VA Hospitals and Disability Benefits
As reported in the Department of Veterans Affairs FY 2010 Budget Submission, 153 community-based outpatient clinics, community living centers, and Vet Centers around the country serve the health needs of 5.5 million U.S. military veterans. This low-cost, high-quality health care is available to potentially all veterans who leave the military under honorable discharge. In 2009 new regulations regarding "Agent Orange Benefits" and "Priority Group 8 Enrollment Relaxation" changes went into effect. Veterans denied health care and disability benefits for any reason prior to 2009 should reapply.
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VA Hospital Medical Benefits
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Over the past 20 years, the VA has expanded its health care benefits and relaxed eligibility requirements. Eligible veterans receive a wide range of care from highly trained doctors and clinicians. Traditional services such as dental, geriatrics, oncology, and neurology along with hospital critical care, mental health care, orthopedics, radiology, physical therapy, and others are included. Assisted living, nursing home care, or Foster Home care is available to any qualified veteran needing it. Veterans receive health care through an annual enrollment. All enrolled veterans receive a Medical Benefits Package recognized at any VA facility in the U.S.
VA Hospital Medical Benefits Eligibility
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Most VA health care eligibility is based solely on military service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or the Coast Guard. Reservists and National Guard members who were called to active duty may also qualify for medical services for a limited period. Discharge from the military must be under honorable conditions.
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VA Hospital Medical Benefits Application
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Veterans may apply or reapply for health care services by online completion of VA Form 10-10EZ, "Application for Health Benefits." You may also call 1-877-222-8387(VETS), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
VA Disability Benefits Compensation
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If you have a service-related disability caused by any means while in uniform, you may be eligible for a monthly disability check. Eligibility for disability benefits is not limited to those who served in combat or for service-connected injuries or medical conditions. If you were on active duty and now disabled from diseases such as those caused by Agent Orange, you may be eligible for VA compensation. The disability dollar amount depends on the percentage (30, 40, 50, etc.) of your disability. If you have limb(s) loss, completely disabled, or have a spouse and dependents, additional amounts may be available.
Call 1-877-222-8387(VETS) for VA Form 21-526, "Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension," or apply at the website. Attach your discharge or separation papers, marriage and children's birth certificates, and medical reports.
"Agent Orange" VA Medical and Disability -- Benefits
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Since the VA recently added 3 more diseases linked to Agent Orange herbicide use during the Vietnam War, even more veterans may be eligible for disability benefits. Parkinson's disease; B-cell leukemia; and ischemic heart disease are now among 12 others thought to be related to Agent Orange. If you spent only one day in Vietnam, you may be qualified. The wife of a deceased veteran who died of his ailments may be eligible for his benefits. Korean War veterans who served from April 1968 to July 1969 may qualify for disability payments due to chemicals exposure.
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