Helping a Vet

[Whistler]

Guys I'm sorry if this is in the wrong spot, wasn't sure if I should even post at all as he's very private. Please move or delete this if it's in the wrong spot or violates a rule.

I have an Uncle (mom's youngest brother) who has a ton of health problems, regular dialysis, etc. My mom contacted me about him needing some sort of electric chair/scooter sort of thing. He's a Viet Nam vet, drafted straight out of high school and it's my thought the VA should handle that but apparently not. I figured someone here may have had the experience of chasing down programs that might help a bit or how to get the VA to take care of it or any suggestions at all.

I don't have all the details yet, Betty (his wife) is supposed to call today.

 

[oohrah]

If he has a service connected disability, he can get VA care for that, if he can prove it. If he is indigent, or limited means, he can get general VA health care as a Vet. Veterans who have the means for getting health care generally do not qualify for health benefits.

 

[Army 1911]

There is a list of health problems that qualify for VA benefits for those who served in nam. Check the VA webb site for details. It is because agent orange got into the water system and was still there long after the quit using the stuff.

 

[vmax]

If his DD214 has RVN on it listed as one of his deployments he is all but guarnteed at least a 40 percent disability rating and coverage for his health needs

like others have said, if he is not registered with the VA thats the first thing he has to do
He has to have that 214. Anyone who has served knows what that is and how important it is. I'm sure he has a copy of it

The government has a list of diseases http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/index.asp
associated with being exposed to Agent Orange and if you went to viet nam, even got off the plane, walked around and got back on the plane, you are considered service connected if you have any one of those conditions

 

[vmax]

There is a list of health problems that qualify for VA benefits for those who served in nam. Check the VA webb site for details. It is because agent orange got into the water system and was still there long after the quit using the stuff.

actually you didn't have to serve in Nam to have been exposed to Agent Orange
aircraft maintenance personel and anyone working in the cargo holds of the planes carrying it, we exposed as well
it just helps if you were in Nam, but don't think you were not exposed if you never served in country

 

[F350-6]

....
He has to have that 214. Anyone who has served knows what that is and how important it is. I'm sure he has a copy of it

But if he doesn't, it's not that hard to get a copy of it. I think you can even request it online now.

 

[Whistler]

Many of his health issues are service related, he is hooked up with VA. He's been sick on and off for quite a while. Like I say, don't have all the details yet just heard he needs one or help getting one or something and I'm going to help him if I can. I just posted this thread in case someone had relevant experience they could share and save me a little legwork.

 

[oohrah]

Unfortunately, there is always legwork involved. See if you can find a Veteran's One Stop or similar support office near your community.

 

[dw257]

Texas Veterans Commission has offices in Dallas, Waco, and Austin. They can help you get started and probably guide you through the entire process. They provided me with representation during video conferences with VA officials in DC. Also there is a veterans representative at most county court houses.

 

[Charlie]

Good luck to you, sir. Help him all you can!

 

[F350-6]

Texas Veterans Commission has offices in Dallas, Waco, and Austin. They can help you get started and probably guide you through the entire process. They provided me with representation during video conferences with VA officials in DC. Also there is a veterans representative at most county court houses.

So do some counties. Johnson county has a veterans services individual who's entire job it to help veterans get whatever help they might be eligible for.

 

[Coop45]

Does he have medicare? We're getting kind of long in the tooth.