I served almost 8 yrs from 1979 to 1987 and yet I'm finding out that because I didn't claim a disability I basically have no veterans benefits of any kind. After the military I worked at a VA hospital for 13 mos and for the P.O. for 14 yrs yet I appear to have fallen through the cracks there too. I can't get reinstatement for a federal job because I've had a break from the P.O. for over 52 weeks making me ineligible and I needed 3 yrs at the VA for reinstatement (I think they've changed that since 1988 when I transferred from the VA to the PO).

SO,

I've got almost 8 yrs with the military
plus another 15 yrs total federal service making 23 years altogether YET I have no veterans preference OR federal reinstatement eligibility.

The military aspect makes me the maddest. Everybody else gets at least some sort of preference whether they served in a war zone or not simply based on the time period they served but those of us who served in the 80s needed a special medal for Lebanon or Granada to get that benefit. Why is that? OR am I missing something here?

Has anyone else who served after Oct 1976 through 1990 run into this same problem?

Yes, it's sad but true brother. I got out in 1981, no unemployment if you got an honorable, no va. I needed an operation to be able to work, had to go on relief and food stamps because I couldn't find work. Got my operation paid for by the county.........good luck........

I am a vet who had trouble with his lungs while in the active component at FT. Hood. Yet they said because it was resolved at FT. Hood I have no benefits,(it was never resolved and the doctor seeing me advised Primatene Mist). Or, unless I have enough overall family medical expenses I have no benefit, (provided it takes me below a certain salary per year. If I don't do overtime I might be able to qualify. What happened? I was under the understanding I had an entitlement that I could use as a Vet in the area of health care? At least I can get a cheap burial.

Fortunately I have health insurance, but things are not inexpensive for me, or the spouse, even with most of what is being covered. Because I have had troubles due to responding to a fire at my present job, I might be able to claim further benefits under DOL's Office Of Workers Compensation, if I get a little help in that area.

FWIW to my knowledge, if you make under a certain amount per year in your area, you are eligible for health services with a co pay at least.

quote:

Originally posted by rsouthard:
I am a vet who had trouble with his lungs while in the active component at FT. Hood. Yet they said because it was resolved at FT. Hood I have no benefits,(it was never resolved and the doctor seeing me advised Primatene Mist). Or, unless I have enough overall family medical expenses I have no benefit, (provided it takes me below a certain salary per year. If I don't do overtime I might be able to qualify. What happened? I was under the understanding I had an entitlement that I could use as a Vet in the area of health care? At least I can get a cheap burial.

Fortunately I have health insurance, but things are not inexpensive for me, or the spouse, even with most of what is being covered. Because I have had troubles due to responding to a fire at my present job, I might be able to claim further benefits under DOL's Office Of Workers Compensation, if I get a little help in that area.

FWIW to my knowledge, if you make under a certain amount per year in your area, you are eligible for health services with a co pay at least.

Did you check with your County VSO? Or a VFW or Am. Legion VSO? They can run interference for you!

Yes, I have tried that. I was told by my American Legion VSO that the thing to do was to find a doctor that would verify that I had trouble from the time I got out. Unfortunately I haven't had any doctors for quite some time who could do that. The doctor I have now, saw my trouble start up again with my lungs due to a work related fire, and said, "The main verification that I have is that, regardless of the fact that you have had trouble before." He won't sign off on any thing concerning the Army, for now.

So, basically it has become an OWCP issue, (Office Of Workers Compensation Program, overseen by Department of Labor and for federal employees). When I have time, I will look through all the copies of Army Medical records that I do have and see what I can find to point out to him. Perhaps he will change his mind then.

The other recourse is to have enough medical expenses to off set the means test, and other chart that the VA uses. If I have enough to offset that, and don't make a lot of over time, I can probably qualify to begin with that way.

Go to www.theveteransadvocacy.com or Contact theadvocate@theveteransadvocacy.com for assistance.

quote:

Originally posted by rsouthard:
I am a vet who had trouble with his lungs while in the active component at FT. Hood. Yet they said because it was resolved at FT. Hood I have no benefits,(it was never resolved and the doctor seeing me advised Primatene Mist). Or, unless I have enough overall family medical expenses I have no benefit, (provided it takes me below a certain salary per year. If I don't do overtime I might be able to qualify. What happened? I was under the understanding I had an entitlement that I could use as a Vet in the area of health care? At least I can get a cheap burial.

