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

Yes, I am a 100% disabled, through no fault of mine. I did not smoke, drink, use drugs, I (we) my crew, was devastated all of us were severely injured do to a QCI not doing their work. Do to the area, & sensitivity of our job, I'm not allowed to discuss or disclose any information, but this accident has left us all n terrible physical condition. I have had 7 surgeries on my R. Shoulder, L. Shoulder was injured as well. I also have cervical, thoracic, elbow, SI joint, forearm, missing ribs, lots of nerve & muscle damage. I live in constantly pain due to the nerve damage. I try to keep moving, because if I sit for long periods of time, I get stiff & it's hard to get going again. There would be no way for me to take care of my medical needs w/o the help of the V.A. , so I think that in cases like this we should be allowed access to VA help. But if your negligent, (drinking, drugs, ) & you get injured or injure someone, then maybe no.

Why in the world would you even ask such a question?

I agree that a veteran is a veteran. Regardless of whether they served in combat or not. I do however, think that the VA should screen veterans leaving the military a little closer before leaving the military and claiming disability. There is this misconception, that if you serve a few years you should get a check for the rest of your life. This mentality that everyone has PTSD has got to stop.

I seriously can not believe a person who wore the uniform asked this question.........

Appropriate no. legal yes.

Absolutely. You earn the designation "veteran" by having served.

How stupid is this question. Team Spirit 89, we had a CH-53 crash, killing and wounding several Marines. Anyone who thinks the survivors should be denied access to VA healthcare should be beaten severely. We lose people all the time, to death and injury preparing for the balloon to go up, they deserve the same care and benefits as anyone wounded in actual combat. To suggest otherwise is disgusting. We keep the faith with everyone, or we keep faith with noone.

If you were in the military you are a veteran. We all trained for combat and could be called to war at anytime. Many things we trained for could kill us even if it was in combat.

It was my understanding we all served at the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief thus we went where we were sent. How many would really request combat assignments in some of the world's armpits?
All who signed on the line should be eligible for VA benefits.

Thats a personal choice. I was not a combat vet, my son was. I have seen how overloaded the VA system is in his trying to get help. I have insurance, and don't go to the VA for that reason. That being said, when we enlisted, the military promised you health care, so there is nothing wrong with you going there. That's a call you have to make for yourself.