How can I determine if I qualify for VA medical?

Wow so much hard feelings and disinformation in this thread.

1. Go to your local VA and take a copy of your DD214 and any records you have that show when you were on active duty. Take a copy of your complete last tax filings. Go to eligibility at the VA there. They will review everything and advise if you meet the guidelines of a veteran for healthcare services. They will also determine your income eligibility (certain levels of income mean zero or little copays).

2. If you want to file a claim for any service connected conditions then you will need to speak to the VBA not the VHA. Two separate arms of the VA. I think unfortunately another of the hate that gets thrown at the VA is on the benefits or VBA side. You have a local VBA office you can speak with about filing a claim or as others have said you can speak with the American legion or the VFW as they have service reps who can assist you with filing claims for service related conditions.

You mentioned hearing. I am a VA audiologist and anyone can get hearing aids through the VA if you meet the requirements for hearing loss regardless of if you are service connected to hearing loss or not. This changed several years ago.

Also you mentioned getting the run around before. I am wondering if that was back in 2013-2014 time frame when we still had a category system where combat and service connected veterans got priority for services and then income related folks and then anyone else. We had two wars going on and only so much staffing. That is not how it is now. Anyone on here telling you that being service connected means you will get in faster than another veteran isn’t telling the truth. When a veteran calls to schedule an appointment they get offered the next available appointment. We don’t even look at the service connection. Maybe the people claiming that are the ones who call for an appointment, then threaten to call the director or their congressman etc. and say “but I’m service connected X amount!” And then people overbook providers to keep them from complaining. That doesn’t work in a lot of clinics. I also think it’s horrible people would jump in front of another veteran and they’d be livid if the other guy did the same to them, but hey that’s just how I feel about it.

To apply for VA benefits, you will need to fill out a 1010 EZ form, your DD214 showing an honorable discharge (if less than honorable did you go through the process of getting it upgraded?), and last years tax records. Supporting documentation form your local provider may be needed once you get an appointment. You will have to show that you have a service connected hearing loss.

Start your claim NOW. ANY findings will be retroactive to the start date of your claim. FILE TODAY: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/

I would go to the website and check. If you feel you have issues or concerns I would recommend getting with a veteran advocate to get it all sorted out.

https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/

Call the VA NOW. The start may be difficult, but the entire baseline for your claim will be based on the start date of that call. FILE TODAY: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/

DO NOT call the VA all that will guarantee is that you will get to listen to bad elevator music and transferred to someone that probably doesn't know what they are doing. Do a little homework first. Normally the VA only wants to help vets with service connected disabilities. You have to provide them with evidence that your hearing loss (or other issues) is service connected and present your case. There are lots of service organizations that will help you with the process and most counties even have their own Veteran Affairs office to help you do everything needed.

Call the VA and speak to someone in Benefits