RVing and the Veteran's Admin.

[ichabod]

I'm not yet a full time RVer. I'm hunting for my unit.
I'd like to know the experience you veterans have had with VA hospitals or clinics as you travel.

[papahog]

I am a service connected veteran and depend on the VA for all my medical needs. My home town is Portland Oregon and the Portland VAMC which is a top notch Veterans Hospital is where I have my records and receive all my care.

I am in North Carolina and went to a very nice VA Clinic and tried to get a flu shot and see a doctor about a heart rhythm problem. As it turned out I would have to transfer my records to North Carolina and in a few days would be able to see a doctor and get a flu shot.

As I get all my meds at my home base address and they are forwarded to me I did not want to transfer my records and then later when in New York or Texas have to do it again.

I flew home to see the Doctor and flew back to my rig in North Carolina. My heart condition and diabetes are stable right now but as years go by I will have to stay closer to Portland as my need for care increases.

Just my experience and it is quite possible I was talking to someone in the North Carolina clinic that did not know what she was talking about, but I think not.

[2campersvt]

Request A Copy Of Your Med Record And Keep It W/ You Inthe Rv Along W / Your Va Card . My In Law Ret .usa. Dis. Has A Copy We Can Access Any Time There Is A Quest. On His Health That Lists Any And All Prescrip,s He Has . I Don,t Know Where Your At But If In Vt. White River Jct. Is First Cl. W/ Dartmouth Hosp. As There Back Up For Special Treatment And A Va Clinic In Fort Ethan Allen Colchester Don,t Have Ph. # Avail. But In The Book If You Need Them
So Good Luck W The Unit You Pick .
Another Nam Era Vet
But Thats History Now

[1stsgt]

To all Vets (FYI)

If you have not taken advantage of the MyHealth eVet (eVet) website operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) take a look at https://www.myhealth.va.gov.

The site has a lot of good info on VA programs, medical facility locations, health advice and ON-LINE PRESCRIPTION ORDERING. For a Fulltimer, this is a Godsend. Just go to eVet, click on my drugs and they are sent to your mailing address. The next box you get from them will have your prescription drugs in it. No more searching for a local VA pharmacy and then trying to get them to give you meds prescribed by a doctor at another VA facility.

If you will make one stop at a VA Medical Center (I stopped at the Nashville VA hospital) and visit the Release of Information office/people you will be asked to watch a short videotape, sign a permission slip and show some ID. After that your eVet drug list will have the name of the drug and not just the re-order number. The list of services will expand to lab reports and eventually you will have on-line access to your VA medical records if not already.

eVet is great but you must do the in-person verification ONCE before these expanded services are available to you.

If you are registered with the VA there is no reason not to take advantage of this.

[jdensie]

I have nothing but good to say about the Va. Healthcare system. I am a full time workamper and I initially signed up in Pa.. I had some problems while I was in Fl. for the winter and I went to Bay Pines. The first time there I was signed up on there puter, saw a Dr. had some tests and received my meds all this in under 2 hours. Had several follow ups and was handled in a most professional manner. Untill I have a problem in a clinic I am happy with the system.

[1stsgt]

jdensie:
Amen brother, I'm right there with you. I was sent home by a civilian doctor with meds to die but thanks to the VA Hospital and A Few Good Doctors I'm here and very grateful. That's not to say that we don't have the 10% low life that exists in any case. My advice... when you encounter that 10% that's to lazy, incompetent or ignorant to do their job just look around. It don't take long to find the 90% that care, know their job well and are willing to do whatever it takes. One more point, take time to report the 10% for wasting our money and the 90% for doing a good job. The CO don't know it if we don't tell him.

[stevesandidge]

i don't have any insurance at the moment, never been to the va or thought about it, but if i need somtin i'm gonna have to go there or file bankruptcy over the hospital bill. i know ya have to have yer dd214 but what else do ya need?
steve sandidge
rv tech

[granet]

Ist Sgt. and the rest have given some good information but if your stuck and in a strange place dont forget to utilize your service clubs as well! Every American legion and VFW have service officers that can point you in the right direction for VA help. By all means carry yourDD214 with you along with any information (copies) of your existing medical conditions and medications issued whether private or Va these are available for a nominal fee-usually $10.
You put on a uniform to give the world some peace of mind now give yourself some and carry your documents or if lost or damaged go to your nearest legion or vfw and theyll help you get them!
Regards
Granet
17/21 Lancers
SEAC 1962-64

[1stsgt]

stevesandidge:
You are correct, you will need your DD214 to show proof of your active duty start and end dates and time in service.

You will also need to contact the administrative office at your local VA hospital and follow the steps to be entered into the system and evaluated. It will take some effort on your part but your efforts should pay off.

For more information you should contact your local VA Representative. Look in the phone book they are normally located in the courthouse. It's their job to help Vets and they enjoy helping us.

As suggested by granet, you can also contact a VFW, American Legion or AMVETS service officer for help.

