Basic Eligibility: A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA health care benefits including qualifying Reserve and National Guard members. Minimum Duty Requirements:
What are the best hospitals in Virginia?
VIRGINIA — As the coronavirus pandemic continues to place renewed importance on access to safe, quality health care, a new ranking by Healthgrades has recognized 12 hospitals in Virginia for superior performance. Healthgrades, an online health care information company, on Tuesday released its 2022 list of America's Best Hospitals.
What are the benefits of working for the VA?
VA employees may also receive up to $10,000 per year to repay student loans. Financial Benefits: Stay financially healthy by taking advantage of a wide variety of life insurance plans, the Federal Retirement Plan, savings, flexible spending, paid time off (including all federal holidays) and more. Work-Life Balance: Achieve work-life balance ...
How to apply for VA health care?
- Your most recent tax return.
- Account numbers for your current health insurance provider.
- Social Security numbers for yourself and your spouse.
- An application for health benefits from the VA called the 10-10EZ form.
How many VA medical centers are there?
Vet Centers focus on post-war adjustment, counseling and outreach services for veterans and their families. There are currently 152 VA Medical Centers and approximately 1,400 community-based outpatient clinics in the US. Facilities types (level of care types) are listed in the VISN tables below as:
Who is eligible for treatment at the VA?
Basic Eligibility A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA healthcare benefits.
How do you get a VA treatment?
To apply for VA health care benefits, including enrollment you must fill out an application for enrollment, VA Form 10-10EZ. You may obtain this form by one of the following means: Online - Apply online at VA's website. By Telephone - Call toll-free number at 877-222-VETS (8387)
Are all Veterans eligible for VA benefits?
All enrolled Veterans receive the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA's) comprehensive Medical Benefits Package which includes preventive, primary and specialty care, diagnostic, inpatient and outpatient care services.
Who is eligible for care within the Veterans health Administration answers?
You may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn't receive a dishonorable discharge.
Do veterans get free healthcare for life?
You can get free VA health care for any illness or injury that we determine is related to your military service (called “service connected”). We also provide certain other services for free.
How Much Does VA health care cost per month?
The charge ranges from $5 to $11 for each 30 day or less supply of medications provided on an outpatient basis for nonservice-connected conditions. Outpatient – The copayments will be based on primary care visits ($15) and specialty care visits ($50).
What are the 4 types of Veterans?
What is the difference between a combat, war, or peacetime veteran?Combat Veteran. Every service member who meets the active duty requirement is a veteran, but combat veterans and war veterans are entitled to additional VA benefits other veterans do not receive. ... War Veteran. ... Peacetime Veteran.
How many years do you have to serve to get VA benefits?
Generally, you must have 90 days or 24 months of active service (depending on when you served) to qualify. *You are also eligible if you previously completed 24 continuous months of active service prior to the date above, or received an early discharge under Section 1171 of Title 10.
How many years do you have to serve to be a veteran?
"Anyone who has reached 20 years of service, even if they were never activated on a [federal] order for more than 180 days outside of training, will now be considered a veteran," he said. The change in law, said Krenz, simply recognizes those who serve.
Why don t veterans use the VA?
Of the veteran and active service members who reported to the annual Wounded Warrior Project Survey that they have never used VA health care services, the most common reasons given included preferring to use other health care coverage and too much trouble or red tape....CharacteristicPercentage of respondents--9 more rows•Jun 20, 2022
What are the priority groups for VA?
Enrollment Priority Groups. ... • Veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilities 50% or more disabling. ... • Veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilities 30% or 40% disabling.• Veterans who are Former Prisoners of War (POWs) ... • Veterans who are receiving aid and attendance or housebound benefits from VA.More items...
Are spouses of veterans eligible for VA benefits?
As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training.
How to Establish Eligibility For VA Medical Benefits
VA health care eligibility is based upon active duty military service in the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marines (duri...
VA Health Care Eligibility Questionnaire
Let’s start by looking at some basic eligibility requirements, based on the VA health care eligibility questionnaire:1. Are any of these statements...
Applying For VA Health Care Benefits
Once you have established your eligibility for VA health care benefits, you will need to fill out Form 10-10EZ or Form 10-10EZR to apply for benefi...
Required Supporting Documentation
You can reduce the application processing time by providing information about your service when you apply. This includes documentation such as your...
