New VA benefit for Service Connected Vets

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I just received an email letting me know that as a Service Connected Disabled Veteran I'm now entitled to use some military base facilities. Your service connection can be zero as long as it's Service Connected. Here's the article and if you want me to forward it to you via email please PM me and I'll try to get a copy sent your way. If you don't have a Veterans Health Identity Card this article will have the info you need.
Commissary, Military Service Exchange, and MWR Access Extended to More Veterans Beginning January
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Starting Jan. 1, 2020, the Department of Defense is expanding access to military commissaries, exchanges, and morale, welfare and recreation facilities for certain Veterans and caregivers. Those eligible for access include all service-connected Veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former Prisoners of War (POW), and those approved and designated as the primary family caregivers of eligible Veterans. To acquire the in-person privileged access, all eligible Veterans must obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).​
 
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Dalecamino

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Thanks Tom. I saw an article I believe on military.com about six months ago, that this was coming in November available to all vets. My cousin sent me a link a few weeks ago, stating it was for disabled veterans. There used to be a PX at Ft. Harrison here. I'll have to check into this.
 
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Too bad my service was non-eventful (which I'm thankful for).. I'm actually pre-Vietnam in my service.... most exciting thing we had while I was in
was my ship (a destroyer escort radar picket ship) encountered a Russian "fishing trawler" that was in the process of picking up a Script's Institute survey raft off the coast of Los Angeles.... as we approached we could see them with the raft half way up the side of the ship, but we were going to reach their location before they could complete the loading... they cut lines and steamed away.... The "fishing trawler" had more antennae and electronics than we did and we were pretty well decked out in radar and radio gear. All of our messages to them were answered with questions as to who we were, what we were doing etc... we were asking same questions of them.

Bottom line, I don't think I will qualify for the new vet benefits.
 

pshrynk

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Hmmm... I may have to venture over to my local Outreach and have them take a look at my hearing. Since I was around F-15s, Tweets, and SR-71s i may be able to get some SCD so i can take advantage. One of the things I miss is the BX and the MWR shops. Not that there are any nearby but we often travel to places that have them.
 
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Chuck (TellicoTurning) brings up a good point. To be service connected you didn't have to be in a war zone. If you were injured or hurt in the military and still suffer from that injury you can be awarded a service connected disability, even if they rate you at 0. If you don't currently use any VA privileges it's a time consuming and pretty frustrating thing to go through. I got my service connected disability rating by the VA using the VFW at first. You can also use the DAV or American Legion. Make sure you have a copy of your DD214 and they'll ask for a write up of what you're applying for, dates, locations, witnesses etc.
I'm not promoting any post military organization (Al, DAV, VFW) but if you're not a member of one you should consider it. A lot of good info comes in monthly magazines that can help you move your way around the system and has a lot of good contact information available for your elected officials.
 
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Thanks Tom. I saw an article I believe on military.com about six months ago, that this was coming in November available to all vets. My cousin sent me a link a few weeks ago, stating it was for disabled veterans. There used to be a PX at Ft. Harrison here. I'll have to check into this.

I would really hope you do check into it Chuck. I first heard about this about 2 years ago and found out one of Montana's Senators, Steve Daines, was in support of this and also was one of the co-writers of the Bill. I have sent him several emails and letters asking the Senate to get off their butts and get this enacted. Never heard back from him and I'm sure my letters and emails had no effect on the outcome. But I sure felt good when this came out and was finally passed in the Senate.
 

eharri446

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If you have tinnuitis, or ringing in the ears, and that can be tied back to your service days, you can get a 10% disability check every month. That should qualify as a service connected disability.
 

ArmyDoc

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If you have tinnuitis, or ringing in the ears, and that can be tied back to your service days, you can get a 10% disability check every month. That should qualify as a service connected disability.
Just be aware, a "10% disability check" does not equate to a check for 10% of your pay... There is a small (quite small) check that is associated with having a 10% disability and every little bit helps, but the primary benefit is access to healthcare and other benefits that comes along with that finding.
 

ArmyDoc

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Any idea how they determine if the tinnitus is service related?
For me, they did a hearing exam as part of my exit physical. Don't know how you would go back and get it documented. But with your MOS, it would be worth asking the VA patient advocate.
 
