How can I find medical/dental help outside the V.A.?

A1C Charles D Wilson — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 18:01:10 -0400

So I am not eligible to receive help from the V.A. due to time of service (1984-1986 U.S.A.F.Res and 1986-1987 U.S.A.F). I have worked since leaving the service until 2014 when 2 doctors removed me from work due to my condition with Rheumatoid Arthritis stage 3-4. I need dental work bad..teeth are fine but R.A. has eaten the bone away that holds them in place.

Response by A1C Charles D Wilson made Mar 16 at 2016 6:20 PM

A1C Charles D Wilson — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 18:20:12 -0400

I have no insurance or money. The SSI that I had paid in is still not available (I have a hearing coming up). I have tried to see what is available in S.C. but my brain and research have not found any sources yet. My hands,feet,shoulder and neck prevent me from working and just trying to work around the house doing chores can become a chore all by actions alone. I do not take pain meds and do not want them so I just live and deal with the chronic pain as is. Any help would be helpful as I am in need of help.

Chuck D

Response by SSG Michael DeBerry made Apr 5 at 2016 8:24 AM

SSG Michael DeBerry — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 08:24:19 -0400

Dial your local 2-1-1 call center to get information about free clinics, community clinics, etc.

Response by SGT Michelle Griffin-Franks made Apr 5 at 2016 8:32 AM

SGT Michelle Griffin-Franks — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 08:32:40 -0400

I don't know if your a USAA member they are offering a very ressonable dental plan for veteran's google veteran's dental health they are a lot of search engines in your area

Response by MSgt Stephanie McCalister made Apr 5 at 2016 10:23 AM

MSgt Stephanie McCalister — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 10:23:29 -0400

Can you enroll at the VA at all? If so, this is most likely to be your best option for Dental Care (for veterans not otherwise eligible for dental care directly through the VA) ... http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vadip/

Try the VA again, if you have no income, take your DD214 and see if you can enroll ... you may now fit in a category that you didn't in the 80s. You still wouldn't get dental care without 100% s/c

Now, as to Healthcare .. Try filing for SSDI (Social Security Disability Income) as well as SSI ... If approved for SSI, you should be able to get Medicaid for healthcare, with Medicare after 2 years on SSDI.

If you are low or no income, you should still be able to get Medicaid coverage regardless through your county social services office. (Same office food-stamps are issued from). I'd suggest taking proof that you've filed for Social Security disability benefits and something from your doctor stating your health issues to help out. This office also would provide other resources, including emergency energy assistance during winter months & sometime during summer if the heat is too significantly high & young children, elderly, or severely disabled residents reside in the home.

In a pinch, if there's a dental college anywhere near you, they often have dental care options available so the students have patients ... worth checking out!

Don't give up!

One more thing, check this out and see if they are in your area!
https://www.aspendental.com/about/healthy-mouth-movement

VA Dental Insurance Program - Health Benefits

VA’s comprehensive VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) gives enrolled Veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries the opportunity to purchase dental insurance through Delta Dental and MetLife at a reduced cost. Participation is voluntary. Purchasing a dental plan does not affect Veterans’ eligibility for VA dental services and treatment.

Response by Cpl Raul DeMoura made Apr 5 at 2016 10:45 AM

Cpl Raul DeMoura — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 10:45:56 -0400

If you HAVE an HONORABLE Discharge, you are eligible for V.A. healthcare. Find an "American Legion" , or which ever service related type for help. Bring your original dd-214, for them to COPY. They can help with hospital healthcare. Unfortunately, unless you are a "100% Service connected" , disabled veteran, OR, have a dental connected disability rating, your on your own with the dental.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2016 11:07 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 11:07:33 -0400

i would find a local veteran service officer, and file a claim for disability. if you get approved and rated even at 10% you can use VA services.

Response by CMSgt Milton Bell made Apr 5 at 2016 11:39 AM

CMSgt Milton Bell — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 11:39:16 -0400

For free dental work, suggest you visit http://www.freedentalcare.us/. This site allows ZIP code searches to locate dental clinics that are offering free services. Also, simple Google searches for "free dental clinic," "free healthcare," etc., may result in your locating free or affordable healthcare in your area. Good luck!

Free Dental Care Clinics | FreeDentalCare.us

Free Dental Clinics. We provide full lists of free dental clinics that provide dental treatment for those in need. FreeDentalCare.us also provides full descriptions and phone numbers, addresses for the dental care clinics.

Response by SSG Ken Gilder made Apr 5 at 2016 1:25 PM

SSG Ken Gilder — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 13:25:32 -0400

First, get help. The VA's administrative side, like other government agencies, is a vast bureaucracy, and quite often, the left hand has no idea what the right hand is doing.

Free help is available through VSO's (Veteran Service Organizations) such as the VFW, American Legion, etc. They have people specifically trained to navigate the VA's bureaucratic mazes, and can be a world of help in getting you the medical and dental assistance you need.

