Lots of good replies and information here. I have more research to do and will revisit this thread after my first meeting with the doc at the end of this month.

Currently I plan to take advantage of the VA community care (VA Choice) to get me as far along as I can with no out of pocket. Once or if I get to a point where the VA wants me to go to their doc, thats when I'll switch to my other health care and bear the cost of co=pays to go and see doctors of my choice.

Wanted to follow up on this.

Always get a second and even third opinion if your healthcare allows it.

Short of it is.....the first radiologist was "more than likely being overly dramatic" in writing his report. Two separate Optho/Neuro docs with follow on opinions say there is only minor bulging in C-6 that requires nothing more than physical therapy and a daily dose of gabapentin. Both docs even said that my neck looks very good considering 20 years of pounding around on steel flight decks and they would expect more neck and knee problems from that. Started the Gabapentin back in mid Jan and the soreness and stiffness seems to have worked itself to a very very mild annoyance once a week or so. PT starts mid March and after 6 weeks I'll start tapering off the gabapentin and see if just PT can keep things in check.

Again, 2nd and if needed, 3rd opinions. Always self advocate and ask questions.

So glad to hear it’s worked out for you and you were smart enough to get those extra opinions.

I spent all last summer struggling because I’d sought the advice of only one doc, and kept getting denied for a procedure by insurance. My husband finally convinced me to get a second opinion in the fall after I’d been denied 2-3 times by insurance. The new doc that took a look had me scheduled, approved, and on the table within 2 weeks of my consult. What a waste of my summer, but by my own stupidity.
Don’t ever feel bad about getting a second opinion. Much as I knew this, I had to have it happen to me before I learned my lesson.