How do I Sign up for the Veterans Hospital

By Nicole Thelin

Veterans can receive health care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as long as they meet certain qualifications. Applicants can visit the regional VA medical center or utilize the Internet and phone when submitting their information. Certain veterans may be given priority within the health care system, which can grant them access to faster appointments and increased benefits. Dependents of the veteran are only eligible for health care in limited circumstances, such as a 100 percent service-connected disability rating by the VA.

Veterans need to fill out VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits) in order to be considered for coverage. There are many ways that a veteran can obtain this form. A veteran with a computer and printer can obtain the form from www.va.gov/1010EZ.htm. Otherwise, visit the local VA regional medical center.

To expedite the application process, submit evidence to reinforce your claim. Veterans who are new to the VA system must submit a copy of their discharge papers (DD-214). Recipients of the Purple Heart Medal should submit service records indicating this award. Veterans who claim they were engaged in combat after November 11, 1998 should also submit evidence that they received hostile fire, imminent danger pay or a combat medal after that date.

If a service connected disability is being claimed, the veteran must submit medical evidence of the claim. The VA also accepts statements from the veteran and associates of the veteran who are familiar with the disability and its service connection. However, these statements are not always helpful and can damage the claim. Review any statements with a veteran's representative, such as the representatives at Disabled American Veterans, before submitting them to the VA.

Mail a copy of VA Form 10-10EZ and any additional evidence to the local VA health care facility.

There are many factors that can impact the exact services that a veteran is eligible for. These factors include the veteran's type of discharge, length of service, service-connected disabilities and income level. The VA has an algorithm that uses these factors to determine a priority rating for the veteran. Veterans are always placed in the highest priority group they are eligible for.

There are eight priority groups within the VA system. Priority One veterans have service-connected disabilities rated at 50 percent or more or are deemed unemployable due to their conditions. Priority Eight veterans exceed income thresholds, meet other qualifying criteria and agree to pay copays for care.

Access to appointments and other care can rely on priority status. Generally, veterans who receive compensation for a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability rating will receive priority access to care for any condition. This guarantees an appointment within 30 days of their requested appointment date. Lesser rated veterans can still receive this expedited treatment for care directly related to their disability, but will receive normal priority for all other conditions.

Standard coverage from the VA includes preventative care, medication, outpatient and inpatient services. This includes immunizations, health education programs, emergency care at VA facilities, surgeries, chiropractic care, counseling, substance abuse treatment, prescriptions, over the counter medications and other medical supplies as prescribed by a VA provider.

Some veterans may be eligible for extended benefits depending on their disability, rating and living situation. For example, dental benefits are available to veterans who have a service-connected dental disability, were Prisoners of War or are rated 100 percent service-connected disabled.

In most cases, family members are not eligible for benefits. Dependents are eligible if they are the spouse or child of a veteran who has been rated 100 percent service-connected disabled, or the surviving dependents of a veteran who was rated 100 percent disabled prior to death. They are also eligible if they are the surviving spouse or child of a deceased veteran who died from a VA-rated service-connected disability or a military service member who died in the line of duty.

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