Guest guest Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 I wonder if anyone knows if I would qualify for VA Benefits having served Active Duty for more than seven years. There's an enormous amount of paperwork to fill out and stuff to do because I've never actually used the services. I know they have Rheumatologist available but it takes a long time to schedule an appointment. With my current insurance issue it may be my last hope. Thanks. Stan, Seattle, typical cloudy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Stan, I served 8 years during the Viet Nam war and spent part of it in that part of the world. I checked with the VA for myself a few years ago thinking I might get some help but the only thing I qualified for was help of college tuition under the 'Hazelwood Act'. Not much help for someone who risked life and limb for nothing. When doing your application don't expect much. Dennis in eastexas On Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 12:04 PM, detour721 <stanpfister@...> wrote: > I wonder if anyone knows if I would qualify for VA Benefits having > served Active Duty for more than seven years. There's an enormous > amount of paperwork to fill out and stuff to do because I've never > actually used the services. I know they have Rheumatologist available > but it takes a long time to schedule an appointment. With my current > insurance issue it may be my last hope. Thanks. > > Stan, > Seattle, typical cloudy. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 guys, I'm seen at the VA, and it's GREAT, let me finish a few things and I write more, Kate F -------------------------------------------------------------------------------\ - Support the Lymphoma Research Foundation www.lymphoma.org Our journey curingbridget.blogspot.com ________________________________ From: Dennis W <betnden@...> Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2009 12:33:04 PM Subject: Re: [ ] OT: VA Benefits Stan, I served 8 years during the Viet Nam war and spent part of it in that part of the world. I checked with the VA for myself a few years ago thinking I might get some help but the only thing I qualified for was help of college tuition under the 'Hazelwood Act'. Not much help for someone who risked life and limb for nothing. When doing your application don't expect much. Dennis in eastexas On Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 12:04 PM, detour721 <stanpfister@ comcast.net> wrote: > I wonder if anyone knows if I would qualify for VA Benefits having > served Active Duty for more than seven years. There's an enormous > amount of paperwork to fill out and stuff to do because I've never > actually used the services. I know they have Rheumatologist available > but it takes a long time to schedule an appointment. With my current > insurance issue it may be my last hope. Thanks. > > Stan, > Seattle, typical cloudy. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 I was in from 1972 until 1979, but didn't go to Nam, would have if I'd gotten orders. I did go to Korea when when had to face down the DMZ (again), that was fun. Oh, and I got spit on a couple of times. I am not sure I'm gonna even make the effort because currently the resources are completely maxed out and I'm in a low catagory (based on their eligibility). It seems like it's going to be a waste of time, but thanks. Stan Seattle, typical cloudy - need to be in eastexas. -------------- Original message -------------- From: Dennis W <betnden@...> Stan, I served 8 years during the Viet Nam war and spent part of it in that part of the world. I checked with the VA for myself a few years ago thinking I might get some help but the only thing I qualified for was help of college tuition under the 'Hazelwood Act'. Not much help for someone who risked life and limb for nothing. When doing your application don't expect much. Dennis in eastexas On Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 12:04 PM, detour721 <stanpfister@...> wrote: > I wonder if anyone knows if I would qualify for VA Benefits having > served Active Duty for more than seven years. There's an enormous > amount of paperwork to fill out and stuff to do because I've never > actually used the services. I know they have Rheumatologist available > but it takes a long time to schedule an appointment. With my current > insurance issue it may be my last hope. Thanks. > > Stan, > Seattle, typical cloudy. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Ok, first step is to enroll in the system. This is a link for the application. Trust me, it's painless, you can do it in about 15 mins. http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/application/ You elect a primary care team at either a community clinic or a hospital. Then you go see that person and request a referral to rheumatology. The rheumatologist can either manage you, or confirm diagnosis and management plan and your primary doc can take it from there. I no longer see the rheum in Indianapolis b/c I found a primary care provider who is comfy seeing me anually and prescribing the Enbrel. Every veteran is eligible for health care thru the VA. Yes, certain categories have higher priority, but that's mostly for wait times to be seen. You can get your medicines for free for service-connected conditions, or if they're not service connected you pay up to an $8 copay. Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org) is a great organization to join and they can help you apply for a VA rating if you think you had a given condition while you were on Active Duty. Let me know what you think, yes, it's a big system to navigate, but it's worth it, Kate F ________________________________ From: " stanpfister@... " <stanpfister@...> Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2009 12:47:59 PM Subject: Re: [ ] OT: VA Benefits I was in from 1972 until 1979, but didn't go to Nam, would have if I'd gotten orders. I did go to Korea when when had to face down the DMZ (again), that was fun. Oh, and I got spit on a couple of times. I am not sure I'm gonna even make the effort because currently the resources are completely maxed out and I'm in a low catagory (based on their eligibility) . It seems like it's going to be a waste of time, but thanks. Stan Seattle, typical cloudy - need to be in eastexas. ------------ -- Original message ------------ -- From: Dennis W <betndengmail (DOT) com> Stan, I served 8 years during the Viet Nam war and spent part of it in that part of the world. I checked with the VA for myself a few years ago thinking I might get some help but the only thing I qualified for was help of college tuition under the 'Hazelwood Act'. Not much help for someone who risked life and limb for nothing. When doing your application don't expect much. Dennis in eastexas On Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 12:04 PM, detour721 <stanpfister@ comcast.net> wrote: > I wonder if anyone knows if I would qualify for VA Benefits having > served Active Duty for more than seven years. There's an enormous > amount of paperwork to fill out and stuff to do because I've never > actually used the services. I know they have Rheumatologist available > but it takes a long time to schedule an appointment. With my current > insurance issue it may be my last hope. Thanks. > > Stan, > Seattle, typical cloudy. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Okay, I'll give it a shot (excuse the pun). Stan, Seattle, Cloudy. --------- Re: [ ] OT: VA Benefits I was in from 1972 until 1979, but didn't go to Nam, would have if I'd gotten orders. I did go to Korea when when had to face down the DMZ (again), that was fun. Oh, and I got spit on a couple of times. I am not sure I'm gonna even make the effort because currently the resources are completely maxed out and I'm in a low catagory (based on their eligibility) . It seems like it's going to be a waste of time, but thanks. Stan Seattle, typical cloudy - need to be in eastexas. ------------ -- Original message ------------ -- From: Dennis W <betndengmail (DOT) com> Stan, I served 8 years during the Viet Nam war and spent part of it in that part of the world. I checked with the VA for myself a few years ago thinking I might get some help but the only thing I qualified for was help of college tuition under the 'Hazelwood Act'. Not much help for someone who risked life and limb for nothing. When doing your application don't expect much. Dennis in eastexas On Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 12:04 PM, detour721 <stanpfister@ comcast.net> wrote: > I wonder if anyone knows if I would qualify for VA Benefits having > served Active Duty for more than seven years. There's an enormous > amount of paperwork to fill out and stuff to do because I've never > actually used the services. I know they have Rheumatologist available > but it takes a long time to schedule an appointment. With my current > insurance issue it may be my last hope. Thanks. > > Stan, > Seattle, typical cloudy. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Stan, here's a list of the Seattle clinics and hospitals. I like the ease of going to a community based clinic, but I've been seen at the big hospitals before, and that's fine too. You can elect any site as your primary place. Don't give up. If you get a boneheaded provider or incompetent admin staff, don't let that come between you and your benefits. I really liked the andria, VA community clinic and I saw 2 really nice rheums at the DC VA. Then we moved to IL and my doctor at the Danville hospital was a nightmare. He started refusing to prescribe Enbrel, requiring unnecessary labs, not returning phone calls, cancelling my appts etc, and I ditched him. I switched to the community clinic in Decatur and the doc is super nice. He even put in a waiver request to get me a med that was nonformulary. Kate F http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?State=WA & dnum=ALL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Thanks for the information, I choose a clinic in Federal Way because it is close to me. Just finished the application and will have it in the mail this afternoon, DD214's and all! You seem to be convinced I am entitled to the benefit no matter what. Why? I didn't get that impression reviewing the VA site. Stan, Seattle, Clouds. -------------- Original message -------------- From: Fair <kalfoley@...