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For me, they did a hearing exam as part of my exit physical. Don't know how you would go back and get it documented. But with your MOS, it would be worth asking the VA patient advocate.
Like your sign in name ArmyDoc. My license plate is NAVYDOC. I was a Corpsman but my men called me Doc. Those that are still alive, still call me by that. Any other "Docs" out there?
 
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Just be aware, a "10% disability check" does not equate to a check for 10% of your pay... There is a small (quite small) check that is associated with having a 10% disability and every little bit helps, but the primary benefit is access to healthcare and other benefits that comes along with that finding.

Last time I was rated at 10% the monthly check was just over $100.00. I'm rated at 40% right now and that number goes up quite a bit. However, it's the prescriptions and such that change as your disability rating goes up as does your monthly payout. There are also benefits for spouses that kick in at 30% (I think). And there's different things certain states do for disabled veterans rated at over 50% you should check into. I was told once I get my knees replaced and something done to my lower back I'll be rated at 100% but my stomach and thumb will stay at 0% but the prescriptions will be covered 100%.
 

Woodchipper

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Hmmm... I may have to venture over to my local Outreach and have them take a look at my hearing. Since I was around F-15s, Tweets, and SR-71s i may be able to get some SCD so i can take advantage. One of the things I miss is the BX and the MWR shops. Not that there are any nearby but we often travel to places that have them.
Just wondering why you didn't pursue the SCD? I'm a life member of DAV and they have helped a lot of veterans get benefits. Never heard of the one in the original post. Plus never saw it in the DAV monthly magazine. Will go back and check. Years ago, I was told you needed 40% disability to use the PX. Don't have one close to me anyway. Adding- anyone who has a SC disability gets free medicine that is directly connected to the disability. Anything else is a very small co-pay.
 
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Just wondering why you didn't pursue the SCD? I'm a life member of DAV and they have helped a lot of veterans get benefits. Never heard of the one in the original post. Plus never saw it in the DAV monthly magazine. Will go back and check. Years ago, I was told you needed 40% disability to use the PX. Don't have one close to me anyway. Adding- anyone who has a SC disability gets free medicine that is directly connected to the disability. Anything else is a very small co-pay.

If I'm not mistaken, to use the PX etc. you had to be 100% SC. This new law changes all of that for a lot more SC Vets. I saw it first in my American Legion magazine quite a while back, and it was a small article. Like you, I'm a life member of the DAV and I've never seen anything in the monthly magazine. I get emails on occasion with what's going on at the VA. I'm not sure how I got signed up but sometimes they have some great info. And you're absolutely right, you only get prescriptions filled free of charge for those items that are related to your SC injury. The others do have a co-pay.

Another thing that just recently changed for the American Legion was to allow non-war time vets to join. I'm not really sure how it all worked, but from what I could understand was that if you didn't serve in time of war you weren't eligible to join the AL. The article was kind of confusing so if you're interested in joining the AL you might want to swing by your local post and check it out.
 

pshrynk

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I didn't sign up with the VA because... yeah. My post service jobs all had decent insurance and there just wasn't much that the VA system offered that I wasn't getting already. i didn't want to be a part of the clogging that goes on when there are actual disabled vets who need the services more than I. But if i could get MWR and BX privileges, I'm all over it.
 

Lee58

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There is a program now through AAFES (who controls all the military's BX and PX) that if you were honorably discharged from the military you can now go to their web site sign up and you can order from their online catalog. You do not have to have any type service related disability or have served during any specific time frame to use this program just honorably discharged is the only requirement. They have a very extensive on line selection and might save you some bucks.
 

philipff

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A word of caution to those looking for a "good deal" at the PX: don't waste your time and money. The prices are higher than many local stores and I have easy access to 3 PX's. On the other hand, the Commissary is still a good deal.
 

Woodchipper

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The VA hospital in Murfreesboro, TN has an AAFES store. Looked to buy my laptop there, higher than Staples! No commissary within at least 150 miles so that's out. As for the VA itself, I have had no problems in 40+ with getting appointments, referrals, medication for SC and NSC problems. FWIW, I have an appointment with a local podiatrist through the Choice program where the VA works with local physicians for treatment. I get a flu shot through Walgreen's, three miles away, instead of driving 30 miles.
 
