Special and Limited Benefits
Some health care benefits are offered only to certain veterans or to veterans under special situations. Click on the link below to learn more about each benefit.
Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange while in Vietnam are eligible for cost-free hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for any disability that may be associated with the exposure. In addition, these veterans are eligible for enrollment in Priority Group 6, unless they are eligible for placement in a higher priority. This special treatment authority is limited to those veterans who:
- Served on active duty in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975; and
- Have conditions for which the National Academy of Sciences found evidence of a possible association with herbicide exposure. Those conditions are:
- Adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes,
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Hodgkin's disease
- multiple myeloma
- non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy
- porphyria cutanea tarda, chloracne, prostate cancer
- respiratory cancers (cancer of the lung, bronchus, larynx, or trachea)
- soft-tissue sarcoma (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, or mesothelioma)
A general informational brochure on Agent Orange is available at http://www.va.gov/agentorange/docs/AOIB10-49JUL03.pdf
Extensive medical examinations are offered at all VA medical centers for eligible concerned veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during their military service, Veterans who are interested in participating in this program should contact the nearest VA medical center for an examination. Click here for or additional information on Agent Orange Registry examinations.
For more information about VA benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, go to:
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/Herbicide/index.htm
In addition to veterans who served in Vietnam or Korea during the specified times, VA will provide registry examinations to any U.S. veteran who may have been exposed to dioxin, or other toxic substance in a herbicide or defoliant, during the conduct of, or as a result of, the testing, transporting or spraying of herbicides for military purposes. Facilities will make every effort to schedule an examination within 30 days of the request date.
For a list of specified locations, including in the U.S. or abroad, click here.
Vietnam veterans’ children with the birth defect spina bifida are eligible for certain benefits and services. In addition, VA now provides certain benefits, including health care, for children with birth defects who were born to female Vietnam veterans. These programs are administered by the Health Administration Center. For more information about these programs, go to www.va.gov/hac/.
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You may qualify for automobile assistance for this VA benefit if you have:
- A service connected loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet; or
- A permanent impairment of vision of both eyes to a certain degree; or
- Entitlement to compensation for ankylosis (immobility) of one or both knees or one of both hips.
VA provides a one time payment of not more than $11,000 toward the purchase of an automobile or other vehicle. VA pays for adaptive equipment and for repair, replacement or reinstallation required because of disability.
To apply for this benefit or request further information, contact your nearest VA Regional Office or call 800-827-1000.
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VA reimburses eligible veterans $0.415 (41.5 cents) per mile for ALL veteran travel, including C&P exams and when VA has determined that a deficiency lab, EKG, x-ray etc. exists in relation to a C&P exam (“Convenience of the Government”).
Effective January 9, 2009, travel benefits are subject to a deductible of $3.00 one-way ($6.00 round trip) with a maximum deductible of $18.00. Upon reaching $18.00 in deductibles or 6 one-way (3 round) trips, travel payments made for the balance of that particular month will be free of deductible charges.
You Qualify If:
- you have a service-connected (SC) rating of 30 percent or more, or
- you are traveling for treatment of a SC condition, or
- you receive a VA pension, or
- your income does not exceed the maximum annual VA pension rate, or
- you are traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension examination
You Qualify for Special Mode Transportation (Ambulance, wheelchair van etc.) If:
- your medical condition requires an ambulance or a specially equipped van, and
- you meet one of the eligibility criteria in 1 through 4 above, and
- the travel is pre-authorized (authorization is not required for emergencies if a delay would be hazardous to life or health)
NOTE: OEF/OIF Combat Veterans must meet one of the qualifying eligibilities or conditions noted above.
A waiver of the deductible will be provided if you are eligible for travel and you:
- are in receipt of a VA pension, or
- are a NSC veteran and your previous year's income does not exceed, or your projected current calendar year’s income, in the year of application , will not exceed the applicable VA pension rate, or
- are a SC veteran and your previous year's income does not exceed, or your projected current calendar year’s income, in the year of application, will not exceed the applicable national means test income threshold, or
- are traveling for a scheduled compensation and pension exam
NOTE: For detailed information see the National Means Test (MT) income thresholds and Pension income thresholds.
Further information can be found in the Beneficiary Travel “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ).
