SERVING
Those That
SERVED
Questions & Answers
INSTRUCTIONS: Please read each question carefully. If you are able to answer question appropriately use the form below the question to respond. Your name will not appear on the public answer page. Only your initials and date of your response will be visible.
Q542: I am a U.S. Navy military veteran. My question is do I have any medical benefits if I was not diagnosed with a military disability while in service? I think the VA states that I have no medical benefits whatsoever due to my income.
If you have a question about benefits, compensation, pension or VA related issues please submit here.
Use Form Below To Respond
A1: It used to be that ALL Honorably-Discharged veterans were eligible for VA medical care, but if you don't have a VA-rated Service-Connected Disability, you had to pay an enrollment fee and co-pays for some things. Check this out with an Accredited Veterans Service Officer (County VSO, DAV, VFW, American Legion, DAV, etc), and while you are there, have them check your Military Service and Medical Records for any possible service-connected disabilities, such as Tinnitis (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, or any injury you were treated for during your service. Also, if you served shipboard, get tested for asbestos-related lung issues. (DJ) 10/18/20
A2: I am also a NAVY Veteran I might be wrong I don't beleive we are unless service connected. (AK) 10/18/20
A3: There are a few questions I would ask to see if you could qualify for service connected disability. Like when did you serve, where did you serve, what was your duties. If you can get service connected then everything else goes out the window. (GR) 10/18/20
A4: What you were told is partially correct. If you do not have a service connected disability, you will have to pass a means test to get health care. However, if you are an OEF/OIF/OND service member who served in theater after November 11, 1998, you may be eligible for health care for 5 years after discharge.
https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/publications/hbco/hbco_basic_eligibility.asp (RJ) 10/19/20
A5: I'm not sure the full back story on you is but, NO MATTER YOUR INCOME, you can get services from the VA; it just might cost you a co-pay. The fact of the matter is this, the VA is trying to reduce the number of non-service connected veterans they serve. So, if you believe you might have a physical or mental issue that can be related to your time in service, get yourself on eBenefits now and file a claim for said issue(s). You can certainly go visit any VSO if you want but in my experience, VSOs become the middleman in the process and are sometimes the problem in the claims process. (TB) 10/20/20
A6: You do not give enough information to make a logical answer to your question. Take a copy of your DD-214 to an Accredited VSO with the Am Legion, VFW, DAV, Am Vets or another Veterans Service Organization. They can assist and guide you through all of the questions regarding VA Compensation, VA Health Care, Education and Home Loans. Remember you don't ask your plumber for medical advice. Get your advice from an Accredited Veterans Service Officer. (GH) 10/21/20