The short version of my story goes:

I’d lost my job in Corporate American and along with it my Health Insurance. I needed both hips replaced but it took me 18 months to get into the VA Health Care System (complicated story). If I’d been fighting cancer I’d have been dead before I got into the System. The system is now accepting new enrollees so it shouldn't take nearly that long for you. Do it now before the brains in Washington close the Veterans Administration system to new enrollees again.

My Recommendation:

If you’re a Veteran of Military Service (it doesn’t matter where you were stationed or if you have any military related disabilities or not, you’re entitled to Health Care Benefits by virtue of your service to your country.)  Apply NOW, before you are in need of Health Care. If you currently have health insurance, the VA System will accept it. If not, you shouldn’t be charged for care. APPLY NOW!

Veterans:

My advice; Get enrolled as soon as possible (before you really need it. The story I could tell you...)  The VA provides health care, it is NOT health insurance.  If you have private health insurance it will take it; if not, you may not be charge or not charged much...  But you must be enrolled to take advantage of the benefit you earned.

Quick Benefits Eligibility Check:

http://www4.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/tools/Quick_Eligibility_Check/

How to Request Military Service Records or Prove Military Service (if you’ve lost your DD214):

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

Enroll NOW and Good Luck!