Medical Care Eligibility
What is it?
The VA operates the nation's largest integrated health care system with more than 1,400 sites of care, including hospitals, community clinics, community living centers, domiciliaries, readjustment counseling centers, and various other facilities.
Who qualifies?
All veterans may qualify for VA health care benefits and are not required to have a service-connected disability.
How to get it?
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Medical Benefits.
Health Registries
What is it?
Free medical exams and health related information is available for veterans of the Gulf War, OEF/OIF, Vietnam War and those who have been exposed to ionizing radiation.
Who Qualifies?
Vietnam Era Veterans (Agent Orange Registry):
- Any Vietnam era veteran who served at least one day in the Republic of Vietnam between 1962 and 1975 regardless of length of service,
- Any veteran who served in Korea during 1968 or 1969, or
- Any veteran who may have been exposed to dioxin or other toxic substance in a herbicide or defoliant during the conduct of or as a result of the testing, transporting or spraying of herbicides for military purposes.
Gulf War/Operation Iraqi Freedom:
- Any veteran who served on active military duty in southwest Asia during the gulf War which began in 1990, and continues to the present including Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- Veterans who served in the 1991 Gulf War, Bosnia, Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom.
- Veterans having participated in the occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki from August 6, 1945 through July 1, 1946, or
- Internment as a Prisoner of War (POW) in Japan (or service on active duty in Japan immediately following such internment) during World War II which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines resulted in an opportunity for exposure to ionizing radiation comparable to that of veterans involved in the occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki.
These eligibility requirements are general and there may be additional factors that affect eligibility. Each case is unique and there are exceptions for every rule. Your Texas Veterans Commission counselor is an expert who can review your specific situation and help determine your eligibility.
How to get it?
Meet with your local Texas Veterans Commission representative or Veterans County Service Officer who will guide you through the process and identify any paperwork required. Find the office closest to you.