By Larry Dandridge
Editor’s note: This article is the third in a series of three.
The first two articles in this series covered the basics of:
· Using a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help you enroll in VA healthcare and file a claim for VA services and benefits. Learn more in (1) article 1 of this series, April 2, 2025, https://bit.ly/4jp90L8, (2.) Island News “Things you need to know about VSOs”, September 4, 2024, https://bit.ly/3OgLZwl, and (3.) “Find a VA Accredited VSO” webpage https://bit.ly/4g9yGdW.
· Determining Eligibility for VA Healthcare. Learn more at “Eligibility for VA Health Care” https://bit.ly/3cuf4Vm and article 2 of this series https://bit.ly/3XZCgjs.
VA has expanded VA Healthcare to millions
All veterans who meet basic service and discharge requirements and who were exposed to toxins and other Hazardous Materials while serving in country, at home, or abroad are now eligible for VA health care. This includes veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone since September 11, 2001.
Things making veterans more likely to get these benefits
Veterans may qualify for enhanced eligibility status if they meet the minimum active-duty service and discharge requirements, and at least one of the descriptions below is true for them. Enhanced eligibility means the VA will place the veteran in a higher priority group.
At least one of these descriptions must be true. The veteran:
- Receives service-connected disability compensation from the VA.
- Was discharged for a disability resulting from something that happened in the line of duty.
- Was discharged for a disability that worsened in the line of duty.
- Is a combat veteran discharged/released on or after September 11, 2001.
- Receives a VA pension.
- Is a former prisoner of war.
- Has received a Purple Heart or Medal of Honor.
- Gets/qualifies for Medicaid benefits.
- Was exposed to toxins/hazards by working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, X-rays, or other toxins. This exposure could have happened while training or serving on active duty.
- Served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War between August 2, 1990, and November 11, 1998.
- Served at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
Or, the veteran must have served in any of these locations during the Vietnam War:
- Any U.S. or Royal Thai military base in Thailand from January 9, 1962, through June 30, 1976;
- Laos from December 1, 1965, through September 30, 1969;
- Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province from April 16, 1969, through April 30, 1969;
- Guam or American Samoa or in the territorial waters off Guam or American Samoa from January 9, 1962, through July 31, 1980;
- Johnston Atoll or on a ship that called at Johnston Atoll from January 1, 1972, through September 30, 1977;
- Republic of Vietnam from January 9, 1962, through May 7, 1975.
If none of the above descriptions apply to veterans, they may still qualify for health care based on their income. See https://bit.ly/45gCIw9.
The best way to apply for VA Healthcare
The best way to determine if you are eligible to enroll in VA healthcare is to ask a VSO for help and then apply either (1.) online at https://bit.ly/3B7x5Dz, (2.) by phone at 877-222-8387, (3.) by mail using VA Form 10-10EZ and mail to Health Eligibility Center, PO Box 5207, Janesville, Wis. 53547, or (4.) in person at a VA medical center or clinic. Learn more about “Getting Help from a VSO” at https://bit.ly/3WwDXmN.
Do your homework
Veterans should read the information on the following VA websites to prepare for enrolling in VA healthcare:
- Choose VA Health Care, https://bit.ly/4ctCjtI.
- Eligibility for VA Healthcare, https://bit.ly/3cuf4Vm.
- Active-duty Service Members and VA Healthcare, https://bit.ly/42vpR8a.
- Accessing “VA Mental Health Services, https://bit.ly/3H8KAoE.
- Income Limits and Your VA Health Care, https://bit.ly/45gCIw9.
- VA Priority Groups, https://bit.ly/41UB9Rp.
- The PACT Act – Your VA Benefits, https://bit.ly/3ARbVrn.
Elderly Veterans’ VA Benefits
According to the VA “Elderly Veterans” webpage, https://bit.ly/3Y0jw3f, elderly veterans (estimated to be over 16.2 million veterans over the age of 65) may be eligible for a wide variety of benefits. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, Veteran Readiness/Employment, and burial. See the “Veterans” webpage https://bit.ly/4lqkgJf for an overview of available benefits.
Two VA programs provide certain elderly veterans with an additional monetary amount if they are eligible for or receiving a VA Pension benefit, include:
- Aid and Attendance, an increased monthly pension amount paid if a veteran meets one of the following conditions: (1) The veteran requires help performing daily functions. (2) The veteran is bedridden. (3) The veteran is a nursing home patient. (4) The veteran’s eyesight is limited to a corrected 5/200 visual acuity or less in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.
- Housebound, an increased monthly pension amount paid if the veteran is substantially confined to their immediate premises because of a permanent disability. Learn more at “Aid & Attendance Housebound,” https://bit.ly/3sKJ5Wd.
Geriatrics is health care for elderly Veterans with complex needs.
Extended care, also known as long-term care, is a program for veterans of all ages who need another individual’s daily support and assistance. Elderly veterans can receive geriatric and long-term care programs at home, VA medical centers, or community. Read about “Geriatrics/Extended Care” at https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/ and The Island News series of five articles by Larry Dandridge in December of 2024 and January of 2025.
Know your VA Social Worker
Every veteran enrolled in VA healthcare is assigned a PACT Team (Doctor/PA/NP, RN, Medical Assistant, Admin Assistant, and Social Worker) that provides Primary care to the veteran. The Social Worker is an expert in Elderly Care and other services and is the right person to ask for help. Learn more at the Island News article “Veterans Must Know Their VA Social Worker”, October 23, 2024, https://bit.ly/3VllutR.
How to Apply for Elderly Veterans’ Healthcare Benefits
The specific VA benefit web page will provide tailored information about how to apply for a particular benefit or program. Servicemembers, veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below.
- Apply online using https://www.va.gov, OR
- Work with an accredited representative or agent, https://bit.ly/3TcLOoK OR
- Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. Find your regional office on the VA’s Facility Locator, https://bit.ly/3RTLytD. OR
- File your claim using an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ). Print the form, fill it out, and send it to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, P.O. Box 4444, Janesville, Wis. 53547-4444.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at his local VA Hospital, a Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the past VP for Veteran Affairs for his local Association of the US Army (AUSA) and Military Officer Association Chapters. Larry is also the author of the award-winning Blades of Thunder (Book One) and a contributing freelance writer with the Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.
