steelman24

ok today talked to va on the phone there may be a issue with my discharge statis. My dd 214 says hon for separation type. Guy at va says the form isn't a 1071-31 but a 10-3171. He wouldn't say what the issue is so. I will keep y'all updated as I find out info on this mess. Thanks again guys for the info. This process is very confusing .

Update on my Update!!!!! My last post was a positive note about the VA Office in Fort Bragg NC contacting me saying that I was approved. Unfortunatley, that wasn't the case. I went to get my picture taken for my ID card and was informed by the lady that told me I was approved that her supervisor informed her that I could not be approved and I was denied because I had not served 24 months continuous active duty. From there I was sent to an office on the second floor and I signed up for the Gulf War registry. I am scheduled for an exam on August 5th, 2015. I was told by the Gulf War registry office to go ahead and file my claim I was also told to file a 1071-31 form and that it may help assist me in getting approved for benefits. Is anyone familiar with the 1071-31 form? Should I file this form or just go ahead and file my claim or both? Thanks again Steelman24

yes sir I know what u mean. Steelman24

Update: the va office of Fort Bragg Nc called this morning and said I was eligible for Heath care benefits . She told me to come and get my picture taken and get my card. She did tell me the reason I was denied was because the computer didn't show my time in combat. But she looked on my DD214 and it showed it. Thanks for all the help guys and ladies. It's my first step and still got a long way to go Steelman24

I should be eligible for va benefits by serving in the Persian gulf war. I have resubmitted my application for benefits and I'm waiting . Steelman24

Thanks buck for ur info also on this. Steelman24

Mjofdagame thanks for the input. I will look into doing that and giving everyone a update. Steelman24

Thanks Buck for ur reply. My understanding is if u was in combat u were eligible for Heath care benefits no matter how long u served . The 24 months was for veterans who didn't serve in combat . Steelman

My dd214 shows my dates of being in the gulf war. I sent a copy of it to with my application .I'm waiting to hear back from the va . I resubmitted my application for medical benefits again . Should know something in two weeks.

This is the letter that i recieved from the VA.

Still having trouble posting attachment. I dont have the attach files button at the bottom left of the screen.

I'm trying to figure out how to up load my letter. But in the mean time, the army isn't saying I'm not a veteran. They are saying I don't meet the minium requirements to get health benefits cause I didn't serve 24 months striaght. I talked to a lady in the benefits department at the va office and she told me to refax her my application for health benefits along with my dd214 to her directly. So I have done that. I will upload letter shortly when my son gets home. Thanks all u guys and ladies for ur knowledge. Thanks again, Chuck

Hello, I am an Army veteran of the Gulf War. I served 1 year and 3 months active duty before getting an honorable discharge. Upon returning from the Gulf War I became depressed and starting gaining weight. Within 6 months I was discharged from the Army. Throughout the past years I have experienced issues both mentally and physically ,but have been in denial that it was war related issues. For the last 20 years I have had sleep problems and nightmares that have gotten worse in the last 7 years. I was hospitalized for 7 days with a GI Bleed in 2008. I'm still having stomach problems and intestinal issues which make me use the bathroom constantly. I also suffer with anxiety problems. I avoid crowds and find myself wanting to be alone because I get overwhelmed when I'm around people. My neighbor who is a veteran of Vietnam suggested I seek VA for medical assistance. So, I went to the local VA office and applied for medical benefits and received a letter in the mail that I was denied. The reason stated was because I did not serve 24 consecutive months. My question is am I eligible under the Enhanced Eligibility? It states: you must have served in the Persian Gulf from August 2, 1990 to November 11, 1998. I do not have health insurance. What other options do I have to get approved in order to receive health benefits through the VA. What options do I have? Chuck