VA Medical Benefits for Former Prisoners of War

Eligibility

Only the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has the authority to determine former prisoner of war (POW) status if detention or internment occurred during:

• peacetime, or
• wartime and the detention or internment was by
• allied governments, such as the Soviet Union in World War II (WWII) or their agents
• neutral governments, such as Switzerland or Sweden in WW II or their agents, or
• hostile governments or forces.

A veteran is considered a Prisoner of War if he/she were imprisoned for any length of time. Former Prisoners of War (POWs) are eligible for special veterans benefits, including enhanced enrollment in VA health care system. Eligible veterans will be enrolled in Priority Group 3 and are eligible for medical care in VA hospitals and clinics.

Medical Care

Former POWs receive special priority for VA health-care enrollment, even if their illness has not been formally associated with their service. Former POWs are exempt from making means test copays for inpatient and outpatient medical care and medications, but they have the same copay rules as other veterans for extended care. Former POWs are also eligible for dental care without any length-of-internment requirement.

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