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Eligibility for VA Medical Benefits

VA medical benefits come with a wide range of services including the ability to see a physician at any VA center and access to hospital and preventive services. However to enroll in the program, you must meet certain requirements and factors. Only those who meet the requirements are eligible to enroll in the program and gain access to VA centers.

  1. Benefits

    • There are a number of benefits open to those in the VA medical plan. Once you enroll, you have access to inpatient services such as routine visits, checkups and any other type of service for a condition or disease. You also have access to preventive services that help you keep a condition from becoming more serious or learning how to prevent a certain condition. You also have access to all VA facilities in the United States.

    Application

    • As part of applying for VA medical benefits, you're required to fill out an application known as VA Form 10-10EZ or the VA Application for Health Benefits. This application asks questions about your military history such as when you served and the length of time enrolled in the military. It also asks questions about your current medical situation and your medical history. The application is viewed by a member of the VA who determines your eligibility.

    Evaluation

    • VA medical benefits are given only after an evaluation from a member of the VA. This evaluation is given after you fill out the application for benefits and is more of a meet-and-greet. The professional giving the evaluation goes over your application with you and lets you know the benefits you're eligible to receive. You then have the chance to enroll in the program or decline based on the information provided and your decision.

    Veteran Status

    • If you were a member of the active military, then you are eligible for VA medical benefits. This is the primary requirement for members of the plan. Members of the Navy, Marines, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard are eligible for benefits as are those who served in the Merchant Marines in World War II. If you were called into active duty as the result of a Federal Executive Order and were enrolled in the Army Reserves or National Guard, you're also eligible to receive benefits.

    Considerations

    • Those who served under active duty in the National Guard or Army Reserves are eligible for certain benefits if they left and then returned to the service and saw active duty. This guarantees nursing home care, hospital care and medical care for a period of five years after leaving military service for the last time. However VA medical care is available for all men and women who served in the military, including those who didn't see combat and those who served during non-war times.

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