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VA health care facilities offer bereavement counseling to veterans and their family members who are receiving VA health care benefits. Bereavement counseling is also provided parents, spouses and children of Armed Forces personnel who died in the service of their country. Also eligible are family members of reservists and National Guardsmen who die while on duty. Counseling is provided at Vet Centers. The nearest Vet Center locations can be found by calling 800-827-1000 or by going to http://www.va.gov/rcs/.
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Blind veterans may be eligible for services at a VA medical center or for admission to a VA blind rehabilitation center or clinic. Services are available at all VA medical facilities through the Visual Impairment Services (VIST) Coordinator. Aids and services for blind veterans include:
- A total health and benefits review by a VA Visual Impairment services team
- Adjustment to blindness training
- Home improvements and structural alterations to homes
- Specially adapted housing and adaptations
- Low vision aids and training in their use
- Electronic and mechanical aids for the blind, including adaptive computers and computer-assisted devices such as reading machines and electronic travel aids
- Guide dogs, including the expense of training the veteran to use the dog and the cost of the dog's medical care
- Talking books, tapes and Braille literature
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CHAMPVA, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA, provides reimbursement for most medical expenses - inpatient, outpatient, mental health, prescription medication, skilled nursing care and durable medical equipment.
For more information and to find out about eligibility for CHAMPVA, contact the VA Health Administration Center, P.O. Box 65023, Denver, CO 80206, call 1-800-733-8387 or visit: http://www.va.gov/hac/.
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The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2008 was signed by President Bush on January 28, 2008. This Act extends the period of enhanced health care eligibility provided a veteran who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, (commonly referred to as combat veterans or OEF/OIF veterans) as follows:
- Currently enrolled veterans and new enrollees who were discharged from active duty on or after January 28, 2003, are eligible for the enhanced benefits for 5 years post discharge.
- Veterans discharged from active duty before January 28, 2003, who apply for enrollment on or after January 28, 2008, are eligible for the enhanced benefit until January 27, 2011.
As before, veterans enrolling under the "Combat Veteran" authority may be assigned to Priority Group 6, unless eligible for a higher Priority Group, and will not be charged copays for medication and/or treatment of conditions that are possibly related to their combat service. These veterans are not required to disclose their income information, but may do so to determine their eligibility for a higher priority, beneficiary travel benefits and exemption of copays for care unrelated to their military service.
Veterans who enroll with VA under this authority will continue to be enrolled even after their enhanced eligibility period ends. At the end of their enhanced eligibility period, veterans enrolled in Priority Group 6 may be shifted to Priority Group 7 or 8, depending on their income level, and required to make applicable copays.
Veterans may assist VA in establishing their status as a combat veteran by providing one of the following when they apply for care:
- Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD 214) indicating service in a theater of combat operations
- Proof of receipt of the Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Air Force Combat Action Medal (AFCAM); Kosovo Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (does not include Global War on Terrorism Service Medal); or Southwest Asia Campaign Medal
- Proof of receipt of Hostile Fire or Imminent Danger Pay (commonly referred to as "combat pay") after November 11, 1998
- Proof of exemption of Federal tax status for Hostile Fire or Imminent Danger Pay after November 11, 1998.
For more information, see the Combat Veteran Eligibility Fact Sheet.
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Eligibility for VA dental benefits is based on very specific guidelines and differs significantly from eligibility requirements for medical care.
You are eligible for outpatient dental treatment if you meet one of the following criteria:
| If you: |
You are eligible for: |
| Have a service-connected compensable dental disability or condition |
Any needed dental care |
| Are a former prisoner of war |
Any needed dental care |
| Have service-connected disabilities rated 100% disabling or are unemployable due to service-connected conditions |
Any needed dental care |
| Are participating in a VA vocational rehabilitation program |
Dental care needed to complete the program |
| Have a service connected and/or noncompensable dental condition or disability that existed at the time of discharge or release from a period of active duty of 90 days or more during the Persian Gulf War era |
One-time dental care if you apply for dental care within 180 days of separation from active duty and your certificate of discharge does not indicate that all appropriate dental treatment had been rendered prior to discharge |
| Have a service-connected noncompensable dental condition or disability resulting from combat wounds or service trauma |
You are eligible for needed care for the service-connected condition(s) |
| You have a dental condition clinically determined by VA to be currently aggravating a service-connected medical condition |
You are eligible for dental care to resolve the problem |
| You are receiving outpatient care or scheduled for inpatient care and require dental care for a condition complicating a medical condition currently under treatment |
You are eligible for dental care to resolve the problem |
| Certain veterans enrolled in a VA Homeless Program for 60 consecutive days or more |
May receive certain medically necessary outpatient dental services |
For more information, see the Outpatient Dental Treatment Fact Sheet.
