The VA??

[Heartnsoul]

My husband spent 30 yrs in military. Marines and army. When he went over to register, they told him he makes too much money. Is this possible? We both combined don't make more then 100,000 a yr. Are only low income veterans eligible? His insurance through his job doesn't have dental, eyeglasses or hearing aids? Anyone know VA eligibility rules?? Why would they need .y income? He is the veteran, not me?

[retiredguy123]

Here are the income rules:

Annual Income Limits - Health Benefits (https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/annual_income_limits_health_benefits.asp)

[Keefelane66]

Since your husband retired with Tricare its a separate bucket of money than VA disability funding.
If your husband has a service related disability there is no income limit.

[Heartnsoul]

No service injury but at Camp Lejeune a year

[asianthree]

My husband spent 30 yrs in military. Marines and army. When he went over to register, they told him he makes too much money. Is this possible? We both combined don't make more then 100,000 a yr. Are only low income veterans eligible? His insurance through his job doesn't have dental, eyeglasses or hearing aids? Anyone know VA eligibility rules?? Why would they need .y income? He is the veteran, not me?

Did you meet with a DAV person yet? If he was in CL claim need to be filed.

[Heartnsoul]

Could u kindly explain the tri care? Tk u

[Heartnsoul]

Dav?? No. What is that? No one explained anything

[LuvtheVillages]

Could u kindly explain the tri care? Tk u

Tri Care is the health insurance that Military services provides to their retirees. Since your husband served more than 20 years, he should qualify, and he can enroll you also.

TriCare will always be secondary to any other health insurance that you have. So if he has health insurance through his employment, that pays first, then TriCare picks up any balance remaining.

Is he on Medicare yet? Then Medicare pays first, and TriCare picks up any balance remaining. So you do not need a Medicare supplement or drug plan. All doctors around The Villages are happy to accept TriCare.

I'm not certain how it works now if he is too young for Medicare. When we were that age, the veteran was covered as of age 60, I paid a premium until 65. Might be different now.

Check with the military benefits office.

Once on Tricare, he can get hearing aids, dental care, and vision care if he goes to a military base. Jacksonville NAS or Tampa (McDill) are closest.

[Heartnsoul]

Tk u for being kind and trying to explain. He is 70 and yes has Medicare and decent health insurance through job. Where do I meet with military personnel to discuss what exactly he is eligible for?

[Bitsee]

My husband spent 30 yrs in military. Marines and army. When he went over to register, they told him he makes too much money. Is this possible? We both combined don't make more then 100,000 a yr. Are only low income veterans eligible? His insurance through his job doesn't have dental, eyeglasses or hearing aids? Anyone know VA eligibility rules?? Why would they need .y income? He is the veteran, not me?

Yes, that sounds about right.

My husband - 4 years in he Army doesn't qualify either because they stated that he was way over the income level to recieve any Veterans benefits.

My brother - 4 years in the Navy - same song and dance to him.

The VA folks in The Villages did tell my husband that he should feel very lucky not to have to depend on those benefits because he's so financially independent.
Go fiqure ~

The fact still remains that my husband did serve his country as well...does that not count for anything ?

[Heartnsoul]

That's why I'm confused? 25 plus yrs? He signed up during Vietnam but they didn't send him over. Marines few yrs then army NG 25 yrs and he can't go to VA?

[Keefelane66]

That's why I'm confused? 25 plus yrs? He signed up during Vietnam but they didn't send him over. Marines few yrs then army NG 25 yrs and he can't go to VA?
Heart and soul the day your husband retired from the military he received medical and pension.
VA medical was a good recruiting lie.
With TriCare you can go to any doctor or medical facility here in The Villages you have a clinic nearest VA hospital is Tampa. Orlando and Gainesville. Since your husband is now on Medicare TriCare is your secondary insurance.

[Sparty6971]

My husband spent 30 yrs in military. Marines and army. When he went over to register, they told him he makes too much money. Is this possible? We both combined don't make more then 100,000 a yr. Are only low income veterans eligible? His insurance through his job doesn't have dental, eyeglasses or hearing aids? Anyone know VA eligibility rules?? Why would they need .y income? He is the veteran, not me?

