Eligibility 

Am I eligible for travel benefits?

Travel benefits vary from veteran to veteran and depends on your specific situation.

If enrolled, can I get dental care?

In general, dental benefits are limited to service-connected dental conditions or to veterans who have a VA 100% service-connected disability rating.

Am I eligible for fee-basis care?

All veterans are potentially eligible for fee-basis care, however, the decision to utilize such care is left to the facility providing your care. By law, fee-basis care can only be provided when your treating facility cannot provide you the care you require.

Am I eligible for VA health care?

In order for you to be eligible for enrollment for health care, you must have: 

• Been discharged from active military service under honorable conditions   
• Served a minimum of 2 years if discharged after September 7, 1980 (prior to this date there is no time limit)   
• If a National Guardsman or Reservist, served the entire period for which you were called to active duty other than for training purposes only

Am I eligible for a nursing home?

Veterans requiring nursing home care for a service-connected condition or a veteran rated 70% or more have mandatory eligibility. All other veterans are eligible on a resource and space-available basis.

Am I eligible for free prescriptions?

If you are being provided treatment, necessary prescriptions will also be provided. A $7 copayment is charged for each prescription provided for the treatment of a nonservice-connected disability. Exemptions from this copayment requirement are provided for veterans service-connected 50% or more and for veterans whose income is less than the established dollar threshold.

Are women veterans eligible for unique benefits?

Women veterans are eligible for the same Medical Benefit Package as all veterans. Any inpatient care or treatment required which is not available at the preferred treatment facility will be obtained through other facilities or through community health care facilities.

Under what circumstances is a Coast Guard veteran eligible for enrollment?

Individuals who served in the Coast Guard are veterans and are eligible for VA health care benefits in the same manner as any other veteran who served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force.

Under what circumstances is a Merchant Marine veteran eligible for enrollment?

Certain Merchant Marines who served on U.S. flagged merchant ships between December 7, 1941 and August 5, 1945, may be eligible for enrollment for VA health care benefits. If you served during this period of time you should bring a copy of your DD214 "Discharge Certificate" to the nearest health care facility and they will review your eligibility with you.

Will I be seen for my nonservice-connected condition?

If you are enrolled, you will receive care that includes treatment for service-connected and nonservice-connected disabilities. Your physician will determine what is medically indicated and provide that care.

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