Tricare is for retired only, not veterans of less than 20+ years. Nothing to do with the VA AFAIK.
I do not use the VA, I pay for my own healthcare. Many cannot afford that and use the VA.
My father spent years working for the VA and it soured my opinion long before I was eligible to use them.
I messed up 40+ years ago not trying to get a claim for my damaged hearing. My understanding of the VA was that they would likely out-wait my patience with foot dragging.
Only real experience with the system was trying to get a VA home loan. They refused to accept my wife’s income to qualify because “she was still of childbearing age”
Hubby is a Vietnam vet. Has never used the VA. Not once. When we first got married we started the paperwork for a VA loan. Part of his records were sealed so it was gonna be a mess...if we could even get it. We got a conventional loan instead. So he has never used any of his ‘benefits’ from serving.
They have a new concept called a fully developed claim. I did that and took a few months to get approved for a claim regarding my damaged hearing. I think it was if it’s approved they retro pay you 2 years back from the time you put in your claim. So ask a VA rep about the “ developed claim” concept.