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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Exactly what SFC William Squires said! SPC Martin, you are completely entitled to all the services the VA has to offer! And take it from me, keep up with all of your medical p'work. I'm trying to reconstruct mine and it's painful. Some of my medical history is pre-internet! Damn, I'm old!
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You are a veteran whether you see combat or not. I was in during the cold war '81-'91. Does this make me less of a veteran because there was no combat for me during that time?
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Okay I have heard some stupid questions but outside of politics yours takes the cake. As a non Veitnam era non combat era Vet it's about the only benefit that I recive sorry that their wasn't any wars going on when I was in I guess by your thinking I should be ashamed. But I'm not its was the luck of the draw I guess. The closest I came was being loaded on the plane the day R R was sworn in. But everyone that served had the potential to be sent into combat we all gave up something to be part of something great. And if a no combat Vet is less of a Vet to you I truly feel sorry for you.
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Sure, why not. It's not an exclusive club...of course, some do think it is.
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there are those of us that were only on the peripheral of combat, like in Korea facing insurgents. Where do we fit? I am not truly a combat vet but have undertaken behavior somewhat similar to that of a true 11B. I think the Vet Centers should be open to anyone that would like to apply for services. Let the rules be a little more subjective. I know I would like very much to be able to take advantage of the Vet Center services. I guess it comes down to degrees.
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Of course it's appropriate. The VA is for ALL Vets, not just combat Vets. As long as you served you're eligible to be seen.
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PO2 Mike Vignapiano
Of course it's appropriate. The VA is for ALL Vets, not just combat Vets. As long as you served you're eligible to be seen.
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SPC Tanya Cummings Boozer
PO2 Mike Vignapiano - I'm fully aware of this. I did not start this discussion.
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SPC Tanya Cummings Boozer
PO2 Mike Vignapiano - No worries. I am seeing why at times people will reply to my relies in RP instead of the original poster now.
It can be a bit confusing. :)
It can be a bit confusing. :)
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Just to clarify. The Vet Center falls under the umbrella of the VA, however services are only for those who have served in combat areas. The VA Medical facility are for all service members who have served under Honorable, General, or General Under Honorable Conditions. Additionally if you were strictly active duty you have to have served 2 consecutive yrs or been medically discharged if less than 2 yrs. If you are Reserve or Guard you must have deployed conus or occonus under one of the campaigns. If it was occonus a you only spent 1day in a combat zone you are considered a Vet. If you are Reserve or Guard and have never been deployed and don't get service connected then unfortunately you don't qualify for VA services. I know it sucks but those are the current eligibility standards.
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I find it interesting that nobody realizes, or brought up the fact, that a non-combat, non-service connected veteran is not eligible for VA health benefits regardless of the number of years of service, unless he or she was enrolled under prior eligibility criteria or qualifies due to geographical means testing.
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CW2 Shawn Stevenson
SPC Tanya Cummings Boozer - For example, if you are have never been in a combat theater of operations or qualify based off of other criteria such as project 112/SHAD or Camp Lejeune water supply (there are quite a few other criteria) and If you are a non-service connected veteran and your income does not fall below the current VA national income thresholds you are not eligible for VA health benefits. This is applicable to anyone enrolling as of January 16, 2003; it was not an issue prior to that.
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SPC Tanya Cummings Boozer
CW2 Shawn Stevenson - I see what you are saying. You are referring to the new Priority groups; well new to those of us that have been out of the military awhile at least. Those who were in a combat zone are allowed to use the VA for 5 years, which is typical after any conflict, although I think it use to only be 2 years. I personally did not use the VA until I no longer had private health insurance although I had my first service connected rating in 1991, albeit only 10% for respiratory issues caused from being in Desert Storm.
VA healthcare was never meant for ALL veterans and when we all joined we were informed of the criteria for healthcare afterwards which is after retirement of at least 20 years service or if injured or otherwise deemed disabled from military service.
Would it be right for a totally healthy individual who only served one 4 year enlistment and decided not to continue with a military career to receive government paid healthcare for life? I don't think so. So there does need to be criteria in place.
The option of using the VA and paying with private insurance if you are not retired or SC disabled had to be stopped because the system got so overloaded. Personally I think the VA healthcare system needs to be either totally disbanded and those eligible given a health card that can be used at the medical facility of their choice or the VA Choice program made permanent and expanded, but those are just my thoughts after so many years of dealing with the system personally and helping other veterans navigate the system.
VA healthcare was never meant for ALL veterans and when we all joined we were informed of the criteria for healthcare afterwards which is after retirement of at least 20 years service or if injured or otherwise deemed disabled from military service.
Would it be right for a totally healthy individual who only served one 4 year enlistment and decided not to continue with a military career to receive government paid healthcare for life? I don't think so. So there does need to be criteria in place.
The option of using the VA and paying with private insurance if you are not retired or SC disabled had to be stopped because the system got so overloaded. Personally I think the VA healthcare system needs to be either totally disbanded and those eligible given a health card that can be used at the medical facility of their choice or the VA Choice program made permanent and expanded, but those are just my thoughts after so many years of dealing with the system personally and helping other veterans navigate the system.
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Well SPC you did not ask a dumb question at all, just like the military these people on here would rather say that is dumb than look it up. My guess is that your question is more geared toward the Vet Center, because you served you can access the VA. For everyone on here that doesn't know, the Vet Center focuses on readjustment counseling to COMBAT VETERANS completely free. The Vet Center should see you though, while they are connecting you to resources in your community. Combat Veterans are eligible to get their counseling from the Vet Center as long as they please. There are caveats, for example if you are a victim of Military Sexual Trauma you are eligible to stay there as well. Most Vet Centers also provide counseling to the combat veterans spouse as well.
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SPC Tanya Cummings Boozer
While the Vet Center may focus more on combat veterans its resources are for ALL veterans.
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