If you separated with a service connected health issue you can apply for VA benefits. They use a pretty complicated formula and its taking current active duty with medical discharges 1-2 years to get through the system.
I have a service connected disability from 1983. I been to the VA exactly twice. The first time was to get an appointment after I started bleeding and the second time was to complain after the doctor told me when I showed up that he can’t see me for another month.
Next day I was brought to the hospital where I spent 7 nights.
That was 31 years ago. Yes it has been that bad that long.
My son is a Marine who was critically injured in Afghanistan and medically separated from the Corp. Unfortunately, due to the extent and severity of his injuries, he has no option for the rest of his life than the VA. He is only 27. I worry about it a lot. Probably more than he does.
The care he got in the 14 months of his hospital stay was pretty good, but now that he is out....who knows?
I think he was asking asking about VA medical care, or I may be wrong. You qualify immediately for VA care the day you leave service honorably. . .as far as I recall.
Service-connected injuries qualify you for VA payments as well as hospital coverage.
If you retire from service you can receive military retirement pay—reduced by the amount the VA assesses for your service-connected injury and that VA amount is paid (non-taxable) to you. If you are 50% or more rated, then you can receive concurrently your full military retirement AND the VA payment (non-taxable). This is the process that is taking sooooo long. . .getting your VA disability rating. Takes years.
