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. If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, you must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty, unless any of the descriptions below are true for you.
Full Answer
Are you eligible for VA medical care?
Other groups of servicemembers may also be eligible for VA medical 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.
What can I do if I need help with a VA issue?
A patient advocate listens to veterans health care issues. The advocate will work with you to resolve the problem. For more information, call 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387). If you or someone you know needs help now, contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What is Vava health care eligibility?
VA health care eligibility is based upon active duty military service in the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marines (during WWII).
What kind of mental health services does the VA offer?
Find out how to access VA mental health services for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST), depression, grief, anxiety, and other needs. You can use some services even if you’re not enrolled in VA health care. How do I talk to someone right now? Find out how to get support anytime day or night.
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.
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.
Do US Veterans get free healthcare?
The VA will provide you free health care for conditions that are caused or made worse by your military service. If you have severe injuries or disabilities you may be eligible to receive all your medical care for free from the VA, not just that care related to your injuries.
What is the maximum income to qualify for VA benefits?
VA Income Limits 2020 $41,005 or less if you have one dependent. $43,356 or less if you have two dependents. $45,707 or less if you have three dependents. $48,058 or less if you have four dependents.
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.
Is my wife eligible for VA health care?
If you're the spouse, surviving spouse, dependent child, or family caregiver of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for health care benefits. In certain cases, you may also qualify for health care benefits due to a disability related to your Veteran's service.
Do Veterans get paid for life?
The SSA evaluates military records when claimants apply for benefits, and qualifying veterans can get a lifetime earnings credit for wages during service. Eligibility is based on length of service.
What is the difference between military healthcare and the VA?
The VA is not the same as the Military Health System or TRICARE. The VA's system is separate from the health-care system that the military uses for active-duty personnel, retirees, dependents, and military families. The military, instead, operates the Military Health System.
What disqualifies you from VA benefits?
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. If you had or have active-duty status for training purposes only, you don't qualify for VA health care.
What automatically qualifies you for VA disability?
You have a current illness or injury (known as a condition) that affects your mind or body, and. You served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty 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 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 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 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.
What is it called when you get sick while serving in the military?
You: Got sick or injured while serving in the military—and can link this condition to your illness or injury (called an inservice disability claim), or. Had an illness or injury before you joined the military—and serving made it worse (called a preservice disability claim), or.
Can you get VA disability for lung disease?
You may be able to get VA disability benefits for conditions such as : Chronic (long-lasting) back pain resulting in a current diagnosed back disability. Breathing problems resulting from a current lung condition or lung disease. Severe hearing loss. Scar tissue.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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 ...
Priority group 1
We may assign you to priority group 1 if any of the below descriptions are true. You:
Priority group 2
We may assign you to priority group 2 if you have a service-connected disability that we've rated as 30% or 40% disabling.
Priority group 3
We may assign you to priority group 3 if any of the below descriptions are true. You:
Priority group 4
We may assign you to priority group 4 if either of the below descriptions is true. You:
Priority group 5
We may assign you to priority group 5 if any of the below descriptions are true. You:
Priority group 6
We may assign you to priority group 6 if any of the below descriptions are true. You:
Priority group 7
We may assign you to priority group 7 if both of the below descriptions are true for you:
How to contact a VA counselor?
Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can: Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. Chat online. Send a text message to 838255. Veterans’ caregivers can find help through the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.
What are the benefits of being a veteran?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) runs the program. Benefits include: Inpatient and outpatient care at VA medical facilities. Prescription drugs from VA providers. Long-term care depending on needs, income, and space availability.
What is a patient advocate?
A patient advocate listens to veterans health care issues. The advocate will work with you to resolve the problem. Take additional steps to resolve problems with the VA. For more information, call 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387).
What is long term care?
Long-term care depending on needs, income, and space availability. Care from community health care providers when the VA can't provide what you need. This is based on certain conditions and eligibility requirements. Mental health care. Women veterans health care.
Can veterans get mental health care?
Veterans enrolled in VA health care can receive mental health services. Even if you're not enrolled in VA health care, you may be able to get help. All veterans can get free VA mental health care for a year after they leave the military. Vets who served in a combat zone can get free counseling and substance abuse screening at VA vet centers.