General Discussion

Now you can.

"Eligibility for VA health care

If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, you must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty, unless any of the descriptions below are true for you."

https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/

As I enlisted prior to Sept. 7, 1980, I wasn't eligible for VA health care for over 20 years after I was discharged.

"This minimum duty requirement may not apply if any of these are true:

You were discharged for a disability that was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, or
You were discharged for a hardship or “early out,” or
You served prior to September 7, 1980"

https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/

I was able to get VA care after I was approved for disability by the SSA about 10 years ago. My income had plummeted and I got in under priority group 5 based on low income (SSDI doesn't pay much). Once accepted, I was reviewed by the VA and it was determined the root cause of my disability was a surgery I had while serving. This got me moved to priority group 3 and a small monthly pension from the VA.