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VA Medical Benefits Criteria

A U.S. armed forces member, reservist or veteran is eligible for free or low cost health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs if he meets the VA's criteria. The services are provided at medical centers overseen by the VA nationwide. Eligibility for the main health care program is dependent on type and length of service, but some services are available to all armed forces members.

  1. Active Service and Duty

    • A U.S. armed forces member must have actively served in a military, naval or air service branch and received an honorable discharge or release. A person in the Reserves or National Guard also qualifies if she was called to active duty and completed the duration for which she was called. All VA health care applicants who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, or went on active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, had to have served for at least two years or completed an entire active duty duration. However, a person who was discharged early due to a medical problem or hardship -- as determined by the VA -- may still qualify for medical benefits.

    Financial Consideration

    • A veteran is eligible for medical benefits even if he has a high income, but he may have to wait to receive help. The national income ceiling for VA medical assistance is $80,000 per year as of 2011, and a person whose income exceeds that level is not given top priority for health care. The VA doesn't allow veterans who refuse to provide financial information to enroll in the medical benefits program as of 2011, per the VA.

    Priority

    • Veterans eligible for medical benefits may not be able to get care immediately due to limited funding. Priority groups, which are defined by veterans' health and work status, numbered one through eight determine who receives medical benefits first each year, with veterans falling under group one receiving top consideration. Group-one veterans are those who have medical conditions due to service that has rendered them unable to work or with a 50 percent or higher disability characterization, while group eight veterans are those whose income is over the VA's income threshold.

    Exceptions

    • Not all VA medical benefits require enrollment through the main program. Nearly all veterans who served in combat can receive free counseling at a local VA center without having VA health care. Free assistance is available for those struggling with thoughts of suicide by contacting the VA National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Any veteran or service member who needs help dealing with a sexual trauma that happened during training or active duty receives free counseling and treatment through the National Center for PTSD.

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