Active Duty with MS

[Blue-Hevynn]

I have been on active duty for 19 years and had MS over 15 but was only diagnosed 2 years ago. this close to retirement, I am unsure of how the whole VA process will work, where do I start? my neurologist is extrememly receptive, helpful, knowledgeable, and even compassionate. I am concerned about having to switch to a VA doctor. Any suggestions or advice would be welcome.

[Bob698]

I'll leave the active service stuff to the folks who are better qualified to answer it.
From my experience, Neuros are Neuros whether they work for the VA or a civilian hospital. Some are great, some are Neuros. The one advantage I can think of with the VA is that their staff are already used to dealling with us.

Have you figured out where you're going after you retire? You might want to ask around to see which states have better programs and VA services.

[AF PA]

Medical coverage after retirement

I am a Family Medicine provider in the AF and take care of retiree's on a daily basis, and they are allowed to maintain their specialist care after retirement. You will still be seen in the same clinic and can keep same provider after retirement, unless you are at base with a HUGE provider shortage, then you just go off base and can still maintain your neuro. You may need to see VA neuro randomly due to disability, but no more than annually. You should talk to TriCare office at your base to verify, things vary by region. I hope this helps, sorry I didn't reply early, I try to help answer these kind of questions, was off enjoying leave. Let me know if you have other questions.

[AF PA]

I forgot to add, when you turn 65 you have almost have to go to VA then or pay medicare costs, most clinics won't see retiree's over age 65.

[Sirike]

DAV

If you are military and dealing with the VA I STRONGLY suggest you talk with the DAV immediately. The DAV is free and very helpful especially when filing for disability.

MDE

[Bob698]

Any of the "clubs" (DAV, PVA, Legion, VVA, etc.) that deal with Vets and have a service officer on staff provide that service at no cost to the Vet.

As I've mentioned before, there are S.O.'s who will go the extra mile to help Vets. But there are also S.O.'s who don't. It doesn't matter which oragnization they belong to, sometime you just run into a bad apple or someone who is over-committed or has too many Vets on their "active" list.

Its up to you to find the best S.O. you can. If you're just starting out, I'd recommend talking to several S.O.'s if possible and find your "best fit". Treat it like they're interviewing for a job and you're the boss.