Jason Toddman wrote:It'd be nice if i could take a advantage of something like that, but since i left the military with a general discharge (under honorable conditions) rather than a honorable discharge (because of being caught in homosexual relations with a fellow airman), I don't qualify for VA benefits. Bummer.

You'd be surprised at the benefits for which you are eligible. Your best bet, would be to take a copy of your DD-214 to the VA Regional Office, or to a local Veterans Service Office (VSO) at the American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, or other veterans organization.
I am fortunate, in that the VA Regional Office that serves my area, is right here in town; that we also have one of the best VA Medical Centers in the country adjacent to the Regional Office; and that several VSO's have offices on the hospital campus, and their sole functions are to guide vets through the maze of regulations and paperwork, and get them the benefits for which they are eligible.
Since you are from Maine, my best SWAG (Scientific Wild-Ass Guess) would be that your VA Regional Office would be in or near Boston. There should be an 800 number. There may also be a state department of Veterans Services or Veterans Affairs which can help.
I am also fortunate that the operation was deemed necessary, due to a connection with military service. I'm thinking my VA disability rating will jump to 60% (from 30%), but first, I have to go through my primary care provider, plus check with the VSO, to see if any forms or other paperwork need to be completed. My surgeon has already said he would sign off on any paperwork.
As for the VA being "socialized medicine," perhaps so. It is also an earned benefit, NOT an entitlement. However, almost ALL the medical personnel, from the general practitioners, to the specialty surgeons, to the nurses, to the orderlies, WANT to be there, unlike physicians and surgeons in private practice, who are told that they will take what the government (Medicare and Medicaid) says they should get, and if they don't like it, they have to take it anyway, or the government will no longer refer patients to them.
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