[papahog]

To all Vets (FYI)

If you have not taken advantage of the MyHealth eVet (eVet) website operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) take a look at https://www.myhealth.va.gov.

The site has a lot of good info on VA programs, medical facility locations, health advice and ON-LINE PRESCRIPTION ORDERING. For a Fulltimer, this is a Godsend.


I just returned home to Oregon and my beloved VAMC in Portland from a 7 month trip East. I used this site for all my prescription refills and only had to call a couple times because the refills had run out. Had I been more proactive I would have insured that I had enough refills ordered to cover my trip.

The VA has done a wonderful job by me. I am 100% service connected disabled vet and the care has been second to none. The VAMC in Portland is connected to Oregon Health Science University. OHSU is a world recognized teaching facility and the care at the VA is the best anyone could have.

[ssgtbill]

I just moved from Oregon to Tampa, Fl. I agree that the VA care in Oregon is A-one. (I am 100% covered by the VAMC.) Transerring to the VA in Tampa was easy, and the care here is every bit as thorough, and professional, as the care in Portland, Oregon. (except for the lousy parking here lol).

To the vet that has no coverage, and needs help. Go on line to "Veterans admin." click on medical, and then eligibility/forms, and print out the appropriate forms and fill them out, attach your DD214, and send them to the address indicated. You will get a response very soon, assigning you a "priority #" indicating the level of care you are entitled to based on when,where, how long, you were in the service, and any wounds,or injuries you sustained while in the service. It is not a difficult process. Good luck.

Former SSgt, USMC 1950 - 60

[1stsgt]

Retiree Combat Compensation Expanded

Week of May 12, 2008

The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) expanded combat-related compensation eligibility to include certain medical retirees with less than 20 years of service and a combat-related VA disability rating of 10 percent or greater. Retired veterans must still provide documentation that shows a relationship between a current VA disability and a combat related event. To receive Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC), submit your application (DD form 2860) through your parent military service branch. For more information, visit the Military.com Benefits CRSC section.

[1stsgt]

House Panel Agrees to 3.9% Raise in 2009

Week of May 12, 2008

A House panel backed the 3.9 percent pay raise for all military personnel next year, mirroring Senate plans to give troops a bigger boost than Pentagon officials had requested. Members of the House Armed Services military personnel subcommittee included the money in their draft of the new defense authorization bill, which sets spending and policy priorities for the military in fiscal 2009. Read the full article at Military.com.

[1stsgt]

Important Pay Related Administrative Updates FYI

From: SmartDocs@dfas.mil
Date: 5/19/2008 1:35:53 PM

Subject: DFAS Retired Pay Newsletter: Learn More About Your Retired Pay

The Director's Corner by Douglas W. Smith

Welcome to the first issue of the DFAS Retired Pay Newsletter for 2008. This issue contains information on the complete elimination of the Social Security Offset for annuitants, as well as updates on recent legislation and CRSC.... To read more from the director, see www.dfas.mil/rna-news/apr2008/directorscorner.html.

Attention Ohio Residents

Governor Ted Strickland has signed into law relief from taxes for military members, including retirees, whose home of residence is in the state of Ohio. Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2007, military retired pay from the active or reserve components of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the National Guard... To read more about Ohio's tax law, see www.dfas.mil/rna-news/apr2008/ohioresidentstaxinformation.html.

CRSC Eligibility under Disability Retirement

For those retirees who are eligible for CRSC entitlement, but retired under a disability retirement law, an offset is calculated before CRSC entitlement is calculated... To learn more on how CRSC entitlement is calculated, see www.dfas.mil/rna-news/apr2008/crscinformation.html.

[papahog]

Retiree Combat Compensation Expanded

Week of May 12, 2008

The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) expanded combat-related compensation eligibility to include certain medical retirees with less than 20 years of service and a combat-related VA disability rating of 10 percent or greater. Retired veterans must still provide documentation that shows a relationship between a current VA disability and a combat related event. To receive Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC), submit your application (DD form 2860) through your parent military service branch. For more information, visit the Military.com Benefits CRSC section.

I am a service connected vet. I receive 100 percent. Would this be something for me to look into. Most of my disability is from exposure to Agent Orange but a significant amount is because I am being treated for PTSD>

[1stsgt]

papahog:
Yes, you should apply for CRSC. It is permisable to be awarded CRSC while being paid 100% service connected DAV pay. See the Military.com Benefits CRSC section. Note: If you have a choice between CRDP and CRSC remember, CRDP is taxable and CRSC is nontaxable.

Additional information is available at:
http://www.donhq.navy.mil/corb/crscb/crscmainpage.htm

E-mail:
DON_CRSC@navy.mil (there is a underline between the "N" and "C"; DON_CRSC)

FAX: (202) 685-6882 or 6627

The DFAS website for CRSC is:
http://www.dfas.mil/retiredpay/concurrentretirementanddisabilitypay/crdpandcrsc.html

The current Memorandum for retired Marines "SEMPER FIDELIS" has a large article on this topic.

