Editor’s note: This article was updated on 01/05/2018.
VA has announced that the application process for the national Veterans Identification Card (VIC) is now available for Veterans — yet another action honoring their service.
This has been mandated through legislation since 2015 to honor Veterans, and today’s rollout of the ID card fulfills that overdue promise.
Only those Veterans with honorable service will be able to apply for the ID card, which will provide proof of military service, and may be accepted by retailers in lieu of the standard DD-214 form to obtain promotional discounts and other services where offered to Veterans.
“The new Veterans Identification Card provides a safer and more convenient and efficient way for most Veterans to show proof of service,” said VA secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “With the card, Veterans with honorable service to our nation will no longer need to carry around their paper DD-214s to obtain Veteran discounts and other services.”
The VIC provides a more portable and secure alternative for those who served the minimum obligated time in service, but did not meet the retirement or medical discharge threshold. Veterans who served in the armed forces, including the reserve components, and who have a discharge of honorable or general (under honorable conditions) can request a VIC.
To request a VIC, Veterans must visit vets.gov, click on “Sign In” in the top right hand corner and establish an ID.me account. Once the Veteran verifies their identity they may request to “Apply for the Veteran ID Card”.
Veterans who apply for a card should receive it within 60 days and can check delivery status of their cards at vets.gov. A digital version of the VIC will be available online soon.
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hello all
I am asking you the veteran and spouses both death both not to received services connected compensation? how about dependents survivors son of veterans can received this I..D.card from va? if can received how to get? what are requirements to received? how ?
I’m about to head to the DMV to get “veteran” stated on my drivers license. I don’t have my DD214, but I do have my Veterans Identification Card. Can I present that instead of my DD214?
Have any one got a new ID card
December 6, 2017, STILL NOT AVAILABLE!
This entire sign in & get a card process seems flawed beyond good reason. The process should be much easier and the VA should not have outsourced it to a commercial enterprise. I tried logging in and yes it lead to an overly commercialized site and I zero luck attempting to download an ID card which by the way is not the primary goal of the website. Nearest VA center is 100 miles away so maybe someday I’ll go there in person. This so-called ID card is for folks who served less than 20 years (2 to 6 years is typical) and are not retirees with a retiree card or injured Vets who already have a better VA card. Finally I deleted my account.
great service
very good service on my part
In the 1980’s, I got a VA education $ problem taken care of by my Rep. Jim Howard, DEM, New Jersey. Try your Member of the House of Representatives- unless he/she is a Republican.
I believe every VA facility is different. My hubster is being treated in Minneapilis facility. Trwatment and experience is A+. We were in Atlanta facility 2 yrs ago: would rate that experience F-!
Hurry Up …..and Wait. Sound familiar? (SNAFU)
Went to the web site this morning and received this message.
“Thank you for your interest in the Veteran Identification Card! Currently, we are experiencing a high volume of traffic. We apologize, and want you to know we’re working to fix the problem.”
Then was asked for an eMail address where they could notify me when the system is operational (or corrected)
Good to know some things NEVER change.
Short video clip states VIC can be used instead of DD214. It also states that if you have a VA health card you do not need VIC.
My question is can the VA health card be used instead of DD214?
This question is in regards to DMV not granting me veteran status on DL. For not showing DD214 at time of renewal date Feb 2017.
Do I understand you to be saying, I don’t need one if I have a current VA medical card indicating my service connection?
Why? Why is this needed? I’m a combat infantry vet with a Purple Heart and I’d loved to hear the reasoning behind this. Sounds like a pasifying piece of crap legislation. It’s been my personal opinion, which trumps every person who hasn’t lived the experiences of combat, that the title “Veteran” does not belong to people just because they served. Let’s say you complete basic training and then 3 months get discharged for various reasons. Are you then a Veteran of BasicTraining? Kind of sounds like everyone gets a Trophy to me!
THIS IS VOFEE KROMAH I WISH TO RECEIVE M VETERAN ID CARD.
I like others have tried to access this site to apply for the Veterans ID and it just keeps spinning but never actuallly loads. Just more BS from the VA. These politicians can say what they like if you can’t access the the site then why are they all praising this as something wonderful that they have done for Veterans !
How long does it take to get the card,p72z
I clicked on Apply for Veterans Identification Card and got nothing.
Please email application form to (redacted) and I will supply information. Thank You Carl Robert Swanson
To all my brothers and sister vets,
When l got involved with the VA, l had to have my congressman help me get in, almost 4 yrs now. The system is slow and the personal are not trained well to help our issues. The VA needs to put us Vets on the other end of the phone or computer so we may understand the issues, not some person who just got out of school and looking for a job. In the 60’s the VA got us together so fast and put a rifle and backpack and ship us to war, and they can’t seem to get us setup with what we need, something is wrong with that picture. By the way, it took awhile but the VA is taking good care of me now, no complaints.
Lucio Vasquez
Nam Vet 68-69
ID me is wortless. This isn’t for veterens. Once I logged in it gives you choices but none are for veterans
trying to fillout e mail won”t take it
If you have a freeze on all 3 credit bureaus, this will not work. So the want me to unfreeze my reports in order to get an id card? I t will cost me $10 to freeze each report. Sucks!