The eligibility rules for VA Health Care are complicated. Yes, income might be a deciding factor among the many. There are many issues such as Medal of Honor recipient, VA disability, Honorable discharge, service during certain dates, and many others. For example, I have an honorable discharge after 24 years service including the Vietnam era. My service is all very nice but that alone isn't enough for VA health care. Thankfully, I was not injured, I wasn't a Prisoner of War, and I don't have a certified VA disability. Plus, my income level rules out VA Health Care Certification.

Here is a comprehensive site to read - and it will take you some time to read, study and understand: VA Priority Groups | Veterans Affairs (https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/priority-groups/)

That contains lots of information but after studying it, you will be in a better position to ask VA for amplification. Best of luck.

[LuvtheVillages]

Tk u for being kind and trying to explain. He is 70 and yes has Medicare and decent health insurance through job. Where do I meet with military personnel to discuss what exactly he is eligible for?

Go online to
HTTPS://tricare.mil/tfl

There is a place to ask questions and phone numbers to call.

Or, call DEERS 800-538-9552


Is he receiving a military pension?

[jaj523]

If you have a military retired ID card, that is all you need. Just show that at the doctor's office. It is your TRICARE card.

[Rzepecki]

This is where you want to go for help and information. Call first for an appointment.

Sumter County Veteran Services | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/96/Veteran-Services)

[sharonl7340]

The VA is a different entity from Tricare. There are no income requirements for Tricare, but the VA does have income requirements and again, Tricare is a SEPARATE entity from the VA.

Do you have documentation such as Military ID card(s) and documentation such as his DD214? I suggest you contact the Retirement Services Officer at Ft. Stewart, GA.

Without knowing your exact situation, it is hard to advise. My husband is retired military and can explain in more detail to your husband if you are interested. Please email me through this website and he may be able to explain some things to you and your husband regarding tricare and VA.

[Sully2023]

Call the VA service center in sumpter country located in the same building the DMV is off of Powell Road. Robert is one of the reps there and can probably answer your questions. Make an appointment. His number is: 352-689-4400.

[Black Beauty]

I was told in 2017 by the VA that I needed a VSO officer. He got me 50% disabled, of which 20% was for a disease I never had!

[nancyre]

Please check out the PACT ACT. The PACT Act And Your VA Benefits | Veterans Affairs (https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/) This is a way to establish care if the Veteran is not disabled(service connected) during the time frames. If your husband was at Camp LeJuene -- you absolutely need to use the act to make this happen. Get a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help you, the team at the Sumter County Veterans office are good.

[Marine1974]

Do retired military get free health insurance?
After you retire, but prior to your 65th birthday (or Medicare eligibility), you remain eligible for regular Tricare just like you had on active duty. These programs are: Tricare Prime: A health maintenance organization-type managed care program for which retirees are required to pay an annual enrollment fee.
Retired military should get insurance through tri-care same as when on active duty . Not VA healthcare .

[Annie66]

Just one amplification on Tricare to what has been discussed above. As stated above, Tricare is a secondary medical insurance, but for veterans under the age of 65. With Tricare, you pay a premium like other medical insurances.

For honorably discharged retirees with 20 or more years of service, "Tricare for Life" kicks in at age 65. It also is a secondary insurance. However, it is free and a spouse is eligible when he or she turns 65. I have Tricare for Life and it has covered all expenses for my bride and I including several major surgeries and co-pays. One caveat ..... if Medicare refuses coverage for a medical procedure, Tricare for Life will not cover it either.

The best advice as stated above is to make an appointment with a Veteran Service Office and get the straight skinny on the programs available. Hope this helps.

[petsetc]

In addition to income, the VA heath care eligibility is subject to an asset cap. Often this is the trick. I looked for what the current cap is but could not find it. As I recall, it does exclude the equity in your primary residence.

[MSGirl]

That's why I'm confused? 25 plus yrs? He signed up during Vietnam but they didn't send him over. Marines few yrs then army NG 25 yrs and he can't go to VA?
If he served in the military and participated in a war, then he gets full benefits regardless of income. He was in the service for 30 years? When he retired he should have received a benefits pkg explaining everything. There is a VA in The Villages. Check with them for what he is or isn’t qualified for. And I thank him for his service.

[Number 10 GI]

OP, you and your spouse are covered under Tri-Care for Life and Medicare. You don't need to do anything with the VA, ignore the posts telling you to keep trying with them. You have already gotten their decision. The wife and I have Tri-Care for Life and Medicare and haven't had to pay a penny for our medical needs. As has been stated by other posters, if you have a military ID, that is your Tri-Care for Life medical card. Get with a military retired assistance office and become informed on your entitlements and rights.