Fortunately I have health insurance, but things are not inexpensive for me, or the spouse, even with most of what is being covered. Because I have had troubles due to responding to a fire at my present job, I might be able to claim further benefits under DOL's Office Of Workers Compensation, if I get a little help in that area.

FWIW to my knowledge, if you make under a certain amount per year in your area, you are eligible for health services with a co pay at least.

Go to www.theveteransadvocacy.com or Contact theadvocate@theveteransadvocacy.com for assistance.

Go to www.theveteransadvocacy.com or Contact theadvocate@theveteransadvocacy.com for assistance.

QUOTE]Originally posted by rsouthard:
Yes, I have tried that. I was told by my American Legion VSO that the thing to do was to find a doctor that would verify that I had trouble from the time I got out. Unfortunately I haven't had any doctors for quite some time who could do that. The doctor I have now, saw my trouble start up again with my lungs due to a work related fire, and said, "The main verification that I have is that, regardless of the fact that you have had trouble before." He won't sign off on any thing concerning the Army, for now.

So, basically it has become an OWCP issue, (Office Of Workers Compensation Program, overseen by Department of Labor and for federal employees). When I have time, I will look through all the copies of Army Medical records that I do have and see what I can find to point out to him. Perhaps he will change his mind then.

The other recourse is to have enough medical expenses to off set the means test, and other chart that the VA uses. If I have enough to offset that, and don't make a lot of over time, I can probably qualify to begin with that way.[/QUOTE]

quote:

Originally posted by pken:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by rsouthard:
I am a vet who had trouble with his lungs while in the active component at FT. Hood. Yet they said because it was resolved at FT. Hood I have no benefits,(it was never resolved and the doctor seeing me advised Primatene Mist). Or, unless I have enough overall family medical expenses I have no benefit, (provided it takes me below a certain salary per year. If I don't do overtime I might be able to qualify. What happened? I was under the understanding I had an entitlement that I could use as a Vet in the area of health care? At least I can get a cheap burial.

Fortunately I have health insurance, but things are not inexpensive for me, or the spouse, even with most of what is being covered. Because I have had troubles due to responding to a fire at my present job, I might be able to claim further benefits under DOL's Office Of Workers Compensation, if I get a little help in that area.

FWIW to my knowledge, if you make under a certain amount per year in your area, you are eligible for health services with a co pay at least.

Go to Mod Edit: (LINK Removed - Violation of TOS

If this organization wants to be allowed have them contact me so that I can get them approved. This seems like a unauthorized solicitation in violation of Terms Of Service)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dave_M,

I Served from 1967~1971 During The Viet Nam War and Have been Told that i don't Qualify for Benefits because President Bush signed some "LAW" to prevent Us from having the Benefits we were entitled to,because we did'nt sign up "SOON ENOUGH"? WTF??? I've been on Non-Service connected Total disability for 14 years now and i'm going down the Tubes! Thank you Soo much Mr. President!!

quote:

Originally posted by rayny2e4034:
I Served from 1967~1971 During The Viet Nam War and Have been Told that i don't Qualify for Benefits because President Bush signed some "LAW" to prevent Us from having the Benefits we were entitled to,because we did'nt sign up "SOON ENOUGH"? WTF??? I've been on Non-Service connected Total disability for 14 years now and i'm going down the Tubes! Thank you Soo much Mr. President!!

Whoever told you this is absolutely incorrect.

