Filipino Veterans' Eligibility for VA Health Care Benefits

On December 6, 2003, President Bush signed Public Law 108-170, the "Veterans Health Care, Capital Asset, and Business Improvement Act of 2003," which enhances the eligibility of certain World War II Filipino veterans for VA health care benefits. These veterans are now eligible for enrollment in the VA health care on the same basis as U.S. veterans.

Who Qualifies for this Benefit?

VA health care benefits are now available for:

• Filipino Commonwealth Army Veterans,
• New Filipino Scouts, and
• Veterans recognized as belonging to organized Filipino Guerilla Forces

who reside in the United States and who are citizens or lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Old Filipino Scouts are also eligible for VA health care benefits; however, they do not have to meet the citizenship and residency requirements.

Is Proof of Citizenship or Residency Needed?

Service-connected Filipino veterans receiving VA disability compensation at the full-dollar rate do not have to furnish proof to qualify for the benefit. Other Filipino veterans must provide one of the following pieces of evidence to be eligible for this benefit:

• A valid U.S. passport
• A birth certificate showing he or she was born in the U.S.
• A Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the U.S. issues by a U.S. consulate abroad
• Verification by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to VA that the Filipino veteran is a naturalized citizen of the U.S.
• Verification by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to VA that a veteran is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S.

What If I do not Qualify for Enrollment?

VA is not authorized to provide health care benefits to Filipino veterans who do not qualify for enrollment in the VA health care system based upon the requirements noted above.

Am I Able to Receive Care at the VA Outpatient Clinic in the Philippines?

Service-connected Filipino veterans who meet the U.S. citizen/residency requirements are eligible for treatment for any condition at the VA Clinic in the Philippines.

What if I Have Questions?

• Return to VA's Enrollment web page to find out more about enrollment benefits, potential copay requirements and how to apply for enrollment;
• Call VA's Health Benefits Service Center toll-free at 877-222-VETS (8387); or
• Contact the Enrollment Coordinator at your local VA health care facility.

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For questions about Health Care Eligibility, please visit the VA inquiry website.