Question:

I was in the Vietnam War, 2 enlistments. I never really followed with heath care since I rarely get sick. However, I'm going to be 70 soon and have 2 young children and a son due in a few months. I've been living in the Philippines since 2015, when I met my wife. Do I qualify for anything from the VA? I do have tinnitus, a sore spot in my lower back since 2009, and I need a colonoscopy follow-up. Old age has also brought on prostate cancer.

Jim's Reply:

VA provides services for you but getting the paperwork done may be a burden. VA moves slow in normal times and the pandemic has caused a lot of backlogs. I'd suggest that you file a disability claim for the tinnitus...you'll probably be better off traveling to Manila and ask for some help with that.
 

If you aren't already registered for VA health care you'll likely need a disability rating to be eligible. Getting the rating for tinnitus (10%) should be relatively simple if you have a CIB from Vietnam. You can also ask for an 'agent orange exam' and if they're able to provide that you should meet with a health care provider who will examine you for any agent orange related disabling conditions.
 

I haven't ever been to the Philippines but I hear from quite a few American Vietnam era veterans who live well there. The most common thing I hear is how difficult the VA regional office and the health care system in Manila can be to deal with. They have limited resources and eligibility for different services can be confusing.
 

So...find someone who is familiar with the Manila VA to buddy up with...a VSO or another RVN vet who has been through the drill at Manila VA. Get that disability rating since that opens doors for you and be patient, very very patient.
 

Good luck sir.