The NHS can still work wonders for Veterans, particularly with "attributable" injuries. I've been to the Oswestry Orthopaedic Veterans Clinic a few times, as old crash injuries catch up with me due to anno domini.

Now have titanium shoulder joint; they couldn't do anything with my legs, but suggested I was up for a War Pension (well the crash was in a war). A few forms and examinations later, I find I am 20% disabled (not that I'd noticed) and so get a smallish tax-free pension, and the famous Vets Oystercard mentioned at Post 15 above.

Trouble is, I haven't got to London for a while.......

Interesting side fact. Talking to the PARA/RAMC half colonel who runs the Oswestry Vets Clinic, I asked why - it's still NHS after all - waiting lists were so short.

"Easy," says he "service people don't miss appointments without telling us!" Scarily, up 60% of NHS appointments are "no shows"..... which b%ggers up the lists.....

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/mil...-for-veterans/

There's also a growing realisation that 'social-prescribing' may offer benefits beyond medication, particularly with MH issues, and a number of social-prescribers are suitable for, or specific to, Service veterans, but matching the 'need' with the 'resource' is made easier if the GP is aware of a patient's status as a veteran.

Plus, the Royal College of General Practitioners have a 'Veteran Friendly' practice scheme;
https://rcgp-news.com/49LX-XROH-8417...BE0CBD/cr.aspx

As more Practices migrate their data to a system known as SNOMED, it is important that your status as a veteran is correctly 'coded'. Until we see the MoD transfer med recs automatically to the NHS, the GP must request your docs. Having ensured you let your GP know that you're a Service veteran speeds-up that process.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....f03abd386b.jpg

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/c...s-veteran-card

The OVA led the initial Discovery and Alpha phases, establishing how the Veteran Card can be delivered in the most simple and effective way. The MOD has now taken on its development and will deliver the service. It is a significant technical project and has required highly skilled support from Defence Digital and Government Digital Service (GDS) experts.

The new verification service to support applications will include:

• online applications via GOV.UK
• identity checks using GOV.UK’s new One Login service
• automated service checking to confirm veteran status for most applications using MOD service records databases
• increasing MOD’s secure card printing capacity to deal with the expected applications using a new high-capacity card printing machine

The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card will allow veterans to quickly and easily prove their veteran status where required, thereby granting them simpler access to key support from government, charities, local authorities, and other organisations.

Roll-out will be in phases according to service years to manage the volume of requests and prevent any potential delays resulting from demand exceeding capacity.

With around 1.8 million veterans in the UK, we are focused on building the technology and processes to deal with large volumes of card applications accurately and securely.

Testing started this summer, and we expect cards to become available to veterans later this year. A paper-based application process will also be made available for veterans who are unable to use the online service.

Since December 2018, all Service leavers automatically receive a Veteran Card from the MOD as part of their discharge process and so do not need to apply. The new verification service will address how to replace a lost Veteran Card.

This page will be updated with details of the application process later in the year.

So the MOD is going to "invest" in a new high-capacity printing machine, yet the roll out will be done in phases to reduce the volume of applications?

Also, presumably once the backlog of veterans has been dealt with (how many of the 1.8 million will actually want one?) this 'high capacity' machine will revert to low capacity use dealing with the current day to day retirement of service personnel?

My "veterans" ID came through unrequested about 2 weeks ago. Not sure what I'm supposed to do with it.

When did you leave? I wonder if they’re doing it in a reverse chronological order?
the only reason I ask, and seem to want one, is that I’m planning a US trip next Easter. I can see it being useful there but otherwise no real reason to carry one.

I’ve never mentioned to my local health centre that I’m a veteran. They certainly don’t have my military medical records. I doubt it would make any difference if they did. The records they do have still say that I was due a number of vaccinations…..in 1958 (!) and they have never queried that.

Last day was 14 May this year.

Got an envelope posted to me with the veterans badge, the ID card and certificate of service.

Last day was Feb 1999. On that basis I might get one around 2030…..

Buuuut….does that mean the companion can only travel if with you? Mrs Link is eligible also and although I sometimes travel solo, she rarely does or would but I would like to know if that flexibility is lost.

Nope, two separate photo cards on the one app. Can travel together or separate; we went for 3-yr to save a fiver IIRC

Super, thank you very much.

[QUOTE=NutLoose;I doubt my practice knows I am a veteran, but I wouldn't think it make a difference if they did.[/QUOTE]

An ex-army medic at our local practice suggested that, as I was ex-RAF, I ought to enjoy a prostate check.

... didn't buy me dinner, though

I cannot for the life of me see the point in having a Veterans card. Am I missing something ? When would there be an occasion when showing it would help ? I've had a Veterans Railcard and Oyster card for years, plus the DDS and Blue Light cards. They've proved to be very useful.

A side issue is the qualification criterion for the term "Veteran". It varies from one day to 2 years service depending on the entity.

NEO

Last year my GPs' surgery sent out a text message asking if I had served in HRH :ugh:Armed Services to reply 'YES' to 'ensure you receive the appropriate care'. Presumably records were updated - one of the partners is an ex-Surg Lt Cdr so may take an interest in these things.

How about GP surgeries ensuring ALL their patients get the "appropriate care"?!

I have found recently a few places, shops, pubs, restaurants that offer a 10% discount for veterans. Despite showing a photo of me in uniform by my aircraft, this wasn't accepted. So maybe there is a use for a 'Veterans card'. I already use a discounted Senior Railcard which is same price as Veterans Railcard, thanks to my local authority. I also have a letter when I was awarded my War Disability Pension that states I am entitled to priority treartment from the NHS, I presume due to closure of military hospitals. I showed this to my GP who had never heard of veterans treatment, and it seemed to work.

I acquired a veterans card via RAFA. I don't use it in this country but in the USA it is like gold.

Walk into coffee shop "Free coffee for our forces and veterans" I said how about allies?" flashing my card. "Thank you for your service sir - here's your coffee".