Actually, the intent of the card is so you no longer have to provide your DD 214. There are several places that do not accept military ID as proof of service or proof of having a DD214. For instance, in TN to have recognition on your driver’s license that you are a veteran, you must also present a valid DD214. I did not have mine with me and they could not accept my other military ID or that from the VA. I think this is a great idea so we do not risk our paperwork falling into the hands of bad folks.
look this card is to help you get your discounts,if you already have a card that you use for discounts,then this card will do nothing for you. 46 million veterans applying so,you may have to keep trying or wait a month till all are done,then the system will be normal
Bear in mind that the VA is the largest federal agency. There will be problems some places, just as there are problems with other federal, state and local government agencies. Seems some folks expect perfection. Some seem to think the government owes them something. I personally think the only Veterans the government owes anything to are those who served IN Vietnam and were poisoned by Agent Orange and those Marines who were poisoned at Camp Lejuene. Everybody who has served since 1972 is a volunteer, and has no right to complain. And yes, I served, and I got shot at. I did my time, didn’t even know the VA had a disability program until 20 years later.
I am so sick and tired of hearing a bunch of grown men cry about the VA, “FACT IS” the Va will take care of you medically as needed and give you benefits if you deserve them, Never and I mean NEVER have I had bad care at the VA, yeah maybe a little slow and a few buttheads to deal with but that is the way it is everywhere. I go no where else for my medical care, going on 50 years! You should be thankful that you are not one of the many that I served with and were killed in Vietnam.
I have a State of Illinois Veteran endorsement on my current Driver’s License which required a DD-214 along with the application (and I have not been treated badly anywhere I used it). I also have a current VA identification card for use, but I’ll be damned if I can get the the application for to accept that I am alive. Why can’t one these be acceptable for the new BX online purchasing access. It is a familiar position called FUBAR!
I went through the proccess and at the end was told they could not find records with my information. Thanks for nothing.
I use my NV driver license. I sent a copy of my DD214 to the DMV at renewal time and was issued a driver license tagged VETERAN with an eagle in the lower right corner. Fewer cards to carry.
Make this new ID Card available through the VA facilities…This is far too complicated, and by the way is defective on the site….in other words, its impossible to apply for…and you say?
I’m assuming that this card does not provide Vets with certain privileges or access to military installations as a military ID provides??? Anyone know
You are correct Mr. Watson, it does not.
Lowe’s Hardware gives discounts, there are some other place’s that do give discounts to the Vet’s. just like senior citizen discounts you have to ask. Hope that I didn’t step on any toes. Thank You all VETS
This link is not working. I have tried numerous times to acquire a va military health card and have been denied. I am not acknowledge as a vet yet I served 2 years in the Military Police in Vietnam. Ending my term as a sgt. Why is this such a difficult process. It continues to leave a poor taste in my mouth. When I was asked to go and serve I WENT. What is the problem??????????????
Gave up after about a half hour of submitting info over and over. Not at all surprised, seems all I’ve heard about VA service is true. Is Id.me a scam of some sort? Can’t even confirm my phone number? Jeez.
ID.me Vets.gov
We’re unable to verify you at this time
Unable to confirm phone number.
Error Code: -D68DE8DD8B67
Attempted to apply for the new veteran’s ID card on the link. Was not successful.
I am treated with dignity and respect by my medical teams. Not so much by the compensation board. I suffered ligament tears on my first enlistment….somehow those records were lost,
I agree! What a mess! I tried 6 times and it either couldnt verify my info or couldnt see my license. Then had to start all over again. Wasteful. Wonder how much they paid to set this up.
I want the new ID card. I signed up but went back to my email to get the code and now I can’t get back to that part to enter it.
Please help.
Thanks, George Waller
Thanks, I am looking forward to the new card
I have been to VA hospitals and OPC’s in Minot,ND; Manchester,NH; Viera/Tampa/Lake Baldwin & Lake Nona,FL; Bermingham,AL; Madison,WI. (Where I had my double lung transplant along with 6 month check-ups) all of which I have received absolutely fantastic care by the nurses and doctors. Remember the VA is dealing with a lot of Veterans, not Just you, so sometimes things take a little longer. I am 100% service connected and took a little over 5 years with appeals to DC before it was finally approved. Even so, I have no complaints about the VA.
Do I need a new card if I already have a VA card?
You do not Mr. Davidson.
This is the dumbest thing ever and waste of money. If you’re eligible for this, guess what, you’re already eligible for an ID card from the veterans health administration side of the house. Just go to the local place. And you submit your own picture? I could upload a picture of anyone, and they’ll put that pic on the card? Yea, THAT won’t be abused. Sec Shulkin, this is pretty dumb…
I won’t argue with you on the merits, but I have to point out that you are incorrect about the qualification statement. This card is for those who DO NOT qualify for VA health care or not enrolled in VA care. Applications submitted by military retirees and those enrolled in VA care will most likely be rejected as they already have proof of service and do not need this card.
Why is there no link to the application posted right here?
I tried to log in to start the process. When I entered my VA login ID & password, it said my password was no longer valid. So, I tried to create a new password, but it booted me out during the process & wouldn’t accept my old password anymore. So, now I’m stuck without a valid password & can’t log into anything anymore. The new one didn’t get processed & the old one is no longer accepted. Great system…. I regret trying to get the new ID.
