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Good to go on my claim.

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jetdoc3037

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Hi, new guy here. Filed my claim in Jan 2015. It was approved a couple of weeks ago, 40% for pay, 50% overall. I am happy but will be filing a NOD and a new claim for a few issues I wasn't able to file with the initial claim as I didn't have enough evidence. So my retro pay has been put in the bank and now I can go fwd with what I mentioned about. I also received SSDI and LTD from work. I have a huge issue that would be very difficult to marry with my military time, but there are some others that should be easier.

I am retired military and was wondering something. I received a call from the VA on saturday, (a strange day for a call), telling me of my medical benefits, free medical, free prescrip., etc. She was trying to get me to make an appt at a local VA clinic but I don't really need to see a VA doc for regular care as I have my own PCP and specialists. She also said I can go to Ft Meade Md to get my Veterans ID card with my disability on it. I have a retired ID card, do I still need a Veterans card? I guess if it has my rating on it I prob should.

 

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Your military retired ID card has nothing to do with getting VA care.  You need a VA identification card.  Don't make the mistake of thinking your private medical insurance will take care of everything - one day it may not.  Also, the VA can re-evaluate you at any time and if you don't show up for a VA re-evaluation or doctor's appointment then you could loose your disability rating and the cash that comes with it.

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More choices = Better care. 

I agree with Dick Hill.  While I generally agree, that you dont want to wait in long lines at VA, sometimes there are good docs at VA. 

For example, not only do I get hearing aids at VA, but batteries, too, AND I get a special phone and fm listening system for my SC hearing loss. 

I also agree with you, tho, if I can ONLY get care at one place, well pick private care over VA care.    You should not have to choose that, tho.  My wife gets better care than I do, because she gets Champva, and, well I get VA.  She can go to almost any doc, but I have to fight with VA to try to get an appointment. 

For me, I get Veteran's "choice".  I can wait and go to VA.  Or, I can wait and go to VA and try to get them to give me a private appointment somewhere else if its over 30 days.  My experience is that it does not save any time.  I mean, gee...you wait for an appointment to go to a VA doc, to tell you, "Yea, you are approved to go to a private doc."  You have to have a referral.  Its a way they ration health care, and we can expect a lot more of that to come. 

 

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Understood and I knew the VA and military cards are totally different, just wasn't sure about the Veterans card....thanks and I will call Ft Meade Md and get one down there.

I of course would go to any VA docs appt or whatever, so thats not an issue

Thanks for the replies guys.

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They need to do an 'intake' type physical on you, blood work and questionnaires mostly.  Just let them know you prefer to get your primary care at your current doc.  They won't have a problem with it.  You will just need to check in annually or they may try and interrupt your compensation.  Good luck!

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I have to agree, even if just once a year it is best to check in with the VA at least annually.  As much as I can't stand the BS that goes on there, continuity and records synchronization is helpful later on. Consolidation of meds is good as well.  I just don't take well to ultimatums from the VA Docs, it's their way or the highway. Remember be proactive, and go with the system that puts your healthcare needs first.

I send an update to the VA primary every now and again and leave it open for records exchange. But I manage my care with my private docs as I don't like the problems that exist within the VA medical system. I give them the option to ask for my records but that's it.  Just my opinion and experiences.

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