Joe

Glad to hear you were approved for VA. You have earned it and deserve it. Your initial visit will probably be indoctrination; fill out paperwork, they'll ask questions, do an EKG and take blood. That was my experience anyway. After that you'll be assigned a Primary Care Doctor. The Primary Care Doctor will be the one to set up appointments with other Docs, tests, blood work, etc. There are a lot more Vets signing up for medical benefits due to the economy so there will be waiting times for appointments. Unfortunately the old adage "hurry up and wait" applies.

I don't know where you live but make sure there is a VA HOSPITAL near you and not just a Clinic. There's just a Clinic here and the hospital is about an hour away. It doesn't sound far but my van sounds like it'll take off into space!

Do check into area hospitals with regards to financial assistance. It's done on a sliding scale and some do provide "charity" care. Don't be afraid to ask, sometimes you have to swallow your "pride" to get the help you need.

From my understanding the VA is an entity upon itself and any and all benefits you get can not be used against you in the "civilian" world.

Best of luck from a fellow veteran.

Linda