Veteran's Benefits

[leadman]

I recently went to the VA and updated my disability status and got an ID card from them. I haven't used VA facilities since the late 70s' but am forced to look at them again since my health insurance cost is a heavy burden and climbing every year.

I found out that any vet can get a VA ID card even if they have no disability.
This card has many good benefits, some I will mention here as they are saving me money on items I buy anyway.
There was a Federal Communication Act of 1996 that gives a 15% discount to current and former federal employees from their cell phone carrier. My carrier, Verizon has given me the discount.

Many business like Home Depot, O'Reilley's Auto Parts, Autozone, Arby's, Napa, and at least 30 or 40 others that give at least 10% off with the ID card.

The VA gave me a list that is almost a full page long, 2 columns wide of businesses that discount.

So for a couple hours time and a drive to the VA it maybe worthwhile for any vets to look into this.

I also found out that some Korean vets that were over there close to the DMZ when they were spraying Agent Orange can get medical benefits. There are specific dates but I don't remember the exact times. Think it ended in 70 or 71.

Hope someone can benefit from this info.

[Charlie Two Tracks]

Thanks for the heads up leadman. I've been meaning to check into that but just never have. Maybe I'll get my rear in gear and do something.

[gon2shoot]

I just saved 10% off a new mower at Lowe's. It does help.

[P.K.]

Just a heads up. The PX/Commisary just started adding a 5% "Surcharge" to all purchases...When questioned the manager stated it was to cover overhead. Watch your wallet folks. This was on Ft. Campbell, dunno if it's nation wide yet.

[Mk42gunner]

P.K.,

As far as I know the commisary has always added a surcharge, but the exchanges (either NEX or AAFES) didn't.

I don't do much shopping at any exchange, the closest one I know of is at either Whiteman AFB or Fort Leavenworth and they are just a little to far to drive. I do however shop at the new commisary they built at Richards-Gebaur; 45 miles from home and I save more than gas money compared to shopping locally. You still have to compare prices, but it is generally less expensive.

Robert

[462]

I have service-connected hearing loss, and in 2008 -- after waiting almost 40-years to check into it -- was given a 10% disability rating due to tinnitus. My discharge physical showed a marked loss of hearing from my enlistment physical, but not enough to qualify for its own disability rating.

Last December, my wife's mumbling had increased to the point that we decided I needed another hearing test. Sure enough, the test revealed that my hearing had worsened and I was fitted for hearing aids. I received them in January, my wife's mumbling is almost gone, but the world is extremely noisey.

If you haven't already done so, I encourage all veterans to contact your nearest V. A. hospital or clinic. Especially if you have any ailment that you think may be service connected. Additionally, medication co-pays are extremely inexpensive -- $8 per month -- which may be less than that under your medical insurance, and there aren't doctor visit co-pays. (My medical insurance coverage is such that I retain my regular doctor and get meds at the local pharmacy, but that is always subject to change, especially with the uncertainty that surrounds Obama Care. It's reassuring to know that the V. A. is available).

If you are a Viet Nam vet, you have been pre-determined to have come in contact with Agent Orange. The V. A. has a list of about 30 different diseases and/or conditions that are related to Agent Orange exposure, including some birth defects. Fortunately, I don't have any of them, but have friends that do.

If you don't give the V. A. the chance, you will never know what benefits you are entitled to. Don't think that you are taking from the taxpayer (which was my initial thought) you earned those benefits by taking a very special oath.

[felix]

.....earned those benefits by taking a very special oath. ... 462

Unfortunately, and obviously, the typical government worker having taken some kind of oath, with their fingers crossed or not, feels the same way. ... felix

[sundog]

Commissary had always operated with a surcharge.

[P.K.]

Looking back to the post I need to clarify because silly me threw them togeather when they are two diff. entites all togeather. I went and checked the recipt that I noticed( I hit three areas that day) and it is in fact the PX or rather the shopette operated by AAFES. Yup, 5%.

[Bret4207]

Just outta curiosity, what do they consider a "vet"? Last I knew that required war time service, right?

[RugerFan]

Just outta curiosity, what do they consider a "vet"? Last I knew that required war time service, right?

No, just military service for VA. I believe to join the VFW, they prefer you have been to war.

[462]

To become a member of The American Legion, one must have served during time of war.

[RugerFan]

To become a member of The American Legion, one must have served during time of war.

Yes, "during time of war", but necessarily "in" war (Just so people aren't confused about it. Stateside service would suffice). It is a fine organization!

[bruce drake]

Eligibility Requirements for American Legion Membership

If you are currently on active duty, serving the United States honorably, anywhere in the world, or have served honorably during any of the following eligible war eras, we invite you to become a member of The American Legion.

April 6, 1917 to Nov. 11, 1918 (World War I)
Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946 (World War II)
June 25, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955 (Korean War)
Feb. 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War)
Aug. 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 (Lebanon / Grenada)
Dec. 20, 1989 to Jan. 31, 1990 (Panama)
Aug. 2, 1990 to today (Gulf War / War On Terrorism)

Copied straight from their website at: http://www.legion.org/join

Bruce

[nicholst55]

Just outta curiosity, what do they consider a "vet"? Last I knew that required war time service, right?

181 days of active duty and an Honorable or 'General Under Honorable Conditions' discharge. If you have a service-connected disability, you will receive treatment for other injuries or ailments at no charge. I got my hearing aid and diabetes supplies free from the VA.

[GARCIA]

VA has pretty much done me good.
462, I was in the same situation with the hearing loss. Almost deaf in the right ear from being with a mortar platoon for way to many years. Only complaint I have now is since I got my hearing aids I can her my wife way too good!
My back and knees are really bad off. Everyday is a challenge. Been through the spinal/knee shots to reduce the pain. Helps somewhat.

Bruce Drake, it's kind of scary that I served in 4 of the 7 categories you got listed.

Did my 20 and got out. Have a pot load of medical issues. My wife of 31 years deals with them on a daily basis. She's a Vet also which really helps out. I am medically retired now and on a fixed income.

I am proud of what I did for my country. It is pretty screwed up at this time but I have seen and been to worse places.

It's nice that a lot of stores offer discounts. Every penny saved helps out that is for sure.

Tom

[bruce drake]

I have just 2 of 7 conflict periods to my credit, but my entire 22 years qualifies me according to the Legion's website. I'll be interested in what the next 8 years brings me...(aside from the hearing aids which I already need)

Bruce

[leadman]

The VA has 8 Priority Groups for coverage of medical issues. Each group has it own set of coverage and co-pays.
As an example Priority Group 6 has $20 doctor, $50 Specialist, $8 scrips. Hospital stays are over $1,000.

It is all listed on the website. Still way less expensive for me as my current coverage is almost $2K a month total.

[GARCIA]

Bruce Drake, TRICARE is some pretty awsome coverage when you get out. Covers a lot of stuff and the price/copays are fairly inexpensive.

It has saved me from total disaster a couple of times.

You have earned it.

Tom