I live in Hinesville, Georgia, which is located by Fort Stewart, Georgia, and there are many places here that give Veterans discounts. Sometimes you just have to ask. My VA Department of Veterans Affairs card that was made for me at the VA clinic and has my photo on it is accepted by all the merchants and restaurants here. Lowe’s, and Zaxby’s come to mind, but there are many other places, including Goodwill.
I have been through my share of red tape from the VA, but overall it’s better than paying for treatment. In one case I had to get my Senator involved. Man did they move fast when they heard from his staff. What I have always thought that is unfair is making me drive 240 round trip miles to get treatment because some are only available at the regional hospital. Why can’t the government abolish the entire VA health care system, give me an ID card then turn me loose on the private system. The savings would be immense, not to mention end corruption.
The Veterans Administration is a big disgraceful joke. It is a total bureaucracy that’s why I use private insurance. Overpaid bureaucrats don’t care for veterans. They can go screw themselves and with their card too.
How can I get my Vet card?
Seems like a lot of Vets are having problems with this program. I am not sure if it’s worth the effort to apply for this card. Maybe I should wait awhile before applying for one.
Your Veteran Identification Card online enrollment system is total garbage. I freezes up on me at every step. Horrible programing and planning. My worst wishes to the idiots that put out this system.
You are very correct! They usually move up, move to another VA, or retire!
It’s the nature of the beast! Top heavy Management with each manager surrounding themselves with several Fall Guys!
Assistants for Assistants is the norm while hands on and Veterans suffer!
can’t seem to be able to get to the app to fill out for vet ID card
Link to the card request site is not working.
Because of the Experian fiasco I froze ALL my credit reports. As a result I cannot get a VIC Card since ID.me cannot verify my identity because they require, in part, a credit report. I cannot justify spending additional monies to temporary “unfreeze” my credit reports in order to receive this veteran benefit. What ever happened to the use of a DD-214 to verify military status?
You can still use your DD214. You could also take your identifying documentation to a VA Hospital and they’ll print you up a card, I think.
Fore those asking if they need this if they have a VA Medical card or if this replaces the Medical card with Photo on it , I would say NO ,( But Just My Opinion) , Like always the VA rolls something out and dose not explain it right . This card was mandated by Congress so you could have an easy carry card to prove you served for places that might give Veteran Discounts or show friends is what I get out of it.
As a PBS program called, The VA and the Human cost of war said < IF you know the VA system it works great , If you don't know the system it dose not work very well .
It has improved since I started using it , But every time I had a Problem I started asking questions of the VA and my Members of Congress . I use the Harry S Truman VAMC in Columbia, Mo and they do a good job , a few bumps in the 10 years I have used this one .
The link does not work, just keeps going in circles!! Anyway in Colorado you can take your DD-214 to the driver’s license bureau and they will put “Veteran” on your license and that works for discounts!
“Do your offer a veterans discount?” This is a simple request that can turn into a local management decision on large purchases. Retailers want the sale since you may say “I think I’ll try going somewhere else.” (online or down the road). I feel it’s important for all of us to ask each time so the store knows their customer base. A 10% discount in California is no big deal since it covers the 8.5% – 9% sales tax! Also, free meals on Veterans Day is a great marketing ploy because many of us show up with family (full price). A good way to answer “Thanks for your service” is to simply say “Thanks for your support!” Wait until next year to apply for card to avoid frustration (remember Obamacare computers crashing for weeks).
The website seems to be down. It says I have logged out when I have only just logged in. It freezes up. Would love to get a card but maybe the online process isn’t ready yet.
Fix the login page. Just like the Healthevet login, I had to change my password every time I wanted to login. I
Glad I’m not relying on the VA for my medical. I’ve now wasted a half hour of my time this morning attempting to apply for the card online. Site does not work and the phone number they have listed is not a working number. This is laughable.
Do not know what you are asking. All fields completed.
What about the veteran who does not have internet, email, cable TV or even a cellphone because they don’t exist where we live and are 2-4 hours from a VA facility, since they live in rural USA? 2/3rds or our veterans are over 60, many are do not have or do not trust computers but many are in need of the VA benefits they don’t even know exist. In my are I am guessing that is closer to 80-85% since we have no higher education and farming is the largest employer, theirs is not an 8 hour work day.
Examples: (1) The Marine who just died of Leukemia, leaving his spouse damn near broke, but spent 2 years on Cp Lejeune in mid 1950’s. (2) Two Spouses who called for help on utility bills, again nearly broke due to medical costs of veterans deaths in the last 6 years from ALS. (3) Gulf War Veteran paralyzed from the arm pits down (not service related), in a semi-rural nursing home, on Medicaid and only having the $45 a month Medicaid allowance so he can’t afford a phone, cable TV/internet, and a haircut each month. (4) Vietnam era veteran applying for VHA at my office gets welcome letter stating since he is 10% he is automatically in VA. Only problem he doesn’t know what the 10% means since he has never received compensation. We requested an audit and he was awarded the $50,000+ in back pay. 3 of these occurred in the past 6 months. Shame on all of us!
This ID card will never be applied for by a majority of veterans since they are already in the VA or don’t have the technology to know it is out there, much less can apply for it. In my opinion this is a meaningless, feel good, gesture on behalf of the VA, it does little to nothing for veterans who need and qualify for benefits they don’t know exist.
