Posted on May 31, 2016
Is it appropriate for a non-combat veteran to use the Vet Center and/or VA?
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Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Disabled Veterans
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Disabled Veterans
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 224
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It's the VA not VFWA. If you served, received an honorable discharge, you are entitled to everything the VA has to offer. This entire idea of only combat vets are entitled is simply BULL SHIT! Unfortunately, not every vet past, present, nor future had, has, or will have the opportunity to serve in combat. So suck it up buttercups, a veteran is anyone who has honorably served in the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Capt Michael Greene
Just a little technical point. Not all veterans are entitled to everything the VA has to offer. For instance, eligibility for dental care is very complex. Also, if a vet has Lou Gehrig's disease, he/she must have served 90 days on active duty to be eligible for benefits based on the disease. Also, the VA will pay for some vets, but not others, if they use a civilian, non-VA emergency room.
Nevertheless, we encourage ALL vets to register and claim any benefits they might be eligible for.
Nevertheless, we encourage ALL vets to register and claim any benefits they might be eligible for.
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No, it's not inappropriate at all. We are all in this together. The front line grunt is supported by many many others and would not be able to effectively do their job without them.
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A veteran is a veteran, regardless of their role in the service. All veterans are entitled to whatever whatever is in their contract.
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From reading the posts, I can see that there is some misunderstandings about the qualifications for being able to get treatment through the VA. I'm no expert, but I am service connected, so I get all of my treatment through the VA, plus I have also been working for the VA for now 15 years at 3 different VAs. I don't have all the answers, but I know for a fact that not every veterans can get treatment through the VA unless you meet certain criteria. I would suggest that everyone take some time and visit a VA, talk with the service officers, patient advocates, administrators, or just talk with some of the veterans there. You will gain a lot of insight on how the VA system works.
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SrA Sarah Dauback
This.
Technically, we are all entitled to healthcare. As a practical matter, VA only has so many providers/resources and therefore has to prioritize/categorize Veterans according to several factors including service-connection, income, private health insurance, etc. A veteran who is not service-connected for any disabilities, who has a decent income (say $30,000-50,000) and private health insurance technically could receive care but would be in a category 5 or 6 and probably NEVER be seen at a VA and would be subject to co-pay if he/she did receive treatment. Maybe an annual visit...maybe. The system is already overloaded with priority veterans who can't get timely care.
Appropriate, absolutely. We all wore the same boots.
Technically, we are all entitled to healthcare. As a practical matter, VA only has so many providers/resources and therefore has to prioritize/categorize Veterans according to several factors including service-connection, income, private health insurance, etc. A veteran who is not service-connected for any disabilities, who has a decent income (say $30,000-50,000) and private health insurance technically could receive care but would be in a category 5 or 6 and probably NEVER be seen at a VA and would be subject to co-pay if he/she did receive treatment. Maybe an annual visit...maybe. The system is already overloaded with priority veterans who can't get timely care.
Appropriate, absolutely. We all wore the same boots.
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SPC (Join to see)
This wasn't about being allowed to access, it was more about a feeling of not having earned it.
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PO3 Jody Wangen
all honorably discharged vets with enough time in service may use the VA. BUT, as myself an example, with no service related disability. and employer insurance, they bill me and my insurance if I use the VA. I also do not get reimbursed for travel.
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PO3 Jody Wangen
PO3 Jody Wangen - also, if you developed certain medical conditions, not injurie, while in you qualify as services connected medical.
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OK, OK, Who ever tells a veteran they can not use the VA for treatment is the biggest I D 10 Tango in military history. You sign the 'blank check' and get injured, you are owed care for SC rating. The VA understands us and as veterans, we have to unite and demand that promises be kept. Angry isn't even close to how I am feeling right now. You EARNED the title VETERAN-ALL of us on RallyPoint have due to signing that 'check' and giving of ourselves.
I am just frustrated that this question was asked-all questions are not foolish, but man oh man, NEVER doubt what you have earned in service. YOU walked the walk in Basic, in Individual Training, at your unit and most of all as a Veteran.
I am just frustrated that this question was asked-all questions are not foolish, but man oh man, NEVER doubt what you have earned in service. YOU walked the walk in Basic, in Individual Training, at your unit and most of all as a Veteran.
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Yes. To keep it short all veterans train as if they were in combat. All wear proper uniforms and could be called at any time. If you are not in combat then you support it.
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Don't see why not. They will get shafted just like any other vet at the VA
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PFC Pamala (Hall ) Foster
Easy-you have just RILED up Drill Sergeants, Drill Instructors from ALL branches, veterans from ALL fields of expertise, those of us that are SC (Service Connected) and fighting injuries every day of OUR lives. MSG Cafaro said it perfectly-you just opened a can of Whoop ass cause it's not nice to mess with Veterans from WWII to today...
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MSG (Join to see)
the va is for everybody that served honorably war or not, no time limit, service connected is what it says service connected whether in war or not, we the 1% that serve and do what others are incapable of or not wiling to do deserve compensation for injuries physical and mental, the govt we signed up for to protect and defend agianst all enemies, needs to pony up period
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