For 50 years, Air Force Veteran Donald Zullo, like thousands of other Veterans, believed he was not eligible for VA health care due to his peacetime service. Zullo learned differently when he walked into his Abilene VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic following a life-altering medical emergency.
“I never expected to need VA because I thought I didn’t deserve it. It wasn’t until I had a heart attack while working as a bus driver that I learned VA was intended for non-combat Veterans like myself,” he shared.
The heart attack led Zullo to seek out his local VA clinic where he finally posed the longstanding question that had lingered throughout his life: “Am I eligible?” According to VA statistics, in the past year, more than 400,000 other Veterans have asked that same question and have enrolled in VA health care. This is greatly thanks to the PACT Act.
Zullo found that, along with health care, he was missing something from his experiences with other health care: a sense of family and belonging. From his first encounter with VA verifying his eligibility with the help of a medical support assistant, an immediate connection was made and Zullo found that missing piece.
Pictured above, Zullo stands outside his home with a newly installed access ramp. The VA assisted mobility ramp is just one of the ways his primary care team have reached out to help elder patients like him lead richer, more fulfilling lives.
“I found the family I needed.”
“I found the family I needed. Since my first day there, the doctors, nurses and employees have worked tirelessly to improve my health. They have been so good to me since the first day,” Zullo said.
VA offers care to Veterans of all eras, and there are multiple avenues for enrollment in VA health care. The eligibility requirements are wide ranging, from income to service-related injuries. With the help of the Abilene VA staff, Zullo found the criteria that applied to him and his service. When it came time to sit down with his VA doctor, his past beliefs vanished. Any hesitations he may have had about reaching out to VA have all been cleared away.
“A Veteran is a Veteran,” said Melissa Milliorn, social worker with the Abilene VA clinic. “We encourage all Veterans, from all eras and types of service, to utilize our services because every Veteran is important to us.”
Zullo’s health journey with VA health care transformed his life. What started as a reluctant step toward seeking help turned into a profound experience of healing, community and purpose.
To enroll in VA health care, reach out to your nearest VA health care facility or enroll online.
West Texas VA provides health care services at six locations across west Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Our facilities include the George H. O’Brien Jr. VA Medical Center in Big Spring, four community-based outpatient clinics in Abilene, Fort Stockton, San Angelo and Odessa, and one in Hobbs, New Mexico.
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tried to get help at north little rock ar facility but got nothing but a run around and couldn’t even get directed to someone to help. so frustrated I just walked out after 2 attempts. the horror stories are real.
I was transferred to a different team and supposedly a different primary care provider. My prescriptions were canceled and I have been having trouble getting my medications ever since. I don’t know who my primary care doctor is anymore because they change all the time.
I have to wait six months to see a doctor or dentist and then all they do is filll the same two teeth until there is nothing left to hold a filling.
,My name is Arnold Cabral a Marine please read this Spread the my belief email your Senators or Representative contract the Veteran Affairs Committee passed a brand new Disabled Veterans who is 100percent service connected need to have a Dentist that knows how to put in G4implants for free and they don’t have one work for a Veteran Medical Centers Dentistry or have a contract with a Veteran Affairs Administration please Thanks
… and the next thing, one starts getting bills in the mail. So, I decided not to ever go back. I will use other means when the need to see a doctor comes. At least the VA should make one aware of how much they are going to charge, thus, I will decide if I want to pursue health care with the VA.
Is there a limit as to how much money a VET has or is paid?
I would like to know if I am a veteran. I was in the Florida National Guard from 1964 – 1969 with 2 years standby. I did not go out of the country for any service but was told that was a veteran because I did 6 years with 2 weeks every year summer camp.
I am a senior Vietnam veteran having served two tours in Vietnam…My memory is not too good nowadays but am I signed up for VA Health Care?
Hi Lorenzo – Thank you for serving and protecting our country! You can call 877-222-8387 to find out it you are enrolled in VA Healthcare. If not, they can provide you guidance.
1 WANT TO KNOW WHY A VET VETRAN HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING HELP FROM THE VA AND THE U.S IS HELPING ALL OF THE PEOPLE COMING INTO THE STATE I SERVED MY TIME IN THE SERVICE ADN WAS TOLD THAT THEWOULD TALK CARE OF ME STOP HELPING ALL OF THE PEOPLE COMING INTO THE U.S. AND HELP THE SERVICE MENS AND WOMENS .
I understand how some veterans don’t feel deserving of the benefits and assistance available to them. Problem is that many veterans are experiencing health and psychological issues that affect them daily and it is difficult for them to come to grips with their situation. I know all to well!
I am 83 years old. I put in 6 years of service in the Army National Guard. I worked for the first year as an Aircraft Repairman. Then since I had a law degree, they said that they needed me for their Legal Clerk instead. I spent the last five years doing that. I Worked in the Headquarters in Springfield Missouri. For the 1106 and 1107 Battalions. Transportation Division. I spent all that time, and it was not my fault that I did not see war or be on the line. I was wherever they sent me. I do not get any benefits at all from working there for my service. That is just terrible. I served where I was told and needed. There has to be someone in those positions to help the transportation system for everyone else. I want to know what I can do to see about services and what I am able to receive at all. Contact me or email me. I really want to know something before I pass on and want my children to know.