P. Jane Babcock, 10 year accredited CVSO, rural USA.
Surprised to see negative comments. Mine have always been deleted. I will get the new card, and wait for improvements. Maybe if I rub it on my back I can walk again and on time if they ever need help protecting the country.
Mr. Riedel, I moderate the vast majority of comments and rarely delete a comment. If I do delete a comment, I send an email to the person explaining why and offer them an opportunity to fix it. I just went through the “trash” and there are only 19 deleted comments dating back to early 2016. Most of those were comments submitted twice or spam.
Veterans always have a voice here.
Dec. 1st, I created an ID account, logged in and went to the Veteran ID, had to stop so I could go fetch a photo and when I got back it would NOT click “Next”. So, I cleared out my browser, logged into vets.gov with my ID account and tried again but this time it says the Veteran ID times out and sends me back to vets.gov. So, I gave up, looks like no Veteran ID card for me!
I am enrolled in VA health care. Is that the reason it sends me back to vets.gov? If so, never mind my comment.
OK, Gary Hicks … You have been asked many times ” does this card replace the card we now have?
If we have a VA card do we need to reapply?
Please stop your political side stepping and answer the question.
“political side stepping?” — Me? never.
Here’s the way I understand it:
* This card does not replace any other ID card.
* If you have a military retiree ID card, you are not eligible for this card
* If you are service connected / enrolled in VA care, you are not eligible for this card
* This card is intended as proof of Veterans status only. It does not qualify the holder for anything other than proof of service. In other words: this card will not get you into a commissary, will not get you a VA medical appointment, nor will it qualify you for any other state or federal entitlements.
Have I missed anything, Mr. Shove?
When will my new card arrive
Have any proof for your claims?? Not some fake news site. Do you have anything positive to say? Besides, the article is about ID cards. Take you bull somewhere else.
Thank you.
To me this just seems like a scam to be able to track vets, disgusting. When I ask for a vet discount I have never had to show anything or maybe once showed the card I already have. Everyone knows the va is a disgrace.
I already have veterans status on my drivers license in PA which I do use in some stores who offer a discount. I don’t carry around my DD214 just a little flag emblem on Driver’s License. Not many stores offer veteran’s discounts anyway but those that do will accept the status from your driver’s license. This may not be available in every state and I do not know that. From some of the above comments this whole thing may just be a waste of time and government money.
Why have that on a website that requires you to be verified by a website that is on a domain that is administered by the government of Montenegro(.me)?
Do I need this if I have a VA card already ?
You sound much like Trump, making inflammatory accusations without supporting evidence. You seem to believe you’re playing to a wide audience that supports your your idea and some unknown agenda.
Again, like Trump, you don’t understand that not everyone is in line with your belief and that some of us hold dear to critical thinking.
Try showing some evidence of the corruption about which you pontificate. Stop going down the road of blah, blah, blah and make your case with valid proof.
This is really ridiculous! Can’t get through, nothing will verify. Just take your DD-214 to motor vehicle and they will put VETERAN on your DL and it works the same way this card SHOULD work. I’m done.
What if you already have a VA I’d card and are at the 100% rate. Does this new card override the previous one?
The card is only for those who do NOT qualify for a retired military ID card, and/or not enrolled in VA health care.
Gary Hicks. I am still working on the retirement part, and should have been retired after Vietnam, “over 6 months active duty, over 30% disability and a P-3 profile for physical capacity and stamina defects incurred in the line of duty, in Vietnam, a War Zone”. Litigation may take years, if I even live that long, so I imagine this has no time limit, correct? I have an Honorable Discharge, but it should have been a medical, but the Agent Orange scandal was in the “cover up and hide” beginning phase. I am in lingo until litigation resolves this, so, I can’t do this either way correct?
If you are not enrolled in VA care, you can apply for the card.
However, judging by the comments and some email traffic, the system is having some issues. Some people are getting through and some are not. Personally, I’m going to wait awhile before I apply for my card.
But the question was, does this new card override the previous one? Your answer only repeats the header on the email I opened. Please, I already have a card, do I need this new one or is the one I now have ok?
It does not. If you have a card, you are good to go.
Gary Hicks are you a VA Rep that you know for sure: The card is only for those who do NOT qualify for a retired military ID card, and/or not enrolled in VA health care?
I am rated 100% and living in the Philippines so I need to know if this is true or just Scuttlbutt??
Mr. Lathim, I am and you do not need this card.
In a nutshell, Congress intended the VIC as proof of service for those Veterans that did not qualify for other cards.
To Gary Hicks, Thank you for this clarification because most of the folks getting this blog/notification are either retired or enrolled in VA heath care so this new card is not needed.
How do I get a card?
Best way is to go to your local VA clinic. They should have a machine to hot press you one right there. It takes about 10 minutes. youll need to go there more then likely anyway to get the picture done.
Do I need this if I have a VA card?
No
This is BS. Wrote post to complain about BS process to get this card. All done, entered required info, got message wrong captcha code, and your website deleted everything I had written in the comments. Nothing changes. Poorly done on both the card process and this blog, VA.
Why not just go to the VA and get a card like most of us who have one had to do?
