I call the Dept of VA pretty much on a monthly basis just to make sure they don't forget about and attempt to reduce my benefits. I ask a lot of questions and get on the employee's nerves. However, I really don't care. That's THEIR JOB: TO HELP VETERANS and they get paid for it. So, I have inquired about various benefits to see what the requirements are.
For Foreign Medical Program you must do/have the following:
1) have a service connected disability
2) when I called they said the biggest thing is you MUST have a service connected disability of 50% or more.
3) BEFORE you leave the States, you MUST call their office and apply. If you are leaving in Sept/Oct and interested in the program I would apply for the program NOW.
Also here is a FAQ section of their website.
http://www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/fmp/FAQs.aspHowever, one thing I noticed about the VA is if you come up with a really good sob story they are willing to make exceptions. The VA seems to have ALOT of slack in the line when it comes to making exemptions for laws set by Congress. I think Congress must of wrote them another law that also states something to the effect of "Whatever best benefits the Veteran." I just don't think they make people aware of that. Anyway, Veterans NEED to know their rights and benefits. It's very important to make those phone calls to them.
Just a thought but start a thread on how everything turns out and what you did if you don't mind. If not, no big deal. Best of luck to ya. Something tells me Guatemala is the new up and coming place of the future though. Not so much for mongering but in other ways.