Should I apply for VA Healthcare even if I have good private Insurance?

Yes, I would do that. I also have a good work insurance program; I am retired now ... :) You will be able to access the Community Health Care Program. There are other benefits too numerous to mention here. One would be My Health Vet. I get all my VA prescriptions filled through that, also am able to securely talk to my doctor and nurse via email. I use the Community Health Care for my chronic back pain. I use a local massage therapist for deep muscle massage. The nearest VA hospital is 91 miles away. The local clinic is only 16 miles. I hope this helps you decide what you want.

There is an age factor. When you reach a certain age, your VA doctor will make you meet certain "protocols" to have any procedures done (surgeries). If you don't meet their rehab protocols you will not be approved which is less likely to happen if you have Medicare/private coverage.

I have been covered by Tricare (Champus) since retiring in 2000 after 33 years in the Navy. I worked my way up to 30% service connected, 10% at a time until diagnosed with Multiple myeloma 5 years ago. Since I'm a Vietnam vet, I was rated 100%. Trickle would have covered all the costs of my bone marrow transplant, but because I had been checking in with VA primary care annually, using VA services provided the full treatment PLUS the lodging for my wife and I for the 2 months in Nashville required for the transplant. The VA also provides my hearing aids and shoes at no cost for other issues. Since I'm 100% permanent and total, I get all my dental work, including crowns, done at the VA. It's well worth the initial effort.

VA, on two separate occasions, has kept me from dying. Liver failure from acetaminophen and a gall bladder which leaked internally (sepsis).

Is the VA perfect ? No, but I'm 65, healthy, living on my own.

I recommend registering in case something happens to your private insurance. Plus a lot of the staff at our VA facilities are veterans themselves. It's much easier sometimes to discuss our experiences with someone who's actually been there and didn't just read a paragraph about the veteran experience and consider themselves an expert.

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I struggled over the same issue when I was first awarded in 2020.

I am P&T disabled with TDIU, resulting in free full medical coverage by the VA--including vision, dental and hearing. As a federal retiree on disability, I have full coverage (with the same benefits) by Medicare and my Federal insurance health coverage, no out of pocket except premiums.

The decision came down to the question of stability of coverage. I knew I could keep my self-paid insurances and go on about my way. If I chose VA medical and dispensed with my established coverage, regaining the same coverage would be nearly impossible should something happen to my VA coverage. Specifically, if I cancel my employment-based insurance, I will no longer qualify for the Federal insurance policy I have already.

I chose to go with both. I maintain my Medicare and Federal insurance coverages, and use the VA as my primary provider for medical treatment. VA covers all my medica needs, and if Congress, in its infinite wisdom, should take actions that endagar my VA care, I have a backup.

A few things to keep in mind when making the decision.
**Does your level of VA coverage take care of all your medical issues? Check the CSR to determine what level of medical coverage you are being provided. It is based on your disability rating and status.
**If you carry private insurance and are receiving VA Health, federal law allows VA the discretion to submit to your insurance carriers under certain circumstances.
**If you should leave your place of employment (whatever the reason), can you carry your coverage with you; will you be able to afford the premiums, deductibles and copayments without your employment?

I would contact the Patient Advocate at your home VA hospital/clinic/center to set you up with someone who can go through all the issues with you personally. They will be more qualified than outside sources to identify any particular issues that may arise in your situation.

Sorry to be so long-winded, but I remember the struggling I went through to make these decisions. Good Luck!

Speaking strictly as a CCN provider (Acupuncture) I think you should apply for VA benefits as you
are entitled to FREE acupuncture with a community care provider.

I was honorably discharged after 4 years of active service and to the best of my knowledge have no medical issues directly or indirectly relate to my service. Are there benefits that I should be aware of?

You've earned them, go for it!