Today, my memory was refreshed why I really do not like the VA. Couple of weeks back, I got snail mail from them advising me that I could enroll directly for VA Care if 1) I deployed to a combat zone, 2) I've never signed up for VA healthcare, and 3) I left the service between 9/11 and 1 Oct 2013. Yes, yes, and yes. Since I retired with 24 years, I've had Tricare this whole time, and never had to deal with the VA at all. I'd approached them a few years ago to check on possibly filing for my tinnitis, but when they got to the part about performing a virtual fiscal colonoscopy, I told them no thanks.

So, since I was wondering how this would interact/affect the Tricare coverage (which has been very nice), I called for more info.

And, it figures, the reps I talked to had no idea, as my concerns were not on the list of pre-programmed responses for frequently asked questions. But it did reveal what was not included in the letter, that this was a targeted effort, specifically for vets that maybe, might, possibly pop up with a list of claims, such as oil well fires, burn pits, agent orange. . .and oh, yeah, they wanted the fiscal colonoscopy (whole household revenue), and to agree to a raft of conditions, including making the VA and various political appointees "attorneys in fact" with the power to reach in any time they felt like it to. . .

Pretty much stopped it right there with a "nah". Not doing that. Like things the way they are. Not giving the clown show any encouragement. Once it became clear what it was about, the letter I got took on a whole other meaning, and the attempt at the manipulation of ignorance and fear stand out in almost bold face print. . .and is really kind of insulting, but in a weaselly, passive aggressive way, but included an "act now before time runs out (30th of September deadline. . .oddly coincident with end of the Fiscal Year. Hmm)

I can take solace that I didn't take it out on the call agent, and remained unflappably civil, and ended the conversation cordially. Also, it was confirmed that my DD214 data is on record electronically, and it does accurately reflect that I was in Desert Storm, so there is that.

But man, I really, really hate the VA. Government, and government employees, doing government things to people, in the most government of fashions.

Bleh.