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Domiciliary care is a residential rehabilitation program that provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term health maintenance to veterans who require minimal medical care as they recover from medical, psychiatric or psychosocial problems. Most domiciliary patients return to the community after a period of rehabilitation.
VA may provide domiciliary care to veterans whose annual income does not exceed the maximum annual Improved Disability VA Pension Rate or to veterans who have been determined to have no adequate means of support.
Domiciliary care is provided by VA and state homes. VA also provides a number of psychiatric residential rehabilitation programs, including ones for veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse, and compensated work therapy or transitional residences for homeless chronically mentally ill veterans and veterans recovering from substance abuse.
Further information:
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Emergency Care in Non-VA facilities is provided as a safety net for veterans under specific conditions. You are eligible if the non-VA emergency care is for a service-connected condition or, if enrolled, you have been provided care by a VA clinician or provider within the past 24 months and have no other health care coverage. Also, it must be determined that VA health care facilities were not feasibly available; that a delay in medical attention would have endangered your life or health, and that you are personally liable for the cost of the services.
Click here for more information about emergency non-VA care.
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VA provides institutional long term care to eligible veterans through VA Nursing Homes, Community Nursing Homes, State Veterans Homes, and Domiciliaries.
VA Nursing Home Care Program provides compassionate care in an interdisciplinary environment to eligible veterans with sufficient functional impairment to require the level of service and skill available in VA nursing homes. Veterans with chronic stable conditions including dementia, those requiring rehabilitation or short term specialized services such as respite or intravenous therapy, or those who need comfort and care at the end of life are served in the Community Living Centers.
Their goal is to restore residents to maximum function, prevent further decline, maximize independence, and/or provide comfort when dying. Most Community Living Centers are well suited to providing short-term, restorative and rehabilitative care up to 100 days, and longer term care for veterans who meet eligibility criteria and/or require end of life care, prolonged active rehabilitation, are unable to sustain a placement in a community nursing home, or lack clinically appropriate community alternative.
The Community Nursing Home (CNH) Program has maintained two cornerstones: some level of patient choice in choosing a nursing home close as close as possible to the veteran’s home and family; and a unique approach to local oversight of CNHs. The latter hallmark consists of annual reviews and monthly patient visits. VA Health Care Facility (VAHCF) staff are the only Federal officials charged with regularly visiting nursing homes.
A State home is owned and operated by a State. They may provide nursing home care, domiciliary care, and/or adult day health care. VA provides federal assistance to States by participating in a percentage of the cost of construction/renovation and/or per diem costs. In addition, VA assures that State homes provide quality care through an annual inspection, audit, and reconciliation of records conducted by the VA medical center of jurisdiction to assure that VA standards are met.
Domiciliary care is a residential rehabilitation program that provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term health maintenance to veterans who require minimal medical care as they recover from medical, psychiatric or psychosocial problems. Most domiciliary patients return to the community after a period of rehabilitation.
VA may provide domiciliary care to veterans whose annual income does not exceed the maximum annual Improved Disability VA Pension Rate or to veterans who have been determined to have no adequate means of support.
Other services include:
- Hospice/Palliative care provides comfort-oriented and supportive services in the advanced stages of incurable diseases.
- Respite Care temporarily relieves the spouse or other caregiver from the burden of caring for a chronically ill or disabled veteran at home.
- Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) evaluates and manages older veterans with multiple medical, functional or psychological problems and those with particular geriatric problems receive assessment and treatment from an interdisciplinary team of VA health professionals.
- Community Residential Care provides room, board, limited personal care and supervision to veterans who do not require hospital or nursing home care but are not able to live independently because of medical or psychiatric conditions, and who have no family to provide care.
- Home Health Care provides long-term primary medical care to chronically ill veterans in their own homes under the coordinated care of an interdisciplinary treatment team.
