Posted on Sep 8, 2015
Cpl Software Engineer
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I'm a little late to the game regarding registering for VA Health benefits. That being said, I received a packet of forms to fill out, one being the 10-10EZ.

The top of the Instruction page states, "The information provided on this form will be used by the VA to determine your eligibility for medical benefits..." Determine your eligibility?

Why in the hell do they need my income information? My income has nothing to do with my status as a veteran, none! The only thing that should be required is honorable service. Am I wrong? Will veterans be denied benefits if they reach a specific income?
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SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS
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Cpl Kirk Sain, Yes, the VA will provide medical care so long as we meet certain criteria. The question of income is to determine our eligibility for free healthcare. I would suggest googling the form online to get a pdf fillable version and submit it directly. Otherwise, contact the nearest VA Hospital or clinic to get connected with their eligibility office. You will need your DD214. If you think you have a injury associated with your service call the administrative offices at [login to see] opt: 1, 0, 4 to ask for instructions on how to be scheduled for an exam, it is free.
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SSG Gerhard S.
SSG Gerhard S.
>1 y
I would additionally suggest that if you believe, it even suspect you may have a service connected disability, that you do not contact the VA directly, but rather contact a service organization like VFW, American Legion, DAV etc. (They usually have offices in the VA Hospitals). They will assist you in filling out any paperwork, and advise you regarding any documentation you may require. Remember, the VA is not that interested in helping you file a claim. Have someone knowledgeable to advocate for you.

I'll give you an example I went to see my primary care physician a few months after returning from Iraq. I was diagnosed with hypertension and prescribed medicine... Without my VFW representative, I would never have imagined this was a service connected condition. Likewise, having chronic back pain after returning, but with no specific traumatic incident to tie it to, made a claim questionable until I remembered my chiropractor Commenting on a compressed L4 disc he found on my POST deployment X rays that wasn't present on my PRE deployment X Ray....
So, one can be surprised by what may be covered, and also from where ones documentation can come from. Simply replying on a VA representative, to look out for YOUR interests, or upon a VA examination (without you're medical history for context) to stand alone as documentation for a claim leaves one at a serious disadvantage.

Best wishes.
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PFC Joseph Levi
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They ask for your household income because they put you in a certain category. It will provide them with what deductible you will pay when you go see a Dr. Have tests done, medication, etc. If you are service connected, then you will be in a different category also.

Now if you aren't service connected, and didn't serve during a wartime period, then they go solely on your household income for eligibility.
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Cpl Software Engineer
Cpl (Join to see)
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Thanks for your responses, SrA Christopher Wright and PFC Joseph Levi. I currently fall under 2 of the criteria for enhanced eligibility, but my income level is a lot higher than the median income.
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PFC Joseph Levi
PFC Joseph Levi
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SrA Christopher Wright - no problem. I deal with issues with the VA on a daily basis at work. I just had a case like this maybe 2 weeks ago. A veteran's household income, only if social security, was to high for coverage. I found out recently they changed the rules and parameters of the means test.
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PFC Joseph Levi
PFC Joseph Levi
>1 y
Cpl (Join to see) - if you need any help with any federal issue, just let me know. I know you would definitely be out of my district, but if I don't get the "Ok" from your congressman to help you, then I'll tell you who you need to get in contact with or have that person contact you.
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Cpl Software Engineer
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The income test is for people who are not disabled veterans or have Purple Hearts, CMOH or POW status... If you are at least 50% disabled or one of the three special categories, income doesn't matter...

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