[New Here; A Question Regarding Private Health Insurance]

Good Morning,

I called the local Vet Rep, and told him I wanted to file an Informal Claim, but could not get through and keep getting a recording that "...due to overwhelming...call back another time". He told me that if I went to see him, he'd just be doing the same thing (calling to file Informal Claim), and that I should keep trying to call there, because you could get that message then call back five minutes later and get a human being on the phone...which I did, and finally got through....requested to file an "Informal Claim"...was asked for name, address, etc....and that a package would be mailed out to me.

As for the VA psychs....for the record, I had a great childhood, really...I have dealt with them in the past, when I was inpatient/outpatient and know some of their game, but will diligently take my time, research via Internet and my medical records, and find a decent Vet Rep beforehand....hopefully someone at my local VVA (which I just joined) can point me to a good guy....and hopefully all "case notes" will be included in those medical records...I plan to do the claim on paper first, then file it electronically....I note on the claim form that they want specific dates of treatment, and therefore, I cannot file it yet because I haven't received my medical records and some of the treatment was so long ago I have no idea of specific dates...!!!....(requested medical and military records via eVetRecs last week/faxed request....have no idea how soon I will get them, and also am going to request them when I go for my VAMC physical Tuesday AS WELL AS request an appointment with the Psych there, although it is really painful to speak about that stuff...I know I need to do it...heck, it is hard to even speak to my wife about it...). For all I know, there may be something in my Army exit exam that I don't remember...it was a long time ago....however we were basically "herded" when we received the exit exam and I don't expect it to be lengthy....

Thanks again to all who are helping and Thanks for all of your Service for my country...

[New Here; A Question Regarding Private Health Insurance]

Thank You for your reply and for serving my Country!

Hopefully, it won''t be a big problem getting those records....However, I'm thinking that since the VA allowed three more illness for AO disability just last week, that things may be slower...which I understand completely, as I'm sure there are Veterans out there with more problems than me....

I don't know if I will use a VSO....I downloaded the 12 page comp application, and it doesn't seem too difficult, though i will certainly need help and perhaps can get all the answers via this website and the web....I am going to do it on paper first, but then was going to do the actual filing via the web...seems like it would be quicker that way??? Though it is my understanding that I will still have to wait for those medical records for specific dates and places of treatment....it was right after my second tour, and then in the late 80s/early 90s since I've been seen in a VAMC....

I was going to call my local VAMC today, ask to speak to a VSO if they have one there, (we also have an office for that in town) and see if he can get me in immediately...like tomorrow!

I just joined the VVA via the internet, and am trying to find out when the next local chapter meets, as I am sure there are Brothers there who would be willing to help me as well.

[New Here; A Question Regarding Private Health Insurance]

Went ahead and called that 800# to file an informal claim just now...I told her I wanted to file an informal claim for service connected disability and was directed to call Extension 110, and then called that extension. I received a recording something to the effect of DUE TO THE OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF CALLS, THAT NO COUNSELERS ARE AVAILABLE TO TAKE CALLS, AND TO CALL BACK AT SOOM OTHER TIME. Great..... Strike ONE...

[New Here; A Question Regarding Private Health Insurance]

I have a suggestion or two. One is I would call the VA 1-800-827-1000 and tell them you wan to file an informal claim, claim the hearing loss and whatever you might else have that is connected to your service. This will start your effective date from that day, thus if you prevail you will be paid retro to that date. Two, it sounds like your mental health issues are really becoming unmanageable for you, I recommend that you immediately call your local veterans center and see if you can see a psychologist there, being a combat veteran you qualify to be seen. The Veterans Center's aren't located in the VA hospitals, the staff is usually great and really cares. If you are having problems holding it together now, you need to get some professional help as you take on the VA, because that will add to your stress. Take care.

Good Morning Sir,

And thank you again for your help, and Thank YOU for serving my country!

I am planning to call the VA today at the number in your post and will tell them I want to file an informal claim, and let them know for what ailments; will they then log this call and send me the proper claim form (I have already saved the 12 page claim form in my favorites)? Will he/she want specific medical information, such as dates of treatments and where?

Yes, you are correct about the mental health issues...like stated earlier, I was inpatient/outpatient years back, medicated, counseled...blah, blah, blah...although I don't have specific dates and thus and waiting on my medical records (I plan also on requested at my local VA clinic for them to send for the records); I have stuffed and tried to compartmentalize for years now...but am coming apart...don't like to talk about it, but need to....I am trying to wait till next Tuesday to seek help (the day of my schedule VA physical)...although maybe I should do it now....it is hard to open up to somebody/anybody about it.

The staff does seem caring and wonderful at the local VA clinic, from what I gathered last week when I filled out and turned in the application....

I await your reply re: calling the VA today...

Thanks again.

[New Here; A Question Regarding Private Health Insurance]

Thank you Larry & John,

Okay, that makes sense. I didn't file a claim in the past because I thought all would be well, and it was for a while; that was over ten years ago.....but life is becoming a mental struggle for me...not good......

I plan on filing a claim for the hearing loss, tinnitus, and if they deem I have PTSD, or something else mental, then I'll file a claim for that, too.

I called the last clinic (mental outpaitent) I had been to, and they told me my health records were in the archives....so I sent for them via eVetRecs, as well as any and all other medical records and any and all military records. So should I still sign the releases at the VA cllinic? Do you know how soon that takes to get the records (I assume they fax them back to the clinic)?

I'm assuming my "physical" at the VA Clinic will be a thorough one? I plan to tell them every problem I've had. Will a psych evaluate me at that time? Will I get a hearing test (my ENT doctor told me there was nothing that can be done for the tinnitus, and it was his opinion I have hearing loss, AND I KNOW THAT I DO, and he said to get my hearing checked at the VA Clinic..I've also had chronic sinus problems for decades, along with several surgeries to remove polyps...headaches everyday and more....)? I suppose they will make my appointment for the AO testing/registery while I am there (I will need to go to the Chillicothe, OH clinic for that one)...

Thanks again. I really appreciate it and need all the help I can get!

[New Here; A Question Regarding Private Health Insurance]

A little about me: I am a veteran of the Army (1968-1974), having served two tours in Vietnam as a Crew Chief/Door Gunner. I live in Ohio.

I had some mental issues when I returned, and continue to do so. I have hearing problems and tinnitus (driving me crazy; it is just getting worse with time): as well as a few other problems. I've been inpatient/outpatient at VA in the past.

I work part-time for now, though it is a real challenge. I applied for VA health care just this past Thursday and have my first appointment in less than two weeks, and then I guess they will set up an appointment for me to go to Chillicothe for the Agent Orange physical/registry (I was in many areas in VN where it was used). I sent for all my military records via eVetRecords last week, but I don't anticipate receiving them as fast I got the VA heathcare approved.

My question: I have private health insurance (Anthem) and I plan on dropping it, as I can no longer afford it; the premiums, co-pays and deductibles are killing me! I don't know if I should drop it before my first appointment....am I even allowed to drop the private health insurance at any time?

Thanks Brothers!

Dave