The following was written for the Wyoming Base Members, but it applies nationally. 

CATEGORIES OF VA (Veterans Administration) CARE

1.        Priority 1

Veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilities 50% or more disabling

Veterans determined by VA to be unemployable due to service-connected conditions

2.        Priority 2

Veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilitiesl 30% or 40% disabling

3.        Priority 3

Veterans who are former POWs

Veterans awarded a Purple Heart medal

Veterans whose discharge was for a disability that was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty

Veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilities 10% or 20% disabling

Veterans awarded special eligibility classification under Title 38, USC  Section 1151, “benefits for

Individuals disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation

4.        Priority 4

Veterans who are receiving Veterans who are receiving aid and attendance or housebound benefits from VA

Veterans who have been determined by VA to be catastrophically disabled

5.        Priority 5

Nonservice-connected veterans and noncompensable service-connected veterans rated at 0% disabled by VA and whose annual income and net worth are below the VA pension benefits VA national income threshold

Veterans receiving VA pension benefits

Veterans eligible for Medicaid programs

6.       Priority 6

WWI Veterans

Compensable 0% service-connected veterans

Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or during the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Project 112/SHAD participants

Veterans who served in a theatre of combat operations after November 11, 1998 as follows:

Veterans discharged from active duty on or after January 28, 2003, who were enrolled as of January 28, 2008 and veterans who apply for enrollment after January 28, 2008, for 5 years post discharge

Veterans discharged from active duty before January 28, 2003, who apply for enrollment after January 28, 2008, until January 27, 2011

7.        Priority 7

Veterans with income and/or net worth above the VA National income threshold and income below the geographic income threshold who agree to copay

8.        Priority 8

Veterans with income and/or net worth above the VA national income threshold and the geographic income threshold who agree to pay copays

Subpriority a: Noncompensable 0% service-connected veterans enrolled as of Jan 16, 2003 , and who have remained enrolled since that date

Subpriority c: Nonservice-connected veterans enrolled as of Januar 16, 2003, and who have remained enrolled since that date

Subpriority e***: Noncompensable 0% service-connected veterans applying for enrollment after Jan 16, 2003

Subpriority g***: Nonservice-connected veterans applying for enrollment after January 16, 2003

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Following are Ron’s notes:

In regards to Priority 8:  This is my category.  I came into the program in 1998.  I have income below the income threshold level but I have too many assets including a 401K and another good chunk in a Money Market account. 

I was told by the guy that does the means test at Sheridan’s VA, that if you served on the ground in Vietnam, you are probably good for the program in a better category than 8 due to Agent Orange considerations.  You have to prove you were on-ground however. 

The income levels for Sheridan County  with one dependent is $38,500.  Jackson Hole and Campbell County have higher amounts.  A few counties have lower, but this he said was a good average in the state.  No spouse amount was $33650. 2 Dependents was $43300, 4 was $48100.  

***Now you apply even if think you don’t qualify because of income levels or assets.  You will be in the system (but not eligible for care).  Then in case you suffer some catastrophic health or income problems, for example your home may burn down, or the wife may require more care than insurance will handle.  All that might make a difference in your eligibility and your paper work will be done.  Go to any VA Clinic or the hospital in Cheyenne or Sheridan for the paperwork.  Bring discharge papers (DD 214) and Honorable Discharge forms.   

You also may think that you have Medicare, what’s the big deal?  VA pays better.  Prescriptions for me are $8/month for any prescription.  I’m taking 5 now.  I had two major operations in 2006.  One was

$51,000 plus the flight to Denver and back.  The other was done here and was also $51,000 by coincidence.  I paid $982 for each total.  I had a gall bladder removed in 2005 and paid $982. I pay $45 for a colonoscopy at the VA and runs over $1000 at the local Hospital.  If you are under VA care, you just can’t walk into another hospital and expect VA to pay.  They have to refer you.  Also because I am Priority 8, I do not get dental or vision care.  I do get a free vision exam because I am now diabetic but they do not supply glasses or frames to me. 

Also; you can’t get both Medicare and VA.  You can use ne or the other but not both.  VA is the much better deal.  I do NOT have any other insurance.  When my wife turns 65 in Jan of 2010, we will dump her group insurance which is running me $820/month now and we will go with Medicare and a drug plan for her and save big time. 

Many DAV Chapters have a van/free ride from their offices to the VA facility you are needing care at.