Voices

Opinion pieces, commentary, editorials, and columns that reflect community perspectives from Beaufort’s writers, thought leaders, and residents. This category provides a platform for voices shaping local discussion on issues, values, culture, civic life, and public debate in Beaufort and the broader Lowcountry.

How does the VA determine whether a Veteran is eligible for (Free or with co-pays) VA Health Care? Part 2

Larry Dandridge, Military /

Veterans can find the eligibility requirements for VA healthcare on the VA webpage “Eligibility for VA Health Care” at https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/. All veterans who meet basic service and discharge requirements and who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving our country, at home or abroad, are now eligible for VA healthcare. This includes all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11.

How does the VA determine whether a Veteran is eligible for (Free or with co-pays) VA Health Care? Part 2 Read More »

Bad neighbors not welcome

Voices /

Last week we found out that Port Royal’s largest apartment development, The Preserve, will no longer pay local taxes. That’s right. Thanks to a glaring loophole in a state law, Beaufort County is now out roughly $260,000 in tax revenue; Beaufort County School District is out roughly $726,000, and the Town of Port Royal is out around $350,000, about 6% of its total tax collections. It cannot be overstated: this is a huge deal.

Bad neighbors not welcome Read More »

How does the VA determine whether a veteran is eligible for free VA Health Care?

Larry Dandridge, Military /

My next five articles on veterans’ benefits will cover VA health care, vet centers, priority groups, VA copay rates, Medal of Honor recipients, registry health exams, service-connected disabled veterans, veterans’ income levels, other special eligibility factors for veterans, and how these affect VA healthcare.

How does the VA determine whether a veteran is eligible for free VA Health Care? Read More »