If/When you retire, would you use the VA as your primary source? Why or why not?

I primarily use the San Diego VA as my primary medical provider, and have since I first qualified for care in 2001. The only time I've ever had bad experiences at the VA were because of how other patients treated me.

I have Tricare Standard and Medicare as well -- I'm one of Sen. Colbern's "evil" tripple-dippers. I have, and still do, access these for additional mental health therapy beyond what the VA is able to provide me.

I wouldn't look at your healthcare provider as an either/or situation, but as a multiple choice-choose all answers that apply situation. I'd consider using any and every medial resource you have to meet your medical needs met -- the VA will be better at some things and Tricare will be better at other things. So, access both as necessary to get the best care you need.

No not at the present. As long as I can get private insurance I use it for 99% of care. The only VA times is to stay within the rules of my disability and when they tell me they want to see me.

Because I have insurance and a private doctor, I will go to him first. They are not constrained like a government health agency, thus the potential exists for bureaucratic entropy. In health care, bureaucracy is counterproductive.