VA health care basics: Most veterans are aware that their SC conditions qualify them for VA healthcare. Here's what it includes

So you're eligible for VA health care – but what does that mean, and how is it different from VA disability benefits? Most veterans focus on getting service-connection to prove their conditions are deserving of VA disability benefits, but it's important to understand all of the included coverage that VA health care allows.

Once you have been granted service-connection for your disability, you'll be able to enroll in VA health care. Here's what that means:

Regular check ups, preventative care, and prescriptions

Like other health care services, VA health care covers all of the regular check up items and preventative care that you need as you go through life. Prescriptions can be written or approved by VA doctors to be included in your coverage. The following are also included:

• Health exams

• Health education

• Immunizations such as flu shots

• Counseling for diseases that run in your family

Appointments with specialists and hospital visits

VA health care includes coverage for appointments with specialists such as gynecologists, cardiologists, mental health providers, and more. Support is available for common service-connected mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, substance use disorders (SUDs), emotional trauma from military sexual assault (MST), and other related conditions.

At-home health care and geriatric care

At-home health care, along with nursing homes and assisted living, are available for eligible recipients of VA health care. Veterans can qualify for these long-term care services if:

• They have signed up for VA health care, and

• The VA has concluded a need for a specific service to help with ongoing treatment, and

• The service or facility is available near the veteran

Learn more about home health care from the VA here.

Medical equipment and prosthetics

The VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Services (PSAS) provides devices that support or replace a body part or function to veterans in need. When veterans enroll in VA health care, they unlock access to PSAS and are able to obtain and repair medical equipment and prosthetic devices that they need. First, you'll have to illustrate a clinical need and then submit a PSAS consultation in order to confirm your eligibility.

Learn more about PSAS here.

How can veterans prove service-connection to the VA?

It all starts with the right medical documentation. We help veterans with Nexus Letters, DBQs, chart reviews, and more – getting you exactly what you need to file a strong claim. Find a time for a chart review here, or view our full list of services here. Instead of going it alone, work with one of our professional medical experts to get exactly what you need.