You may qualify for VA medical care if you served in active military, naval or air service with an honorable discharge. This includes Reservists or National Guard members called for active duty by a federal order who completed their tour of duty.
Who is eligible for VA health care?
Basic Eligibility for VA Health Care If you served in the active military, naval or air service and are separated under any condition other than dishonorable, you may qualify for VA health care benefits.
Do reservists qualify for VA medical care?
Length of service, income level and VA resources available are other determinants. You may qualify for VA medical care if you served in active military, naval or air service with an honorable discharge. This includes Reservists or National Guard members called for active duty by a federal order who completed their tour of duty.
Who can use the Veterans Administration Hospital?
Who Can Use the Veterans Administration Hospital? The United States Department of Veterans Affairs provides over 1,875 health care facilities in the 50 states and U.S. territories, accessible for medical care to veterans, dependents and survivors who qualify, at the time of publication.
Do you have to apply for VA health care?
Veterans who served prior to September 7, 1980 do not have to meet a minimum service requirement to be eligible for VA health care. In most cases, you need to apply for health care, but in some cases, enrollment is automatic. In some cases, you will be provided with health care without applying if you:
How many priority groups are there for VA?
How many months of active duty do you have to serve?
What does enhanced eligibility mean?
Can I get VA health care benefits if I served in the military?
See more
About this website
Who can be treated at the VA?
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.
Who is eligible for VA?
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.
Can the VA refuse to treat you?
You can agree to or refuse any treatment. You will be told what is likely to happen to you if you refuse a treatment. Refusing a treatment will not affect your rights to future care but you take responsibility for the impact this decision may have on your health.
How long do you have to serve to get VA benefits?
24 monthsGenerally, 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.
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.
What are the 4 types of Veterans?
The Type of VeteranWar Veteran. War veterans are active-duty or reserve military members who have been in an area of conflict with another nation or in the surrounding waters to support activities against a national enemy.Combat Veteran. ... Retired Veteran. ... Protected Veteran.
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).
How many veterans don't get the help they need?
These decades-long conflicts have left survivors with invisible wounds that require treatment, but too many of those who suffer under those burdens have been denied means to get help. While only 1.7 percent of veterans were excluded from VA health care in the World War II era, today 6.5 percent are denied care.
Why would a veteran be denied benefits?
Causes for ineligibility of benefits The veteran was dishonorably discharged. The injury occurred while the veteran was avoiding duty, such as while deserting or absent without leave (AWOL) The injury occurred while the veteran/service member was in prison or detained due to court martial or civil court felony.
What is the VA 5 year rule?
The VA disability rating 5-year rule states that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot reduce a veteran's disability rating if it has been in place for five years or more unless the condition shows sustained improvement over time. In this situation, the veteran's rating is considered a stabilized rating.
What are the 5 types of Veterans?
Under VEVRAA, a veteran may be classified as a ''disabled veteran,'' ''recently separated veteran,'' ''active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran,'' or ''Armed Forces service medal veteran. ''
Do all Veterans qualify 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.
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...
Basic Eligibility for VA Health Care - Health Benefits
Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
VA Benefit Eligibility Matrix
Benefit Derivative; Non-Compensable 0 percent disability rating. 10 point Veteran preference in federal hiring; No cost health care and prescription drugs for service connected disabilities
Determining Veteran Status and Eligibility for Benefits (U.S ...
b. Qualifying Service Under 10 U.S.C. If a Guard unit, or an individual member, is activated under the authority of 10 U.S.C., the members who report for active duty, which is characterized as Federal Active Duty, have qualifying service for 38 U.S.C. purposes until deactivated.
What Benefits Are You Eligible For As A Veteran? | Military.com
As a veteran you know you are eligible for benefits. However, it can be very difficult knowing exactly what you are eligible for and how to go about getting everything you're entitled to.
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.
How does the VA determine a veteran's income?
The VA automatically determines the veteran’s income and deductible expenses by matching records with the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration.
Do veterans have to establish eligibility each year?
However, some veterans will need to establish eligibility each year to maintain their enrollment priority. This is generally the case for veterans who qualify for VA medical care based on their income or other information that can change from year to year.
Can military veterans receive medical care?
Many military veterans aren't aware they are eligible to receive medical care through the VA. This guide shows you how to determine if you are eligible and learn how to enroll in VA health care.
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).
How long do you have to serve in the military to be eligible for the VA?
Most Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty to be eligible. This minimum duty requirement may not apply to Veterans who were discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, were discharged for a hardship or received an “early out.” Since there are a number of other exceptions to the minimum duty requirements, VA encourages all Veterans to apply to determine their enrollment eligibility.
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 a VHIC card?
