Can't the VA help you with the dental issue too? Our local VA (I have an appointment there) has a dental clinic.
It's reserved for disabled or retired veterans.
Aren't you a retired vet, as in retired from the armed forces? Or does that mean retired from working life?
No, I fall into the VA's category 8. While I am a veteran, I served only about six years on active duty. I did not serve in combat, I do not have a service connected disability, and obviously didn't serve the 20 years necessary for retirement. Category 8 veterans qualify for health care only by means test. For the first year, I had to pay copays. Now because I don't have an income, I pay nothing (your federal tax dollars at work). The one thing they ration is dental care. Everything else I can get.
With the economy as it is, I have been worried that the influx of unemployed veterans into the VA medical system would mean they would tighten requirements. Actually, the VA has expanded services and are encouraging category 8 vets who have been turned down to reapply if they have lost a job.
No, I'm not retired. I am only 48. Given my health care situation, I would love to get a job that pays about a grand a month. Given the way that I have learned to live, I could actually save some money. If it were a part time job, I would have time and energy to work on my book and maybe get some sort of professional life back.
I'll get dental care. It will take some doing, but I'll get it.