> Stan, here's a list of the Seattle clinics and hospitals. I like the ease of going to a community based clinic, but I've been seen at the big hospitals before, and that's fine too. You can elect any site as your primary place. Don't give up. If you get a boneheaded provider or incompetent admin staff, don't let that come between you and your benefits. I really liked the andria, VA community clinic and I saw 2 really nice rheums at the DC VA. Then we moved to IL and my doctor at the Danville hospital was a nightmare. He started refusing to prescribe Enbrel, requiring unnecessary labs, not returning phone calls, cancelling my appts etc, and I ditched him. I switched to the community clinic in Decatur and the doc is super nice. He even put in a waiver request to get me a med that was nonformulary. Kate F http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?State=WA & dnum=ALL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 You're entitled to VA health care b/c you're a veteran. That's it. You raised your hand. Unless you have a BCD or OTH discharge, you're in good shape. I'm passionate about getting veterans connected with their benefits. Keep me posted! ________________________________ From: " stanpfister@... " <stanpfister@...> Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2009 4:11:36 PM Subject: Re: [ ] OT: VA Benefits Thanks for the information, I choose a clinic in Federal Way because it is close to me. Just finished the application and will have it in the mail this afternoon, DD214's and all! You seem to be convinced I am entitled to the benefit no matter what. Why? I didn't get that impression reviewing the VA site. Stan, Seattle, Clouds. ------------ -- Original message ------------ -- From: Fair <kalfoley (DOT) com> Stan, here's a list of the Seattle clinics and hospitals. I like the ease of going to a community based clinic, but I've been seen at the big hospitals before, and that's fine too. You can elect any site as your primary place. Don't give up. If you get a boneheaded provider or incompetent admin staff, don't let that come between you and your benefits. I really liked the andria, VA community clinic and I saw 2 really nice rheums at the DC VA. Then we moved to IL and my doctor at the Danville hospital was a nightmare. He started refusing to prescribe Enbrel, requiring unnecessary labs, not returning phone calls, cancelling my appts etc, and I ditched him. I switched to the community clinic in Decatur and the doc is super nice. He even put in a waiver request to get me a med that was nonformulary. Kate F http://www2. va.gov/directory /guide/state. asp?State= WA & dnum=ALL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 I've always tried to be honorable in all my activities, including discharged ones. My half-brother, however, thought otherwise and it still to this day annoys me. I'll keep you posted. Stan, Seattle, the Sun likes to break through just before setting - it's a tease! --------- Re: [ ] OT: VA Benefits Thanks for the information, I choose a clinic in Federal Way because it is close to me. Just finished the application and will have it in the mail this afternoon, DD214's and all! You seem to be convinced I am entitled to the benefit no matter what. Why? I didn't get that impression reviewing the VA site. Stan, Seattle, Clouds. ------------ -- Original message ------------ -- From: Fair <kalfoley (DOT) com> Stan, here's a list of the Seattle clinics and hospitals. I like the ease of going to a community based clinic, but I've been seen at the big hospitals before, and that's fine too. You can elect any site as your primary place. Don't give up. If you get a boneheaded provider or incompetent admin staff, don't let that come between you and your benefits. I really liked the andria, VA community clinic and I saw 2 really nice rheums at the DC VA. Then we moved to IL and my doctor at the Danville hospital was a nightmare. He started refusing to prescribe Enbrel, requiring unnecessary labs, not returning phone calls, cancelling my appts etc, and I ditched him. I switched to the community clinic in Decatur and the doc is super nice. He even put in a waiver request to get me a med that was nonformulary. Kate F http://www2. va.gov/directory /guide/state. asp?State= WA & dnum=ALL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 The Office of Vetrans Affairs called me this morning to inform me that I am indeed entitled to health care. I have to fill out some more forms, get an I.D. card and then they will assign me a clinic (close to me) and a GP who will recommend Rheumatologist. They cover everything