Basic Eligibility

A person who served on active duty, naval or air service who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA health care benefits. Reservists and National Guard members may also qualify if they were called to active duty (other than for training) by a Federal order and completed the full period for which they were called or ordered to active duty. Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980 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 requirement may not apply to veterans discharged for hardship, early out or a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

Enrollment

To apply for enrollment in the VA health care system, complete a VA Form 10-10EZ and bring it with a copy of your DD 214 to the County Veteran Service Office and we will fax your application to Bonham VA. They will contact you by phone if they need additional information. The VA will notify you of the disposition of your application, if you qualify for benefits, and the priority group that you are assigned. Application for Heath benefits can also be completed online or by calling 1-877-222 VETS (8387). If you were already enrolled in the VA health care system but have not used the VA facilities in over two years, you may have to update your information using a VA form 10-10EZR.

Service Connected Disabilities

You are not required to compete an enrollment application to use the VA Health Care System if you have a service connected disability of 50% or more, or if you are seeking care for a disability that the military determined was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty or for service connected disabilities only.

Registry Examinations

If you are seeking registry examinations such as Ionizing Radiation, Agent Orange, Gulf War/Operation Iraqi Freedom and Depleted Uranium, you need not fill out an application for VA Health Care Benefits. Just make an appointment with the Environmental Health Department of the VA Hospital in Dallas, or the VA Outpatient Clinic in Fort Worth. Bring a copy of your DD 214.

Special Adaptive Housing

Veterans who are require special adaptive housing due to their service connected disability may apply using a VA Form 26-4555. Additional information can be found online.

VA Assistance and Support for Care Givers

Recognizing a growing number of households with full time care givers for service members with injuries or illnesses requiring constant care, the Veterans Administration began a program to provide training, support and financial assistance for those special family members. For more information on help and support for VA Caregivers and to download an application to enroll in the program.

Veterans Choice Act

Many Veterans will now have the option to receive non-VA health care rather than waiting for a VA appointment or traveling to a VA Facility. Beginning November 5th 2014, the new Choice Program began to cover non-VA care for eligible Veterans enrolled in the VA Healthcare System.

For more information on eligibility, click on the link to take you to the VA's official webpage.