Veterans and Military Health (2024)

FAQs

What are the major health issues for veterans? ›

While the DOD and VA do have some joint programs and facilities, the VA is a separate health care program. If you're retired from active dutyopens in a new window, you may qualify for benefits from TRICARE and the VA together.

VA will provide combat Veterans free medical care for any illness possibly associated with service during a period of hostility for five years from the Veteran's release from active duty. All Veterans are Potentially Eligible.

Many veterans face difficulties navigating VA healthcare, a lack of awareness of benefits or challenges in working through the complex system to receive them, inadequate mental health support, long wait times at VA facilities, and poor access to VA facilities in rural areas.

Among the issues plaguing the military health care system are long wait times for appointments, understaffed facilities and a general lack of access to care, all of which are contributing to complaints and concerns, the Nov. 29 report said.

The VA has 3 core strengths that distinguish its services from those of the private sector in caring for veterans: (1) systemwide clinical expertise regarding service-connected conditions and disorders; (2) a team approach to primary care that is veteran-centric; and (3) a holistic view of the veteran that includes ...

You must meet both of these requirements:

You're enrolled in or eligible for VA health care, and. You have approval from your VA health care team before you get care from a community provider (except for certain cases like urgent or emergency care)

Does the military offer good health insurance? Yes. TRICARE provides comprehensive coverage and delivers a high level of care. While there are costs for beneficiaries not on active duty, the overall expense is low compared to most civilian health plans.

You must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty. If you had or have active-duty status for training purposes only, you don't qualify for VA health care.

What is health insurance through the VA called? ›

The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a comprehensive health care program in which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries.

For most veterans, entry into the VA Healthcare System begins by applying for enrollment. While some veterans are not required to enroll due to their special eligibility status, all veterans—including those who have special eligibility—are encouraged to apply for enrollment.

There are several reasons. First off, there are some medical issues that are more common with soldiers. Burn pits, agent orange, exposure to more carcinogens, etc. Second, as mentioned by another person, they might be asking because of billing but that would not be a nurse or doctor asking that.

VHA Leadership

The Under Secretary for Health directs a health care system with an annual budget of approximately $68 billion, overseeing the delivery of care to more than 9.1 million enrolled Veterans.

The Most Common VA Claims Disabilities

The most frequently claimed disability by Veterans, tinnitus typically involves hearing sounds that don't exist, such as ringing in the ears. Hearing loss: affecting 1,228,936 Veterans. Loss of hearing is the second most prevalent disability suffered by Veterans.

Among the most common chronic diseases are chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, certain cancers, and some types of liver disease.

Un-united fractures, history of instability of a major joint, certain retained orthopedic fixation devices, severe scoliosis, or any condition that could interfere with daily participation in rigorous physical training or athletic programs, wearing of military equipment, or detract from military bearing and appearance ...

The more common mental disorders among Veterans are PTSD and depression. For example, exposure to trauma or suffering a TBI while in the service can lead to increased risk of both substance misuse and PTSD or depression.