>>While we're on the topic of vets, any of you guys/gals (especially older ones) that aren't signed-up for the VA Hospital might want to give that some thought.  There're some advantages to signing up. 


At the minimum end of service, even if you don't have a service related injury, many vets can get some of the annually needed shots and a checkup.  It's well worth the time to check into, especially if the VA hospital (or clinic) is nearby.

I've had nothing but good experiences with them.  I've been going to the VA for about fifteen years now.  If a Vet takes expensive meds (which I do), you can get your prescriptions for $15.  Once I signed-up, I was assigned a primary care Dr. that calls me in twice a year for an exam and blood screen.  I can call for an appointment any time, use the emergency room at the VA Hospital, if necessary, get x-rays, etc. etc.  You can walk-in just about any facility for flu shots and when I turned 65, they called me in for a pneumonia shot.

The VA gives you an ID that you can use at Lowes and the Bass Pro Shot too.

Oh, and the best part, I didn't have to buy the hospital!

I've submitted an application twice for VA medical benefits and was rejected both time because the combined income of my wife and I is too high although I'm semi-retired.

Wayne

TexasMac - Unless it was recently, try again.  They have a slightly different attitude with the latest wars.  Maybe they'll accept you now.

I have a documented service-related severe hearing loss that necessitated the Army giving me hearing aids, but the VA said it's not bad enough for their support.  I asked them the level of hearing loss necessary for benefits and they wouldn't tell me.  So I trotted myself up to the VA to argue with them.  Seeing the WWII, Korean, VietNam war veterans and the injuries they sustained, and the longs lines they waited in, I walked away with a little more humility.  That was in '91.  They're truly overwhelmed now.  So, I just ask people to repeat a lot or that I didn't hear... at least that's what I tell the wife. Huh?

JohnM wrote Quote:


I think you probably payed your share of it, but just weren't told exactly how.    

Hey Guys . There is no free lunch , you did your service time and paid your dues. You gave a portion of your life to your country. Why do Vets feel that they are somehow second hand citizens, they are not good enough ??  When go to my local VA hospital , and above the entrance door , in the lobby reads like this , " Through these doors you will see the price of Freedom" .