VA Health Care Enrollment
Applying with for 10-10EZ and providing all relevant information will generally enroll you into the VA medical care system. Most veterans will auto...
What is a VA health card?
The VHIC safeguards your personal information – the member ID and card number have eliminated the need for your Social Security number to be on the card. Similar to a typical health insurance card, the VHIC signifies your enrollment in VA health care.
What is the VA handbook?
The handbook will detail your VA health care benefit information, based on your specific eligibility factors, in an organized, easy-to-read format. It also includes information on your preferred facility, copayment responsibilities, how to schedule appointments, ways to communicate treatment needs and more.
What does a notification letter mean for a veteran?
If the information provided assists in determining that the Veteran is eligible for enrollment, the Veteran will receive a notification letter indicating continued eligibility status. If the Veteran is determined not eligible for enrollment, the Veteran will receive a notification letter indicating the:
What can veterans expect from their Pact?
Veterans can expect their PACT to help them use health care services, including eHealth technologies , which are necessary to optimize their health and well-being. For more information, visit www.patientcare.va.gov/primarycare/PACT.asp or contact the enrollment coordinator at your local VA medical facility.
How long does it take for VA to make a final decision?
The reason for the decision (lack of proof of Veteran status, eligibility, etc.) At the end of the 60 days and after thoroughly reviewing any new evidence or information submitted, VA will make a final eligibility determination.
How long does it take for a VA to notify you of a disenrollment?
Enrolled Veterans who are receiving health care benefits and are later determined to not be eligible for enrollment will be notified via letter 60 days prior to disenrollment. This will give the Veteran adequate time to provide VA with the needed information to finalize the enrollment decision and, if necessary, transfer his or her medical care to the private sector or to seek other options for medical care.
How to get a VHIC?
To obtain a VHIC, you will need to provide one form of primary identification: your driver’s license, passport, or other federal, state or local photo ID with your address, to your local VA health care facility and have your photo taken.
What are the eligibility factors for VA health care?
VA health care eligibility factors: VA health care eligibility is based on many issues, including active duty military service, type of military discharge, service-connected disabilities, medical conditions incurred while in the service, location of service, and more. You can be eligible based on your service dates, deployments you served on, ...
How to update VA health insurance?
Once you have established your eligibility for VA health care benefits, you will need to fill out Form 10-10EZ or Form 10-10EZR to apply for benefits. These forms are also used to update your current information if anything has changed. There are several ways you can fill out or update the 10-10EZ: online, by phone, by mail, or in-person at a VA medical facility. Here is the info you need: 1 Online: Visit this link and fill out the form. 2 Phone: Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm EST. A VA rep will send you a completed form via mail. You will need to verify and sign the form, then return it to the VA. 3 Mail: Complete Form 10-10EZ or Form 10-10EZR and mail it to Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329-1647. 4 In person: Visit any VA Medical Center or clinic. Here is the VA Directory.
Can veterans use VA medical centers?
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating can use VA medical centers, but health care benefits aren’t only limited to those individuals. Let’s dispel some of the myths about VA health care eligibility, see who is eligible, and learn how you can apply for VA health care benefits.
Can you get VA health care if you are on active duty?
Members of the National Guard and Reserves may be eligible for VA health care benefits if they were called to active duty on a Federal Executive Order (this generally excludes active duty for training purposes). Other groups of servicemembers may also be eligible for VA medical care.
Can you visit a VA clinic?
Each case is unique, and final benefits decisions rest with the VA. VA health care eligibility only means you can visit VA medical centers and clinics for health care. It does not necessarily mean all health care is 100% free (some medical care may be free, however, many veterans may be required to pay a co-pay).
Do you need a service connected disability rating to be eligible for VA health care?
Misconceptions about VA health care eligibility: It is not a requirement to have served in combat or in a war zone. You do not need a service-connected disability rating. You did not need to be injured or wounded while in the service.
Do you have to pay co-pays for VA?
There may be limitations on the type of health care you may be eligible for, and some medical care may require a co-pay or other associated cost, depending on your VA Priority Group, the nature of your coverage, and the medical care you receive.
Why do VA priority groups exist?
Since funds are limited, VA set up Priority Groups to make sure that certain groups of veterans are able to be enrolled before others. Once you apply for enrollment, your eligibility will be verified. Based on your specific eligibility status, you will be assigned a Priority Group.
How much is the VA reimbursement per mile?
