Do we really need a Veteran's ID Card?

2015-07-21T07:00:08-04:00

Veterans benefit: bill allowing ID cards signed by Obama

President Barack Obama on Monday signed a bill from U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan that will allow veterans nationwide to get a special, government-issued identification card.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 7:06 AM

2015-07-21T07:06:19-04:00

I understand the need to have an easier way to identify veteran status without your HOR and SSN on the DD-214. However, if this is going to fall on the VA to issue these, I think there are much bigger issues that need to be taken care of first. The VA needs to handle healthcare and disability in a timely manner before we distract them with an ID card program.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Jul 21 at 2015 7:13 AM

2015-07-21T07:13:13-04:00

Why/when would I need to PROVE that I am a veteran?
Serious question...

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Jul 21 at 2015 7:15 AM

2015-07-21T07:15:44-04:00

I think fewer Vets would fall through the cracks if they had the VA's ID card. A lot of vets never complain about the aches and pains they have. When the time comes when they do need VA help, maybe they can get it without being denied, like the WW2 Corporal that now has Alzheimer's disease, and no where else to turn.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 21 at 2015 7:25 AM

2015-07-21T07:25:21-04:00

IMHO we do not need another ID card. The VA has enough problems as it is. It would just be another thing that they can screw up and mismanage more money.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jul 21 at 2015 7:35 AM

2015-07-21T07:35:19-04:00

This is just an ID card to identify you as a veteran and not tied, necessarily, to any VA benefits. I think there is a separate VA card for that.

I have been out 30 years and have never found a need to produce evidence of my veteran status. People who know me know I served people that do no know me don't need to know. Is this our new "stolen valor" ID card so you can whip it out and say "hey. I am a real veteran". I can assure you whatever we spend on this will be too much. It will take too long to get and it will serve almost no purpose. A perfect bill to have made it through the Congress and signed by the president.

This is another muchado about nothing, feel good, veteran's law that will do nothing to fix the VA or meet the obligations already made that are not being met.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 8:07 AM

2015-07-21T08:07:12-04:00

For those questioning why this is even an issue, I've seen this brought up on Facebook, and therefore I'll pass my understanding of it. First, let me say that I do have a VA ID card already as a disabled veteran, which I personally have not ever had to show for any of the reasons I'm about to list here. With that said, my husband is still AD, and in some circumstances, we show his ID.

The issues aren't stemming from medical or other VA benefits, as much as additional benefits from civilian agencies and companies. Personally, I think it has a lot to do with Stolen Valor, especially with the timing of the issue. For the sake of discussion, I'll leave that out of it, because nowhere does it say that this card would show that you were anything but a Veteran, i.e. awards and combat tours, which can also be the heart of Stolen Valor.

Discharged Veterans are making a case for the ID in instances such as applying for a driver's license in a state that gives a discount to Veterans, or allows for longer periods before the license expires. They have also made the case that, for Veteran's Day events where one would receive discounts, they are required to carry the 214 to show a cashier that they qualify for the discount. Similarly, places like Disney World, hotels, resorts, etc. that offer a discount price to Veterans either year round or during special promotions, often require proof of Veteran status. In these instances, the ID card would allow those who do not qualify for VA benefits, and therefore the ability to receive the VA ID card, the chance to prove their status easily without the added sensitive information listed on the 214.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 10:38 AM

2015-07-21T10:38:12-04:00

The only way I would support an ID for Veterans is we dismantle the VA system and close all facilities. Then the money saved on fraud, waste and abuse could be tied directly to that card that would allow Veterans to walk into any medical facility in the US and get treatment without question.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Jul 21 at 2015 12:24 PM

2015-07-21T12:24:17-04:00

I think we do but I dont think saying the entire country needs ID's works

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 23 at 2015 4:27 AM

2015-07-23T04:27:08-04:00

Firstly it would be just one more thing for me to keep track of and possibly lose.
Secondly, I myself have a retired ID card and the word "VETERAN" on my Arizona Driver's license.
I honestly think this would be a waste of time and money. Any veteran who qualifies for VA services does not need this ID card. I don't have a VA-issued ID card yet I am still able to check into my VA medical appointments at the self-check in kiosks by punching in my SSN. Never once have I been asked to show ID at the VA.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 23 at 2015 4:30 AM

2015-07-23T04:30:04-04:00

SGM Private RallyPoint Member and all:
Let me further add, I am a bit of a conspiracy theorist and I say something like this could be used for tracking purposes: when the government declares martial law they can track how many people have these veteran ID cards to more quickly determine who to come visit and confiscate weapons from! (Yes I'm wearing my tin foil hat as I type this, LOL).