My ex-wife’s father served a couple of years during Vietnam but did not go over, stateside duty only. He is basically indigent and the VA is treating him for diabeties, high blood pressure, etc. etc. I think we have our priorities misplaced. I had always thought the VA’s mission was to treat lifetime service related injuries and only found out recently that they treat indigent veterans for personal health problems.
The VA provides benefits to ALL veterans who sign up.
I think one of the reasons the VA is overwhelmed is due to individuals such as myself who have employer sponsored insurance but utilize the VA because it may be cheaper.....
I have been shocked at what I have been hearing (otherwise qualified for civilian insurance) people getting care at the VA for- these are people with access to decent current benefits and very financially solvent, and they will take themselves to the VA when they stub their toe.