- Adult Day Health Care provides health maintenance and rehabilitative services to veterans in a group setting during daytime hours.
- Homemaker / Home Health Aide Services provides health-related services for service-connected veterans needing nursing home care, provided by public and private agencies under a system of case management provided directly by VA staff.
For extended care services, veterans may be subject to a copay determined by information supplied by completing a VA Form 10-10EC, Application For Extended Care Services. VA social workers are available to assist veterans in interpreting their eligibility and copay requirements if indicated. The copay amount is based on each veteran’s financial situation and is determined upon application for extended care services and will range from $0 to $97 a day. Unlike copays for other VA health care services, which are based on fixed changes for all, long-term care copay charges are individually adjusted based on each veteran’s financial status. Veterans are obligated to pay copays for extended care services to the extent the veteran and veteran’s spouse have available resources.
Resources = sum of veteran and spouses income - (sum of veteran’s allowance
+ spousal allowance + expenses)
Resources = (value of liquid assets + value of fixed assets + sum of veteran and
spouses income) - (sum of veteran’s allowance + spousal allowance +
spousal resource protection amount + expenses (only if the veteran has
a spouse or dependents residing in the community who is not
institutionalized)).
Currently $89,280 in liquid assets is set-aside for spousal resource protection. This permits the spouse to maintain some liquid assets while they live in the community. For more information, including definitions of the other terms in the resources equations, refer to the Federal Register, Vol. 69, No. 126, Page 39846.
Further information:
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VA will ensure access to audiology and eye care services including preventive health (care) services and routine vision testing for all enrolled veterans and those veterans exempt from enrollment. Eyeglasses and hearing aids will be provided to the following veterans:
- Those with any compensable service-connected disability.
- Those who are former Prisoners of War (POWs).
- Those who were awarded a Purple Heart.
- Those in receipt of benefits under Title 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1151.
- Those in receipt of an increased pension based on being permanently housebound and in need of regular aid and attendance.
- Those with vision or hearing impairment resulting from diseases or the existence of another medical condition for which the veteran is receiving care or services from VHA, or which resulted from treatment of that medical condition, e.g., stroke, polytrauma, traumatic brain injury, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, vascular disease, geriatric chronic illnesses, toxicity from drugs, ocular photosensitivity from drugs, cataract surgery, and/or other surgeries performed on the eye, ear, or brain resulting in vision or hearing impairment.
- Those with significant functional or cognitive impairment evidenced by deficiencies in the ability to perform activities of daily living.
- Those who have vision and/or hearing impairment severe enough that it interferes with their ability to participate actively in their own medical treatment and to reduce the impact of dual sensory impairment (combined hearing and vision loss).
NOTE: The term “severe” is to be interpreted as a vision and/or hearing loss that interferes with or restricts access to, involvement in, or active participation in health care services (e.g., communication or reading medication labels). The term is not to be interpreted to mean that a severe hearing or vision loss must exist to be eligible for hearing aids or eyeglasses.
- Those veterans who have service-connected vision disabilities rated zero percent or service-connected hearing disabilities rated zero percent if there is organic conductive, mixed, or sensory hearing impairment, and loss of pure tone hearing sensitivity in the low, mid, or high-frequency range or a combination of frequency ranges which contribute to a loss of communication ability; however, hearing aids are to be provided only as needed for the service-connected hearing disability.
Veterans meeting the eligibility requirements to receive health care are eligible for diagnostic audiology services and eye & vision care services. Eligibility rules are the same for both inpatient and outpatient medical services. Veterans will not be denied access to audiology services and/or eye & vision care services covered by the Medical Benefits Package (38 CFR §17.38) because they do not meet the eligibility criteria for hearing aids and/or eye glasses.
For additional information, veterans can contact the prosthetic representative at the nearest VA health care facility.
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The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is a program for veterans who live or travel overseas. Under the FMP, the Department of Veteran Affairs will pay the VA allowable amount for treatment of a service connected disability or medical services needed as part of a VA vocational rehabilitation program.
The VA's Health Administration Center (HAC), located in Denver, Colorado, handles the FMP program for medical services provided to eligible veterans in all foreign countries except the Philippines. For more information, contact the HAC toll free at 877-345-8179 or visit their web site at http://www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/fmp/fmp.asp.