I applied for benefits from a service connected injury the veterans service officer that represented me (he was a differnt person each level of appeal) would go into the hearing room and then look at me and ask what is your name and tell me quickly and briefly what this is about. Yes I lost on every level the people who heard it were venomous at every hearing there attitude was so bad I usually felt like standing up and leaving after the first few minutes. Yes the VA. said they lost my service and medical records and thought it was horrible I had a copy because I asked for a copy right when I was discharged. Unless someone decides to finally give me a fair shake and let it start over on a fair basis I may never get any benefits, and probably will never get any competent help ether.
Error Meassage at 0330 hours EST:
“We can’t proceed with your request for a Veteran ID Card.
The Veteran Identification Card application is getting a lot of traffic right now. If your application isn’t going through, please try again in 24 hours. We apologize, and we want to make sure you know we’re working to fix the problem.”
This Link is not working …
https://www.vets.gov/veteran-id-card/
It could be a traffic issue, or your pop-up blocker is blocking the log-in screen. The alternative is to go to http://www.Vets.Gov and look for the “Apply for Printed Veteran ID Card” dead-center at the bottom of the page.
The correct url is https:// not http://. All government sites use https://…the “S” indicates that it is a secure site. You may get the site to pop up using just http but it won’t work properly.
Me Hicks, at your cited website (vets.gov), With no success, I’ve been trying to access the link and go through the Vic application process since it started – several days. Tried all hours of day and night via various computers, smart phones, and browsers. There is no way that at 0200, 0300, 0500, 1100, 1400, 1900, 2200 hours that the “traffic” is too high despite that is their exact error message this system produces and directs one to try again in 24 hours. I have an active account and all the required documentation but without a functioning website for the VIC application without utility.
I agree Totally…Kick them out…Too much Corruption…Too Many years…This is the Second time I went through the hell to get My deserved Disability approved and Second Time They had declined..Said I need to stay in Hospital for 21 Days for ear hearing Loss…How do you stay 21 Days in a Hospital for Hearing Loss…I now go through Public Doctors…tired of
all the Bull…Makes me wish I had never went in the 1st place…Aircraft Mechanic (My AFSC) SSgt…
111. I spent 21 days in 3rd Field Hosp, 3rd Surgical Hosp., and 24th Evacuation Hosp., and another 7 days in the “infectious disease” wards in Japan and Naval Hosp Chicago, and ordered “over 120 days recovery time” to stabilize, for skin disease, permanent “physical capacity and stamina damage” with a P-3 profile and should have been retired medically. I filed a claim 12 years later, but me records were supposedly lost, but they were just withheld all my life. November last year I started getting my medicine after 45 years of denial of all medical care, and any C & P of any kind. Even with government documented evidence of permanent defects/disabilities from military medical officers on DA 3349 from medical boards in Vietnam, I was denied, and many medical records are withheld, locked away from my view, even today. You may need legal services, as I do as well. I filed a claim in 1983 and have a 2 year old appeal still sitting in St. Louis with no date in sight. The 1970s corruption has been carried over to today’s VA in St. Louis, and others i’m Sure. Good luck!
Home Depot only if your Service Connected, try Lowe’s they honor all Vet’s.
I get one at Lowes everytime I shop there.
Lowes also offers a 10% discount on all vets purchases. You can even register your VA id on your mylowes card and the discount will ring up automatically without having to present both cards
Home Depot, Loews, Ace hardware, Golden Corral, Texas Steak house, and on and on and on. Time for an attitude adjustment.
VIC Cards : This is a total waste of government money that could best be used elsewhere. as retailers do not offer any “discounts” to Veterans even at various holidays. In fact we are treated with disdain more than respect.
Try HOME DEPOT for Veterans Discounts
not here in fl but lowes does 10%
For states that do not support or offer a Veteran indicator on the DL, this provides a verified secondary photo ID and keeps you from having to carry a copy of a DD214 (too much identity info on that form). Numerous retailers DO offer discounts to Veterans, especially on Veterans Day. Just an example of some:
https://www.military.com/veterans-day/veterans-day-military-discounts.html
Go to Lowe’s. They are very nice and gives a discount for all military.
In Las Vegas we get many discounts….Home Depot, Lowe’s, some retailers, Restaurants, and more than anything 90% of the casino hotels are veteran friendly….VERY veteran friendly….I am a Veteran living in Las Vegas, NV.
I have been treated with the utmost respect most any place I go. I can count on one hand the times I have been treated poorly because I’m a veteran.
Try Lowes. They honor Vet 10% discount even for those who did not retire from service. You cab sign up at the store or Lowes online. I think Home Depot 10% is restricted to just Veterans & Memorial Day unless you are a retiree.
Home Depot offers a Veteran discount every day of the year. Some stores also have Veteran designated parking spaces up front just like a handicap spot. I love it.
I COMPLETELY AGREE! Here I am reading this and wondering; who’s receiving the “Veterans’ Discounts” and who’s offering them because I haven’t been anywhere yet that honor us Veterans. It’s all about Active Duty personnel; not including the dependents in some places. So before my husband retired….I was EQUALLY screwed! This is a waste of time, money, and effort!
Hundreds of stores offer discounts to veterans. Go here: https://militarybenefits.info/military-discounts/
Try Loew’s as well. Some hotel chains honor military service if you can prove you are a veteran.
