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

[Buck52]

you just need to go to your local VAMC and go to admissions. take id and DD214

................Buck

[Buck52]

correction on the time served (read your letter) they obviously change that in Sept 1980 to serve at least 24 months for VA health care eligibility.

It use to be just after you were sworn in or was hurt in basic training and was medically discharged.

..........................Buck

[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

[Buck52]

okay.

Take your DD214 to your VAMC and go to Admissions ...with your ID

that's all you need , then just answer the clerks Questions

Don't say anything about that letter ...if its a problem it will show up in the computer.

..................Buck

[mjofdagame]

Hi everyone!

Steelman....what your thinking about is if you were on National Guard duty or reservist and became active duty under the executive order. The 24 months of continuous service came into affect for veterans who served on active duty after September 1,1980.(if my memory serves me right,lol) I think you still have 2 ways to get health care tho. 1) Call the 1.877.222.8387 and the them you want to be transferred to the H.E.C. (health Eligibility Center)and explain to them that your in combat. 2) you need to file for a disability and get enrolled that way also.

Hope that helps

Mjofdagame

Edited June 16, 2015 by mjofdagame

[steelman24]

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

Steelman24