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Posted: 8/16/2023 8:39:05 AM EST
I have a friend that has been pestering me to see if I can get VA coverage. He's retired and has disability, but I didn't retire from the military and have no service connected disability. We were talking about hearing loss and I commented that hearing protection in the engine room wasn't even a topic of conversation when I was in. He finally got pissed and said was a fool if I didn't apply. I've heard this over and over again through the years, but never took action because, as far as I know, there is no reason for the VA to offer me anything medically related. I went ahead and applied and they say that I'm qualified, but I have no idea just what I'm qualified for. They scheduled me for a physical in a few weeks.
I have a Medicare Advantage plan through United Health Care. No other commercial health insurance. I'm in the coverage gap and 3 scripts costing around $150 each per month is getting a little painful. All generic tier 1 meds are free through their mail order program. I do have some dental and eye care coverage with my present plan but they both just cover the basics. Now that I'm signed up and "qualified", what's the advantage of going through VA if you don't have a service connected disability or didn't retire from the military? I'm not looking for anything that I'm not entitled to or attempting to game the system. |
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Posted: 8/16/2023 8:50:19 AM EST
[#1]
Some states have education programs for vet's
Children for free tuition. Catch They must have a "Official Rating of Zero" or more to qualify. As for health care.. You will be in the system |
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Posted: 8/16/2023 8:52:23 AM EST
[#2]
Prescription copays for me are $15 for 90 days, each med. It seems like all my outpatient, community specialty clinics, and yearly physicals have been $30. I'm non service related and 0 disability. The meds alone will save you some cash.
CHRIS |
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Posted: 8/16/2023 8:58:16 AM EST
[#3]
I was told the VA has a rule that if an applicant make claims on three separate items, even if each separately equaling zero will results in a 10 percent rating.
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Posted: 8/16/2023 9:41:30 AM EST
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By uxo2: Some states have education programs for vet's Children for free tuition. Catch They must have a "Official Rating of Zero" or more to qualify. As for health care.. You will be in the system Indiana is such a state. Remember OP, zero is a number. |
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Posted: 8/16/2023 10:06:10 AM EST
[#5]
A 0% rating can also mean that the VA has detected an injury that at this time does not cause you a problem, but most likely will later in life. By giving you the 0% rating when that issue becomes medically relevant instead of having to go through the entire claim process once more, you instead need only a simple VA exam to have the rating increased.
In my case, i have hearing loss that will get worse as I age. 18Z50 |
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Posted: 8/16/2023 10:12:26 AM EST
[#6]
I wonder the same thing. I have severe osteo arthritis in both knees. I had no service connected issues when I got out and went to sick bay once for a back injury. I don't know if that was documented.
Would the argument be that since I was a ground pounding Marine that carried everything on my back for many miles, with shitty footwear, would this be an issue that lead to this eventual condition? It is best to know the players and the rules before playing the game. |
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Posted: 8/16/2023 10:20:00 AM EST
[Last Edit: Croak]
[#7]
I got out in '87, just signed up for VA health care early last year. It's worth it. Well, other than having a picture of a creepy old dude staring at you in the lobby.
They bumped me to Priority 6 for being at LeJeune during a certain time period, which helps. They're cheaper for me than my United Health care I get from work, in co-pay, urgent care, etc. |
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Posted: 8/16/2023 11:17:31 AM EST
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Cixelsyd: Prescription copays for me are $15 for 90 days, each med. It seems like all my outpatient, community specialty clinics, and yearly physicals have been $30. I'm non service related and 0 disability. The meds alone will save you some cash. CHRIS I'm working on those costs right now. I'm getting my tier 1 meds with no copay right now, but they do count toward my total cost and the coverage gap. I'm also on several tier 2 and 3 meds. My physicals and GP visits are no cost to me but specialists are $30 each plus a co-pay for complex tests. I need labs quarterly but those are also no co-pay. Will work up a side by side comparison of costs of meds for both w/ VA and UHC. For years, I've heard, "you'll be in the system". I really have no idea what that means. Is it a "it's a big club and you ain't in it" type of thing? |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 8/16/2023 12:42:45 PM EST
[#9]
It's faster and easier to adjust a rating, even a zero, than start a new claim.
