Returning Service Members
Welcome Home!
On behalf of the employees and volunteers at VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network (VISN 22), we thank you for the service. Now that you are home, you are probably trying to decide what your next steps will be — whether those steps bring you to school, to work, or to settling into a new home, we encourage you to use VA services along the way. Check out Your VA Welcome Kit to learn more about how VA can help you no matter where you are at in life.
Your VA Welcome Kit
Please contact your local VA Desert Pacific Health Care Network (VISN 22) faclility to start your VA health care journey:
New Mexico VA Health Care System Returning Service Members
VA Greater Los Angeles Returning Service Members
VA Loma Linda Returning Service Members
VA Long Beach Returning Service Members
Phoenix VA Health Care System Returning Service Members
Northern Arizona VA Health Care System Returning Service Members
VA San Diego Returning Service Members
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Returning Service Members
Special Eligibility and Coordination of Care for Combat Veterans Serving in Combat Theater After 11/11/1998- Returning Servicemembers (OEF/OIF/OND)
The Post-9/11 Transition and Care Management Program offers transitional assistance, case management and outreach services to all Veterans who have served after September 11, 2001 in their transition to civilian life. For more information about the various programs available for recent returning service members, log on to the Returning Servicemembers web site.
Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations also have special eligibility for VA health care. Under the "Combat Veteran" authority VA provides cost-free health care services and nursing home care for conditions possibly related to military service and enrollment in Priority Group 6 or higher for 5 years from the date of discharge or release from active duty, unless eligible for enrollment in a higher priority group.
Combat Veterans who enroll with VA under this enhanced Combat Veteran authority will continue to be enrolled even after their enhanced eligibility period ends, although they may be shifted to Priority Group 7 or 8, depending on their income level, and required to make applicable copays. Additionally, for care not related to combat service, copays may be required depending on their financial assessment and other special eligibility factors.
NOTE: The 5-year enrollment period applicable to these Veterans begins on the discharge or separation date of the service member from active duty military service, or in the case of multiple call-ups, the most recent discharge date.
