There are so many things veterans need to know when they are leaving the military. And no matter if you are separating or retiring looking over the medical benefits offer through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are not only important but often overlooked. This article highlights the three things veterans need to know about VA Health Care. When talking about VA health care we are not only looking at getting health services at a VA hospital or VA clinic but also touching on VA disability. Disability is a separate entity than health care but they are connected and knowing they are different is an important thing veterans may not know.

Veterans need to know about VA Health Care

Take advantage of the benefits even if you don’t think you need it

When I left the military I thought why do I need VA health care coverage. I have insurance through Tricare. So when I learned there was a program for women veterans to receive five years of free health insurance I ignored it. Thinking it was for women who needed health care coverage. Looking back, I must have had other underlining beliefs of what the VA was and did not see the value available to me.

And while having Tricare through my husband’s service did mean I did not need to pay out of pocket for medical insurance I should have enrolled in the free service available to me. Not because it would have changed anything but I now realize that VA health care created for and made specifically for veterans is a unique gift. Especially if you served in a conflict overseas or have other military related injuries or trauma.

And even though I still have Tricare as my primary insurance I plan to get my primary medical treatment and services done at the VA hospital near me at the Women’s Health Clinic and other speciality offices as needed.

Don’t disqualify yourself without applying

When I first learned that VA health care was a thing. I thought it was only available for those who had filed a disability claim. At the time, I didn’t think I had any claim to make for disability. But then I learned there were benefits and I should enroll in VA health care and go to the VA for a yearly appointment to keep tabs on my health. The deadline to apply without having to consider income for this was five years after the end of my service. I found out that I should apply five years and one month after I left active duty. So, I didn’t apply then. I thought I had missed my chance. But my end of service date was not the same date as my end of active duty. The VA actually used my IRR date and I had additional time.

The PACT Act has changed this time window to ten years. As a veteran you are always able to apply to enroll with the VA, but if you miss the ten year window the VA will consider your income to help determine if you qualify and at what level. You can also enroll in VA health care if you have disability compensation of 0% or higher. If you would like to enroll in VA health care you can apply online here. If you are a veteran and have not applied, don’t disqualify yourself. Apply today.

It isn’t too late to file a claim

In the summer of 2023 there was a big push for veterans to file a disability claim to get benefits from the PACT Act. This was not a deadline to filing a disability claim for PACT Act related claims. This was a technicality deadline. Not a deadline to apply. The deadline meant that it would back date your intent to file to the date the PACT Act was signed (August 11, 2022). Extending the time you would get compensation. You can still file a claim today. Your intent to file date will just start when you send in your intent to file.

I wasn’t sure if I should file a disability claim. But I saw that melanoma (skin cancer) was a presumptive condition from the PACT Act. Presumptive means that no matter when you have the listed condition it will be covered because of your service in the military. So, since I knew that I would get something from that I went through the process and filed a full claim. I worked with a representative and went through my medical record. And at the end was given a disability rating.

Veterans fought for you

Don’t think that you do not deserve to be taken care of. If you haven’t watch Amsterdam and have the chance to see how WWI veterans were treated after the war you might not understand how valuable and important the VA is. Even if you only have your yearly health check up through the VA that benefit is invaluable. And as you get older there are more benefits available for veterans. I attended the Health Reengagement Training (HeaRT) last winter. In the training, I learned about all the benefits available and at the time did not think I qualified. But that training pushed me to apply for benefits. Applying and getting approved. These benefits are for you.

If you have questions please leave them in the comments below and I will work to help find answers for you.