Health Benefits Denied?

[steelman24]

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

[Notorious Kelly]

Chuck,

I'm sorry to hear of your health issues. I'm also surprised you were denied benefits; I hadn't heard of the 24-month requirement.

It sounds like this:

Were discharged from the military because of a disability (not preexisting), early out, or hardship.

or this

Previous years' household income is below VA's National Income or Geographical-Adjusted Thresholds.

might apply to you.

http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/veterans.asp

I hope someone more familiar with the caveats comes along to help.

Good luck!

[JR Reihs]

I'll call BS on the VA letter you got. Unless congress has changed something under the radar, all you would need is 180 days of consecutive service to become a Veteran. You need to start making some noise with your VAMC so you will get the help you need, and to start filing your claim with the VA, make them show you where the 24 month rule apply's........They can't. You are a War-time VET, do not let them deny your earned benefits.

[Berta]

Can you scan and attach that letter here"

(Cover C file number, name, address prior to scanning it.)

"For the last 20 years I have had sleep problems and nightmares that have gotten worse in the last 7 years."

In other words you mean the war service aggravated problems you already had?

We need to read the letter to help more.

And you need to read everything here as to how VA diagnoses and develops PTSD claims..if that is what you intend to claim.

And read all of the IBS info here as well.

Notorious Kelly made a good point....on the caveats.

We have no idea why they denied you VA health care, but the letter says why.

And it might be a bogus reason you can fight back on..

[Buck52]

I had a veteran serve bout 2 months he got hurt bad in Basic training and was medically discharged.

He was accepted in the VAMC As A VETERAN..IF you have A DD214 with a discharge other than dis honorable then you can receive VA Health Care.

........Buck

[steelman24]

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

[Tbird]

How To Attach A File