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There is a program now through AAFES (who controls all the military's BX and PX) that if you were honorably discharged from the military you can now go to their web site sign up and you can order from their online catalog. You do not have to have any type service related disability or have served during any specific time frame to use this program just honorably discharged is the only requirement. They have a very extensive on line selection and might save you some bucks.

That's been around for a couple of years now. The new law lets you go on base to use the different facilities. That's the biggest change.
 
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A word of caution to those looking for a "good deal" at the PX: don't waste your time and money. The prices are higher than many local stores and I have easy access to 3 PX's. On the other hand, the Commissary is still a good deal.

You're right, not everything is like it was when I was on active duty. But, they do have some really good prices on certain items. Best to investigate before buying to get the cheapest source. But...the booze on base is a lot cheaper than buying from the state stores here in Montana.
 
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The VA hospital in Murfreesboro, TN has an AAFES store. Looked to buy my laptop there, higher than Staples! No commissary within at least 150 miles so that's out. As for the VA itself, I have had no problems in 40+ with getting appointments, referrals, medication for SC and NSC problems. FWIW, I have an appointment with a local podiatrist through the Choice program where the VA works with local physicians for treatment. I get a flu shot through Walgreen's, three miles away, instead of driving 30 miles.

The VA sets up all my appointments a year in advance. That includes the lab work, any x-rays and prescription refills. I've got one scheduled for mid January where I'm going to rip my PA a new one. She missed a very important blood test result that could have caused a lot of problems. Fortunately my primary care Doc asked for the lab results and caught it right away. I get my flu shots at Costco and make sure it's noted in my VA file and also my private Doc's file.
 

Woodchipper

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WCK, I'm not that far out in appointments- six months at the most, depending on who I'm seeing. If you are a disabled vet, why do you have a private doctor? VA covers all my health needs and medications. BTW, every doctor, PA, NP that I see goes over my records and lab work with a fine tooth comb. They even review it with me. If they see a red flag, then my PCP or specialist are contacted.
 
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WCK, I'm not that far out in appointments- six months at the most, depending on who I'm seeing. If you are a disabled vet, why do you have a private doctor? VA covers all my health needs and medications. BTW, every doctor, PA, NP that I see goes over my records and lab work with a fine tooth comb. They even review it with me. If they see a red flag, then my PCP or specialist are contacted.

Let me try to explain why I still have a private doctor.
I've always had great health insurance from my employer so I've used it and just use the VA for yearly checkups for my SC issues. Even though I'm on Medicare I still use my private doctor. The VA has made a few mistakes in the past that could have caused some serious issues so I've kept my visits with them just to my SC issues and everything else goes through my private doctor. My SC disability applies to my knees, back and stomach and I get my prescription from the VA for these issues. My knees will be replaced some time soon, it will be done in a private hospital with a private surgeon that my private doctor has recommended. My VA PA is located in Idaho and the visits are done over a feed where she see's me on a tv screen. No personal contact what so ever. So I choose to keep my private doctor and use him for all of my medical needs. I also run any treatment the VA recommends through him first to make sure it sounds good, and it usually does. The VA is trying and I know they've lost some great doctors because of the issues at some VA facilities. I had a great doctor at the VA but she left because she got tired of all the bureaucracy and BS that came with the job. I hope I explained this well enough.
 

Woodchipper

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Yes, explained completely. Sorry that you have to go through all that for your medical needs. I guess I'm very lucky in that sense. If I had a private doctor, then I would have to cough up the supplemental insurance premium each month. I have been to three VA facilities over the years and, so far, so good. My present doctor at the Chattanooga VA is very thorough- gives a basic exam at each visit. Part of the problem is the management of the different VA hospitals and outpatient clinics- some good, some bad, some lousy. Check into the Choice program where you can go to a cooperating -private doctor if you are too far away from a VA facility. Also, I'm a life member of the Disable American Veterans (DAV). Check with them on your benefits- dav.org or - 1-877-426-2938.
 
