Parable

[rayg]

"Reread his post instead of rushing to argue with me".

Togor, You still don't know why, or what, he is collecting it for..The VA will not just pay with out a reason or cause. Show me he is just getting money for nothing from the VA and I'll buy your reasoning...A certified 100 % VA disibility due to service related injuries would probably cover all his ins costs....

[rayg]

SP Quote..Now I'm talking to vets from long ago going to the VA for free hearing aides, medical and surgical procedures etc etc... none of which were service connected . All claiming it to be their right.

What type of claims are you referring to? Please tell us and how you know they weren't service related..

PS I'm not saying that there are not some claim abuses as Lyman says. But normally a VA doctors physical is required to prove the claim...

Lets hear the ones you are referring to that you know of..

[togor]

Ray his post makes no mention of special medical issues and we should not pry. It does however put the private system in a bad light, in his experience, compared to the VA. His comparison motivated my comment.

[shadycon]

As for VA benefits; I got drafted in the 70's. I did my duty and left as a Spec 4. When the economy when sour a couple of yrs ago, I had to go on fixed income. I was self employed, I didn't get rich, but I had what I needed. Because of low income I qualified for min. help from VA. I have no major health problems but getting old. If not for basic care and cheaper prescriptions I would be living on the street. Health costs in this country are insane, but what do you expect, the Insurance co. and large healthcare organizations are in charge of pricing and policies. NOT EVERYONE IS RICH! What has the Gov't done to lower costs? Nothing! Dem. or Rep. has made no difference.Will it get better, I doubt it! JMHO

[dryheat]

Sandpebble, for once I agree with you.

I do too. Anyone who visits the VA gets prompted to bring up any sort of issue they might have.

[rayg]

"Anyone who visits the VA gets prompted to bring up any sort of issue they might have".

What are you saying! you don't want the vet to get benefits that might be entitled to him??? I see nothing wrong with asking, or as you say prompting, about any condition that they may have that may qualify as a service injury. Lots of older folks in fact, lots of folks, applying don't think, or even know, what qualifies as a service connected injury and which could qualify them for benefits.. What is the problem with asking?
Now if you mean, asking you to say something that is not the truth, that's different.

[Vern Humphrey]

"Anyone who visits the VA gets prompted to bring up any sort of issue they might have".

What are you saying! you don't want the vet to get benefits that might be entitled to him??? I see nothing wrong with asking, or as you say prompting, about any condition that they may have that may qualify as a service injury. Lots of older folks in fact, lots of folks, applying don't think, or even know, what qualifies as a service connected injury and which could qualify them for benefits.. What is the problem with asking?
Now if you mean, asking you to say something that is not the truth, that's different.

The point is, veterans who talked about PTSD were reported, and blocked from buying firearms, and told they had to turn in or get rid of those they had.

[rayg]

No one is forcing you to answer any questions. Had the same type questions asked via a standard computer form at my regular doctor's visit that was asked at the VA, he says all doctors are required to ask them, and report it on, so no different then the VA...

[Vern Humphrey]

No one is forcing you to answer any questions. Had the same type questions asked via a standard computer form at my regular doctor's visit that was asked at the VA, he says all doctors are required to ask them, and report it on, so no different then the VA...

Required by who? And how does this square with the Fifth Amendment?

[rayg]

Fifth Amendment. Lol don't you know that means you don't have to answer any question. Personally I don't know if you do refuse to answer a question, I suppose you could just lie if you want, don't know..

[Vern Humphrey]

Fifth Amendment. Lol don't you know that means you don't have to answer any question.

And did they read you your rights before asking those questions?

[rayg]

Vern I hope you are kidding...I think if you answer it's voluntary. I'm sure you can just answer the one you want to. Have no idea if you don't answer the questions at the VA. The VA may have some requirement to answer for some benefits...Call ans ask them..Don't know..

[dogtag]

Bureaucrat - a synonym for corruption, graft and incompetence,
If you've ever been unfortunate enough to have dealt with a bureaucrat
you've encountered incompetence.
Trouble is, they'll be with us until the Sun expands.

[Vern Humphrey]

Vern I hope you are kidding...I think if you answer it's voluntary. I'm sure you can just answer the one you want to. Have no idea if you don't answer the questions at the VA. The VA may have some requirement to answer for some benefits...Call ans ask them..Don't know..

My question was, are you told your rights? Many people may be intimidated into answering questions they shouldn't answer unless told their rights. And are you informed who the information will be sent to?

[rayg]

Don't remember about rights..Was told it was a government questionaire that must be completed.

Does anyone here remember what the form stated when they were at the doctors?