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Posted: 8/16/2023 12:52:23 PM EST
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Piratepast40: I'm working on those costs right now. I'm getting my tier 1 meds with no copay right now, but they do count toward my total cost and the coverage gap. I'm also on several tier 2 and 3 meds. My physicals and GP visits are no cost to me but specialists are $30 each plus a co-pay for complex tests. I need labs quarterly but those are also no co-pay. Will work up a side by side comparison of costs of meds for both w/ VA and UHC. For years, I've heard, "you'll be in the system". I really have no idea what that means. Is it a "it's a big club and you ain't in it" type of thing? It is easier to get things done if you are 'in the system' already than having to start from scratch. Better to get enrolled with the VA and rated on what you need to be rated on now (even if its a 0% rating) than to try to start from scratch when something happens and the VA is your only recourse. I've talked to several people who lost their medical coverage for one reason or another. The ones who could resort to VA support were glad they had it, even if they had thought they would never need it. |
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IA, USA
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Posted: 8/16/2023 1:54:28 PM EST
[#11]
Find a VA rep that is familiar with the system look at the list of ailments that may have resulted or been aggravated by your Service. Keep an open mind, there is no fucking way you came out better physically and emotionally than you went in. Now remember those guys who never made it back, and don feel bad for asking the government to help you for every single thing that your honorable service has cost you. Apply , appeal denials and listen to those who know the VA system. Just because you have adopted an attitude that fails to question the damage does not mean that you are correct. Listen to your battle buddy, he’s seeing things you are accustomed to ignoring.
PS: Korea seriously fucked up my Uncle who lived at the VA hospital until he died. |
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Posted: 8/16/2023 7:06:56 PM EST
[Last Edit: chumpmiester]
[#12]
I know it's been said numerous times already. But a 0% rating is better to have now than wait until things do get worse and have to start a claim from scratch.
I have a 0% rating for my appendectomy scar. If it ever causes problems then the VA will take care of it at no cost since the scar is service connected. And pretty much everyone that served and was not a desk jockey stuck in an office, will have some level of hearing loss. So get a rating for hearing even if it is at 0% to start with. I forget what the percentage cutoff is for free hearing aids is. But if you qualify, the VA will give you a new pair every 5 years for free. And once you get to at least 50% rating, then there is no copay for medicines and you also qualify for free eye exams and free glasses. Each state will be different on what benefits they have for service connected disabled veterans so check your state. State benefits available will depend on your rating percentage. I highly recommend having a VSO officer from one of the many veterans organizations help you with any and all claims. There is no cost to having a VSO help you with claims. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has always done a good job representing me with all claims over the years. DAV got me to 70% and also helped me get my UI (unemployable individual) designation once my Social Security Disability kicked in. Even though I was rated at 30% and medically retired by the Army, the VA rated me at 10% when I first got out of the service. |
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Posted: 8/16/2023 7:12:13 PM EST
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By R0N: I was told the VA has a rule that if an applicant make claims on three separate items, even if each separately equaling zero will results in a 10 percent rating. 38 CFR 3.324 The multiple zero percent conditions have to demonstrate an impairment to employment. It's rarely granted as its rarely shown by the evidence to meet the criteria for a grant under 38 CFR 3.324. |
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Posted: 8/16/2023 7:29:48 PM EST
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By wildearp: I wonder the same thing. I have severe osteo arthritis in both knees. I had no service connected issues when I got out and went to sick bay once for a back injury. I don't know if that was documented. Would the argument be that since I was a ground pounding Marine that carried everything on my back for many miles, with shitty footwear, would this be an issue that lead to this eventual condition? It is best to know the players and the rules before playing the game. @wildearp Yes, you could file a claim for the knees due to repeated use in the course of your duties as an Infantry Marine. You'll have to retard proof the claim by providing a statement that "indicates an association" between your knees and your duties in service to satisfy MR21-1 Part IV.i.1.B.1.b. and 38 CFR 3.159(c)(4)(i)(B) in order to get an examination and a positive nexus or medical opinion. Documentation of an injury in your medical records IS NOT A REQUIREMENT for service connection. |
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Posted: 8/16/2023 10:59:09 PM EST
[#15]
Thanks, that makes it more clear.