Information on how to obtain medical services in the Philippines, including procedures for filing claims contact the VA's outpatient clinic located in the Philippines:
VA Outpatient Clinic (358/00)
2201 Roxas Blvd.
Pasay City 1300
Republic of the Philippines
FAX: 011-632-838-4566
manlvaro.inqry@vba.va.gov
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Gulf War veterans from Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Iraqi Freedom, are eligible for a complete physical exam under the Persian Gulf Registry program.
Veterans who have general health questions about Gulf Service may contact VA's Gulf War Veterans Information Help line toll free at 800-PGW-VETS
Click here for additional information for veterans that served in Southwest Asia.
Click here for additional information for veterans that served in Afghanistan.
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Skilled home care is provided by VA or through contract agencies to veterans that are homebound with chronic diseases. Available home health services includes nursing, physical/occupational therapy, and social services.
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VA provides grants to assist in making certain home improvements or structural alterations that are medically necessary.
For more information click here: http://www.homeloans.va.gov/sah.htm
Circular 26-06-7 - November 8, 2006
Implementation of Public Law 109-233, Section 101 - Specially Adapted Housing
PURPOSE: On June 15, 2006, the President signed P. L. 109-233, the Veterans Housing Opportunity and Benefits Act of 2006. This circular explains provisions for implementing Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant use, which is a portion of the new law.
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VA offers special programs and initiatives specifically designed to help homeless veterans live as independently as possible. VA's treatment programs offer:
- outreach to veterans living on streets and in shelters
- clinical assessment and referral to medical treatment
- domiciliary care, case management, and rehabilitation
- employment and income assistance
- supported permanent housing
For additional information on homeless programs, click here.
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A hospice program is a coordinated program of palliative and supportive services provided in both home and inpatient settings for persons in the last phases of incurable disease so that they may live as fully and as comfortably as possible. The program emphasizes the management of pain and other physical symptoms, the management of the psychosocial problems and the spiritual comfort of the patient and the patient's family or significant other. Services are provided by a medically-directed interdisciplinary team of health care providers and volunteers. Bereavement care is available to the family following the death of the patient. Hospice services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Hospice care generally requires the acknowledgment of the patient, the family and the physician that the illness is terminal, that the primary focus of treatment is on comfort rather than cure, and that aggressive attempts at curative treatment are relinquished. Palliative care also has the primary objective of comfort, while limited aggressive treatment may be applied across a continuum at the discretion of the patient or surrogate.
There are no copays for hospice care provided in any setting. For more information on obtaining care, see Hospice and Palliative Care.
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VA offers Ionizing Radiation Registry Examinations at no charge to any veteran who participated in a “ radiation risk activity ”.
In addition, veterans with certain conditions recognized by VA as associated with radiation exposure are eligible for enrollment in priority group 6, unless eligible for enrollment in a higher priority, and will receive care at no charge for conditions related to exposure. For additional information on VA radiation program, click here.
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VA will provide maternity care including labor and delivery to female veterans, but is unable to provide care to the child after birth.
For more information, see the VA Programs for Women Veterans site.
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VA provides counseling and treatment to help male and female veterans overcome psychological trauma resulting from sexual trauma while serving on active duty. In addition to counseling, related services are available at VA medical facilities.
Veterans will receive care at no charge for conditions related to Military Sexual Trauma.
For information regarding sexual trauma services, contact the Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator or Women Veterans Program Manager at your local VA facility. Additional information is located at: http://www.va.gov/wvhp/page.cfm?pg=20
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VA may authorize veterans to receive care at a non-VA health care facility when the needed services are not available at the VA health care facility, or when the veteran is unable to travel the distance to the VA health care facility. Non-VA care must be authorized by VA in advance. Veterans may also obtain services not covered in the benefits package through private health care providers at their own expense.
For more information:
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Veterans who served as an aviator in the active military, naval, or air service before the end of the Korean conflict or received submarine training in active naval service before January 1, 1965 may have received nasopharyngeal radium treatment (NPR) while in the military. Some veterans who received this treatment may have head and/or neck cancer that may be related to the exposure. These veterans are provided care for this condition at no cost.
Veterans who remember being treated or think they were treated with nasopharyngeal radium should tell their physicians about it. Veterans who have health problems they think may be related to nasopharyngeal radium also are encouraged to contact the nearest VA medical center. More information can be found at http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=265.