[Dgodin]

RETIRED military are automatically eligible for tricare. Under 65, the member has to select a plan and enroll. My wife is 62 and pays $192 (approx) per year for Tricare select. The insurance is very good. I had tricare select until I reached 65, then my tricare automatically switched to TFL, tricare for Life, which has no premium payment. But TFL is a supplementary insurance and the member must enroll in Medicare as primary (A&B, or C) to receive TFL.

[Heartnsoul]

Thank u

[BlueStarAirlines]

I was told in 2017 by the VA that I needed a VSO officer. He got me 50% disabled, of which 20% was for a disease I never had!

Thats really frustrating. I'm in year 9 of my VA appeal to increase my disability for injuries received while in service. They acknowledge the disability and its service connection, yet have yet to determine percentages. Thankfully I got a lawyer but 9 years is a long time and there are currently 62,341 appeals ahead of me....down from 137,496.

I don't know if I'd be proud of that 20%......

[Sgt Ed]

Tri Care is the health insurance that Military services provides to their retirees. Since your husband served more than 20 years, he should qualify, and he can enroll you also.

TriCare will always be secondary to any other health insurance that you have. So if he has health insurance through his employment, that pays first, then TriCare picks up any balance remaining.

Is he on Medicare yet? Then Medicare pays first, and TriCare picks up any balance remaining. So you do not need a Medicare supplement or drug plan. All doctors around The Villages are happy to accept TriCare.

I'm not certain how it works now if he is too young for Medicare. When we were that age, the veteran was covered as of age 60, I paid a premium until 65. Might be different now.

Check with the military benefits office.

Once on Tricare, he can get hearing aids, dental care, and vision care if he goes to a military base. Jacksonville NAS or Tampa (McDill) are closest. I beg your pardon. TRICARE does NOT cover hearing aides, or dental. They only cover what medicare cover. Medicare does cover 1 pr gasses annually, so tricare picks up its co pay.

[Donaz1]

I am in the same boat. Did not go to Vietnam, and make too much money in retirement. All I would be interested in are hearing aids being around jet engines in my military career.

[daveczo]

Yes, that sounds about right.

My husband - 4 years in he Army doesn't qualify either because they stated that he was way over the income level to recieve any Veterans benefits.

My brother - 4 years in the Navy - same song and dance to him.

The VA folks in The Villages did tell my husband that he should feel very lucky not to have to depend on those benefits because he's so financially independent.
Go fiqure ~

The fact still remains that my husband did serve his country as well...does that not count for anything ?

They need to apply for a service connected disability. They need their military health records to prove disability. For example tinnitus is a 10% disability. I believe once in system with the service connected disability they should quailify for VA health care as well as Tricare. I have both, retired in 1992, started the disability process in 1995.
Your medical records from active duty are critical. Sprained ankles, bad back etc. while in service.

[scooterstang]

I am 20% DAV with only 5 years in the Air Force. I have VA medical but they do not cover dental unless you are at least 40% DAV. They did just supply me with top of the line hearing aids from Starky labs with no cost. The problem is they are so backed up here in Panama City that I have to wait at least 2 months for an appt. So I just go to a clinic in town and have my Post office medical cover it. I am not old enough for medicare yet but my wife is. I never received a bill before my wife got medicare(now I have to resend bills in constantly before they are finally paid!).

[Topspinmo]

My husband spent 30 yrs in military. Marines and army. When he went over to register, they told him he makes too much money. Is this possible? We both combined don't make more than 100,000 a yr. Are only low income veterans eligible? His insurance through his job doesn't have dental, eyeglasses or hearing aids? Anyone know VA eligibility rules?? Why would they need .y income? He is the veteran, not me?

You husband was probably like me, didn’t go to hospital/sick call for every little achy thing and now realize’s we should have. VA really for disabled vets regardless of time serviced. (IMO VA discriminated against retirees). If his DD214 was clean and he had no medical condition when retired now he will have to prove medical related condition that was caused by service to get VA benifits, `good luck with that.

Tricare for life along with Medicare should take care of all you’re and his medical needs except what you mentioned, even to get dental through VA that’s special requirement. I had 21 years active and was told same thing.