Contact information:

Retired activities section (MMSR-6) 1-800-336-4649.

Website:
smb.manpower.mmsr6@nmci.usmc.mil

[prevostman]

The VA has a terrific system of helping veterans along the road. Because it is the World's largest healthcare system, computer files can easily be transferred from one facility to another. It's an ideal lifestyle. Make sure to get your Gold Access Pass from National Parks. They will let you stay for free on many BLM lands.

[utmtman]

What a lot of people are missing is the medical care when away from home. Example I need to do my yearly update to get meds for another year. You cannot do this anywhere. I either need to return home or transfer all my records to a VAMC near me. That is a bit of a pain I would think when it would be just as easy to travel home once a year for another checkup.

[1stsgt]

Some Retirees Pay More for Health Care
Week of July 14, 2008

Some military retirees disabled in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan pay more for health care than other retirees, and a new report recommends waiving their insurance premiums to correct the inequity. The report by inspectors general of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs suggests waiving - for life - the Medicare Part B premiums for servicemembers who have been medically retired and are unlikely to get another job. The proposed change is among recommendations made after a review of services available for troops injured in Afghanistan and Iraq as they transition from active duty in the military to the responsibility of the VA.

Read the full article on Military.com.

[1stsgt]

'VA Retro Pay' Review Set
Week of August 04, 2008

This year, groups of disabled retirees will be able to draw Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) or higher amounts of Concurrent Retired Disability Payments (CRDP) under legislation passed last January. Under pressure from Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) agreed o review files of 25,448 CRSC and CRDP recipients who were notified, as part of the VA Retro Pay project that they are not due any back payments. For more information, read the article on the Military.com website.

[1stsgt]

VA Offers New Online Service
Week of August 04, 2008

The Department of Veterans Affairs is offering a new online service, My HealtheVet, which is a gateway to veteran health benefits and services. It provides access to trusted health information, links to federal and VA benefits and resources, the Personal Health Journal and online VA prescription refill service. In the future, MHV registrants will be able to view appointments, co-pay balances and key portions of their VA medical records online. http://www.myhealth.va.gov/

[1stsgt]

To review Survivor benefits click on the link below:

http://www.military.com/benefits/survivor-benefits

[rangerduke]

I have received treatment at other locations other than at my home VA here in San Antonio and have always been treated like a local. I always carry my VA card which they use to confirm my eligibility and subsequently am seem by a doctor. I have nothing but praise for the health care provided by the VA here at home and at any other place. Its all about how we act and interact when we report for some medical assistance. Hope this helps someone. Thanks, Ranger Duke

[1stsgt]

Retirees Get 5.8% COLA for 2009
Week of October 20, 2008

The 2009 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for military retired pay will be 5.8%. This increase, which goes into effect on December 1, 2008, also applies to SBP annuities, Social Security checks, and VA disability and survivor benefits. Retirees will see the increase in their January 2009 checks. Retirees who first became a member of the uniformed services on or after Sept. 8, 1980, and retired in 2008 under the High-36 retirement will receive a Partial COLA on a prorated basis. This COLA is the highest seen in over 15 years. Check out the 2009 Retired Pay COLA details.

For the most recent military news, visit Military.com.

[1stsgt]

Bonuses for Some South Dakota Veterans
Week of October 13, 2008

The state of South Dakota is paying a veterans' bonus of up to $500 to certain servicemembers based on monthly service during certain qualifying dates. Application forms may be obtained by writing to: SD Veterans Bonus, 500 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501, or by calling 605-773-7251. Writers should include their service branch and dates of service, street or post office box number, city, state and zip code. South Dakota residents can apply through the nearest county or tribal veterans service officer. For more information, visit the South Dakota Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs website.

[1stsgt]

VA Increases Travel Reimbursement
Week of November 24, 2008

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake announced the Department of Veterans Affairs travel reimbursement has increased from $.28 cents per mile to $.41cents. While increasing the payment, the current deductible amounts applied to certain mileage reimbursements will remain frozen at $7.77 for a one way trip, $15.54 for a round trip, and capped at a maximum of $46.62 per calendar month. On January 9, 2009, these deductibles will decrease to $3 for a one way trip, $6 for a round trip, with a maximum of $18 per calendar month.

[1stsgt]

'09 Pensions, Disability Compensation Rates
Week of December 08, 2008

If you are military veteran with a service-related disability you may qualify for over $3,100 in monthly benefits. These benefits are paid to veterans who have injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service. It is also paid to certain veterans disabled from VA health care. These benefits are tax-free. Check out the updated rates and benefits for veterans.

VA Disability Compensation Rates
Veteran's Death Pension
Veteran's Pensions
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

Learn more about the benefits of military service on Military.com.

[trull]

I'm not yet a full time RVer. I'm hunting for my unit.
I'd like to know the experience you veterans have had with VA hospitals or clinics as you travel.

I'M retired Navy & been to 4 VA's with good help at 3 of them.