Originally published: 2024-08-20T14:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.
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.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.
