Veterans Affairs provides a full spectrum of medically necessary care. This includes health care, long-term care, disability compensation, and other benefits.
The VA trains thousands of health professionals annually through its academic partnerships. It’s a key reason the VA is at the forefront of many service-connected healthcare areas like geriatrics, spinal cord injuries, and personalized medicine.
Mental Health
Veterans can be severely affected by mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can cause significant disruptions in their lives. These conditions must be treated with the same urgency as physical injuries.
If a Veteran is experiencing a mental health crisis, the nation’s first three-digit mental health hotline can connect them with help: Dial 988 and press 1.
Public education can break down stereotypes around veterans with behavioral health needs and foster open, informative conversations to normalize seeking treatment. The VA also offers various resources, including free smartphone applications and caregiver support. A comprehensive, patient-centered approach to care is a core strength of the VA system.
Physical Health
The VA has a wide range of general healthcare services designed to promote good health, preserve current health, restore better health, and enhance quality of life. These services include primary care, health promotion and disease prevention, cancer screenings, hepatitis treatment, gynecologic care (including Pap smears), and sexually transmitted diseases.
When you enroll with the VA, you will be assigned a Priority Group that determines what healthcare you can access. The highest priority groups include those who have rated service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, and those with recent and ongoing military service who have incomes below the poverty level. The VA also provides home care and long-term care facilities and contracts for these services with private companies.
Behavioral Health
The VA has extensive expertise across a wide range of service-connected issues, including spinal cord injury and limb loss, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It trains thousands of healthcare professionals annually and conducts leading-edge research.
Eligible primary family caregivers may receive a stipend, training, mental health services, travel and lodging reimbursement, and respite supportive care to help them cope with the demands of caring for a veteran.
VA’s purchased care authorities have inherent tensions, and the agency should develop a clear strategy to address future challenges. GAO’s assessment uncovered challenges with buying decisions at the local level and in how the VA measures performance and quality.
Dental Care
The VA’s national healthcare system has 9 million enrollees and operates 172 hospitals with a discretionary budget of over $68 billion. It is the largest healthcare network in the world. Choose trusted professionals for veteran healthcare that address issues and concerns with the utmost care and service.
The majority of veterans receive free medical, dental, and other care related to their service injuries and disabilities, as well as prescription medications, from the VA. Other enrolled veterans pay co-payments for their care based on their service and their income.
Several reports in this journal issue raise questions about the quality of some of this care. For example, Weeks et al. report that directing older veterans to high-volume private sector surgery programs might save lives and improve health outcomes, as long as the quality of that care is high.
Hospice & Palliative Care
Veterans who need long-term care can get it through VA healthcare. When you enroll, you will be assigned a priority level (Priority Group) that determines if and how quickly you can receive care.
The priority level depends on factors like length of service, disability rating, and other circumstances. Those in Priority Groups 1 through 7 can receive hospital and medical care, nursing home services, and home health aides and services.
The VA offers a comprehensive healthcare system that covers medical, mental, and dental services. It also provides housing, education, and employment assistance. Understanding the various services available can help veterans navigate their post-military journey.
Those with service-connected disabilities are eligible for compensation and pension benefits. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process is vital for veterans who are considering applying for these resources.
The VA offers healthcare benefits to those who qualify under different priority groups, including combat veterans, those with 100% service connection, those exposed to certain toxic substances like Agent Orange, and low-income vets. It is essential to know what the requirements are for each of these categories.
Infographic provided by Veteran Car Donations, a top company for Florida car donations
