Veterans use of FamCamps!

I'm looking at it again. Years ago, the VA website said I wasn't eligible, due to my service dates (1977 - 1998), no Vietnam service, no service in a combat theater, and no service related medical problems.

When I went active duty in 1977, I also found out they discontinued the "GI Bill" education 10 months prior to my going active duty. Instead, they had a lousy "Veterans Educational Assistance Program" (VEAP). With VEAP, I had to contribute $100+ a month into the program and would get back $300 for every $100 I submitted. As an E-1, I couldn't afford the $100 a month and didn't participate. So I didn't get any educational benefits (except I got my BS degree while on active duty, with Uncle Sam paying 75% - 90% of the tuition (Tuition Assistance).

Me either Larry - Cat 8

Good for you that you were smart enough to get your education while in the service. I agree, it sounds like vets. of your time did get the short end on benefits. If I didn't serve during Desert Storm, I'd be in the same boat.

There is an assumption that it takes some type of combat or combat training injury to be eligible for a VA disability. That is incorrect. I personally know several individuals who have VA disabilities for things that most would think is not authorized. One individual fell off a ladder at home, permanently messed up his shoulder, and has an authorized disability. When you are on active duty, you are on it 24/7 even in your own garage. Another, received a knee injury playing basketball at the installation gym and also has that as part of his disability. The other person injured his back in a fall when he was working at a post swimming pool. He didn't think anything of it at the time, but years later it was diagnosed and now it's a VA compensated disability. There are thousands who have a compensated disability for tinnitus (ringing in the ears) from having been around loud noises like artillery or aviation. Certain diseases are compensated.

I could provide many more examples, but the fact is that the list of compensated non-combat injuries is long. One needs to visit the VA and talk personally with a rep about the possibility of filing an Application for Compensation. It would be extremely beneficial to be prepared with a detailed knowledge of your own medical history because you would be amazed at what might be considered as a service related injury or disease.

Having said all of that, know this. The VA is not going to just hand over money. Everyone needs to work their issues and No may be the first answer given to them. You can accept it or go find out if it is the correct answer. In order to jump from Cat 8 to Cat 3, all one needs is to validate a claim that will give them at least 10% - whether it is compensated or not. Service related hearing loss is in that category!

I am not trying to be melodramatic, but I have a close friend who didn't think he had any VA claim when he retired because he accepted the first No answer 15 years ago. I convinced him to go after it again. He is now 50%. Sad thing is that has pissed away $125,000 plus in total compensation since accepting No the first time.

guys, listen, you are misquoting rules and going to the wrong place for help.

to begin with the v.a. people are trained to try to keep the cost down, good jobs with good bennies disallows you to use the v.a. (as it should) no health insurance allows you to use the v.a. retired military have tri care so they don't need the v.a..

i went in to get my ears checked, they ring (tinitus) i walked out with a 10% disability (service connected)and the right to use the v.a.

damage to my back from a car wreck during my service netted another 30%, ptsd (viet nam) netted another 50%, 90% and no chance of holding a job, netted 100% D.A.V.

none of which would ever have happened if i had not gotten hooked up with the DAV rep. DAV lives for this sort of thing, they are free to you, and have no connection to the government.

going to the VA for help is like dealing with an insurace co. folks with verifyable diabilities are waiting 5 to 8 years for their cases to clear VA.get away from that system and go see your local DAV rep and you will get anything you have coming (and its a lot)

The question got lost when the VA discussion broke out.
The Military campgrounds are limited by thier numbers and spaces available. This is one of the benifits for serving 20+ years or 100% disabled / DOD. If everyone that served was allowed to stay then it would be impossible to get a spot. Its one of those things you had to do the time for. What would be next commisary / BX-PX-NEX / full base access?