Do you go to the VA ?

Beans

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May 31, 2008
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Went to the VA yesterday. Walked in healthy walked out with some major issues. First time there and was treated very well. Spent over an hour with my Primary Care Doctor. Had Xrays and waited just a couple of minutes. Went to the Pharmacy and only had to wait for about 10 minutes. I could not believe how well I was treated. Then I noticed the address on my medication. It had my name and my address was Headquarter U.S. Army. I had them remove it, now I wonder if I will still be treated the same since my address no longer read Headquarters U.S. Army.
 

You should be treated the same. I use the VA in Salt Lake about once a year. They treat me well but usually the wait is like waiting at the Naval hospital.
 

I got into the VA system around 2005 or so. Turns out it saves me money. I don't have to pay for my Part B which is going to go waaaayyyy up in the next couple of years. Unless you have private insurance you will pay Part B or pay the fine to the IRS. The VA is the only way out I see other than private insurance. Tri-Care excepted.
 

I am just getting acquainted with the VA. I'm trying to file a service-connected hearing loss claim to try and get some hearing aids but I have already been told it could take up to a year and a half before they even make a decision on it. Heck, I can teach my whole family sign language in that amount of time.
I was told by a fellow vet to bypass the VA 'cause they take so long doing anything and to go straight to AMVETS (American Veterans). I talked to an AMVET rep and he said the same thing about time so I don't know why I should go through them instead. I'd just have to double file the paperwork.
 

I have many issiues so I spend alot of time there. Since I am Catagory 1, all is paid. They take good care of me so I have little to complain about. Only, special stuff is 3 hours away in Livermore. I recently won my SS claim so I can now do some stuff local. TTC
 

I just got started and I use a local small VA clinic except for special stuff. They have treated me better then any private doc ever has, no complaints from me!
 

To all of you who are just getting involved with the VA as far as benefits are concerned and to backerpacker go this website and do some research first.

www.hadit.com backerpacker there is a lot of info on hearing loss on this site.
 

The VA healthcare is pretty damn good. I get all my medical care at the Prescott VA. It is fairly difficult to apply for and get coverage from the VA. Most people need to hire a lawyer to help with the paperwork. Some people use a VFW/Am Legion/etc representative to help them. If you are rated a service-connected status (meaning you were injured while you were still in the military) you can also get VA monthly compensation. There are many other benefits depending on your rating (0%-100%).
 

I am at 0percent but I still get a monthly check not much but it's something go to the va in little rock doctors are great
 

I use the va system. Best advice I could give anyone applying is go through disabled American veterans. Everyone I know that has used them has had less issues and hire ratings than people without using them. I was seriously unhappy with the system but my new (4th set of ortho docs) were excellent. Within 20 mins of first meeting them I was scheduled for surgery that was blown off for 4 years....
 

Hi All, Just talked to a friend of mine, an Agent Orange victim, said he got a new doctor at the VA in Pennsylvania and the new doctor told him he would not give him his meds because "They are very expensive". My friend told him o.k. here is what I am going to do, I am calling my V.F.W. rep, then I am calling the DAV, then I am calling my congressman and then I am calling my state senator, your move! Had his meds before he left the VA......Joe
 

As soon as you mention congressmen they change their attitudes fast, mine is involved in almost every dealing with the va now. My folder is stamped with a large circle p which means political influence. Sad it has to go to that
 

Nice to locate a vet oriented area on TNet. I'm on the last page of filling out the on-line VONAPP thing for disability compensation (agent orange, hearing loss, compressed vertebrae). I tried to get an appointment to sit down with a real live VA handler but did not even get a return phone call. So I figured I'd just fill out the forms, click on "send" and take my chances. The other form that I wanted to fill out is for medical care, but when I got to the financial information section, I decided it would be a waste of my time since I have considerable assets and income. Really all I want is to get into the system so I can get medical care while traveling around the country. Now that I have read the post advising that the Amvets and VFW have helpers to get the applications moving, I'm wondering if I should go that route instead of using the VONAPP method. Any thoughts?

M
 

If you have a good amount of income and assets you would just have a copay. They also do not check up on assets either
 

Is there a table or schedule that the VA works with to determine the amount of co-payment based on a vet's income/assets? The reason I'm asking is to compare it with the already forced participation in Medicare and the optional part B cost. While traveling most of the year, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to get in to see a private doctor in a new location unless I have an emergency situation. They just don't want to take on new Medicare patients, especially one-timers. The way I get around that now is to simply tell the receptionist I'm paying cash for the visit. Gets me in most of the time, but still there is an issue of doctors being booked to the hilt in many places. All this has made me nearly paranoid about staying healthy, exercising and eating right ! <lol> M
 

The va around me is always booked up which is why I'm still off work. Not everywhere is like that though. They have a table but I havnt seen it in a while. See it someone near you has a streams handbook for veterans an dependents from the va. I think it's in there
 

Just go to your local VA, tell them it is your first time there and they will direct you to the right place. Get use to waiting again so take a book to read while waiting.
 

Just go to your local VA, tell them it is your first time there and they will direct you to the right place. Get use to waiting again so take a book to read while waiting.

SOP for sure. We are all seasoned in the art of "hurry up and wait".

M
 

Wife's dad did that they gave him the paper version of the vonapp form so your already ahead of the game there
 

I am just getting acquainted with the VA. I'm trying to file a service-connected hearing loss claim to try and get some hearing aids but I have already been told it could take up to a year and a half before they even make a decision on it. Heck, I can teach my whole family sign language in that amount of time.
I was told by a fellow vet to bypass the VA 'cause they take so long doing anything and to go straight to AMVETS (American Veterans). I talked to an AMVET rep and he said the same thing about time so I don't know why I should go through them instead. I'd just have to double file the paperwork.
packer backer send me a PM about your hearing loss. I am SC'd for it and I can give you some insight.
 

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