Veterans use of FamCamps!

monkey44 wrote:

dsquared wrote: While it's true non-retired/disabled can't use the campsites, there appears to be ongoing misconception about using VA medical, which is available to all vets. Don't be mislead by someone at the VA or out in the world not knowing the facts. If you are a Vet, you have lots of bennies... including the VA. Most counties in the country have Service officers. Go see him/her.

Yes, right on. Sometimes, vets on here give out information that might be inaccurate - probably including myself as well, tho none of us try to do that intentionally.

The VA and Tricare qualificatiosn and what is covered takes books and books of legal mumbo jumbo to figure out, and even then VA and Tricare sometimes get it wrong. Depends on who you ask. So, if we have a question here, it's good to get some direction.

BUT, if it were my benefits in question, after I listened here, I'd then go to a VA service rep - like DAV, VFW, and find out for sure. Those reps will look it up and find out for sure based on YOUR case, not a guess, while some of the 'regular workers' will just tell you what "they think" which is like an "assume", and we all know what that means.

So, when it comes to benefits, I'd go direct to the service reps after doing a little homework -

While that is a good idea the reality is it means very little other than a feel good moment.

I battled the VA for years and I thought the DAV was on my side or so they said, but when it came down to it, the DAV who offices in the VA is nothing but a shill for the VA. Yea you might find a few folks in there that will help, but you better look and look long and hard, buy a lottery ticket while you are at it.

I found out the DAV and the VA was denying my claim based upon lack of proof it was service connected. But I had 36 pages of documentation and I was initially treated at Walter Reed, then Ft Monroe and Ft Eustis. I turned it into the DAV not 1, not 2, but 3 times, 5 times for the VA, yet it NEVER appeared in my records and the DAV REFUSED to allow me to see the packet they sent to Regional and DC. VA claimed the DAV never sent it. The VA said I never turned it in. IN SPITE of sending to the FINAL board appeal in DC 2x on separate dates in registered mail requiring sig.

NOTE: I also went to the VA REP. He looked at my packet, saw the proof I had and the letters of disapproval from the VA citing lack of proof...He looked at me, closed my packet and called to have me escorted out of the office stating the VA would not take my case!!!

But somebody slipped up in DC and the final appeal was denied. But luck was on my side before they turn you down final it goes to LEGAL for an opinion.

I got a copy of a letter legal sent to the board and to the DAV and HE SMOKED THEM. He OPENED the registered mail and there was my 36 pages of treatment at the aforementioned military hospitals and I was certainly on AD in that time frame.

I laughed last and thanks to a lawyer who blew them out the door, I also got 7 years back pay.

Go see the VA, DAV or who ever. BUT, LOOK them in the eye, have your ducks in a row or you too can spend the next 7 years trying to prove a legit claim!

The orgs ARE NOT on your side, you may get lucky and find an individual who will help and be on your side, but they get graded on this stuff.

What I should have added was, do your own homwork and don't take NO for a answer if you want a YES.

ANd, you're right, it takes time - my appeal took four years, and I demanded an in-person hearing. That way, YOU get to say more than what they read.

So. my last recommendation - GET an in-person hearing ...

Someone above made the comment that tricare don't pay for the eye exam. I am 65 yrs. of age and have never paid for a eye exam. I am retired army and get a eye exam at least every 2 yrs., which is what tricare will pay for. Sometime I get it sooner because Ft. Leonardwood don't care how often we get them. If you check with tricare you will find that it is authorized to have a eye exam every two years and be paid for. They will not pay for the glasses except the retired military can get glasses from the military side of it for free. That is the gospel, at least at Ft. Leonardwood, Mo.

bill6750 wrote: That is the gospel, at least at Ft. Leonardwood, Mo.

Bill, you're probably both right. TRICARE Standard and TRICARE 4 Life will not pay for an eye exam off-base for retirees. Many Military Treatment Facilities, i.e., military hospitals and clinics will do an eye refraction for retirees if they have the capability without impacting on their active duty patients. Some, will also order glasses with limited selection of frames for retirees.

In response to floridakamper, If they don't have optomitrist here at Ft. Leonardwood to do the exams, then they send us off post to get the exam from civilian Dr's and they pay the bill every two years. That is active and retired. They also do exams for contacts for us retires when needed. I wear contacts and have exams done here for years free.

Yep, TriCare Prime covered my exam. I had to pay for the lenses and frames.