If you are receiving an NSC Pension, you are in Priority Group 5, eligible for Medical care at the VA, also being in receipt of a NSC pension makes you eligible for travel pay and you should not have to pay a prescription co-pay

The only group not eligible for medical care are the new enrollments in Priority Group 8, over annual income or asset limit, new enrollments in this priority group were halted on 1/17/03

I get one social security total disability check a month. my wife and i are 60 years old and she had to go back to work and only gets $11.00 an hour,then they take out all the taxes and her medical insurance and there's not much left.. the va says we are "now" just over the income level to be eligible. My feeling about this "LAW" that was signed in 2003 is that it's Total BS! I,along with soo many others Served During that War and was promised benefits then the Govt. Changes the Rules in the "6th Inning" of the Game? How WRONG is that?? I was in Group 5 for a few months until i got a letter saying our income level just exceeded guidelines and i'll have to PAY BACK whatever care i got. Luckily it was only a Physical,etc. I am sooo mad over this i can't see straight.Here we're worrying about the "Iraqui's" and the rest of the world and saying TO HELL with our Vets??? What's wrong with this picture? I am from a Family of Vets and have ALWAYS been extremely proud and Patriotic,but here lately i feel like a Fire Hydrant and The Government is The Dog!

OK, if you have been receiving Social Security for 14 years, you have been eligible for Medicare for 12 years.

If you are not eligible for Medicare and are receiving SSD/SSI, you are eligible for Disabled Medical through Medicaid.

What exactly is your complaint? You should have medical coverage under Social Security, YOU chose not to enroll in the VA when you came home. All you would have had to have done was enroll with the VA, go for a checkup every 1-2 years and you would be covered by the VA right now.

Is it a bunch of crap that Catagory 8 enrollments were stopped? Sure was, but the vets who choose not to enroll with the VA are equally responsible with the government for their lack of coverage now.

After my 4 year tour i was still only 22 years old and truly did'nt know that i had to sign up right then. I was told we'd have benefits when we needed them. I Did'nt need them at that time. I Was never told in 2003 that they changed the Rules or were going to change the rules. How were we supposed to know about it? I Just feel like the other vets, We served during wartime and our benefits should be available to us as promised. It's easy to look back on anything and say coulda shoulda,etc.but being a young guy when i got out,i had no clue i needed to sign up then or i would have. I Feel that 2003 ruling needs to be over turned just on Principal alone. It's just wrong! Amen Brother..And I Thank YOU for your service to our Country as well.

I was 29 when I enlisted in the Military. I entered at time when they were giving the new GIBill educational benefits. I was actually in the military 126 or 7 days they say. I fell off a truck while it was moving. They say I bruised my spleen but, I was never able to see those medical records after. I opted out of the miltary just before Biv Wac. and was not able to carry on any further. Although I would have a very good career by now. Anyway, when I opted out with General (medical discharge) they said I could not have the educational bill but, I did get all of my medical. I am not able to see those medical records during basic and can not get a hold of them just have my discharge papers that's all. The VA gives me a co-pay when I'm suppose to get all medical free. I'm at a stopping place. Now I have arthritus of the neck and back degenerative and am not feeling in my pinkie finger and ring finger on my left hand. I will have to have a disc replacement I think. I'm unemployed. and am buying this dream house and about to lose it. I need help with the medical for sure but can't seem to get my papers and I'm beginning to think it's because I never served in an active war.
My father served in the military and is on disability for his knee, He has full resutution for his knee he receives stripends. I receive nothing but, I didn't ask for anything only my medical. I've worked all my life and I was just recently fired from a company last December. They are paying me unemployement. I'm not sure but, I think I fell through the cracks? Anyone, any advise.? gladly appreciated. Also my last day in the military was 06/16/1979

OK, let me see if I can address the issues:

Primary is the medical care, correct? The "Cost/co-pay free" care will normally only be for your service connected condition, which it sounds like you didnt apply for...so without a service connected rating, you will have to do the co-pays for your care.

However! It is not too late to file for Service Connection for the condition that you were discharged for. I'll tell you right now it will be tough after 29 years, but it can be done.

Also, do you think there can be a link between the back and neck problems and the fall you took? Have you had ongoing problems with your back and neck from the time of your discharge to now and are they documented? If so, you could add these items to the service connected claim, but be prepared to prove that you have had problems with them from the day you fell to now.

Given that you have been unemployed for 7 months now, you could also look at doing a new Means test at the VA to see if your income puts you into a different priority group...unfortunately the VA does not look at your income NOW, they look at your income for the past 12 months.

Best of luck to you on this.