The VA - Read and Heed, GI...

[St. George]

This from Forty Rod...

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First, if you are a vet and don't use your VA benefits I think you are certifiably nuts.  They have some problems but overall are the best game in town.
 
Second, I got a notice from my provider that informed me that should... if I met certain requirements... make an appointment to get a screening.  When I was in 'Nam I was all over II Corps, hitching rides in whatever was going where I needed to be.  I shagged rides on C-130s a lot and also on C-123s,and other fixed wing planes and about every kind of helicopter we had.  I even rode with Air America and CAT among others.  Some of those rides were with drums of Agent Orange.  I also went by road when nothing else was available and we drove through areas that had been sprayed with the stuff.
 
 
There is also a screening process being set up to contact anyone who was stationed at Camp Lejeune during a certain period.  There was an issue with the drinking water there that has caused a number of nasty things and if you were there during that time you need to get checked out.
 
This week I had a really comprehensive physical exam.  Though not all of the results are in, it appears that I dodged the bullet on this one... so far.  If something turns up later I'm on the registry. 
 
I have a number of health issues right now and am having trouble adjusting because until two years ago I have never really been sick.  Injured yes, but never ill.  I don't know how to deal with illness.  There's a huge learning process and a lot of adapting to my conditions, but they are helping me through it. I am fortunate to have been within a few miles of a clinic and only about thirty miles to a major hospital in California, and here in Arizona I'm sixteen miles from a hospital.
 
If for any reason the VA doesn't have the personnel of facilities locally they will, through Veterans; Choice, send you to a qualified civilain doctor for care.  I got cataract surgery, a hernia repair, and my  current kidney and bladder care at civilian clinics and / or hospitals.
 
I know a lot of vets who haven't joined the VA for a lot of reasons, most of which I don't consider valid, re-think that decision, folks, especially if you have a service related injury or illness or even if you think you may have.  Another thing is to be involved in your own health care.  Don't be afraid to ask questions and bug the bejabbers out of your providers until you get answers and the help you need.
 
If nothing else you may be eligible for a monetary compensation small to large medical disability pensions) in some cases as well as medical care.
 
You really need to get signed up even if you are in peak helth, just in case.

Vaya con Dios,

Scouts Out!

[Will Ketchum]

As I said on one of the other boards: "The reason I don't go to the VA has nothing to do with the quality of care, we have one of the finest VA hospitals here in Madison, WI, it's associated with the University hospital and share some of the facilities and staff. the reason is that through my former employer, the state of Wisconsin I still have access to other supplemental coverage for those things Medicare doesn't fully cover. I figure it frees up appointments for those vets who don't have that.
Now I realize I should sign up now for screening and for the time when my other coverage expires. I'll probably do that this Summer."

Semper Fi

Will Ketchum   

[Kinchafoonee Kid]

St George, my best wishes for a speedy recovery. You have served our country and deserve the best care available.

I'm a little younger than you, but my infantry time in Marines took its toll upon my joints, as I am beginning to realize.  My hearing is not as sharps, but I can't even threaten to embarrass my wife with those old clunky hearing aids from the VA, because they are now using state of the art devices now!

Luckily I have good health insurance through my employer, and when I hit 60, my reserve retirement will kick in with the nice addition of Tricare.

Thanks to all you vets out there, and please heed St George's advice!

Semper Fi

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[St. George]

This is Forty Rod's info - not mine - all I did was post the info.

I worked further North - my injuries are different.

Scouts Out!

[Kinchafoonee Kid]

Roger, sir, I see my mistake now.

Forty Rod, my best to you.

Semper Fi

KK