to include hearing and vision. There's a small co-pay and small charge for each prescription but less than what I'm paying now. So I have to thank you Kathyn, if you weren't passionate about it I probably never would have pursued it, and right now it's a Godsend! Thanks! Stan, Seattle, Rain. Re: [ ] OT: VA Benefits Thanks for the information, I choose a clinic in Federal Way because it is close to me. Just finished the application and will have it in the mail this afternoon, DD214's and all! You seem to be convinced I am entitled to the benefit no matter what. Why? I didn't get that impression reviewing the VA site. Stan, Seattle, Clouds. ------------ -- Original message ------------ -- From: Fair <kalfoley (DOT) com> Stan, here's a list of the Seattle clinics and hospitals. I like the ease of going to a community based clinic, but I've been seen at the big hospitals before, and that's fine too. You can elect any site as your primary place. Don't give up. If you get a boneheaded provider or incompetent admin staff, don't let that come between you and your benefits. I really liked the andria, VA community clinic and I saw 2 really nice rheums at the DC VA. Then we moved to IL and my doctor at the Danville hospital was a nightmare. He started refusing to prescribe Enbrel, requiring unnecessary labs, not returning phone calls, cancelling my appts etc, and I ditched him. I switched to the community clinic in Decatur and the doc is super nice. He even put in a waiver request to get me a med that was nonformulary. Kate F http://www2. va.gov/directory /guide/state. asp?State= WA & dnum=ALL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 WHOOOOO! I was going to email you this week and see if you had heard anything Stan. Thank you for letting me know. I've had an icky day (and it's only 8am!) and that really gives me a boost. Hooray! ________________________________ From: " stanpfister@... " <stanpfister@...> Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 10:22:28 PM Subject: Re: [ ] OT: VA Benefits The Office of Vetrans Affairs called me this morning to inform me that I am indeed entitled to health care. I have to fill out some more forms, get an I.D. card and then they will assign me a clinic (close to me) and a GP who will recommend Rheumatolo gist. They cover everything to include hearing and vision. There's a small co-pay and small charge for each prescription but less than what I'm paying now. So I have to thank you Kathyn, if you weren't passionate about it I probably never would have pursued it, and right now it's a Godsend! Thanks! Stan, Seattle, Rain. Re: [ ] OT: VA Benefits Thanks for the information, I choose a clinic in Federal Way because it is close to me. Just finished the application and will have it in the mail this afternoon, DD214's and all! You seem to be convinced I am entitled to the benefit no matter what. Why? I didn't get that impression reviewing the VA site. Stan, Seattle, Clouds. ------------ -- Original message ------------ -- From: Fair <kalfoley (DOT) com> Stan, here's a list of the Seattle clinics and hospitals. I like the ease of going to a community based clinic, but I've been seen at the big hospitals before, and that's fine too. You can elect any site as your primary place. Don't give up. If you get a boneheaded provider or incompetent admin staff, don't let that come between you and your benefits. I really liked the andria, VA community clinic and I saw 2 really nice rheums at the DC VA. Then we moved to IL and my doctor at the Danville hospital was a nightmare. He started refusing to prescribe Enbrel, requiring unnecessary labs, not returning phone calls, cancelling my appts etc, and I ditched him. I switched to the community clinic in Decatur and the doc is super nice. He even put in a waiver request to get me a med that was nonformulary. Kate F http://www2. va.gov/directory /guide/state. asp?State= WA & dnum=ALL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 Hi Stan: So happy you will be getting all these benefits now. Wonderful news. Great help and support here. I too, have learned so much here. Hugs, Barbara, wonderful, sunny Florida, 72 today..... > > WHOOOOO! I was going to email you this week and see if you had heard anything Stan. Thank you for letting me know. I've had an icky day (and it's only 8am!) and that really gives me a boost. Hooray! > > > > > ________________________________ > From: " stanpfister@... " stanpfister@... > > Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 10:22:28 PM > Subject: Re: [ ] OT: VA Benefits > > > > > The Office of Vetrans Affairs called me this morning to inform me that I am indeed entitled to health care. I have to fill out some more forms, get an I.D. card and then they will assign me a clinic (close to me) and a GP who will recommend Rheumatolo gist. They cover everything to include hearing and vision. There's a small co-pay and small charge for each prescription but less than what I'm paying now. So I have to thank you