Why is it that after 20 good years and an honerable discharg that because I retired after April 15 2005 that I am un able to use the VA medical facilities because my family makes over 27k a year. I erned that privlage with my 20 good years. Yet there are people that served only 4yrs and because they got out prior to that date they get full medical treatment from the VA. When I joined I thought that was one of the benifits I was working towards. THIS iritates the HELL out of me.

For budgetary purposes the current administration has chosen to limit enrollment. I believe that for a period of time after your discharge you are eligible. Also, if you retired, you do have Tri-care. I would take that to the VA any day.

I am retired and was on a medical cycle enrolled and being seen by the Orlando VA hospital had all my apointments set up and good to go. I got a letter last year stating that I was no longer welcome because my family income was greater than poverty. That is BULL I do have tri-care but I earned my privlege to utilize the VA hospital which is much better than the local zoos that are called hospital here.

quote:

Originally posted by spleary:
I am retired and was on a medical cycle enrolled and being seen by the Orlando VA hospital had all my apointments set up and good to go. I got a letter last year stating that I was no longer welcome because my family income was greater than poverty. That is BULL I do have tri-care but I earned my privlege to utilize the VA hospital which is much better than the local zoos that are called hospital here.

Do you have a disability or have you filed for one as that would make a difference on using the VA, I have Tricare and Medicare and I for one had much rather use Tricare than the VA. Before I became unable to work I never used the VA I always wanted the VA to be there for my comrades that were disabled or did not have income to afford health insurance. So if you are disabled and have received compension from the VA then use it if not then don't come up with this I earned it crap, leave it for the ones who are disabled or to poor to afford health insurance. Sgt D

What is a Medical Cycle. There is no inherent privilege to use the VA because you are retired - all benefits are subject to the grant of Congress and the Administration who are charged with allocating scarce resources.

I am 100% SC and only use it for that disability. I have other choices and like sgtd6970, I think that the VA has been reserved for those who have no other options, and that is a good thing.

Yep you and a few million others are just screwed.
I love how it can so easily be explained away by phases like budget restrictions, or fiscal responsibility when what it all really means is the needed funds were not provided.
In many ways we all have a choice; do we have a government that supports "entitlement' programs and all that means or one that believes the fed gov't should reduce or eliminate social welfare programs.