What Are the Requirements to Get Medical Care From the Veterans Administration?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a broad range of medical, surgical and rehabilitative care to members of the military who have become injured as a result of service in wartime. Although all veterans are potentially eligible, the amount of money the U.S. Congress allocates each year to VA determines how many can enroll in the health care program. First priority goes to individuals who are disabled due to service-related injuries.

Eligibility

• Veterans who participated in active military service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard are eligible for VA health benefits. Reservists and National Guard members who were called to active duty by a Federal Executive Order also may qualify. Returning service members, including Reservists and National Guard members who served on active duty in combat operations have special eligibility for hospital care, medical services and nursing home care for five years following discharge from active duty. In May 2010, President Obama signed legislation authorizing the VA to establish services to support certain caregivers of eligible veterans.

Priority Groups

• The VA has eight enrollment priority groups. Veterans with service-related disabilities affecting 50 percent or more of their ability to function and those determined to be unemployable due to service-related disabilities have first priority for VA health care. These individuals are followed by veterans with 30 to 40 percent service-related disabilities. Former prisoners of war, recipients of the Purple Heart and those with less serious disabilities follow. Veterans receiving VA pension benefits as well as those eligible for Medicaid also qualify for medical care at VA facilities.

Application Process

• To receive benefits, a veteran must apply in person at a VA medical center, by telephone or online.The veteran must report his gross household income, including that of a spouse and dependents to determine eligibility, copay status and enrollment group assignment. Veterans don't have to pay a monthly premium for health benefits. If accepted, the veteran receives an identification card for use when obtaining medical care at VA facilities.

VA Benefits

• Once enrolled, a veteran can receive medical care at any of 1,400 VA medical centers across the United States. The VA offers preventive care, emergency care, surgery, hospital and outpatient medical and mental health care as well as prescription medicine, dental care and prosthetic services. VA medical facilities provide specialized health care for women. The VA also provides treatment for alcohol and drug dependency. The VA provides limited medical benefits to family members of eligible veterans. The surviving spouse, child or parent of a deceased veteran may qualify for VA health benefits.