The VA offers free health care and medical treatments to former military personnel. It is a much deserved benefit that is not getting used by nearly half of the eligible men and women who have served their country.
So that others can continue to enjoy the American way of life, servicemen and women of the U.S. Military branches volunteer for jobs that separate them from their family and put themselves in harm’s way. When a member of the military is injured, ill, suffers trauma, or is disabled, Veterans Affairs (the VA) is there to provide health benefits and treatment at no cost.
With two wars that drastically increased the number of deployed troops over the last decade, many veterans are coming home to rising healthcare costs and the need to receive treatment.
As more troops are fighting overseas, suffering from serious injuries and illnesses like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), many may find it surprising that 53% of former Active Duty and Reserve/National Guard OEF/OIF/OND Veterans have not applied for VA benefits to get treatment for their duty related illness.
Veteran’s Affairs is making an effort to reach out to these former service members to help connect them with the treatments they need. Their website (va.gov) has made it easy for veterans to submit the form 10-10EZ.
According to the VA, Military Veterans that engaged in combat after Nov. 11, 1998 can receive “enhanced enrollment eligibility” for VA health care services for 5 years. These benefits include cost-free health care from Veteran’s Affairs when treating conditions that were potentially caused during service in their “theater of operations.”
The website offers a PDF to download that can be easily filled out, mailed, or submitted online. Eligible veterans can also apply over the phone by calling the VA at 1-877-222-VETS.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates post deployment treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can cost more than $13,000. Other injuries can far surpass that and none of those expenses should be paid by the veterans. The VA was established to support the men and women that make sacrifices for their country. Those that are part of the 47% of eligible veterans that have not applied should visit the VA website or their local VA hospital to sign up.
To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com
