If you retired the VA will only help you with service connected disabilities. My suggestion is apply for VA Medical Care based on service connected disabilities. Also, you may want to consider applying for Social Security Disability and Medicaid. You can definitely qualify for VA Medical Care but you may need to pay a co-pay. Here's how I see things. First: VA doctors aren't like civilian doctors - they don't need your business. Second: Just seeing a Primary Care doctor at a VA hospital takes one to two months and that entitles you to about 15 minutes of medical care. Third: They use a treatment Triage system and you may never get to see a specialist until you're literally dying. Fourth: You will not see a qualified, licensed, medical doctor or psychiatrist until you have been seen by an intern medical student, Medical Assistant or licensed Nurse Practitioner first. Example: I have coronary artery disease and asked to see a cardiologist - I was told by a cardiology Nurse Practitioner that she was shocked I was referred by my PCP and the real cardiologist has no plans to see me unless my condition becomes life threatening. I guess what you may want to ask yourself is "Do I really want to risk being treated in a VA Medical facility?" My answer is - only if I have been diagnosed by a real civilian doctor first. In other words go to an emergency room or civilian specialist to stay alive and than purchase your medications and get specialized tests, if available and offered, from the VA.