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

SPC (Join to see) This is an inane and insulting question. I wrote the same blank check that you did. So just because I never got ordered to a specific geographical area, I am somehow less than you? Kiss my ass. I stood tall, and ready to serve, just like you did. Don't hold me accountable just because Uncle Sam had other plans for me.

Before I keep on reading, who in his crazy mind ask this question. It most be a civilian.

You've really got to be kidding right? Seriously? You would really ask something like that? If you really think this is up for debate you are not a very smart individual.

FYI, as of 1989 it is officially The Department of Veteran Affairs (not Administration), a cabinet level department.

For the purpose of definition, veteran” means an individual who—served on active duty in the armed forces during a war, in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, and, except as provided under section 2108a, who has been discharged or released from active duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions. (from Title 38 U.S.C. § 101 : US Code - Section 101: Definitions).

That being said, there is no differentiation between having a combat or non-combat role.

The law says 90 days active service with one day in a declared time of military action and not necessarily combat to recieve a non service connected pension or treatment. Service connected disabilities from active duty either combat related or not requires treatment. Treatment isn't prioritized by service connection as it is a FIFO system which delays special consideration to the service connected disabled! Compensation for service connected is based on the degree of injuries while non service connected disabilities is based on a 60% disabling factor and income with spouse's income included as an offset. Many of these NSD fall onto hard times due to health, accidents and including addiction and mental problems and a life style of personal abuses. With this said, a deduction is required if the service member draws Social Security, but if it's SSI based on Medicaid, no deductions. Is this a fair system, to some it's to honor those in service injured and to others it an entitlement based on service. However, it's the law and very complexed and is in need of review to protect as a priority for those service connected disabled veterans and their families. Should a veteran die based on their disabilities and live a live whereas their spouses serve as a caretaker past employment age they are entitled to the DIC at any time of death of approximately $1200.00 a month. In my opinion it should be 50% of the veterans award. Maybe it's not feasible or a vote getter whereas, pensions are?

This can't be a real question.

Yes, any other questions?

You do not have to experience combat to be a veteran so I do not understand the question.

Aren't veterans divided enough without this BS? Come on! You are a either a vet or you are not, PERIOD.

I think that those who received an Other than Honorable or Bad Conduct discharge shouldn't have access to VA services.