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Posted: 8/17/2023 9:37:41 AM EST
[#16]
I started out with 10% for my left knee and 0% for my right knee and both hips. As things got worse over time, the percentages were increased for both knees and both hips. This was due to me favoring one leg over the other and all are service connected.
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Posted: 9/15/2023 1:43:52 PM EST
[#17]
Had my intake screening a few days ago. Turns out you can pick and choose which meds the VA will cover, depending on the condition. Looks like a savings of around $1,600/year. I was encouraged to get the PACT Act screenings ASAP so working on that now.
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Posted: 9/15/2023 1:52:17 PM EST
[#18]
0% retired. I had hearing loss as a teenager from no EPs while shooting. It didn’t get worse. No claim. I am still healthy.
VA healthcare is of no use to me right now. It may be in the future. |
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Posted: 9/15/2023 2:42:00 PM EST
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RattleCanAR: 0% retired. I had hearing loss as a teenager from no EPs while shooting. It didn’t get worse. No claim. I am still healthy. VA healthcare is of no use to me right now. It may be in the future. It seems that the PACT Act makes veterans that are eligible for medicare, also eligible for VA medical. I'm finding out it will pick up some of the gaps in my medicare advantage plan. |
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Posted: 9/15/2023 3:20:28 PM EST
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Piratepast40: It seems that the PACT Act makes veterans that are eligible for medicare, also eligible for VA medical. I'm finding out it will pick up some of the gaps in my medicare advantage plan. Not eligible for medicare and won't be for about 8 years. I am still on TC Prime. Of course when I roll into Medicare age the TC Prime will change and turn into a supplemental coverage to pay for care and meds. |
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Posted: 9/16/2023 4:20:16 AM EST
[#21]
Originally Posted By Piratepast40: I have a friend that has been pestering me to see if I can get VA coverage. He's retired and has disability, but I didn't retire from the military and have no service connected disability. We were talking about hearing loss and I commented that hearing protection in the engine room wasn't even a topic of conversation when I was in. He finally got pissed and said was a fool if I didn't apply. I've heard this over and over again through the years, but never took action because, as far as I know, there is no reason for the VA to offer me anything medically related. I went ahead and applied and they say that I'm qualified, but I have no idea just what I'm qualified for. They scheduled me for a physical in a few weeks. I have a Medicare Advantage plan through United Health Care. No other commercial health insurance. I'm in the coverage gap and 3 scripts costing around $150 each per month is getting a little painful. All generic tier 1 meds are free through their mail order program. I do have some dental and eye care coverage with my present plan but they both just cover the basics. Now that I'm signed up and "qualified", what's the advantage of going through VA if you don't have a service connected disability or didn't retire from the military? I'm not looking for anything that I'm not entitled to or attempting to game the system. It looks like you're asking about VA Healthcare. A lot of people commingle the concepts of VA disability and VA Healthcare but they are completely separate things and truly only convergence directly below the SECVA. VA Healthcare, for a non service connected Vet, likely places you in Priority Group5 through 8. You'll have copays and such, much like in community based healthcare, and they'll bill your insurance for care. Where there's a possible advantage is there tends to be lower prescription costs compared to commercial pharmacies and the copays for visits tend to be lower. If you ever seek and are found to have service connected disabilities, those copays start to disappear and billing your insurance stops for service connected issues. https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/priority-groups/ |
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MO, USA
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Posted: 9/21/2023 1:26:40 PM EST
[#22]
Originally Posted By Piratepast40: I have a friend that has been pestering me to see if I can get VA coverage. He's retired and has disability, but I didn't retire from the military and have no service connected disability. We were talking about hearing loss and I commented that hearing protection in the engine room wasn't even a topic of conversation when I was in. He finally got pissed and said was a fool if I didn't apply. I've heard this over and over again through the years, but never took action because, as far as I know, there is no reason for the VA to offer me anything medically related. I went ahead and applied and they say that I'm qualified, but I have no idea just what I'm qualified for. They scheduled me for a physical in a few weeks. I have a Medicare Advantage plan through United Health Care. No other commercial health insurance. I'm in the coverage gap and 3 scripts costing around $150 each per month is getting a little painful. All generic tier 1 meds are free through their mail order program. I do have some dental and eye care coverage with my present plan but they both just cover the basics. Now that I'm signed up and "qualified", what's the advantage of going through VA if you don't have a service connected disability or didn't retire from the military? I'm not looking for anything that I'm not entitled to or attempting to game the system. This may be of interest to you https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ |
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Posted: 9/21/2023 1:34:56 PM EST
[#23]
When you get old and need to move to assisted living, or a nursing home, or whatever, it's expensive and you'll want to be signed up & qualified for everything you can get.
