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

Yes, for if a person served their country for whatever reason they should be allowed to use the VA. I served 20 years in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service and for the most part was not involved in direct combat. So does this make me non eligible to use the VA. I might not be a disabled veteran but if a person served then they should be allowed to serve. There are a lot of support rates in the military and they might be on the front lines but not in direct combat but still there to help those that are. Don't know what each person is subjected to during the time of their service. Everyone who serves their country was called upon to do their part and now it is the countries to do their part.

As a veteran meaning you have served over 180 days in the service,or been called to active duty you have the same rights of all Veterans.IF YOU QUALIFY UNDER THE FOLLOWING GUIDE LINES and thats when you find your self in a certain Catagory ! threw 8,Service connected comes first and then on down the line.If you were medicaly discharged and diid not take severance pay,See a national service officer and have him file a claim for you.Please do not try navigating the rules and reg's yourself

damn right it's appropriate. it is one of the promises made for our service. why the hell would you even ask this question?

Are just under informed or stupid ? Have you even been to one of these centers ? Try reading these notices on the wall that these places have it's usually called a mission statement. Also just what is your background , grunt, special forces because NOT ONE OF THESE PEOPLE CAN FIGHT A WAR ALONE ! We might not be the pride of the corps but without use the pride do not ride or take a shower, eat food or have a place to safety take a crap nor would they have that toilet paper to wipe up ! So watch it bub or you will fight alone in the dark with nothing but you hands and feet to fight with !And no way to get home or how to find it !

After getting the building I WAS sleeping in BLOWN TO HELL AND CRASHING DOWN ON ME on date 10/23/1983. I am still to this day not A combat vet. Perhaps I should not be using the VA? Many are injured in the service in non-combat roles. 90% disabled is still disable. Semper Fi

Lol no it's not lmao let them live bro they did their time so they rate it

If you have spent your time on active duty or have a tour of duty in a combat zone as a member of the reserve components, You have earned your membership in the VA health system. We have all did our time and this is one of the commitments our country has made to us.

I am a 100% Disabled Vet with 30 years of active duty service; 4 years Navy; 26 years Coast Guard; enlisting in the Navy in 1970 and retiring as a CWO4 from the Coast Guard in 2001, with a 1 year service break.

I spent two years onboard the USS MIDWAY (CVA41) during Vietnam and spent, on one 10 month, 3 week WESTPAC Cruise 205 days in the Tonkin Gulf. I was an E3, Aviation Ordnancemen, working in the Ship's Guided Missile Shop building, testing, and supplying air launched guided weapons to the deployed aircraft squadrons onboard.

There was a time when I felt guilty of calling myself a "Vietnam Vet" although I was awarded (with countless others) the Vietnam Campaign and Vietnam Service Medals; guilty because my service was off-shore - not in country. I am fortunate that I don't carry any scars or nightmares from my service like many of my comrades.

One day I thought - (as was mentioned above by LTC Beattie) hell I served, I did my job to the best of my ability, I contributed to the Vietnam war effort. Twenty-seven or so of my shipmates never came home with us; either lost at sea, KIA, MIA, POW, or like the 5 shipmates killed when an A6 Tanker crashed on our flight deck one night. So without guilt, I am a Vietnam Vet and proud of it.

Its been mentioned too - I was always available for (as they say) world-wide assignment; never disputed nor turned down orders; and did my job to the best of my abilities. During those 30 years I ruined my lower back between man-handling missiles or later, as a storekeeper, moving stores; have boarded smuggler's boats (who were armed); have a pair of titanium, polyethylene, and cobalt steel knees, a titanium plate and 4 screws in my neck, 5 cardiac stents, and various other physical ailments. When I got my initial VA Rating of 80% in 2002 I didn't think I was disabled; but had disabilities that would cause me problems later in life. Well hell, 2 years later I started working for Customs (then CBP) as an armed inspector then CBP Officer. Everyone of those rated disabilities reared their ugly heads including replacing both knees and a significant heart attack in 2014 that forced me into retirement early and bringing me up to 100% disabled - the Cardiologist, when I asked when I could return to work said "never!" So now I try to take life a little easier; and take those 11 pills a day...

As a retiree, I maintain my access to TRICARE PRIME; now by virtue of living in Texas, I am fortunate enough to use BAMC San Antonio so I don't have to use an already overburdened VA Medical System; but you know what - I've paid my dues - I'm neither complaining nor bragging, but I am a disabled vet and if I had no choice I would use the VA Medical System.

I have deep respect for all the men and women who have served in the Combat Arms, in harms way and especially those who are permanently scarred; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Thank all of you for your service.

With the VA, the emphasis is whether or not it is 'service connected', and not if you were active duty, Reserve or Guard...

If you served with honor, you have more than earned the right.
It doesn't matter if you are a combat veteran.