Have patience. I initially applied for an Agent Orange settlement, and was denied. I went to my state Department of Veterans Affairs, which had offices at Bay Pines VAMC, and was referred to the American Legion representative. He got the paperwork re-filed, and FAX'ed to the proper office, and then, we waited. We waited about eight months, but it was worth it. The application was approved, I got a six figure check (retroactive to the onset of heart problems), and an 80% disability rating/100% unemployability rating, and a monthly check just short of 3k.

Don't confuse your state VA, with the federal VA. There are vast differences. And the state may not call it the VA. It might be "Department of Veterams Services," or something else.

Good luck.

Response by 1LT Ralph Filzek made Apr 5 at 2016 2:43 PM

1LT Ralph Filzek — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 14:43:18 -0400

If you haven't already looked into USAA for all kinds of health assistance as well as other personal needs as a former military, they will assist you in joining the best military company there is. Look into it, it'll be well worth it for you

Response by SSG John Hill made Apr 5 at 2016 3:06 PM

SSG John Hill — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 15:06:34 -0400

Contact your local VA and ask for a no charge/discounted charge dental list for the local dentists in your area. Also if you were honorably discharged you are eligible for care at the VA. Speak to your VA PCP and see if they can link your RA diagnosis to the dental carries. You may not be eligible for dental care but if your existing rated diagnosis affects other systems you may be able to slide into the back door

Response by A1C Charles D Wilson made Apr 5 at 2016 5:57 PM

A1C Charles D Wilson — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 17:57:38 -0400

Thank you all for the replies. I have applied for help from the V.A. and they denied me due to the 24 month bs that Congress has set for us. I have 1 honorable and 1 general discharge for both terms of service. I do want to thank all of you for the answers due to depression and chronic pain are no joke..and seeing no one respond for almost 2-3 weeks since first post had me thinking there was no help. My wife and son have been helping me with this but both continue to work and try to be there for me. I do have a lawyer for my SSI and I am waiting on the hearing after being denied 2-3 times in the past 2 years (As of June). I have always worked and hustled yet now I can not even cook for myself at times due to pain...smh. But being old school I continue with the old saying "No pain No gain!!" I have had the American Leg. in our county seat look into the help with tinnitus and R.A. Rheumatoid Arthritis ( I think came from JP 4 and JP 8 [423x3 Fuels Specialist]) but I do not have the knowledge of brain function to research the chemical data base to tie it to R.A. I had one front tooth fall out 4 years ago and ask a dentist to screw it back in and he said I did not have enough bone to do it. I owe my wife and son so much right now and would like to pay them back (SSI) and the government just loves dragging it out as usual.

Thanks for all the replies team...thanks a whole bunch. Made me feel a little better this week.
Chuck D

Response by SPC Jerry Corwin made Apr 5 at 2016 6:49 PM

SPC Jerry Corwin — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 18:49:15 -0400

You are out of luck You have to pay for it or have a job that has Dental VA will pay if you have 100% or you heart your mouth in the service

Response by PO3 Kevin Doucette made Apr 5 at 2016 10:31 PM

PO3 Kevin Doucette — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 22:31:58 -0400

It sounds like you need an Oral Surgeon. Your Dentist can refer you to one, probably at a teaching hospital. If you don't have a regular Dentist, a quick Google search will give you info on the nearest Dental College. Contact them directly. If you don't have insurance, ask their Patient Financial Service to help you apply for Medicaid.

Response by SrA Paul Pfeil made Apr 6 at 2016 7:11 AM

SrA Paul Pfeil — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 07:11:44 -0400

I don't think we are getting the whole story here guys. There must be some conditions on his dd214 we are not being told, or he can walk into any va in the country with it and use the er, and get his initial appointment. I call shenanigans.

http://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/character_of_discharge.asp

Applying for Benefits and Your Character of Discharge - Veterans Benefits Administration

Information about applying for benefits and your charcater of discharge.

Response by PO2 Alfonse VanHese made Apr 6 at 2016 8:19 AM

PO2 Alfonse VanHese — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 08:19:59 -0400

Another loophole in the system is to enroll in a VA sponsored education course, then you will be covered for dental, among other medical issues not otherwise covered. See an accredited service officer to see if the Arthritis can be accredited to some Service related job, such as lifting heavy equipment or items over head, or long time working with hands over your head.
Check with your local County VSO to see if there are any dental programs that are available for low income Vets.

Response by CW2 Max Dolan made Apr 6 at 2016 8:54 AM

CW2 Max Dolan — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 08:54:33 -0400

Check out this publication - the National Resource Directory, located on the VA's eBenefits website. You don't have to "register" with VA to have access to this directory. Look for "Dental Care" under the state where you reside. https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/nrd

National Resource Directory - eBenefits

The Education and Employment Initiative assists wounded, ill, and injured Service members to improve their education and career opportunities during their recovery and transition from active duty.