Also try Lowe’s for Veteran’s Discounts. Clever use of Google should find all businesses in your area that offer the same.
There are discounts but they are not at all stores or restaurants, even if one does offer it the next place may not—you must ASK just as seniors must ask for discounts. Remember, Many clerks have NO CLUE what ID or papers are valid, so if you even just have a vet ballcap on sometimes you can get them to apply the usual 10% discount. They often have no other key to use but the one labeled “senior” so don’t be rude if that’s what shows on your receipt. Some fast food places do a free small drink, but remember this is an opportunity to be an example to civilians about respecting vets, so I try to act like Ive earned respect not like a jerk if they don’t have a discount
Try Lowe’s. Daily, not just holidays.
Try certain Starbucks. Holidays
I have to disagree. LOWES accepts this for 10% off everything. In Ohio, we’ve had a state issued ID card for several years now. Most of the small businesses in my town offer discounts to Vets. It really is worth the while.
I use it as proof of disability and most places no longer take dd214s at all for anything considering they are no longer stamped. It is also there to combat freaking stolen valor.
Home Depot 10%
Lowes 10%
Walgreens in Alaska. 15%
Most chain restaurants 10-15%
And, some veterans still feel slighted and entitled……and are ignorant of actual fact. Sad, but true.
not true. Lowes gave me a card and put me in the computer as a veteran and I get a discount on every purchase. All state parks in Texas let me in for free no fee. I don’t have to pay for fishing license or hunting license plus a lot of other thing that are too long to mention here. You just have to seek all the benefits and discounts out.
I have received discounts for being a Veteran at various places. Just last night received a 10% discount for dinner at The Loop.
Since all I have is a DD214, I just tried to apply for the VA ID card via the URL in the article and, much like the OPM’s login processes, the security measures are so complex I doubt many will be able to apply for the VA ID card. I got as far in the verification process as uploading a government issued photo I.D. and my PC screen locked up seemingly after I uploaded my less than 1mb photo of my driver’s license. I was then unable to proceed any further without any verification from the VA if my information was received.or not received. Realizing that many older veterans may not even own or use a PC, this is absolutely ridiculous.
I don’t hear from the VA, who I assume now has my email address, mailing and physical addresses, my SSN and phone number, I guess I will continue to use my DD214 whenever I need to.
They make I D CARDS at the VA HOSPITAL h.ere If you are near one they should be able to do it for you.
Try your DMV site, you may have better luck. I actually had to go to DMV yo get a new drivers license for NC. I actually have my veterans designation on the drivers license. Good luck!
The VA is improving, and quite fast. For that they have my compliments. In our little area I know of none of the problems that seem to be rampant in the larger hospital’s areas. But I don’t see the prime offenders doing jail time yet. Falsifying government records in any other agency merits extended jail / prison sentences. Why is the VA administrators and local management being treated differently?
I disagree with Victor. I have found the VA to be very open and forthright. They have had issues in the past but seem to be working better. No organization is perfect. My father had to use the VA for medical issues in the late 1980’s and was treated very well. I am currently using the VA for most of my medical needs and have been treated very well. I would suggest that you try to understand the system and then work with it. Most states have funded organizations the assist veterans with access to VA services.
usaf veteran 1966-1970
I have been using VA med benifits for about 20 years now from Or ,Az, (phx) and Tx, and I have had the very best of care. I have absolutely no complaints
I am now being cared for in Central Tx through vet choice for back pain and having no prblems at all.
I wanted to post this to say not everyone is being treated badly. You might check your attitude when you go to the VA. It could make a difference.
I can’t speak for Mr. Sellers experiences in St. Louis, but I do know that my trips to the Lexington, KY VA have been no different than had I visited a civilian physician. I was not wounded during my tour, but still utilize the VA as do many of my brothers and sisters who served. When I am in the waiting area, I never hear anything but thank you’s and mentions of appreciation from the other patients.
I’m with you Bill.
Yes there’s things the VA needs to fix and yes there are some corrupt officials but the same is true in any organization of its size. To blanket the VA as everyone does is disingenuous to all the good ones. I’ve personally had dealings with numerous VAs in two different states and had excellent service in the 17 years I’ve been going there. I’m sorry and disgusted by the vets that have had horrible and sometimes deadly problems but not all VA hospitals are run by bad people and I’m tired of only hearing about how bad the VA is when the it also has done many more good things. I thank the A every day for what it does and provides for me.
I agree 100%
I agree 100% also. Have no problem with VA service.
Thanks for your comment, Connie Jean Gaudette. You saved me the trouble of typing the exact, same thing.
Your so very right about only hearing the bad things. I am alive today do to the help I have received through the VA. I do complain that we are all vets. I went in in 1973 if you were a female and not in medical with the Army then your chances of becoming permently disabled to receive the same things as the guys did and don’t get me wrong I am 100 % for the guys who have been out in war. What I have a problem with I am 100% disabled to no fault of my own and I can not get dental yet. The VA gives me drugs that can kill me if my dental is not taken care of and On 1200 a month I have to find ways to get my teeth pulled and plates put in. I was the first girl to go through computer repair and installation and was made an instructor of the first 28 weeks. Yet. Those who are service connected get a lot more then the 325 from the VA I get and they get everything paid for. That is my only real bitch since I do wake up every morning for the last 32 years of having my disabilities.
