Being a veteran of OEF. It been no secret to myself and my fellow vets the horrors of the VA. Heck it took three times before they would activate my Education benifits. One the times being that on their records I was a dishonorable discharge Vet just release from Ft. Leavenworth. Now with all the issues that just have risen with VA including the death of my fellow Brothers in arms. Should we Vets ever have any faith and trust in the VA ever again? and If no what would it take for the faith to be restored?
The problem with the VA is getting into the system. Wait times for disabilities rulings sometimes takes years. Getting into the system to see a doctor can also take a long time. But once accepted, the treatment is good. The priority group listing:
Priority Group 1
Veterans with VA Service-connected disabilities rated 50% or more.
Veterans assigned a total disability rating for compensation based on unemployability.
Priority Group 2
Veterans with VA Service-connected disabilities rated 30% or 40%.
Priority Group 3
Veterans who are former POWs.
Veterans awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
Veterans awarded the Medal of Honor.
Veterans whose discharge was for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
Veterans with VA Service-connected disabilities rated 10% or 20%.
Veterans awarded special eligibility classification under Title 38, U.S.C., § 1151, “benefits for individuals disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation.”
Priority Group 4
Veterans receiving increased compensation or pension based on their need for regular Aid and Attendance or by reason of being permanently Housebound.
Veterans determined by VA to be catastrophically disabled.
Priority Group 5
Nonservice-connected Veterans and noncompensable Service-connected Veterans rated 0%, whose annual income and/or net worth are not greater than the VA financial thresholds.
Veterans receiving VA Pension benefits.
Veterans eligible for Medicaid benefits.
Priority Group 6
Compensable 0% Service-connected Veterans.
Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or during the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Project 112/SHAD participants.
Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975.
Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations from August 2, 1990, through November 11, 1998.
Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, as follows:
Veterans discharged from active duty on or after January 28, 2003, for five years post discharge
Priority Group 7
Veterans with incomes below the geographic means test (GMT) income thresholds and who agree to pay the applicable copayment.
Priority Group 8
Veterans with gross household incomes above the VA national income threshold and the geographically-adjusted income threshold for their resident location and who agrees to pay copays
Now depending when you do receive your rating and what group you fall into, depending on the case load the VA clinic or hospital may not see or treat all groups.