Medicare and TCL has done everything I expected it to do. If your husband has cataracts Medicare and tricare will pay for removal and corrective lens so he won’t need glasses other than to read depending on his condition?

Dental? you out there with worthless dental plans.

[Lea N]

My husband spent 30 yrs in military. Marines and army. When he went over to register, they told him he makes too much money. Is this possible? We both combined don't make more then 100,000 a yr. Are only low income veterans eligible? His insurance through his job doesn't have dental, eyeglasses or hearing aids? Anyone know VA eligibility rules?? Why would they need .y income? He is the veteran, not me?

Try contacting the United Way in Leesburg. Ask for Tracey Schoomacker (I know I'm spelling this wrong but it sounds this way.) He is a veteran who guides veterans to get the benefits they deserve. He is a good place to start. I wish your husband and you the best with this.

[allsport]

Yes, that sounds about right.

My husband - 4 years in he Army doesn't qualify either because they stated that he was way over the income level to recieve any Veterans benefits.

My brother - 4 years in the Navy - same song and dance to him.

The VA folks in The Villages did tell my husband that he should feel very lucky not to have to depend on those benefits because he's so financially independent.
Go fiqure ~

The fact still remains that my husband did serve his country as well...does that not count for anything ?

The VA was originally established to care for injured soldiers and their widows and children but not for their healthcare. If you are a service connected veteran, you get free care for the service connected disability no matter how much you make. If you were in for 4 years and were never injured then you do not qualify for any healthcare. Obamacare made it possible to choose the VA as a provider if you met other criteria. The VA was never sold as a healthcare program for people who were not injured while on duty or retired with other medical benefits.

[spinner1001]

Medicare does cover 1 pr gasses annually, so tricare picks up its co pay.

Traditional Medicare and coverage for eyeglasses:

Eyeglasses Coverage (https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/eyeglasses-contact-lenses)

[Andyhope]

Here are the income rules:

Annual Income Limits - Health Benefits (https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/annual_income_limits_health_benefits.asp)
There are many filling out false incomes

[Topspinmo]

There are many filling out false incomes


And false claims. :shocked:

[Slainte]

Thats really frustrating. I'm in year 9 of my VA appeal to increase my disability for injuries received while in service. They acknowledge the disability and its service connection, yet have yet to determine percentages. Thankfully I got a lawyer but 9 years is a long time and there are currently 62,341 appeals ahead of me....down from 137,496.

I don't know if I'd be proud of that 20%......
Any additional award should be retroactive. He would receive a lump sum and an increased monthly award if the % is increased.

[Nevinator]

My husband spent 30 yrs in military. Marines and army. When he went over to register, they told him he makes too much money. Is this possible? We both combined don't make more then 100,000 a yr. Are only low income veterans eligible? His insurance through his job doesn't have dental, eyeglasses or hearing aids? Anyone know VA eligibility rules?? Why would they need .y income? He is the veteran, not me?

One of your subsequent posts on this topic may have shed a little more light on your dilemma. You mentioned that your husband spent about five years on active duty, and then the remainder of his time was spent in the National Guard.

If you retire from the National Guard, the rules surrounding healthcare are a little bit different. You may want to review the following:

https://www.tricare.mil/-/media/Files/TRICARE/Publications/BrochuresFlyers/NGR_Retire_Br.pdf

[BlueStarAirlines]

Any additional award should be retroactive. He would receive a lump sum and an increased monthly award if the % is increased.

Yes, but you miss the point.....

[Joe C.]

I served 3 1/2 years active duty in the Navy '65 thru '68. Two years Vietnam. I went to the VA when I was around 64 or 65 years old, armed with my DD214. All I told them was that I wanted to register with them in the event of a service connected disability in the future. No problem. They gave me a once a year checkup which I co-payed $50. As it t.urns out, I now have several service connected disabilities due to Agent Orange. The VA had me go to a third party for medical analysis and prior to that I went to the Sumter County office off of Rt466A and met with an exceptionally efficient VSO who filled in all the blanks and gave me good info.
So now I get a disability payment and all my service connected disabilities are taken care of by the VA with no co-pay.
But I would recomment the Sumter County VSO. Pay him a visit (appointment needed). He will get you on track.

[Sgt Ed]

If he served in the military and participated in a war, then he gets full benefits regardless of income. He was in the service for 30 years? When he retired he should have received a benefits pkg explaining everything. There is a VA in The Villages. Check with them for what he is or isn’t qualified for. And I thank him for his service. Not even close !

