The Federal Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has three main administrations: the Veteran Health Administration (VHA), the Veteran Benefit Administration and the National Cemetery Administration. The VHA is responsible for providing health care for qualifying veterans.

There are three ways a veteran can gain access into the VHA system. One is if a veteran has a service-connected disability that has been rated or adjudicated by the VA. This rating decision is completed at a VA Regional Office. A service-connected disability can stem from an injury that occurred while a veteran was in the military, or for an injury or condition that was aggravated by military service.

Veterans may also gain access to the system as members of special groups, such as veterans exposed to Agent Orange, Prisoners of War, Medal of Honor recipients, Purple Heart recipients, etc. The third way to access the VHA system is to have income below a certain threshold. In all cases, the character of discharge must for conditions other than dishonorable.

Any vet who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or who entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served 24 months of continuous service or have completed the full period for which they were called to active duty to be eligible for VA health care. The minimum duty requirement may not apply for veterans who had an early discharge due to a hardship, early out or for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

The application for health care benefits is completed on a VA form 10-10EZ. The form can be downloaded at www.va.gov/vaforms.

To be mailed a copy, contact the Grand Junction VA Medical Center (VAMC) Enrollment and Eligibility at 242-0731, the Delta County Veteran Service Officer (VSO) at 874-2082 or the Montrose VSO at 249-2114.

Once completed, the application must be delivered to the VAMC Enrollment and Eligibility office, which also requires a copy of the veteran’s DD214 discharge papers) front and back copies of the vet’s social security card (if applicable) and copies of any health insurance cards.

Send completed applications to VAMC Enrollment, 2121 North Ave. Grand Junction, CO 81501 Fax: 263-5031