Why veterans do not use the VA?

Veterans avoid the VA due to frustrating bureaucracy, long wait times, distrust from past negative experiences (like over-prescribing or denied community care), difficulty proving service-connected conditions, and feeling undeserving or lacking awareness of benefits, often preferring private care despite system improvements like the PACT Act. Many have private insurance and find civilian care more convenient and responsive, while others struggle with eligibility due to discharge status or service length, creating barriers to accessing care.

Why doesn't the VA help veterans?

The VA doesn't help all veterans due to a complex, underfunded system with eligibility hurdles like discharge status and income, causing delays, backlogs, and denials, even for service-connected issues; while efforts like the PACT Act expand care, deep-rooted problems persist, including bureaucracy, inconsistent staffing, and difficulty navigating complex rules, leaving many veterans feeling unsupported. 

How many veterans don't use the VA?

In 2023 there were an estimated 18 million veterans, of that, 9 million were eligible for VA care, and only 6 million were using it. This gap isn't just a statistic; it represents real people battling mental health challenges, PTSD, and substance misuse, often in isolation.

Do all veterans get to use the VA?

Fact: VA healthcare is available to all eligible Veterans, not just those who served in combat. Eligibility is based on factors such as length of service, discharge status, and other considerations. Veterans are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply for VA healthcare benefits.

Are veterans happy with the VA?

“We're proud that more than 91% of Veterans now trust VA health care, but we still have work to do. By measuring Veteran trust, we can not only learn what we're doing well at VA – we can also learn how to get better.”

How Does The VA Decide Who Gets 100% P&T...And Who Does NOT

Is the VA a broken system?

Despite its abundant funds, the Department of Veterans Affairs has consistently failed to provide adequate care for veterans. The VA's claims system is a bureaucratic disaster, often leaving veterans waiting months or even years for benefits.

Do veterans get free McDonald's?

McDonald's does not offer a national or blanket discount among all stores. However, they request veterans to inquire about special military discounts at their local McDonald's as franchisees often offer a Veterans Day discount.

Who gets free healthcare from the VA?

We're committed to providing free health care for conditions related to military service and for Veterans with catastrophic disabilities and disability ratings of at least 50%. We're also committed to caring for Veterans who can't afford to pay for care.

What percentage of Veterans use their VA benefits?

In FY 2023 there were approximately 18.3 million living Veterans, of which 9.2 million (50%) used at least one VA benefit or service in that year alone (1). This chart shows how many Veterans used each program.

Can all Veterans use the commissary now?

Do I need to apply for commissary and exchange privileges? You don't need to apply, but you'll need to have the right kind of ID at checkout. You can show your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) or a letter from VA along with your passport or driver's license.

What is the hardest VA claim to get?

Hearing loss is the #1 heartbreaker because VA rates strict audiogram numbers (not real-life struggle), and many other claims (aggravation of pre-service conditions, sleep apnea, chronic pain post-Saunders, PTSD/MST, Gulf War MUCMI, mild TBI, non-presumptive toxic exposures, dental compensation, and substance abuse ...

How much does the CEO of the VA make?

How much does a Chief Executive Officer make at US Department of Veterans Affairs? The estimated average salary for a Chief Executive Officer at US Department of Veterans Affairs is $331,977 per year or $160 per hour, but some professionals have reported earning up to roughly $607,517 per year (90th percentile).

Which US state has the most veterans?

Texas has the most veterans by total number, followed closely by Florida and California, with over 1.4 million veterans as of 2024, while states like Alaska, Virginia, and Montana have the highest percentage of veterans in their population. The sheer size of their general populations leads to higher absolute numbers in Texas, Florida, and California, but smaller states with significant military presence or retirement appeal often rank highest for veteran share, notes U.S. News & World Report and this FOX 26 Houston article. 

What not to say to the VA?

While it may seem like exaggerating your severity of symptoms will increase your chances of a higher VA rating, it often backfires. The examiner may view your entire claim as untrustworthy, and explain that fact in their exam report for the VA Rater, potentially leading to a claim denial or an underrating.

What is the 55 rule for veterans?

The VA 55-Year Rule protects veterans 55 and older from routine reexaminations for disability ratings, preventing reductions because their conditions are less likely to improve with age, offering stability, but exceptions exist for fraud, cancer, or specific circumstances. It stops standard C&P exams, not all contact, meaning if a veteran requests an increase or the VA finds fraud, reevaluations can still occur, ensuring ratings remain protected from arbitrary changes.
 

Why don't doctors want to work for the VA?

Many other doctors feel the same way. When you own your job, you generally have more control over your workplace and more potential for a higher income. The VA doesn't offer ownership; all of its doctors are employees. If you want to own your job, you wouldn't even consider the VA.

Do veterans trust the VA?

This new data builds on other encouraging recent surveys of Veterans about VA trust. Another recent survey revealed that Veteran trust in VA outpatient care increased to 91.8%, which is also an all-time high. As trust in VA has increased, so has the number of Veterans who use VA services.

Why does Dave Ramsey not recommend a VA loan?

He wants to take out a VA loan since they don't have a down payment for a house. Is that a good idea?” DAVE'S RESPONSE: “A VA home loan are one of the more expensive kinds of loans. It's a veteran's benefit, but it's not actually a benefit because you can get a conventional loan at less fees and lower interest rates.

Why is it so hard for veterans to get benefits?

Obtaining Medical Evidence

Without comprehensive medical records or an explicit opinion from a healthcare provider, it becomes difficult to establish service connection. Many veterans either do not have access to all of their medical records or are unaware of the crucial documents.

Why don't all veterans get free healthcare?

Income Thresholds

The VA uses a system of priority groups. Veterans with higher incomes, or those without service-connected disabilities, may be denied if they fall outside the VA's eligibility limits.

Do veterans get free iPads with the VA?

The VA program gives qualifying veterans cellular-enabled iPads to access telehealth services; it currently helps more than 50,000 vets across the country virtually connect to VA health care services. It has recently been expanded as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is the VA 5-year rule?

The VA 5-Year Rule protects veterans' disability ratings, stating that if a rating stays the same for five years, the VA cannot lower it without clear evidence of sustained, significant improvement in the condition under normal conditions, not just a single exam. This rule makes ratings "stabilized," providing a crucial safeguard against arbitrary reductions, though the VA can still review the condition and order exams if they suspect material change, requiring strong medical proof to justify lowering benefits.
 

Does Walmart give discounts to veterans?

No, Walmart does not have a standing, nationwide discount for all veterans or military personnel; however, they support veterans through their hiring program, "Careers with a Mission," and offer special programs for employees and spouses, but the standard customer discount isn't available. Veterans can still save at Walmart through other means, like their Walmart+ membership or by taking advantage of regular rollbacks and sales. 

Is Chick-fil-A free for the military?

Ask if your nearest Chick-fil-A location offers a military discount. Participating locations usually offer active duty military and veterans a daily 10% discount and one free meal on Military Appreciation Days.

Does Target give veterans discount?

Yes, Target offers a 10% military discount twice a year, typically around Veterans Day (November) and the Fourth of July, for active-duty, veterans, National Guard, reserves, and their families, accessible through the Target Circle app by verifying military status for use on two separate transactions.