Originally posted by RWLucas: That is if the VA allows you to register. They turned me down, saying that since I did not have a VA disability rating, did not have a combat-related problem, and was eligible for retiree Tricare, and made too much money, I was not allowed to register. I'm going to try again at the local clinic.
I might suggest you be in touch with an organization like the DAV. I think you'll get the straight skinny from them. On the other hand if you have no rated disabilities, maybe you should review your service medical record and see if there is anything that may have been missed when you retired. One rating of 0% speaks more loudly than no ratings at all. Again, the DAV can help you with a claim.
Originally posted by EMC_: I just got off the phone with VAMC in Providence, RI.
Here are the steps to get your CPAP equipment from the VA with no service connection. Gather all your sleep study paperwork from all your private sources. Set up an appointment with a VA Primary Care Doctor. When you go in for your check up/appointment inform them that you have Sleep Apnea and have them setup an appointment with the Pulminary Medicine people. You submit all your sleep study stuff to them and they will arrange for the VA to supply you with all your CPAP equipment. I waited 3 years for my rating and paid for all my supplies under Tricare. Wish I had this info before. Good Luck and if you have any more questions, feel free to post or contact me.
Thanks for the info EMC_. I have been rated at 70% service connected by the VA. I am a newbie retiree, so I am still trying to find out what to do about getting CPAP supplies.
On a related not, once you are registered with the VA, do they issue you an ID card or something that identifies your level of disability?
Originally posted by CWOINSP: On a related not, once you are registered with the VA, do they issue you an ID card or something that identifies your level of disability?
I was registered back in 2000 when I retired. About 2 years lapsed between appointments with my primary care physician. So, I had to do it all over again. I think there was a computer upgrade in the meantime, and I somehow was dropped from the system, but before I could get any gear or prescriptions, I had to have a 'physical exam' by my pcp. I took the prescriptions from my regular doctor, and the VA set me up on a year of refills. Did I mention 'free' refills? Also got a blood pressure monitor.
So, I think you will need to make an appointment and be seen by a primary care physician in order to get the ball rolling on your cpap stuff. You are 70% so you are entitled to free VA care for all your ailments.
Those free prescriptions are nice if your meds are carried by the VA. I get a lot of my stuff at the local base, but they and the VA keep dropping my meds and then offer meds I was on in the past and had problems with as replacements.
If the VA supplies CPAP equipment you have to bring in your gear once a year to renew your prescription and have them check the card on your machine and record the hours used etc.
I you are service connected, your registration should never lapse. I did not use the VA for over 15 years - closer to 20 - and when I chose to again 6 years ago low and behold I was still in the system. I know this because my private doctor at University Hospital wanted me to see partner at the VA. They just scheduled an appointment.
