u/ArmyVeteran1987

A few weeks back I went to a non-VA hospital to get emergency surgery as I was in unbearable abdominal pain. I wouldn't have been able to make it to the VA hospital as it is an hour away, so I went to the nearest non-VA hospital down the road (10 mins away). After I got emergency surgery (appendectomy) and returned home (same day of surgery), per VA process, I called the VA emergency notification line that day to report it. I also told the hospital when I was admitted I get VA healthcare.

Based on my research, I thought if we are 100% P&T and go to a non-VA hospital for emergency care, the VA would cover it. This makes sense to me, however, a few days ago I received a bill from the hospital for the procedure for +$6k. Anyone have any guidance as to how to handle this situation? I don't have private insurance so was counting on the VA to cover this as an emergency.

Looks like my SSDI application went to step 4 and now reads:

On May 15, 2026, a representative in xyz started a final review to make sure that you still meet the non-medical requirements for Disability Benefits.

Does this mean I was approved medically? Or do you still receive this even if you are denied? I have very high confidence I will meet the non-medical requirements, work history, work requirements, etc. Any insight would be awesome!

Thanks everyone. Can't help the curiosity...!

Hello,

I am interested in utilizing my remaining post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Based on the VA website, I have 19 months, 24 days left to use.

I'm not sure how to figure out how many credits this gives me. Is the benefit purely based on time, meaning you expend your benefits the same, regardless if you take a full course load versus a part time workload? I would have assumed it was based on credits not how long you are in school, but I don't know. Anyone have any guidance?

I was hoping to take some classes part time as it would be more practical for me in my current situation. Thanks all!