In our firm, we don’t always get questions about Disability claims for Veterans. Sometimes we receive general questions about VA health care. One of the questions we are often asked is “Why am I not being treated at the VA for my problems?” It could be any number of issues, but the main reason why most Veterans aren’t treated at the VA is that they do not meet the minimum requirements.
According to the VA, the basic eligibility is as follows: A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA healthcare benefits. Reservist and National Guard members may also qualify for VA healthcare benefits if they were called to active duty (other than for training only) by a Federal order and completed the full period for which they called or ordered to active duty.
To put this simply, if you received a dishonorable discharge, you do not qualify for VA Healthcare benefits. Also, if you served in the Reserves, or National Guard, but weren’t activated, you won’t qualify for health care benefits.
It is also important to know that there are also minimum duty requirements that are associated with VA healthcare eligibility. Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or who 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 discharged for hardship, early out, or a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
As with most programs, you must first apply in order to be treated. To find out more about applying, visit the VA Website.
Seeking medical treatment plays a big part in VA Disability Claims. If you would like to know more about Disability Benefits, give our office a call today, 1-877-526-3457.
