Question for Gimpy and others?

[formergrunt70]

Now correct Me if I'm wrong. Maybe I had a mis-understanding. I retired in 1989 in pretty good health. In 1991 I started with the high blood pressure stuff (hypertension). So I went to the VA medical center in Memphis to schedule an appointment. The front desk asked Me several questions concerning eligeability. It was determined that I had no service connected disabilities, and in receipt of retirement pay. Therefore I was over the VA threshhold. Stated that I fell in Category 8, and would be required to pay a co-pay if seen
by the VA. From that point on I was always under CHAMPUS and utilized the Naval air station clinic where I was assigned a Primary care doctor. Now that it is TRI-CARE, and under TRI-CARE prime. I get all of My medical through them to include medications. Now
that I have a service connected disability of 40%, and being retired do I still fall into the category 8 group? Hope You are understanding all of this. Bottomline: Am I eligeable for
VA health care at no charge?