Kathyn, if you weren't passionate about it I probably never would have pursued it, and right now it's a Godsend! Thanks! > > Stan, > > Seattle, Rain. > > Re: [ ] OT: VA Benefits > > Thanks for the information, I choose a clinic in Federal Way because it is close to me. Just finished the application and will have it in the mail this afternoon, DD214's and all! You seem to be convinced I am entitled to the benefit no matter what. Why? I didn't get that impression reviewing the VA site. > > Stan, > Seattle, Clouds. > > ------------ -- Original message ------------ -- > From: Fair kalfoley (DOT) com> > Stan, here's a list of the Seattle clinics and hospitals. I like the ease of going to a community based clinic, but I've been seen at the big hospitals before, and that's fine too. You can elect any site as your primary place. Don't give up. If you get a boneheaded provider or incompetent admin staff, don't let that come between you and your benefits. I really liked the andria, VA community clinic and I saw 2 really nice rheums at the DC VA. Then we moved to IL and my doctor at the Danville hospital was a nightmare. He started refusing to prescribe Enbrel, requiring unnecessary labs, not returning phone calls, cancelling my appts etc, and I ditched him. I switched to the community clinic in Decatur and the doc is super nice. He even put in a waiver request to get me a med that was nonformulary. > Kate F > > http://www2. va.gov/directory /guide/state. asp?State= WA & dnum=ALL > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 Sorry you're having a bad day, I have had those, sometimes I just want to go back to bed and wait for the next sunrise but the last time I did that here in Seattle I ended up in bed for three days 'cause you don't often see the next sunrise! Stan Seattle, Cloudy and rainy. Re: [ ] OT: VA Benefits Thanks for the information, I choose a clinic in Federal Way because it is close to me. Just finished the application and will have it in the mail this afternoon, DD214's and all! You seem to be convinced I am entitled to the benefit no matter what. Why? I didn't get that impression reviewing the VA site. Stan, Seattle, Clouds. ------------ -- Original message ------------ -- From: Fair <kalfoley (DOT) com> Stan, here's a list of the Seattle clinics and hospitals. I like the ease of going to a community based clinic, but I've been seen at the big hospitals before, and that's fine too. You can elect any site as your primary place. Don't give up. If you get a boneheaded provider or incompetent admin staff, don't let that come between you and your benefits. I really liked the andria, VA community clinic and I saw 2 really nice rheums at the DC VA. Then we moved to IL and my doctor at the Danville hospital was a nightmare. He started refusing to prescribe Enbrel, requiring unnecessary labs, not returning phone calls, cancelling my appts etc, and I ditched him. I switched to the community clinic in Decatur and the doc is super nice. He even put in a waiver request to get me a med that was nonformulary. Kate F http://www2. va.gov/directory /guide/state. asp?State= WA & dnum=ALL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 Congratulations, Stan! It's nice to hear some good news. I hope that you'll find a wonderful rheumatologist. Sue On Feb 23, 2009, at 11:22 PM, stanpfister@... wrote: > > The Office of Vetrans Affairs called me this morning to inform me > that I am indeed entitled to health care. I have to fill out some > more forms, get an I.D. card and then they will assign me a clinic > (close to me) and a GP who will recommend Rheumatologist. They cover > everything to include hearing and vision. There's a small co-pay and > small charge for each prescription but less than what I'm paying > now. So I have to thank you Kathyn, if you weren't passionate about > it I probably never would have pursued it, and right now it's a > Godsend! Thanks! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 With this Group and the experiences we all must go through having RA I think we all become pretty good Rheumatologists, so they better know what they're talking about when we hit the door! Stan, Seattle, Cloudy and rainy. Re: [ ] OT: VA Benefits Congratulations, Stan! It's nice to hear some good news. I hope that you'll find a wonderful rheumatologist. Sue On Feb 23, 2009, at 11:22 PM, stanpfister@... wrote: > > The Office of Vetrans Affairs called me this morning to inform me > that I am indeed entitled to health care. I have to fill out some > more forms, get an I.D. card and then they will assign me a clinic > (close to me) and a GP who will recommend Rheumatologist. They cover > everything to include hearing and vision. There's a small co-pay and > small charge for each prescription but less than what I'm paying > now. So I have to thank you Kathyn, if you weren't passionate about > it I probably never would have pursued it, and right now it's a > Godsend! Thanks! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.