Veterans traveling for scheduled compensation or pension examinations; Veterans whose income does not exceed the maximum VA pension rate; Mileage reimbursement is made at the current rate of 41.5 cents per mile . The deductibles are $3 for a one way trip, $6 for a round trip, with a maximum of $18 per calendar month.
What is the highest priority group for veterans?
The Priority Groups range from 1-8 with 1 being the highest priority. Based on eligibility and income, some veterans may have to pay copay for treatment and some may not be eligible for enrollment. You may be eligible for more than one Priority Group.
What is discharged for disability?
Discharged for a disability that was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, or. Discharged for a hardship. If you’re a current or former member of the Reserves or National Guard, you must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty. ...
Do you have to pay VA copays?
If you have a lower level of disability rating you may have to pay the VA a copayment depending on what type of medical services you get and what condition you are being treated for. For instance, if you are rated 10% disabled for high blood pressure you can get your blood pressure medication from the VA for free.
Is VA medical care free?
Cost of VA Medical Care. Normally, if you have an injury or disability caused by your military service you are eligible to be treated for that condition by the VA for free. If your disability or injury is severe enough for the VA to rate you at least 50% disabled for compensation benefits, all your medical care is free from the VA.
Does the VA reimburse you for travel?
Travel to a VA Doctor. Depending on your priority group, the VA may even reimburse you for traveling to a medical appointment. Reimbursement for mileage or public transportation may be paid to the following: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 30% or more; Veterans traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition;
How to apply for VA health benefits?
You can apply for VA health care by calling or visiting your local VA medical center or VA regional office, calling 877-222-VETS (8387), or completing the Application for Health Benefits online. If you are completing the application yourself and need help, call 877-222-VETS (8387) or use the VAs Online Web Chat.
How long do you have to be a combat veteran to receive VA health care?
Combat veterans who were discharged recently have five years of special enrollment status for health care after discharge under the enhanced health care eligibility program. If you are a combat veteran and you were recently discharged, it is a good idea to enroll even if you do not need VA health care. That way your right to receive VA health care ...
What happens if you don't receive VA disability?
If you are not receiving disability compensation or pension, you will probably have to provide financial information to the VA to show that your income does not exceed the VA annual income threshold.
What is VA health care?
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides health care for veterans at VA hospitals and clinics throughout the country. The purpose of this article is to explain who is eligible for VA health care benefits, how to apply, how the VA decides which veterans receive care, and what groups of veterans are eligible for specialized services.
Does the VA have enough resources to provide care to veterans?
Unfortunately, the Veterans Health Administration does not have enough resources to provide care to all veterans who need it. To address this issue, the VA has created eight priority groups for enrollment.
Does the VA have a special treatment center for spinal cord injuries?
The VA has established special treatment centers to meet the needs of veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders. For more information or to locate a treatment center near you, go to the VA webpage on Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders.
Can you get counseling for sexual trauma in the military?
Even if you are ineligible for VA health care, you can still receive counseling for military sexual trauma and health care for any related physical injuries or illnesses. To be eligible, the trauma must have ...
What are the conditions that veterans are required to have served in Vietnam?
These veterans are required to have served active-duty in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975, and have suffered from one of the following conditions that the National Academy of Sciences determined as evidence of a possible connection with herbicide exposure: Acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy.
How long do you have to be in the military to get VA benefits?
If these qualifications are not possible, the veteran must have 24 months of unbroken active-duty military service in order to be granted VA medical benefits unless: The veteran was a Reservist or member of the National Guard who served in federal active duty, finished the whole term for which they were called.
What is a group 4 veteran?
Group 4, veterans receiving aid: Group 4 consists of veterans that need in-home aid or assistance or are housebound and as a result receive VA pension in addition to monthly compensation from the VA.
How long does it take for VA to make appointments?
Those with service-related disabilities of 50 percent or more and veterans in need of care for service-related medical conditions are granted priority of appointment within 30 days.
How to get a copy of VA health benefits form?
Veterans can obtain this form from any of the VA medical centers or in Appendix C or have a copy of the form mailed to them by contacting the VA’s Health Benefits Service Center by calling toll free at 877-222-8387 (877-222-VETS). The Service Center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. eastern time.
What is a military discharge characterization?
A military discharge characterization that the VA determines is other than dishonorable is compulsory to receive VA medical care through the healthcare system. Before comprehending priority groups a veteran is applicable to, how and where to enroll, and when the VA’s services start, they must first meet the minimum military service necessities.
