When people thank me for my service, I thank them for their support.
As far as the VA goes, I stay away as much as possible. Dealing with the VA system is nails on a chalkboard barefoot in a classroom with legos all over the floor, in a school with lead paint and asbestos tiles that is on fire, in Barstow, CA.
However, the one time that I've had to use their emergency room, it was not the worst ER experience I've ever had. To give them their due, in emergent situations, it's care first, paperwork second.