Health Care for
Combat Veterans
VA has extended
health care benefits for combat veterans. In 1998, VA was authorized
to provide a broad range of health care services to U.S. Veterans who
served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during a period
of war after the Persian Gulf War or in combat against a hostile force
during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998. Such veterans
are eligible for 2 years after leaving the military for VA hospital
care, medical services and nursing home care for any illness, even if
there is insufficient medical evidence to conclude that their illness
was a results of their combat service.
Under this authority,
health care may not be provided for any disability that is found to
have resulted from a cause other than the service at issue; for example,
conditions existing before military service and conditions that began
following the military combat, like broken bones occurring after separation
from active duty.
Reservists and active
members of the National Guard who served on active duty in a theater
of combat may be eligible for VA health care under this authority.
Veterans with health
care concerns that may be related to combat are encouraged to seek a
medical evaluation at a local VA medical facility. The families of reservists'
may also be eligible for counseling in the Readjustment Counseling Center
Program.
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