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For you as a veteran to better understand the VA, and thus better utilize the agency, this information is offered.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal cabinet level agency. The Secretary (currently, James Nicholson) is appointed by the President. The mission of the VA was established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864 and remains today. It is, “to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan”.
The VA is organizationally divided into two parts. The first is the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and the other is the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).
The VHA is a nationwide network of healthcare facilities. They operate 157 hospitals and more than 860 community-based clinics. Their hospitals treat over five million patients per year. And, they will treat more than 50 million outpatients. The VA fills more than 100 million prescriptions per year.
The VBA manages compensation and pension for the agency. Currently, more than 3.6 million veterans and their survivors will receive VA disability compensation and pensions worth more than $32 billion.
VHA ELIGIBILITY & ENROLLMENT
Eligibility for VA healthcare is basically set up for those veterans who have a discharge from the military that is higher than less than honorable (i.e., honorable or under honorable conditions). In addition to an honorable discharge, the veteran applicant must either qualify by meeting the financial income threshold for VA health care benefits or have been determined to be service-connected disabled by the VA. After meeting the eligibility criteria, the veteran must complete and submit (along with copy of DD 214) VA Form 1010 EZ. Upon acceptance into the VA’s health care system, a full range of medical and mental health systems are available. An eligible veteran should never, not have health care when it’s needed.
VBA COMPENSATION & PENSION
A veteran who sustained a “line of duty” injury or ailment while in active service may apply for serviced-connected disability compensation. This includes, conditions that existed prior to military service that became worse (exacerbated) by military service. A veteran should initially obtain the services of a certified Veterans Service Officer (VA Form 21-22). Then, after review and development of the facts and acquisition of applicable records, a VA Form 21-526 (along with copy of DD 214) should be completed and submitted to the VA Regional Office.
The VA maintains a toll-free nationwide telephone service. For more information about specific benefits, visit the nearest VA facility
Or call: 1-800-827-1000 Or You can contact the VA by computer at: www.va.gov |
