What VA Benefits are available for seniors?

[TN8Man]

I served in the military (USAF) for one term plus an extension before an honorable discharge. It was a good move for me since I didn't have any skills and didn't know what I wanted to do in life. The military training and experience got my career started in electronics which was invaluable and I enjoyed the experience.

Now I'm retired and I ran into a AMVETS guy who was telling me I could still receive benefits from VA. He suggested getting a VA card and start looking at what benefits were available. He asked if I had ever been hospitalized in the military, which I was and he said I could receive benefits still for that.

So I'm just curious if any veterans here are aware of these potential benefits and do they utilize them.

My dad served during Korea war and after he retired he accessed the VA hospitals and was even buried in a VA cemetery with military service.

 

[sandman2234]

Burial plot, headstone allowance are two I can think of.
David from jax

 

[Eagle1]

Similar history as you and you can get VA medical care (adjusted for income) plus a host of other things. Some worth something so no but it never hurts to get your card and explore the options.

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs.

 

[TN8Man]

Similar history as you and you can get VA medical care (adjusted for income) plus a host of other things. Some worth something so no but it never hurts to get your card and explore the options.

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs.

I think I will go get my VA card and check into it. They are building a new and much more capable VA center near me so I won't have to travel far.

 

[caver]

With the VA card you can get a yearly pass for National Parks etc. Let us know what you find.

 

[Roadworthy]

If you've not used the option you may still be able to get a VA home loan. I was in the USAF as an aircraft crew chief (KC135A) for one hitch. Over time I have hearing loss and tinnitus. I get a small stipend for that and talking to buddies find I'm not the only one who does.

 

[TN8Man]

With the VA card you can get a yearly pass for National Parks etc. Let us know what you find.

I did find the VA disability compensation info.

 

[TN8Man]

If you've not used the option you may still be able to get a VA home loan. I was in the USAF as an aircraft crew chief (KC135A) for one hitch. Over time I have hearing loss and tinnitus. I get a small stipend for that and talking to buddies find I'm not the only one who does.

I did take advantage of the VA home loan for my first and second homes. My current home had no loan.
I was a electronic tech working on aircraft simulators.

 

[deserteagle71]

I've had a VA medical card since I retired several years ago. Never used it...impossible to get an appointment! Funny...I get an email from the VA asking me why I've never used their services and giving me a phone number to make an appointment for a physical. I've called that number multiple times. No answer ever...the phone rings and rings and then a message comes on saying they are too busy to take my call right now and call back later...........................

Friend of mine, ex-Marine, handles it differently. He drives to the VA medical center, walks in and claims (lies) that he is having chest pains. They get him right in and while in there he gets his other concerns addressed.

Whenever I hear someone saying this country needs Universal Health Care run by the Federal government I tell them about my experience with Federal government health care...how long do you want to make an appointment to see a doctor???

 

[Eaglesfate]

VA home loan, as many others have said, and if you have been exposed to anything toxic (Agent orange, experimental jet fuel, bases which were contaminated with bio/chemical elements, radiation) you may want to go get your free yearly exam.