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MO, USA
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Posted: 9/21/2023 7:27:31 PM EST
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Tier1BeanCounter: When you get old and need to move to assisted living, or a nursing home, or whatever, it's expensive and you'll want to be signed up & qualified for everything you can get. 100% this^^ And if you think you dont rate the care, consider that illegals are given a better package than 100% disabled veterans. I can't wait to go to the nursing home. 
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 10/17/2023 12:15:50 AM EST
[#25]
A good friend of mine ( Vietnam vet) started getting an annual physical at the VA in his 50’s, with no medical problems. When things cropped up which were later linked to agent orange exposure, it made it much easier for him to pursue a rating and get care more expeditiously
I am in the same boat, mid 50’s no issues. But let’s say I develop an issue later in life that is linked to exposure I had at a base or deployment I won’t be scrambling to get into the system - basically setting the table just in case |
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Posted: 10/17/2023 11:15:46 AM EST
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By captain127: A good friend of mine ( Vietnam vet) started getting an annual physical at the VA in his 50’s, with no medical problems. When things cropped up which were later linked to agent orange exposure, it made it much easier for him to pursue a rating and get care more expeditiously I am in the same boat, mid 50’s no issues. But let’s say I develop an issue later in life that is linked to exposure I had at a base or deployment I won’t be scrambling to get into the system - basically setting the table just in case The PACT act is specifically for things like burn pits, water at LeJeune, agent orange, radiation exposure from weapons testing, and others. VA will put you on a list for monitoring if you let them know. https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ |
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Posted: 10/24/2023 7:12:15 PM EST
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By chumpmiester: I know it's been said numerous times already. But a 0% rating is better to have now than wait until things do get worse and have to start a claim from scratch. I have a 0% rating for my appendectomy scar. If it ever causes problems then the VA will take care of it at no cost since the scar is service connected. And pretty much everyone that served and was not a desk jockey stuck in an office, will have some level of hearing loss. So get a rating for hearing even if it is at 0% to start with. I forget what the percentage cutoff is for free hearing aids is. But if you qualify, the VA will give you a new pair every 5 years for free. And once you get to at least 50% rating, then there is no copay for medicines and you also qualify for free eye exams and free glasses. Each state will be different on what benefits they have for service connected disabled veterans so check your state. State benefits available will depend on your rating percentage. I highly recommend having a VSO officer from one of the many veterans organizations help you with any and all claims. There is no cost to having a VSO help you with claims. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has always done a good job representing me with all claims over the years. DAV got me to 70% and also helped me get my UI (unemployable individual) designation once my Social Security Disability kicked in. Even though I was rated at 30% and medically retired by the Army, the VA rated me at 10% when I first got out of the service. Even desk jockeys have been exposed to working around generators and riding in HUMVEES enough to get tinitus. |
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WA, USA
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Posted: 10/25/2023 4:34:48 AM EST
[#28]
Are you a doctor? No? Then how the hell can you say you have no service connected disability? You said yourself you were in an engine room without hearing protection. That in itself could cause hearing loss. It might be 0%, which gets you in the system because it's not an issue right now, it could become so in the future.