Do you have to be enrolled in the VA to receive medical benefits?
Generally, veterans must be enrolled in the VA healthcare program in order to be granted medical benefits. However, a veteran doesn’t have to be enrolled if they: Have been categorized as 50 percent or more disabled from service-related conditions by the VA’s rating system explained in Chapter 6.
What drugs are approved by the FDA?
Drugs Approved or Authorized for Use 1 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one drug, remdesivir (Veklury), to treat COVID-19. 2 The FDA can also issue emergency use authorizations#N#external icon#N#(EUAs) to allow healthcare providers to use products that are not yet approved, or that are approved for other uses, to treat patients with COVID-19 if certain legal requirements are met. 3 The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has developed and regularly updates Treatment Guidelines#N#external icon#N#to help guide healthcare providers caring for patients with COVID-19, including when clinicians might consider using one of the products under an EUA.
What is the FDA approved drug?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one drug, remdesivir (Veklury), to treat COVID-19. The FDA can also issue emergency use authorizations. external icon. (EUAs) to allow healthcare providers to use products that are not yet approved, or that are approved for other uses, to treat patients with COVID-19 if certain legal requirements ...
Can you get investigational treatment for a virus?
Your healthcare provider might recommend that you receive investigational treatment. For people at high risk of disease progression. The FDA has issued EUAs for a number of investigational monoclonal antibodies that can attach to parts of the virus.
How many veterans are eligible for VA health care?
Eligibility for VA Health Care. The VA healthcare system is the largest single provider of healthcare in the United States and serves well over 9 million veterans. Not all veterans can receive care in the system. Eligibility includes a large list of criteria to include service-connected disability, non-service-connected disability, ...
How much does the VA spend on medical care?
Spending for medical care by VHA in 2019 was $76.5 billion.
What is the Purple Heart of a veteran?
Veteran is a former prisoner of war (POW), OR#N#Veteran received the Purple Heart medal, OR#N#Veteran was discharged for a disability that was caused byor got worse because active-duty service, OR#N#Veteran has a a service-connected disability rated as 10% or 20% disabling, OR#N#Veteran was awarded special eligibility classification under Title 38, U.S.C § 1151, "benefits for individuals disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation"
What is enhanced eligibility period?
This is called an enhanced eligibility period. Enrollment for VA health care until after the enhanced eligibility period ends, won't necessarily make OEF/OIF/OND combat veterans ineligible for further enrollment. Instead, VA will base eligibility on factors such as income or VA disability rating.
What is a veteran's disability?
Veteran has a compensable service-connected disability that rated as 0% disabling, OR#N#Veteran was exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or during the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, OR#N#Veteran Participated in Project 112/SHAD, OR#N#Veteran Served in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, OR#N#Veteran Served in the Persian Gulf War between August 2, 1990, and November 11, 1998, OR#N#Veteran Served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987
What is VA priority group?
This priority group system helps to make sure that Veterans who need care right away can get signed up quickly. It also helps to make sure that all enrolled veterans receive high quality care.
What is priority 8 VA?
For veterans assigned to priority group 8, eligibility for VA health care benefits will depend on which subpriority group the beneficiaries placed in. Those in priority group 8 do not have service-connected disabilities, and their income is above both the national and the geographic thresholds.
Eligibility For VA Health Care Benefits
- If you had active duty in the military and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, you may be eligible for VA health care benefits. If you enlisted after September 7, 1980 or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, you must have served for 24 uninterrupted months to be eligible for health care. This minimum service time may no...
Priority Groups
- Unfortunately, the Veterans Health Administration does not have enough resources to provide care to all veterans who need it. To address this issue, the VA has created eight priority groups for enrollment. When you apply, the VA will assign you to a priority group. In some cases, you may be asked to agree to pay co-pays in order to be placed in a priority group. If you are eligible for mor…
Health Care Benefits
- All veterans, regardless of priority group, are generally entitled to the same medical services after enrollment. Visit the VA website for a comprehensive description of the medical benefitsprovided, including doctors' visits, mental health care, emergency care, in-patient hospital services, and more.
What Happens After I Apply?
- The VA will process your application and notify you about whether you are eligible, whether you were enrolled, and, if so, what priority group you were assigned to and whether you will be responsible for co-pays. This notification will also explain how to appeal if you disagree with the decision. If you were denied benefits and you think you are eligible, contact a disability lawyercer…