SAN DIEGO -- It's another sign of the current state of the economy -- more and more military veterans are asking for help.

Judy, a phone operator, is one of the first people military veterans talk to when they need help, and it seems like the phone is ringing more often at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in La Jolla.

The staff at the VA hospital said more veterans are calling because they are finding it tougher to pay for health care because they either cannot afford it or they lost a job and their benefits.

Richard Randolph of the VA Medical Center said, "Just talking to veterans everyday, it's rough out there."

Hospital administrators said the vets are looking for a hardship waiver, which would allow them to qualify for extra medical coverage from the VA.

Last year, only 42 waiver requests were made.

However, in the first four months of 2009, the VA has already received more than 120 requests, and officials said there might be a lot more out there.

"And a lot of them are embarrassed about it and they don't want people to know," said Linette Baker, chief health administrator at the VA Medical Center. "They're used to being the bread-winner and doing what they need to do for our country and for their families and now they're coming in and they have to admit they can't do it anymore."

The VA said it could help but only after a vet comes to grips with the tough economy.

"Don't be afraid to come and ask the basic question, 'Hey, what am I entitled to?'" said Randolph.

Baker said these veterans are entitled to that care.

"It is very heartbreaking to see that, especially because it's one of my own, to see that they're having these issues after serving their country and giving their all," said Baker.