrive. And couple years back I had cataract lens implant surgery on both eyes and That was some north of 30G with the follow ups. Seems as if Carl nailed it from my memory-He got more than he put in as I did. All this recent med stuff I Never expected all this! These surgeries could have been much worse on my wallet. To state I'm happy is a Rather HUGE understatement. RIDE SAFE.

[Rams]

It took me a lifetime of health insurance payments to finally use the benefit I earned during my time in the military.   It was only just recently I started using the VA.   I consider myself two things, lucky to still be here and silly for not using the VA long ago.   An earned benefit, every honorably released Veteran should use what they've earned.

Rams

[f6john]

Not bragging or anything like that, but my DD 214 gets me an extra 5% discount at Lowe’s!

[old2soon]

It took me a lifetime of health insurance payments to finally use the benefit I earned during my time in the military.   It was only just recently I started using the VA.   I consider myself two things, lucky to still be here and silly for not using the VA long ago.   An earned benefit, every honorably released Veteran should use what they've earned.

Rams

     When I was Forced by circumstances to retire in 09 I notified social security and also notified my local V A office. And with my hearing loss and my agent orange issues my V A disability is currently at 30% which also allows me to claim travel pay for medical travel at 41.5 cents a mile. And YES I Am taking Full Advantage of All V A programs offered to me. Anyone that has served needs to have your hearing checked and Just Maybe the root cause of said loss might be traced back to your Military service. Most of my hearing loss Does in FACT trace back to my time around Aircraft and Naval cannons used aboard the carrier I served on-USS Yorktown CVS 10. Look up the V A disabilty pay chart cuz I sure am NOT turning down a bit more than $500.00 extra a month! RIDE SAFE.

[bassman]

It took me a lifetime of health insurance payments to finally use the benefit I earned during my time in the military.   It was only just recently I started using the VA.   I consider myself two things, lucky to still be here and silly for not using the VA long ago.   An earned benefit, every honorably released Veteran should use what they've earned.

Rams

     When I was Forced by circumstances to retire in 09 I notified social security and also notified my local V A office. And with my hearing loss and my agent orange issues my V A disability is currently at 30% which also allows me to claim travel pay for medical travel at 41.5 cents a mile. And YES I Am taking Full Advantage of All V A programs offered to me. Anyone that has served needs to have your hearing checked and Just Maybe the root cause of said loss might be traced back to your Military service. Most of my hearing loss Does in FACT trace back to my time around Aircraft and Naval cannons used aboard the carrier I served on-USS Yorktown CVS 10. Look up the V A disabilty pay chart cuz I sure am NOT turning down a bit more than $500.00 extra a month! RIDE SAFE.

FWIW and you may already know for sure - I'm NOT positive but I believe with 30% disability you are entitled access to PX/BS/Commissary privileges.  Might be worth check if you have facilities nearby.

[Jess from VA]

I'm glad guys (and gals) get VA benefits for disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service.  Money, medical treatment, and addons.  

My eyesight, hearing loss and constant tinnitus, foot neuropathy, swollen prostate and happy attitude have absolutely nothing to do with my military service.  Not a lot of disability is caused by sitting in offices or courtrooms.  

If I was ordered to secure a building, I did it with with a mortgage and insurance.  

I also get the occasional 5% off.  

All gave some, some gave all.  

VA rules on BX/commissary (this is not detailed enough on degree of disability).  

Have a service-connected disability rating..
No percent of rating is provided.  You can be service connected for something with a 0% rating.
https://www.va.gov/resources/commissary-and-exchange-privileges-for-veterans/

But I just found this, maybe any service connected disability can get you this even with no compensabe rating.

According to the Department of Defense, starting Jan. 1, 2020, all service-connected Veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war (POW), and individuals approved and designated as the primary family caregivers of eligible Veterans under the Department of Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) can use commissaries, exchanges, and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) retail facilities, in-person and online.

[scooperhsd]

I have used Exchange (online) for a few things, but I hadn't heard that Commissary was included. Since my nearest Commissary (and Exchange) are on Ft Leavenworth ( about 20 some miles away - along with my closest Navy federal Credit Union Branch) - I'll probably just keep shopping locally.

I don't think I have any service connected disabilities to use VA - or at least I'd probably be at the very bottom of eligibles....

[Jess from VA]

The BX/PX is nice, but Walmart and others have about the same prices.

The commissary is where you can really save money.  And I bet now, more than ever.   

[Rams]

I have used Exchange (online) for a few things, but I hadn't heard that Commissary was included. Since my nearest Commissary (and Exchange) are on Ft Leavenworth ( about 20 some miles away - along with my closest Navy federal Credit Union Branch) - I'll probably just keep shopping locally.

I don't think I have any service connected disabilities to use VA - or at least I'd probably be at the very bottom of eligibles....

Having an active duty daughter and son in law who use the exchange some, I've compared their receipts with my own on similar items.   They do get items a bit cheaper but, not enough to make it worth driving 40 miles to take advantage of that pricing.

Rams

[Oldfishguy]

A few things I’ve learned the last few years about the VA health care.

Everyone with a DD214 should visit your local VA, whether it is a county rep or other; these folks are knowledgeable and are there to help veterans.  Make an appointment and bring a DD214 with.

A couple years back I had a tough financial year and was paying the full health care premiums for my wife and myself out of pocket. I went to the VA rep and needed to wait till I did my taxes with the lower W2 income.  Yes, there is an income limit to those with no disability  from the military.  This income limit varies by state and county and the number of dependents.  I do not know what the sliding scale is but for just my wife and me living in rural Minnesota the income must be below approximately $65,000 combined  annually.  One can deduct off unreimbursed medical expenses and funeral expenses to qualify and get under this limit. 

So, the good news, my income has gone up again.  The bad news, my VA rep says I will “probably” get booted off the VA health care once I file taxes next year.  That is fair; especially since I have a company health care subsidized plan again.   In a few years I will retire and reapply to the VA health care system again.  At least now, I am familiar with how the VA works; that should pay dividends in years to come.

So, go see your VA rep and start a conversation. They are there for you.

[old2soon]

      Since I've retired the V A has been there for me. My meds are $8.00 per month and when ordered I get 3 months meds at a time. All O2 tanks regulators hoses canulas are delivered to me. I have a CPAP and blood pressure cuffs and an oxymeter all supplied by the V A and outside vendors. I can walk in anytime at the V A Clinic if I'm feeling outa sorts. In a nutshell the V A IS taking care of my medical needs. Any Veteran with a DD214 should look into what's there for you. RIDE SAFE.

[Big Rick]

I grew up a Navy brat, my Dad retired after 24 years.
 I was able to see a lot of Europe on summer vacation when we were stationed in Rota Spain , we travelled around in a 1974 Volkswagen camper van...four of us.
 My Dad passed away in 2011 from lung cancer from the asbestos. My Mom has full benefits from his service and between SS and Tricare all her medical is covered thankfully.
 We live by WPAFB and she uses the pharmacy but we don't shop on base much because Walmart can match almost all the prices.

[da prez]

  I have had two surgeries this year at VA. In February , and appendicitis emergency and while the Dr. was in , repaired a navel hernia also.  I told him to fix anything else he sees.
  In October , the same day O2S had his surgery , I had my left hip replaced. No bill as of yet. February bill was $18.00 for co-pay.  It will take a couple months for the hip surgery bill to come.
 
                                     da prez