VA Medical Clinic?Does he qualify?

Question

My 35 yrs old cousin was in the Army National Guard from 1991-1997. Generally, he's in good health but lately he's been complaining of headaches. He's worked in construction for 12 years but doesn't have health coverage. (never got it because he didnt think he'd need it) My question is, does he qualify for basic care at a VA facility nearby. Surprisingly, I couldn't find the qualifications on the VA website. Any good info is appreciated.

Answer 1

No he does not qualify for treatment at the VA...

He had 5 years from Date of Discharge for Free VA Treatment...

That said...if he was in Combat he maybe able to file a Claim ???

Answer 2

Have him contact his local DAV ( Department of Veteran Affairs) to see if he qualifies. If you tell me what state it is I have a listing of telephone numbers.

Answer 3

Call the Vet rep at the closest VA will need his DD-214 when the call is made, the rep can find out for quickly.

Vet-USAF

Answer 4

Here ya' go...

Either way, his best bet is to contact the VA nearest him, and ask them.

Answer 5

Go to this part of the VA website

http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/elig...

This will help determine if the person meets the eligibility requirements

Answer 6

Only if he was activated into federal service and stayed thru that entire mobilization, the following was copied from the VA site under eligibility

Were a reservist who was called to Active Duty and who completed the term for which you were called, and who was granted an other than dishonorable discharge, or

Were a National Guard member who was called to Active Duty by federal executive order, and who completed the term for which you were called, and who was granted an other than dishonorable discharge, or

Only request a benefit for or in connection with:

a service-connected condition or disability; or

treatment and/or counseling of sexual trauma that occurred while on active military service; or

treatment of conditions related to ionizing radiation; or

head or neck cancer related to nose or throat radium treatment while in the military.

Were discharged or released from active duty for a hardship , or

Were discharged with an “early out”; or

Were discharged or released from active duty for a disability that began in the service or got worse because of the service; or

Have been determined by VA to have compensable service-connected conditions; or

Were discharged for a reason other than disability, but you had a medical condition at the time that

Was disabling, and

In the opinion of a doctor, would have justified a discharge for disability (in this last case, the disability must be documented in service records)  

Answer 7

Yes. He qualifies for treatment at VA facilities. He only needs to show up with photo ID and a copy of his DD-214 from his Guard days. One problem though. Construction work pays well. Because of his income he might be considered to be in Category Eight which would restrict him from getting treated at the VA. I fall into that trap. I'm a retired Naval officer and also drawing Social Security. So, the VA says I make too much money to be treated by them because I don't have any service-connected disabilities.  

Answer 8

Just have him go to the VA and talk to somebody in the eligibility office. As long as he was activated for a purpose other than his 2 week training they may provide some form of care. He'll need a copy of his DD-214 and his income tax return.