I was told by a person at the local VA office when I returned that The VA would not consider my problem service related.
Later I had a knee problem. Got to see VA in Denver only to get a runaround. I didn’t see the same Doctor twice in a row.
Then people ask me why I don’t go to the VA for medical help.
I am so glad that VA care is working for some. But as others have stated here not all are treated alike.
I was discharged in 1971, went to the county VA office and was told that they did not consider my problem service related.
I have a permanent profile from the Army that pertains to my problem.
Had knee problems went to VA in Denver. I had to take a whole day off work to get help. Never saw the same Doctor twice. Each one had his own Idea what was wrong. Ended up being my problem, don’t bother me.
My name is Roger Green, and I served as a com chief in the 2nd and 78th Arty in Germany from 1968 to 1970. When I returned home, I resumed my work as a Telephone Company employee for over forty years. During that time, I worked as a craftsman and then was promoted into the engineering department. You may ask how was this possible?
I used my VA benefits to complete an industrial prosses degree (pre-engineering) and later a degree in economic and political science……financed by the VA. I now live in rural Nevada and have the usual benefits afforded to an old, retired telephone man, SSI, Medicare and a company medical plan, all of which are fine. I also use my VA medical benefits with a hearing disability partially due to 155 SP GUNS.
The BIG BUT is, where do I go for excellent, timely and cost-effective medical care……You guessed it DUH VA facility in Reno. I r a engineer due too duh VA benefits afforded 2 me I get treatment not provided by other means
I was not an English major as you can see, but I did keep the phones talking in the Army and in civilian life.
“Can You Hear Me Now”
Former Sgt. Roger Green “B” Batty 2nd and 78th.
It does seem very variable for each person or area ; to receive help they need or benefit? ; from being a Veteran. ***Hats off to you Don Zullo for receiving the help you needed for ramp for home. ***;that is super! I’m sure it was most helpful!
One day maybe, down road, I hope to be able to have some assistance too .; if needed.
A woman US Navy Vet (early 70s time served);here today reading this new story and information.
Salute! ; to all whom served our country! *****
It’s nice to see a good news story, but there are so many bad ones.
So what does this mean I served from 75 until 78 and I’ve Been Told at least a dozen times that I get nothing . I have needed healthcare for so long and 3 heart attacks, gout and several other problems later I can get care? God knows that I need it but why is my life practically gone and someone says that I can get help? It’s a fight.
Applied for eligibility due to my 20 year honorable service (1973-1993), book-ended with SEA and Desert Storm era deployments, the first with valor, and due to my service related hearing issues.
I was quickly denied because under the Obama-McCain Defense Authorization Health Care provisions, I made/make over 34,000 in annual salary so I can never get VA care. I’m on Social Security and military pension now, so I’m still above the Maximum, but just.
Applied to get to at least get my hearing issues addressed, they finally had me tested, but said that as I had no prior VA records (remember I’m not eligible as an outpatient) they denied my hearing claim, my tinnitus claim and my PACT claim. Not Surprising.
why does a veteran have to be rated at 100% to receive dental care?
I have been going to the Boise Idaho VA for over 15 years. Every time I bring up concerns. The medical providers ignore me, laugh at me or run me out of the office. I live on social security and have no other medical support. I cannot even afford Medicare’s monthly payments. I expect to die from something these so-called medical providers will not even listen to. Everybody says VA is the greatest. It feels to me that ones that are over 10% disabled or retired are the only ones who can say that. I went through the exam for knee replacement and the Doctor told me that since I was only 10% that I would be placed at the bottom of the list and that it could take years to get the surgery. So, I have absolutely no faith in the VA.
Mark,
Please reach out to your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at https://doi.idaho.gov/SHIBA/ to find out if they can assist you with Medicare payments.
If you have limited income, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. More information here https://doi.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/shiba/2024_SHIBA-LIS-Brochure-2_9FEB2024.pdf
Hopefully, you can get some additional assistance.
Sadly, not all VA facilities are the same, when it comes to providing top rate health care. It could be that Boise, ID, does not have a large enough numbers of veterans or is too large an area for the VA to cover and/or for doctors/nurses to be assigned to that location. In San Francisco, the level of health care is excellent, with attentive doctors, nurses, assistants in abundance. It helps that SF VA is affiliated with the superb UCSF Medical School.
Thank you for your service fellow veteran Donald Zullo. This is a feel good story and I am happy you found the help you needed. I also got the best help from VA Medical when I needed the most and I am grateful for the help I received.
The Pact Act helped my best friend, life partner, spouse, the one…and our family out in a very difficult time. I’m grateful for all Veteran’s thank you for your service and thank God for the pact act. I miss you Christian Carl.
I would like to just wish my fellow vet the very best for the rest of his life. I too thought I wasn’t qualified for care. But my country answered my prayers. Thank you for your service!
Thank you Mr. Zullo. I am so glad to hear that the VA was able to come to your aid. May God continue to bless you, the VA and our nation.