VA Benefits

VETERAN'S BENEFITS - Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents

There are a variety of federal benefits available to veterans and their dependents. Eligibility depends upon individual circumstances. Anyone who has access to the internet can check Department of Veterans Affairs at www.VA.gov. Also one can contact the nearest Veterans Affairs Benefits Office at 1-800-827-1000 to apply. Counselors can answer questions about benefits, eligibility and application procedures. They may also make referrals to other VA offices and facilities, such as medical centers and national cemeteries. You may find telephone numbers of VA offices and facilities in the Federal Government section of your local telephone directory under "Department of Veterans Affairs."
Veterans' Health Care Benefits

For most veterans, entry into the VA healthcare system starts with enrollment at a VA healthcare facility. Veterans with Internet access may apply for enrollment on-line at www.VA.Gov. Once enrolled, a veteran is eligible to receive services at VA facilities anywhere in the country. VA healthcare facilities also provide information on medical care. Veterans who have enrolled at the VA are eligible for a benefits package of in-patient and outpatient services. These include: limited nursing home care, adult day healthcare and homeless programs, preventative medicine services, primary care, surgery, mental health and substance abuse treatment, home healthcare, respite and hospice care, emergency care in VA facilities and drugs and pharmaceuticals.

Eligibility for hearing aids, eyeglasses and dental care is determined by whether the veteran has been given a disability rating by the VA which is a percentage rating of "service connected". "Service connected" means that the veteran has been given a disability rating by the VA which is for an injury or illness related to their military service. In many cases, veterans are receiving compensation for that disability. A Means Test is also imposed as a measure of the veteran's family's annual income and assets and used to determine if non-service connected and zero percent connected veterans need to make co-payments for medical care.

Co-payments are charged by the VA for in-patient and out-patient medical treatment, daily charges for in-patient treatment and for medication co-payments. The VA pharmacy will only fill prescriptions written by VA clinicians. In some instances, some co-payments may be as low as two dollars or may be waived for certain cases of veterans.