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VA's nursing home programs include Community Living Centers, contract community nursing homes and state homes. More than 90 percent of VA's medical centers provide home- and community-based outpatient long-term care programs. A patient-focused approach supports the wishes of most patients to live at home in their own communities for as long as possible. Many veterans will receive inpatient long-term care through programs of VA or state homes.
Eligibility for VA nursing home care:
- Any veteran who has a service-connected disability rating of 70 percent or more;
- A veteran who is rated 60 percent service-connected and is unemployable or has an official rating of "permanent and total disabled;"
- A veteran with combined disability ratings of 70 percent or more;
- A veteran whose service-connected disability is clinically determined to require nursing home care;
- Nonservice-connected veterans and those officially referred to as "zero percent, noncompensable, service-connected" veterans who require nursing home care for any nonservice-connected disability and who meet income and asset criteria; or
- If space and resources are available, other veterans on a case-by-case basis with priority given to service-connected veterans and those who need care for post-acute rehabilitation, respite, hospice, geriatric evaluation and management, or spinal cord injury.
For extended care services, veterans may be subject to a copay determined by information supplied by completing a VA Form 10-10EC, Application For Extended Care Services. VA social workers are available to assist veterans in interpreting their eligibility and copay requirements if indicated. The copay amount is based on each veteran’s financial situation and is determined upon application for extended care services and will range from $0 to $97 a day.
Further information:
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Project 112 is the name of the overall program for both shipboard and land-based biological and chemical testing that was conducted by the United States (U.S.) military between 1962 and 1973. Project SHAD was the shipboard portion of these tests, which were conducted to determine:
- The effectiveness of shipboard detection of chemical and biological warfare agents;
- The effectiveness of protective measures against these agents; and
- The potential risk to American forces posed by these weapons.
VA provides a physical examination to veterans who participated in SHAD. Veterans with conditions recognized by VA as associated with Project SHAD are eligible for enrollment in priority group 6, unless eligible for enrollment in a higher priority. In addition, veterans will receive care at no charge for conditions related to exposure.
More information about Project 112/SHAD can be located at the following web address: http://www.va.gov/shad/.
DoD has a wealth of information on their Project 112/SHAD - Shipboard Hazard And Defense web page, which includes the names of ships involved.
In addition, veterans may also call the SHAD Help line at 800-749-8387 or send e-mail to VA at SHADHELPLINE@vba.va.gov . for information on obtaining a medical evaluation or filing a claim for disability benefits.
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Enrolled veterans receiving VA care for any condition may receive medically necessary VA prosthetic appliances, equipment and devices, such as artificial limbs, orthopedic braces and shoes, wheelchairs, crutches and canes, and other durable medical equipment and supplies. Certain veterans who are not enrolled are also eligible for prosthetic items: veterans needing prosthetic items for a service-connected disability and veterans rated service-connected 50% or more.
For additional information, veterans can contact the prosthetic representative at the nearest VA health care facility.
For more information on Eyeglasses and Hearings Aids, please refer to that section on this page.
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Veterans who served on active duty in a war or conflict may apply for counseling to assist in readjusting to civilian life. Veterans who served in the active military during the Vietnam Era, but not in the Republic of Vietnam, may also be eligible if they requested assistance before January 1, 2004.
Counseling is provided at Vet Centers. Nearest Vet Center locations can be found by calling 800-827-1000 or by going to http://www.va.gov/rcs/
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Women veterans are eligible for the same Medical Benefit Package as all veterans. In addition to the Medical Benefits Package, the Women’s Program provides women’s gender-specific health care; such as
- hormone replacement therapy
- breast care
- gynecological care
- maternity care
- limited infertility treatment (excludes in-vitro fertilization)
The Sexual Trauma Treatment Center is also affiliated with the Women's Clinic, providing treatment for the psychological effects of sexual trauma.
For additional information regarding these services, visit the VA Programs for Women Veterans web site or contact the Women Veterans Coordinator at your local VA health care facility.
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More Benefits Information
Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents
VA National Means Test Income Threshold |
GMT Income Threshold
Viewers, Plug-Ins, & Readers |
VA Health Care Eligibility & Enrollment Site Map
For questions about Health Care Eligibility, please visit the VA inquiry website.
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