His question was a valid one. I am a Viet Nam era vet, but I was not in Viet Nam, so I am not able to be treated at the VA.
I was not in Viet Nam, so I am not able to be treated at the VA.That's no longer true and is actually part of the problem.
All vets have qualified for health care for many years now, and the extent of that coverage is based on several factors. (See the
VA Priority table.)
However, this policy of "everyone qualifies" just increases the burden for all VA facilities nationwide and is stressing the system to the max (I'm not defending the VA - it's just a logical consequence).
If the H/C benefit was only available to those who had service connected injuries, the current VA tragedy might not have happened.