[Larryjanem]

For the best information I suggest you contact the Sumter County Veterans Service center and make an appointment. They should be able to help you and your husband clarify the info out there.

The Villages Sumter
County Service Center

7375 Powell Road
Wildwood, FL 34785
Phone: 352-689-4400
Hours

Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Appointments only.

[thelegges]

And false claims. :shocked:

Think of all the Nam guys who had issues for years, with so called false or nothing claims.

Now compare numbers of Nam guys killed in action with died from effects of AO. No black wall with their names

[Psacc0]

That's why I'm confused? 25 plus yrs? He signed up during Vietnam but they didn't send him over. Marines few yrs then army NG 25 yrs and he can't go to VA?
My husband is retired with 20 yrs. Service. He is seen at the VA Clinic here for various services. There are income rules, so he does pay small copays for labs, podiatry, primary care, etc. However, his hearing loss was deemed service related years ago, so hearing aids are covered. When seeing a civilian provider, they bill Medicare first, then Tricare for Life picks up the rest. As spouse, I also have this covered supplement. I don’t need any additional supplement.

[bsouthworth47@yahoo.com]

Was your husband ever in Camp Lejune? If so than you are eligible for eye care and hearing. They can't deny you because of income.

[bsouthworth47@yahoo.com]

If at Camp Lejune yes you qualify. I was originally denied but have eye care and hearing with the VA now. They can't deny you if you were at Camp Lejune.

[Topspinmo]

Think of all the Nam guys who had issues for years, with so called false or nothing claims.

Now compare numbers of Nam guys killed in action with died from effects of AO. No black wall with their names

I was B52 mechanic I know several who died from AO, VN was useless waste of life war. Also known several that got killed. I also know several that was no where near action working in offices which never picked up anything heavier than pencil with 80% plus disability.

Sure there hundreds of thousands that were and still disabled from all wars. Then there the ones that know how to game the system, they know who they are.

[Salty Dog]

To be eligible to receive both military retired pay and VA Disability Compensation concurrently, a member who did not retire under Chapter 61 for disability must:
Have a service-connected disability (or combination of service-connected disabilities) that is rated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as not less than 50 percent disabling on the VA schedule for rating disabilities.

Any less and the law requires that a military retiree waive a portion of their gross DoD retired pay, dollar for dollar, by the amount of their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation pay; this is known as the VA waiver (or VA offset)

Basically, the only advantage for those retires with less than 50% disability rating is the VA portion that replaces your regular pay is not taxed.

There is a special entitlement for combat-related disabilities, but I'm not sure how it works. I've never met a disabled veteran with a combat-related disabilities.

[Heartnsoul]

[QUOTE=bsouthworth47@yahoo.com;2252985]Was your husband ever in Camp Lejune? If so than you are eligible for eye care and hearing. They can't deny you because of income.[/
YES. FOR A YEAR AND HAS PARKINSONS

[Heartnsoul]

If at Camp Lejune yes you qualify. I was originally denied but have eye care and hearing with the VA now. They can't deny you if you were at Camp Lejune.

Yes he was for A YEAR AND HAS PARKINSONS now

[Heartnsoul]

Yes. He was stationed at Lejune for a year and now has Parkinsons

[Heartnsoul]

For the best information I suggest you contact the Sumter County Veterans Service center and make an appointment. They should be able to help you and your husband clarify the info out there.

The Villages Sumter
County Service Center

7375 Powell Road
Wildwood, FL 34785
Phone: 352-689-4400
Hours

Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Appointments only.

They were no help at all. They said they are only to file claims, not assisting us in eligibility

[yankygrl]

Yes he was for A YEAR AND HAS PARKINSONS now
You have to apply for disability benefits, unfortunately it isn’t always automatically done.

[Number 10 GI]

OP, why are you fixating on the VA? Other posters and myself have pointed out that you are covered under Medicare and Tri-Care For Life, you don't need the VA for medical care. You will incur no out of pocket costs using these two medical care coverages. Nearly all doctors, clinics and hospitals accept them. Select a doctor(s) and start getting your medical care through them.
The only way you will get the VA to provide medical care is by applying for a disability due to exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune during the time frame specified to qualify for the disability. That process can take months.