Response by Cpl David E. Jenkins Jr. made Apr 6 at 2016 10:43 AM

Cpl David E. Jenkins Jr. — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 10:43:44 -0400

I would suggest getting medicaid or in your state getting Obamacare through Marketplace in your state

Response by SGT Stanley Bass made Apr 6 at 2016 11:16 PM

SGT Stanley Bass — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 23:16:47 -0400

Talk to yoru local Veterans Service Officer. Even though you may not qualify for a VA retirment. You coul qualify for a pension. My Step dad is not disable through military service, and he does not receive a VA check. However, they do pay for his diabetic needs. I would re look into it.

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Apr 7 at 2016 12:31 PM

MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 12:31:09 -0400

Try Medicaid. If that 1986-1987 is active duty, I don't see why you are not considered a VET. Take your DD214 and go back to the VA. Work your chain of command until you get to your senator.

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Apr 10 at 2016 3:20 PM

MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 15:20:38 -0400

If you can't get help from the VA, go to Social Security and apply for Medicaid. Take doctor's proof that you CAN"T work. They should help you. Ask your senator. Good luck.

Response by MAJ Rk Smith made Apr 13 at 2016 1:19 AM

MAJ Rk Smith — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 01:19:30 -0400

You should contact Vet Comp and Pen Medical Consulting. You may find them beneficial to your needs.

Response by A1C Charles D Wilson made Jun 7 at 2016 12:27 AM

A1C Charles D Wilson — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 00:27:32 -0400

Here are a few images of what my hands are like. I started out with straight fingers 7 years ago and now they are like this. When they hurt..they hurt. Not to mention my feet shoulder and everything else. I have always been a go getter hard working mechanic yet now I can not do anything and SSI/SSD keep turning me down. 2 years with no support or help..this government has gone to heck.

Chuck D

Response by Cpl David E. Jenkins Jr. made Jun 9 at 2016 2:34 PM

Cpl David E. Jenkins Jr. — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 14:34:40 -0400

I sign up for Obamacare and it has worked for me

Response by SSG Ken Gilder made Jun 10 at 2016 3:33 PM

SSG Ken Gilder — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 15:33:25 -0400

You did not indicate where you are, and sometimes, that makes a difference. Myself? I am fortunate enough to live in Florida, and even more fortunate to receive my care through the C. W. "Bill" Young VA Medical Center, at Bay Pines, FL. (St. Petersburg area)

The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (not to be confused with the federal department) is a very good advocate for veterans. I applied for benefits, but was initially denied. I turned to the state DVA, which has an office on the Medical Center campus, and they walked my through the paperwork, then FAXed it to the regional office (five blocks away). This time, my claim was approved.

The biggest hurdle you will face, will be collecting documentation that your condition is related to your service. Still, your state DVA can help. Regardless of where you are, talking to the VSO's at the state level, can't hurt, and they are a lot more likely to help, that the bureaucrats at the federal level.

Response by SGT Tom Middleton made Mar 28 at 2017 9:16 PM

SGT Tom Middleton — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 21:16:23 -0400

As I recall, the standard for VA healthcare eligibility was 181 days of continuous active duty other than initial active duty for training. As the others have said, locate a service officer in your area to help you establish eligibility with the VA. You can use the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, and a whole bunch of other organizations... something like 18 of them as I recall.

I don't know about your state, but in NY the county governments all seem to have Veteran Service Officers (VSO). In Vermont the counties do not, but the State govt does.

Personally, I've had great results from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Service Officer for Vermont.

That won't help you with dental issues much, but there are other routes you might explore which are unrelated to military or veteran status; federally funded Community Health Centers, or schools of dentistry, for example. Both of these types of places often offer free or reduced cost dental services to low income folks. In some cases it may be a student working on you, but they are all supervised.

I would try both routes at the same time, and also look into the USAA low cost dental plan that someone mentioned.

Good luck!

Response by A1C Charles D Wilson made Mar 29 at 2017 12:32 AM

A1C Charles D Wilson — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 00:32:22 -0400

Latest up date is I won my disability case for my SSDI/SSI. I had of my molars fall out and another ready to come out as of now lol. Just waiting on it to be processed and I am covered finally. Still no help from the VA but hey what can I say I made it. What makes it bad is the molars that fell out were perfect in all forms and wish I could of had them all come out at onetime to make dentures with lol. Yes I know I know not a joking matter but hey..I am still 6' up and not 6' under yet. I did have an old AF buddy help me get a wheel chair for around the house use. I hope S.C. passes the medical MJ so I can try it (cookies or brownies) to help with the pain. When I hit 50 in Dec I felt like I reached the top of the hill and now it is time to make the slow climb down and I mean slow.

Thanks for all the replies and help. Things have to get better as they can not get any tougher.

Chuck D