Or it could be higher. |
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Posted: 10/25/2023 4:57:43 AM EST
[Last Edit: fxntime]
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Unicorn: Are you a doctor? No? Then how the hell can you say you have no service connected disability? You said yourself you were in an engine room without hearing protection. That in itself could cause hearing loss. It might be 0%, which gets you in the system because it's not an issue right now, it could become so in the future. Or it could be higher. A co worker got it because he bought a big dog MC [of course with open pipes] 20 years after he got out and went deaf after about 2 years of owning it. Of course it was ''service related'' and the hearing shit is on the taxpayer now. He says he gets a little money but I don't think it's that much. Everybody is a scammer deep inside nowadays and nothing is their fault. I ought to try to get it, I was at Ft McClellen Ala. before it closed and have stomach issues.  |
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Posted: 10/25/2023 9:16:09 AM EST
[Last Edit: Piratepast40]
[#30]
Oops, double post.
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Posted: 10/25/2023 9:17:46 AM EST
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Unicorn: Are you a doctor? No? Then how the hell can you say you have no service connected disability? You said yourself you were in an engine room without hearing protection. That in itself could cause hearing loss. It might be 0%, which gets you in the system because it's not an issue right now, it could become so in the future. Or it could be higher. You need proof to file a claim. I've already had a hearing test at a regular ENT facility, and they said it absolutely showed hearing loss. However, VA does not accept any tests except those performed by their clinics or approved health care providers. My VA hearing test is scheduled for December. Second is proving I did not have the hearing loss prior to entering the service. To that end, I requested my military health records about two months ago. Once I receive those, I can compare my entry hearing test with my discharge hearing test. Getting those records so I can make a comparison will decide if I want to pursue this. |
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WA, USA
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Posted: 11/9/2023 10:17:43 PM EST
[#32]
You can have issues before service. You get disability if it was caused by or made worse by your service. If you were able to join, then either you met the standard or you had a waiver so there would be a record of it. If it was worse when you got out, then it's service connected.
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Posted: 11/10/2023 7:29:01 PM EST
[#33]
I can now understand the frustration that people have with the VA. I've requested my service and medical records three times now. Finally got an email with a link to the files. Downloaded both files and records file is only 1kb, and won't open. The two page cover letter opens just fine.
Have called them several times a day for the last week and the recording says that they're busy and to try later. Is it just incompetence or are they trying to hide something? Is there a veterans advocacy group I can contact to force the VA to release my records? |
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WA, USA
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Posted: 11/12/2023 10:18:02 PM EST
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Piratepast40: I can now understand the frustration that people have with the VA. I've requested my service and medical records three times now. Finally got an email with a link to the files. Downloaded both files and records file is only 1kb, and won't open. The two page cover letter opens just fine. Have called them several times a day for the last week and the recording says that they're busy and to try later. Is it just incompetence or are they trying to hide something? Is there a veterans advocacy group I can contact to force the VA to release my records? Results will vary by chapter, but try the Disabled American Vets, AMVETS, and the VFW. You could even see if your Congressman or Senator cares (might luck out, or they might not care at all). There are also a number of lawyers specializing or who at least deal with the VA a lot. Of course there will be a cost though. |
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Posted: 11/12/2023 11:44:07 PM EST
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By fxntime: A co worker got it because he bought a big dog MC [of course with open pipes] 20 years after he got out and went deaf after about 2 years of owning it. Of course it was ''service related'' and the hearing shit is on the taxpayer now. He says he gets a little money but I don't think it's that much. Everybody is a scammer deep inside nowadays and nothing is their fault. I ought to try to get it, I was at Ft McClellen Ala. before it closed and have stomach issues. I was at Ft McClellan Ala also in 1976 but not sure if it is on of the sites that qualify for chemical exposure. |
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