There are many stories we have
all heard about the VA Healthcare System. Some of us may have
had both good and bad experiences. Some of this may have
to do with the facility that you visited but I thought you may
find my story helpful to you. There were many aspects of this
that I was not aware of and others may be in the same position.
Until 2009 I had never applied
to the VA for health benefits. I have been fortunate so far to
have not had any serious health issues. I am retired but my
former employer still covers me for medical needs. Since this
was my status, I never felt the need to apply to the VA and I
did not want to take time or benefits away from those veterans
who have no other place to go for health-care.
In 2009
however, at a local NJ Veterans seminar run by my county, we
were advised that we should get into the system just in case the
need ever arose where we needed the VA to provide care
particularly with one of the Agent Orange presumptive
illnesses. Since I was concerned that there might be a time
where my former employer would no longer cover me, I went ahead
and applied. I was also concerned that I may at some point
develop some illness or disease from my exposure to AO.
When I dropped off the
application at a local VA clinic, I was asked if I wanted to
have an Agent Orange Exam. I did and shortly thereafter went to
the VA Hospital in Philadelphia for the AO exam. Quite honestly,
I thought the exam itself was a joke. They took blood, did a
chest x-ray and I spoke with a Doctor for about 30 minutes. He
spent most of that time talking to me about a book I had with me
and never performed any exam other than checking my blood
pressure. I later got a letter telling me that I had no signs of
any Agent Orange diseases. I was added to the Agent Orange
Registry and was told I would be advised of any developments in
that area.
I never did, to this day,
receive any letter advising me that I was now in the VA Health
system. Recently, I was told that if you are in the VA system
and are not seen at least yearly you will be dropped. This
concerned me and, coincidentally at this time, our county had
the same Veterans seminar they had in 2009. While there I
inquired if it were true about being dropped and while no one
would categorically say it was true, they all advised that it
would be wise to be seen at a VA clinic or Hospital at least
yearly "just to be safe".
So, I contacted my local VA
Health-care clinic about this. The person I spoke with confirmed
that I was in the VA system. When I asked why I never received a
letter telling me I was, they had no idea why I had not received
a letter but said, not to worry, I am in their system. I was
able to make an appointment to be seen at their clinic in
December and she further advised that even though I was in
pretty good health at this time, to make annual appointments, or
more often, if the need arises. It was after my visit in
December 2010 that I finally received a VA Healthcare System ID
card.
Bottom line is, it is a good
idea to apply for VA Health benefits even if you don't currently
need them and it is a good idea to be seen yearly to avoid
possibly being dropped from their system. While you are at, have
an AO exam to at least get on the AO Registry.
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