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Yes, explained completely. Sorry that you have to go through all that for your medical needs. I guess I'm very lucky in that sense. If I had a private doctor, then I would have to cough up the supplemental insurance premium each month. I have been to three VA facilities over the years and, so far, so good. My present doctor at the Chattanooga VA is very thorough- gives a basic exam at each visit. Part of the problem is the management of the different VA hospitals and outpatient clinics- some good, some bad, some lousy. Check into the Choice program where you can go to a cooperating -private doctor if you are too far away from a VA facility. Also, I'm a life member of the Disable American Veterans (DAV). Check with them on your benefits- dav.org or - 1-877-426-2938.


I'm also a life member of the DAV for probably 20 years now. Not very active due to where I live but sometime I'll have to move back into the "city" and then I'll get active. When I was working in CA the VA was terrible. No service, push you through and always a back log. If you weren't SC forget trying to get in, near to impossible. Plus they were spread out all over the place, San Francisco, Martinez, Livermore, Stockton and Fresno. You had to go to different ones for different things, it was a pain.
When I first came back to Montana the VA was great and things worked great. About two years ago they switched over to this remote visit garbage and it's been going down hill since. The guy who set up the remote visits has more degree's than a thermometer but I think has the smarts of a paper bag. I wish these politicians had to go through what so many Vets do for medical care, that would probably change it big time. So as long as I get my prescriptions filled I'm pretty happy. I'm glad your experience has been better than mine.
 

sbwertz

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Totally off topic, but VA related. Recently my brother was badly burned. He is home now and having a nurse come daily to change his dressings. The hospital sent a prescription to the the VA pharmacy for a 90 day supply of Santyl....a burn debriding ointment that retails at $257 a tube. He needs 2 tubes a day when they change his dressings. Someone at the pharmacy added a zero and the VA mailed him 1800 tubes instead of 180. They say by law they cannot take it back. We've found a couple of agencies that will accept unopened prescriptions that will be given to people who can't afford to buy them. Your tax dollars at work.
 

sbwertz

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VA is a government agency, tax supported. Who else is going to foot the bill? At retail price...which I'm sure the VA doesn't pay, since, unlike medicare, they are allowed to negotiate drug prices...it represents almost half a MILLION dollars... $462,600.
 

Woodchipper

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Speaking of dollars...I was talking by phone with a nurse regarding an appointment. She remarked that the people who schedule appointments make more than nurses. What is wrong with this picture? I got two VA prescriptions yesterday- two bottles in two separate mailing pouches but all the paperwork was in one pouch! ??????
World's two funniest jokes- 1. I'm from the government and I'm here to help you. 2. This won't create much paperwork.
 
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Speaking of dollars...I was talking by phone with a nurse regarding an appointment. She remarked that the people who schedule appointments make more than nurses. What is wrong with this picture? I got two VA prescriptions yesterday- two bottles in two separate mailing pouches but all the paperwork was in one pouch! ??????
World's two funniest jokes- 1. I'm from the government and I'm here to help you. 2. This won't create much paperwork.

I get my meds the same way. They'll ship them in different envelopes and they'll all arrive on the same day.

I love all the paperwork from Medicare. We'll get 7-8 pages double sided letting me know that my last dr. visit didn't cost me anything. Ah...who cares if I didn't owe anything, just send me a bill if I do. The other thing that really peaves me is that half the pages are in probably 8 different languages. Just send me the english version, I don't need it in Swahili.
 

pshrynk

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I get my meds the same way. They'll ship them in different envelopes and they'll all arrive on the same day.

I love all the paperwork from Medicare. We'll get 7-8 pages double sided letting me know that my last dr. visit didn't cost me anything. Ah...who cares if I didn't owe anything, just send me a bill if I do. The other thing that really peaves me is that half the pages are in probably 8 different languages. Just send me the english version, I don't need it in Swahili.
It's easier and more cost effective to send the full version rather than having someone try to send the specific one Even when you factor in the extra paper. And, yes, one could reasonable expect that a veteran of the US armed forces might be able to understand English, but that's where bureaucracy gets you. Plus there are some Hmong who are eligible for VA services due to their activities in VN.
 
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