“Generally, a veteran has to meet three basic criteria to be eligible for VA health care.7 A veteran must (1) meet the statutory definition of a “veteran,” meaning an “individual who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable”8 (see text box for definitions of military discharges); (2) meet the statutory definition of “active duty,” meaning full-time duty in the Armed Forces, other than active duty for training;9 and (3) have served a minimum period of 24 months of continuous active duty.10 Some veterans may meet the eligibility requirements listed above but, due to the discretionary nature of VA health system funding, may not be allowed to enroll in the system.11“
Source: Sidath Viranga Panangala and Jared S. Sussman. Health Care for Veterans: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Congressional Research Service. CRS R42747. March 4, 2020.
“Eligibility for VA health care is based primarily on veteran status resulting from military service. Generally, veterans must also meet minimum service requirements; however, exceptions are made for veterans discharged due to service-connected disabilities, members of the Reserve and National Guard (under certain circumstances), and those eligible under special treatment authorities, such as Camp Lejeune veterans.
“In the enrollment process, the VA categorizes veterans into eight priority categories, based on factors such as service-connected disabilities, income, and combat veteran status (among others). The VA may limit enrollment based on the availability of funds—an authority provided by Congress. Some veterans without service-connected disabilities and whose attributable income exceeds established means tests cannot enroll in the VA health care system. Dependents, caregivers, and survivors of certain veterans are eligible to enroll in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), which reimburses non-VA providers or facilities for their medical care.”
Source: Sidath Viranga Panangala and Jared S. Sussman. Health Care for Veterans: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Congressional Research Service. CRS R42747. March 4, 2020.
Health Systems Facts is a project of the Real Reporting Foundation. We provide reliable statistics and other data from authoritative sources regarding health systems in the US and several other nations.
Page last updated March 26, 2021 by Doug McVay, Editor.