I have had an ID card for years. Is this a card only for new veterans or is it a new card for all vets?
It is for veterans that do not already have an ID card through the VA or the DOD
You are probably fine with the card you already have. This new one is for those who don’t have a card.
Sounds like you either retired through time in service or through medical retirement. My understanding of this card is that it is for those who neither had enough service to retire and did not have the medical conditions necessary for medical retirement.
Portal will not open to apply for a new card. It just spins.
I get great care from the VA outpatient clinic and up in Madison. Don’t let trump destroy the good along with the bad.
What do you mean Trump destroy the good thing? WHAT GOOD THING? He has been the best thing to happen for veterans in years! It’s obvious many of you have not used your GI bill for education. 140% disabled??? Jeeze Louise.
President Trump is trying to help. Go talk to your “lib-prog-soc” representatives who let the VA get into the shape it is in. The democrats have been running it for years and they always run everything right down a crap hole. But you keep voting for the democrats and complaining about someone trying to help. You are one of the ones who believe everything the democrats say, even when they are proven to be lying and are liars.
Sec Shulkin is doing a great job.
You can be rated over 100%, I am rated at 120%, but the max they pay for service connected disabilities is 100%. They account each disability which can be over 100, for instance, 100 for ptsd and 20 for knee injury, 10 for tinnitus and so on.
Half the dope smoking,,hippy felons and those who fled the draft to other countries during the Viet Nam conflict now go around claiming to be veterans and they never served a day in the military..
Half the dope smoking,,hippy felons and those who fled the draft to other countries during the Viet Nam conflict now go around claiming to be veterans and they never served a day in the military.
Veteran Affairs is a total sham posing to fight for veteran rights. I’m 140% service connected disabled veteran, my constitutional rights have been violated and continue to be violated, under 42 USC 1983 deprivation of Rights I am now suffering with no hope of getting any help from the VA. Kiss my ass VA.
How can you be a 140% Service Coected Disabled Veteran and not be getting any he from the VA? Who rated you at the unbelievable rate of 140% disabled if the VA didn’t? By the way I am a totally disabled Veteran a nd only receive 100%.
You think it is bad now? Just watch what Trump will do.
No, nor is it an extra card to carry around. This for veterans without retirement or VA cards so they can prove they are a veteran.
Does this replace our existing VA cards or is this another card we have to carry around?
Replaces your DD214. Does NOT replace your VA Healthcare card. If you already carry your VA Healthcare card or DOD ID card then you do not need this. This new card is ONLY for honorably discharged vets to prove to retailers that they qualify for the retailer’s veteran discounts
If you already have a VA card, you don’t need this one.
I wondered that also. I’ve had a plastic wallet carrying card for over a year. I guess I don’t need a new one then?
Good Question!
If you have a VA medical card, you do not need this card.
I got my Veteran designator on my drivers license. Just moved to NC and had to get a new dl. Didn’t have to fill out any additional paperwork, just my military id. Maybe I got lucky, but it took 5 hours at the DMV that I won’t get back. Good luck!
IT’S ABOUT TIME, WHEN I WAS DISCHARGED IN JAN/72, I APPLIED SHIN SPLINTS THEY WERE ERASED OFF MY LIST OF MED CONDITIONS, TOLD THERE IS NO SUCH THING SHIN SPLINTS.
Do I get one automatically.
What a waste and joke!!…VA strikes again…
Office POGS…
Actually no. lot of places stopped taking DD214s as proof of vertainship since the form is available online in PDF form. Its nice to have mine so I can prove disability considering its stamped right on the front.
I have tried repeatedly to access the application and instructions for the new veterans ID card at vets.gov, and it keeps going in circles — taking me back to the home page. This needs to be fixed. Thanks!
Try going through the DMV site, you may have better luck.
The application does not accept my E-Mail address why I dont and what is a DMV site
I have been given the run around on the application for the new veterans I D card over and over and have yet to be told where to even get an application. They refer you to someone else again and again . I will continue to use my American legion and VFW cards as proof of my service and continue to try to obtain this card. It has gotten to the point that I must follow through on this
Simply because they have failed to comply with the federal law that created this card in the first place. Hi yu
What do expats do?
What the heck took you Einsteins in the upper leadership to discover this? My dog recommended this to me 5 years ago!
Um actually, you have been able to get one since 2015. Most VA offices could make one but you have to go to a VA office. I have had mine since 2015.
They have not had these cards since 2015. What they did have was VA Health Systems cards. These VIC cards are for those who do not use the VA Health system.I
It’s been a long wait for that “overdue promise”, but I am glad that the Veteran’s ID Card is finally available. I plan to apply today. Thanks to Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16] for sponsoring the bill and to all those that voted for it, and to those in the VA that actually made it happen.
Dude, they have had cards since 2015. This is not a new card. This is just an effort to role the card out with out having to actually show up to the VA to get it. Its just an excuse to be lazy. I have had mine since 2015. I have been using at appointments to check in since 2015. This whole website was just an excuse to spend money on a card a majority of people are never going to need or use.
Dude, they haven’t had these cards since 2015. What you have is a VA Health System ID card. This is for veterans who do not use the VA Health System.
LMAO! Too funny.
