Navigating the Department of Veteran Affairs VA

​

How to Apply for VA Health Care Benefits: A Simplified Guide for Veterans

If you're a veteran wondering how to access VA health care benefits, you're not alone. Navigating the system can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're newly discharged or decades into retirement, this guide will walk you through the process and eligibility requirements for veteran medical benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

You can also download and print this VA Health Care Pocket Guide for quick reference.

Who Is Eligible for VA Health Care?

If you served in the U.S. military and did not receive a dishonorable discharge, you may qualify for VA health benefits—even if you weren’t on active duty. There are three primary ways to become eligible:

1. Service-Connected Disability

You have a disability or medical condition caused or worsened by military service.

2. Service History

You received specific military honors or served in high-risk locations or eras.

3. Income Level

You qualify based on VA income thresholds or Medicaid eligibility.

🔎 Pro Tip: Eligibility for VA medical care can change over time. If you’re eligible for Medicare, enrolling in both Medicare and VA health care can expand your treatment options.

VA Health Care Eligibility: Disability Status

If you have a service-connected injury or illness, you may qualify for VA disability compensation—a tax-free monthly payment—and health care coverage.

To qualify, you must:

• Have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.

• Have a VA disability rating assigned after a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam.

You may be eligible if:

• You became sick or injured during your service (in-service claim).

• A pre-existing condition worsened during service (pre-service claim).

• A condition caused by service appeared after discharge (post-service claim).

Learn more about how the VA disability rating process works here.

VA Health Benefits: Based on Military Service History

Even without a disability, you may qualify for health care if any of the following apply:

• You’re a former prisoner of war (POW)

• You received a Purple Heart or Medal of Honor

• You served:

  • In Vietnam (1962–1975)

  • In Southwest Asia/Gulf War (1990–1998)

  • At Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953–1987

VA Health Care Income Requirements

If your household qualifies for Medicaid, or your annual income is below VA income limits, you may still be eligible for medical care.

The VA updates its income thresholds annually, based on household size and geographic location. Check the current VA income limits here.

How to Apply for VA Health Care

Follow these steps to streamline your application process:

1. Contact a Veterans Service Officer (VSO)

Reach out to a trained Veterans Service Representative (VSR) at your:

• State VA Office

• American Legion

• Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

These professionals will help you navigate the system at no cost.

2. Gather Required Documents

You’ll need:

• Your DD-214 (military discharge papers)

• A list of current medications and conditions

• Emergency contact and primary care provider information

Get your DD-214 from eBenefits.gov or request it at your local VA or veterans service organization.

3. Apply Online or In Person

You can apply:

• Online at VA.gov/health-care/apply

• In person at a VA Medical Center

• By mail or over the phone

Once submitted, the VA will review your information and determine which services you’re eligible for.

What Does VA Health Care Cover?

VA health care includes:

• Primary and specialty care

• Mental health services

• Prescriptions

• Preventive care

• Urgent and emergency services (in certain circumstances)

⚠️ Note: In most cases, only the veteran is covered. If you need care for your spouse or dependents, explore CHAMPVA or other private insurance options.

Final Thoughts: Get the Care You Earned

VA health benefits are a vital resource for veterans, but many never apply—often due to confusion or misinformation. Don’t leave benefits on the table. Even if you’re unsure about eligibility, it’s worth applying or speaking with a VSO.

You served your country. Now let the VA serve you.

✅ Quick Links for More Info

• Apply for VA Health Care

• Download the VA Health Care Pocket Guide

• Check VA Income Thresholds

• Find a Veterans Service Officer Near You

​

​

​

Mark Frerichs: 

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

Mark Randall Frerichs (born July 13, 1962) is an American civil engineer and former US Navy diver who disappeared in Afghanistan in January 2020 and was later confirmed to be captured by the Haqqani network, a group closely aligned with the Taliban. In September 2022, Frerichs was released by the Taliban-led government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in exchange for Bashir Noorzai.

Frerichs is a director of International Logistical Support whose work had led him to visit Afghanistan multiple times since 2012.  He served in the United States Navy as a diver.

​

Frerichs disappeared in Kabul, Afghanistan, on January 31, 2020. The Associated Press reported that US intelligence officials tracked Frerichs's cell phone and raided a village near where he disappeared, approximately a week after his disappearance. Although they rounded up individuals from that village, the raid proved unproductive. The next month, Newsweek magazine reported that officials had confirmed that Frerichs had been taken captive by the Haqqani network, a group closely aligned with the Taliban.

Frerichs's sister, Charlene Cakora, questioned why the US government "signed a peace deal" with the Taliban in early February 2020 that did not include a provision for releasing her brother. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the lead agency of the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, issued a statement saying the cell was working to ensure "that Mark Frerichs and all Americans held hostage abroad are returned home."

On May 10, 2020, the FBI offered a $1-million reward for information that helps lead to Frerichs's release or rescue. In addition, the Rewards for Justice Program offered a $5-million reward for information leading to his location. That same day, Taliban spokesmen asserted that they had conducted an inquiry of their subordinate and associated groups and confirmed they were not holding Frerichs.

​

The New York Times reported Frerichs was still a captive on November 21, 2020, when Secretary of State Mike Pompeo traveled to Afghanistan to personally participate in peace negotiations with the Taliban. They reported it was unknown whether Pompeo raised Frerichs's captivity as an issue during the talks.

