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ok, did some more reading... the VA reps I spoke to probably were hesitant to answer my questions without knowing my rating, so I guess back to the VA to talk to someone. Anyway, I guess because I have private medical insurance, they pay first? I'm now confused about why I would go to the VA? Do they pay the difference? One VA rep I spoke with told me that a lot of vets don't fully understand their benefits. I can see why now...

Hi, new to the forums. I wish I had know about this before I filed my claims. Anyway, I have chronic shoulder and neck pains that are documented in my medical file. I got denied "service connected" on it and now I'm wondering if I can still get 'help' from the VA or do I need to go to a private medical insurance. I'm a twice deployed OIF vet and I was told I had 5 years after discharge for coverage. The VA representative said that 5 years applies to ANY symptom -I- think is service related. Also, I'm rated in 'Priority 1', does that mean I get coverage without co-pays for ANY condition or only conditions that are service connected? Basically, ten years down the road, can I still go to the VA for my shoulder/neck pain as a priority 1 patient or am I out of luck? Do I still have a co-pay? I plan to appeal the neck and shoulder pain. I'm actually quite shocked it was denied. The examining doctor acted like I was making it up but I was getting treatment for it for 6 years before I was 'involuntary separated' due to force reductions. So my plan was to go 20 years and I wasn't even aware I could get VA disability payments until the mandatory VA briefings I had to attend. Thanks in advance.