Returning Servicemembers (OEF/OIF/OND)
Returning Servicemembers (OEF/OIF/OND)Your service has earned your access to enhanced VA health care benefits. In order to take advantage of these benefits, OEF/OIF/OND Veterans need to enroll in VA's health care system. Don't delay, apply today! Enhanced Eligibility For Health Care BenefitsVeterans who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998 are eligible for an extended period of eligibility for health care for 5 years post discharge. Under the "Combat Veteran" authority, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides health care services and community living care for conditions possibly related to military service and enrollment in Priority Group 6, unless eligible for enrollment in a higher priority group to: Combat Veterans who were discharged or released from active service on or after January 28, 2003, are eligible to enroll in the VA health care system for 5 years from the date of discharge or release. The 5-year enrollment period begins on the discharge or separation date of the service member from active duty military service, or in the case of multiple call-ups, the most recent discharge date.
Combat Veterans, while not required to disclose their income information, may do so to determine their eligibility for a higher priority status, beneficiary travel benefits, and exemption of copays for care unrelated to their military service.
Who's Eligible?Veterans, including activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, are eligible if they served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, and have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. Are you a combat Veteran and want to find out how this law affects you?
Fill out the Returning Servicemembers Calculator Documentation Used To Determine Service in a Theater Of Combat Operations
Health Benefits Under The "Combat Veteran" Authority
What Happens After The Enhanced Eligibility Period?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 a lower priority group depending on their income level, and required to make applicable copays. What About Combat Veterans Who Do Not Enroll During Their Enhanced Authority Period?For those Veterans who do not enroll during their enhanced eligibility period, eligibility for enrollment and subsequent care is based on other factors such as: a compensable service-connected disability, or the Veteran's financial circumstances. For this reason, combat Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply for enrollment within their enhanced eligibility period, even if no medical care is currently needed. CopaysVeterans who qualify under this special eligibility are not subject to copays for conditions potentially related to their combat service. However, unless otherwise exempted, combat Veterans must either disclose their prior year gross household income OR decline to provide their financial information and agree to make applicable copays for care or services VA determines are clearly unrelated to their military service. Dental CareEligibility for VA dental benefits is based on very specific guidelines and differs significantly from eligibility requirements for medical care. Combat Veterans may be authorized dental treatment as reasonably necessary for the one-time correction of dental conditions if:
Additional InformationAdditional information is available at the nearest VA medical facility. Veterans can also call VA toll-free at 877-222-VETS (8387). Certain Veterans may be eligible for more than one Enrollment Priority Group. In that case, VA will always place you in the highest Priority Group that you are eligible. Under the VA Health Benefits Package, the same services are generally available to all enrolled Veterans. |