​

On April 1, 2022, a video was released showing Frerichs pleading for help. Following the release of Safi Rauf, an American aid worker who was held captive by the Taliban between December 2021 and April 2022, the US State Department began an attempted inquiry into the release of Frerichs. The inquiry did not result in substantial headway in brokering Frerichs' release. Frerichs's family was a part of the Bring Our Families Home campaign.

​

On September 19, 2022, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told reporters in Kabul that his government and a US delegation swapped prisoners at the Afghan capital's airport. Frerichs was exchanged for Bashir Noorzai. (credits: Mark Frerichs - Wikipedia)  Mark is going to be featured in a Netflix original show later this year!

​

​

​Kristal Kent: 

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Kristal is a disabled Army Veteran living with Fibromyalgia and served with the 256th Combat Support Hospital (256th CSH). Kristal worked with the Personnel (HR) department, then after September 11th, 2001, Kristal was re-assigned to the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) of the 256th CSH. After being medically discharged due to injuries, Kristal stayed on with her unit, the 256th CSH, and volunteered for 2 ½ years as the Family Readiness Group Leader, re-invigorating the program to become a supportive extension of the unit for the soldiers and their families. During her time as the FRG Leader, Kristal upstarted a Food Pantry to assist the Unit’s service members struggling with food sustenance, coordinated a resource list of federal, state, and local support and assistance resource programs for soldiers and families, along with hosted “Readiness” educational weekend to ensure soldiers and Military Families were prepared for deployment. Kristal’s Volunteerism as FRG Leader was officially recognized with a Commendation from the U.S. Department of the Army. Kristal also worked in Social Services for over 20 years in a variety of roles, from Adult Advocacy Coordinator, Care Coordinator, Assertive Community Treatment Specialist, Adult Guardianship Services, Benefits Coordinator and Supported Employment Services, assisting individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Mental Health Conditions and Veterans alike.
 

             As a Veteran living with Fibromyalgia, Kristal identified the lack of support, healthcare options and education for those living with Fibromyalgia, especially Veterans. To address the gap in healthcare and community support, Kristal founded the initiatives, “The Fibromyalgia Pain Chronicles” and “Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia,” to address the inequities in healthcare. Kristal engages in VA Policy Advocacy, Legislative Advocacy and Systems Advocacy to emote positive change for those living with Fibromyalgia. Kristal also provides support, educational resources, and advocates on behalf of those living with various Chronic Pain Conditions, Rare Diseases, PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
 

Kristal’s Advocacy work on behalf of the Veteran and Fibromyalgia Communities has been recognized by several organizations in which she received numerous awards for her advocacy work. In 2018, Kristal received the Wego Health Patient Leader Hero Award and the Best in Show on Facebook Award for her advocacy work. In 2019, Kristal received the Fibro Warrior Award of the Year from the Fibromyalgia Care Society of America along with being named the Warrior of the Week in 2020 by UK Fibromyalgia which is based in the United Kingdom. In May 2021, Kristal was presented with a Commendation from the State of Ohio House of Representatives, for her advocacy work through Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia. In August 2022, Kristal was chosen by Health Union, as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Advocacy Award, through the Social Health Awards program. In 2023, Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia received a Congressional Commendation of Recognition for Fibromyalgia Advocacy, presented by Congresswoman Nanette Diaz – Barragan of California’s 44th District. Further, in 2023 Kristal was the Co-Producer, Co-Director, Co-Writer, Casting Director, and Cast Ensemble of the award-winning independent short film documentary, “Veterans and the Scourge of Invisible Illness,” which was officially selected to be shown at several film festivals and garnered several awards including: 2 Best Short Film Documentary Awards, Best TV/Web Series Certificate of Achievement Award, and an Honorable Mention of Recognition.
 

Kristal has served on the Health Union Patient Leader Committee, she previously served 3 years as a Board of Trustee for the Fibromyalgia Care Society of America, along with previously served as a Board Member on the Wego Health Patient Advisory Board. In addition, Kristal Served on the Human Rights Committee of the Warrensville Hts. Ohio Developmental Center and served as the Advisor to People First of Cuyahoga County. Kristal is currently a member of Society for Participatory Medicine, Social Health’s Patient Leader Network, a Co-op member of Savvy Cooperative and a member of the American Legion. Kristal was Guest Editor and Writer for the 2024 edition for the Legislative Ohio Report.

WEBSITE: Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia  Home | My Site (veteranvoicesforfibromyalgia.com)

​

​

​Brian Tally:  

​

​

​

​

A VA medical malpractice injury left Brian with no recourse, no justice and no accountability. Brian stood up in the face of adversity in his weakest and most vulnerable time in his life and took on the Federal Government and the Department of Veterans Affairs in a meaningful and honorable way. He created a grassroots movement to protect an estimated 20.2 Million American Veterans from suffering the same fate as he and his family did. He drafted his own legislation and successfully lobbied Congress and closed a 74 year VA legal loophole that has destroyed the lives of veterans and their families for generations. Brian's heroic and unprecedented journey spans 6 years, 4 Congressional Bills, and 1 law. Brian's Bill, the 'Brian Tally VA Employment Transparency Act' was signed into law on January 5th, 2021 by President Donald J. Trump.  You can learn more about Brian here: https://briantally.com