Great
I didn’t put personal information in my comment. I did express that the VA is Corrupt, but the whole country already knows that. When you hide evidence that your own doctors document, the alter some records, then hide the others, releasing selected records, and depriving families of a life time of benefits, it has to be exposed. White collar VA Executives are getting rich by deceiving vets, along with the veteran service officers. You have hidden the truth for many decades, and St. Louis has to lead the club in deceiving vets, controlling the evidence, and some employees need to answer, now. Not in another 45 years, but now.
When you learn how to retrieve burned up records let me know I need some.
Walt davies
You sound so bitter. Time to pull up your skivvies and get on with it.
Ok so you can’t recover “burned” records. How about telling the truth about where other records are kept. If St Louis is the only storage facility then may I suggest you get better fire protection. They told my dad his WW2 records were destroyed in a fire. Then when my brother and I wanted our records we got the same song and dance.
As usual “deny, deny until they die”
That’s what happened to my dad and so far the same thing we are receiving.
The same happened to Wylie Hodge, Korean War, Sargeant US Army. Sent pictures of him in Korea and in uniform.
Response, “sorry, we had a fire”. Couldn’t even get him a grave stone.
They say my records wer also burned in a fire in St. Louis. So I have no evidence of the trauma of my service time. The VA says with no evidence I have the burden of proof. I served, they promised, they destroyed, they lied and I pay.
Heck Walter, when I asked to have my DD214 amended rather than a Soc. Sec. number but instead my actual AF serial number I was told not possible. They simply put a “0” in front of AF serial number and that is it. A new DD214 was issued since some facts had been omitted on the original and I was told they had no record of them, not even my TDY to nearby bases including Taiwan and Korea or the educational courses I completed in USAFI and U of Maryland extension credits.
What info would be on an ID card anyway? Surely not reflective of my 3+ years of active duty (2+ years overseas) or even my actual soc. sec. number.
https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/nprc1973fire.asp
There you go.
I tried for 6 years on my diabetes and finally they found on my medical record that I was in Thailand. The TDY did not show I was on any base in Thailand but my home or primary base in the US.
So what has your comment got to do with this article? Goodness man they are trying to inform Vets of a new card and you call them out for being corrupt.
Victor Sellers ,
You have right. I have had the same experiences since my disability discharge in 1962. Have my last attempt before the Board now and will sue the VA if it is not processed correctly.
Getting too old for this kind of shit to go on any longer.
Jack Berdeaux
I have completed the application for this new VA ID Card, including giving therm my personal information, including my SS#.
After clicking on ENTER, I was sent sa message stating my phone numbers could not be validated.
I clicked on SUPPORT, and heard from them, that they’re operators are busy and they will
contact me soon. The message had a assigned number space, which was blank.
You hit that nail on the head! I cannot get benefits because of this!
How are they getting rich. They are GS employees. The doctors do not hide evidence. I have a ticket for every time I have gone and a digital copy of my records that matches my exact treatments. By the way, the VA has never deprived any thing from anyone. You just have to be willing to show proof you have a problem and it will get fixed. You also have to be willing to step forward when you have one. The man who died waiting for care in the waiting room last year, he knew about his problem for 5 years and never did a thing about it. That tends to a theme with medical cases. People knew things and didnt say any thing about them.
As far as claims go. My disablity claim took 3 months because I had records and proof I had a disability and it was causing issues. That is why when you leave your told to go to the va for any medical care for any chronic illiness linked to your time in service. I have never had any VA paper work ever take longer then three moths. BUT, I also kept meticulous track of everything that has ever been prescribed from me and every appointment. I also have three copys of my services and medical record.
The largest issue you will run into is people not owning that their issues are partly their own making. You can not expect the VA to make you come to your blood work, or to tell the doctor you have been having back issues or to fill you you GI bill extensions and requests. You cant expect them to make sure you know your rights as a spouse or child of a deceased veteran. that is on YOU! There is no corruption just people refusing to own their lives and individuals who have been exploiting that.
Shut your cake hole, put your boots on and take ownership.
Exactly. Well put & SO correct!
Own up and stop making everything about conspiracy theories about how the VA has a vendetta against you.
I’ve also had more than excellent experiences – mine with VA disability with which I had 10 years+ of documents that I kept with me…and I filed 15 years after I was discharged.
Ha! Corruption in one form or another is the standard when it comes to human intervention/manipulation/contact/etc. Welcome to the real world.
Ive got a question for all Vets. How is my hearing better now than when I went in the Military in 1989 ?? The VA in Memphis TN. keeps telling me my hearing is better now than in ’89 ? I got out in ’93 and filed all my paperwork and just last year (June-2016) I finally got a MAX. rating of 10% for Tinnitus? What should I do to show I have major hearing loss ? Don’t know anyone that the older they get their hearing or sight gets better, Thanks for any help.
I’m replying to Victor Sellers November 30th post. I’m curious how to get rich as a Veterans Service Officer? I’ll take any hints possible. As a VSO I earn less than $40,000 per year…before taxes. VSO are not even Dept of Veteran’s Affairs employees. We work for the state (in my case, Florida FDVA). I don’t know how you draw your conclusions about this…but you are wrong.
As far as the St. Louis fire goes…I’ve been told that the only records burned in that fire were Civil War records. You’d be pretty old if those were the records you needed.