Is it appropriate for a non-combat veteran to use the Vet Center and/or VA?

Oh Christ, here we go again with this inane crap.

Fun Fact, SPC (Join to see) YOU CAN'T BE A COMBAT VETERAN WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF NON-COMBAT VETERANS. Period. Your question is fatuous, disrespectful, and divisive. Simply by asking it you infer that you think you're somehow better than non-combat vets.

You're not.

SPC (Join to see) - I was a nurse . . . not a grunt . . . not a zoomie . . . needed and used the VA Crisis Line . . . needed and used VA Education Benefits . . . needed and used VA Mortgage Loan . . . but I drew a line for myself at using other benefits with limited availability when others need them more. Warmest Regards, Sandy

I find it difficult to believe such an asinine question is still posted here. When it first appeared, I believed it to be beneath my dignity to even respond, but since I keep seeing it, I have decided I should say something.
SPC Alex Martin, do you somehow believe it to be impossible for a serviceman to be injured in anything other than a combat situation? This is what you imply with your question. In Jan 1979, 3 1/2 years after Viet Nam, and several years before Desert Storm, I was injured aboard ship. My injuries eventually resulted in amputation of my right leg below the knee. So I will put your question back to you; do you believe it inappropriate for me to use the Vet Center and/or the VA? Please explain your answer. And remember, I haven't said where I was nor what my ship was doing there at the time. Being between wars, the VA classifies me as a non-combat veteran. That should be all you need to know to answer intelligently.

Instead of asking this question, we need to address why all veterans are receiving such poor care from the VA. It is time to stop comparing our health care needs to lines at Disneyland and start giving veterans the treatment they need when they need it.

Yes, a US Veteran is someone who served the US Military honorably.
Do you think our brothers and sisters who die in training accidents sacrifice less than someone who dies via an IED?

At first I couldn't believe that this was a serious question. After reviewing comments I realized it was, but still don't understand why it was asked. Of course its ok for anyone who has served in the military to use any VA service/facility. Being in combat has nothing to do with eligibility. Don't know the hard statistics, but I'd wager there are at least 3 people who served in non-combat support positions for every one person who was actually in combat. You're Army, I was Air Force; in the AF we would call your question typical fighter pilot mentality, meaning someone who had no idea what it takes to be able to get that jet in the air.

Let's be very clear about this issue. You are Nothing Special because you served in Combat ! I want to very Damn Clear about what I am about to say. There are Heroes in every conflict and there are Heroes in other parts and countries in this world. There is but one difference between those who served in combat and those that have not and that my friends is " GOD & Uncle Sam ! You cannot dispute this undeniable fact ! We All did as we were instructed to do and go where we we sent. We Followed Orders. If that happened to be combat related you went. However to deny your brothers and sisters medical benefits and disability because it is not combat related is absolutely absurd. Those that feel that this is just need to seek assistance because your thought process is clouded and misguided. End Of Story !!

Absolutely! I am a Cold War veteran, and I frequent the VA in my city; all of the time. I Am, however, 100% S/C disabled.
Hope this helps.
-Margaret

Yes, it's the VA, Veterans Administration, not the CVA, Combat Veterans Administration. They have earned the right by their service, some folk were, for whatever reason, not in combat during their career, does not mean they are any less deserving.

Yes. The Vet Center is also for victims of MST, couples counseling and bereavement counseling for families of Veterans and military who have died.

And the VA is for any eligible veteran who meets the 2yrs or other eligibility criteria of service with the appropriate discharge. Just because a service member didn't see combat doesn't mean they should be ineligible for VA benefits and services. If that's the case, those Sailors injured during the USS Cole, folks injured or maimed in training exercises, or the victims of Ft Hood or the recruiters shooting shouldn't get any services.

All gave some. Some gave all.