Eligibility and Medical Program Benefits
Basic Eligibility
If you served in the active military, naval or air service and are separated under any condition other than dishonorable, you may qualify for VA health care benefits. Current and former members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called to active duty (other than for training only) by a federal order and completed the full period for which they were called or ordered to active duty may be eligible for VA health care as well.
Minimum Duty Requirements
Most Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty in order to be eligible. This minimum duty requirement may not apply to Veterans who were discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, discharged for a hardship, or received an “early out.” Since there are a number of other exceptions to the minimum duty requirements, VA encourages all Veterans to apply in order to determine their enrollment eligibility.
Women Veterans Eligibility
Current estimates of the projected growth of women Veterans predict there will be 1.9 million by 2020, up from 1.1 million in 1980. Thus, women will continue to make up a larger share of the Veteran population, add to its diversity, and require Veteran services geared to their specific needs.
VA is committed to meeting women Veterans’ unique needs by delivering the highest quality health care in a setting that ensures privacy, dignity, and sensitivity. Your local VA facility offers a variety of services, including:
•Women’s gender-specific health care (menopause evaluation and symptom management, osteoporosis, incontinence, birth control, breast and gynecological care, maternity and limited infertility services).
•Screening and disease prevention programs (for example, mammograms, bone density screening, and cervical cancer screening).
•Childbirth services to the newborn child of a woman Veteran
Current estimates of the projected growth of women Veterans predict there will be 1.9 million by 2020, up from 1.1 million in 1980.