How to Provide Advice & Guidance on VHA Health Administration Programs

After returning home from military service in the U.S. Armed Forces, many Americans need routine or specialized medical assistance. Veterans are eligible for a wide array of benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs runs medical facilities across the nation, exclusively for veterans and members of the families. When giving advice to a veteran or their family, encourage them to find out if they qualify for benefits and how to find out what benefits they are eligible for. The V.A. has several online documents and surveys to help them determine their eligibility. They can also call their local V.A. facility for more information.

Instructions

• 1

  Help your client determine if they are eligible for health care benefits through the Veterans Administration (V.A.) (see Resources). The V.A. has an online survey which provides eligibility information. Generally, veterans have to have serve in the active military, naval or air service and were honorably discharged. Alternatively, veterans must be, or have been Reservists or National Guard members who were called to active duty. Reservists or National Guard members must have completed to full call-up period. However, veterans and family members can still quality for V.A. benefits based on special factors, such as Vietnam service or income.

• 2

  Explain the various types of benefits available through the V.A. According to the V.A.'s website, they are eligible for many benefits, including disability, education and training, vocational rehabilitation and employment, home loan guaranty, dependent and survivor benefits, medical treatment, life insurance and burial benefits.

• 3

  Encourage eligible veterans (or the families) to apply for benefits at the V.A. Veterans can apply through the V.A.'s "Pre-Discharge Program," the "Veteran Online Application," or they can apply at their local V.A. regional office (see Resources).