The VHIC is used as proof of identity and to check in for appointments at VA health care facilities. While the card is not required to receive health care, VA recommends all enrolled Veterans have one.
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 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.
Temporary Ratings (Hospitalization)
Veterans who are hospitalized for more than 21 days for a service-connected disability may receive a temporary 100% disability compensation rating.
Example
A Veteran is considered 40% disabled for his service-connected diabetes mellitus is taken by ambulance to a VA hospital after lapsing into a diabetic coma. He recovered, but required over 21 days of hospitalization due to the coma and infection. His rating was raised to 100% due to hospitalization and then returned to 40%.
What are the priority groups for veterans?
At the top of the list are those who incurred a service-related permanent disability with a rating calculated in percentages. Other groupings include former prisoners of war , purple heart recipients , housebound and catastrophically disabled veterans and those on VA pensions and Medicaid. At the bottom of the list are non-injured veterans with gross income limits below the geographically-adjusted income thresholds and veterans over the income limits with agreement to co-pays.
What happens if you are in excess of the VA national threshold?
If your income is in excess of the VA national threshold or the geographic threshold for the area in which you live, the VA may lower your priority group assignment. You may be charged co-pays or be billed for non service-connected medical care. Your priority group also determines how quickly you receive an appointment.
What is non service related medical care?
Non service-related medical care in veteran hospitals and clinics has income threshold guidelines. Geographic thresholds are by metropolitan statistical areas and depend on the number of dependents the service member has as well. Once you apply for VA health care benefits and complete the income information, Veterans Affairs compares your income statistics with the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration records. VA contacts you for verification of any differences.
What is VA 10-10EZ?
Complete VA form 10-10EZ, the application for for health benefits with an option to complete it online. You can indicate if you want an appointment at the time of application . Veterans requesting care for a service-connected disability get preference or a higher priority group assignment. A financial assessment considers gross household income, including earned and unearned income. Asset values do not include your homestead, but includes other property, such as stocks and bonds, individual retirement and bank accounts and available cash.
Do veterans get preference?
Some veterans receive preference, especially for treatment of service-caused disabilities or illnesses. Length of service, income level and VA resources available are other determinants. Advertisement.
Do female veterans get the same benefits as male veterans?
This includes Reservists or National Guard members called for active duty by a federal order who completed their tour of duty. The length of your service in the military affects your priority group, along with your present income level. Female veterans receive the same benefits as males.
What is community care?
Community care is available to Veterans based on certain conditions and eligibility requirements, and in consideration of a Veteran’s specific needs and circumstances. Community care must be first authorized by VA before a Veteran can receive care from a community provider. Learn More About the Types of Care.
Does the VA pay for health care?
VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. This care is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA.
Does VA pay for non service connected care?
As with care provided directly by VA, Veterans are charged a copayment for nonservice-connected care. Learn how to pay your bill and alternative payment options. In addition, VA may bill Veterans’ health insurance for medical care, supplies, and prescriptions related to treatment of nonservice-connected conditions.
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 ...
How to determine VA priority group?
To determine which group you may belong to, see the VA's description of priority groups. If you have a service-connected injury or illness' your priority group will be determined by your disability rating. Former POWs and recipients of certain military honors are also given special priority. In addition, VA groups grants priority based on other factors, including financial need.
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 serve in the military to get VA benefits?
If you enlisted after September 7, 1980 or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, you must have served for 24 uninter rupted months to be eligible for health care. This minimum service time may not apply if you were discharged due to a service-connected disability or for hardship.
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.
Do veterans get the same medical 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 benefits provided, including doctors' visits, mental health care, emergency care, in-patient hospital services, and more.
How many priority groups are there for VA?
When you apply for VA health care, you’ll be assigned 1 of 8 priority groups. This system helps to make sure that Veterans who need immediate care can get signed up quickly. Your priority group may affect how soon we sign you up for health care benefits.
How many months of active duty do you have to serve?
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.
What does enhanced eligibility mean?
You may qualify for enhanced eligibility status (meaning you’ll be placed in a higher priority group, which makes you more likely to get benefits) if you meet at least one of the requirements listed below. At least one of these must be true.
Can I get VA health care benefits if I served in the military?
Am I eligible for VA health care benefits? 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.
Basic Eligibility For VA Health Care
- If you served in the active military, naval or air service and are separated under any condition other than dishonorable, you may qualify for VA health care benefits. Current and former members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called to active duty (other than for training only) by a federal order and completed the full period for which t...
Minimum Duty Requirements
- Most Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty to be eligible. This minimum duty requirement may not apply to Veterans who were discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, were discharged for a hards…
Enrolled, But Later Determined Ineligible
- 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 …